HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980 06-24 HPB Meeting Minutes RegularA G E N D A
Edina Heritage Preservation Board
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, June 24, 1980, at 7:30 p.m.
Edina City Hall Conference Room
I, Publication of Historic Building Survey
Bill Scott and Jeff Hess
II. Country Club Research
Lynn Spaeth
III. Wooddale School Discussions
IV. Discussion: Direction of Board
V. Announcements: Millsite Dedication June 29, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
VI, Next Meeting Date: July 10, 1980
VII. Adjournment
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA HERITAGE PRESERVATION BOARD
HELD TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 1980 AT 5:30 P.M.
EDINA CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
Members Present: Foster Dunwiddie, Chairman, Frank Thorpe, Gordon Stuart,
Betty Paugh, MaryAnn Herman, Tom Martinson
Staff Present: Harold Sand
IPublication of Historic Building Survey.
Mr. Dunwiddie advised the Board that Mr. Scott and Mr. Hess
would not be attending the meeting because they had not made sufficient pro-
gress on the book to make a presentation to the Board. The review will be
reschuled to be held at the July meeting.
II. Country Club Research.
Lynn Spaeth with Heritage Preservation Associates Inc. was
present. Mr. Sand distributed copies of the proposed contract for services for
the Country Club research and nomination to the National Register of Historic
places. The Board determined that Section Ila should be modified to change
the word "assistance" to "cooperation". Section III should be modified to
change the time framework from 24 weeks to 16 weeks.
Mr. Sand said that they were discussing two alternatives
for the photographic portion of the contract. The proposal by Ms. Spaeth
includes a 35 m.m. black and white photograph of the frontal view of all
structures in the district, additional photos of typical building styles,
architectural details and typical street scapes. The city would receive
commercially processed negatives and 3" x 5" prints of these photos.
The National Register would receive approximately 40-50 prints (4" x 5" or
8" x 10") that exemplify the district. The State Review Board would be
provided an equal number of 35 m.m. color slides for their review process.
Mr. Sand said the second alternative would separate the photography under
a second contract with a semi-professional photographer. The photographer
would use a larger foremat camera with 214 square negatives and could be in
black and white or color. This alternative would use professional quality
film and processing. The larger negative will be better quality and produce
better enlargements. Lynn Spaeth said that she was willing to conduct
the survey either way.
The Board discussed the alternatives and costs and concluded
that black and white photography was desirable because it is required by the
National Register and has better aging characteristics. The Board also con-
cluded that more detailed photographic efforts could be made at a later date
and that for coordination purposes it would be desirable to maintain the
survey under the control of one person.
Edina Heritage Preservation Board
June 24, 1980
Page 2
Lynn Spaeth inquired about the public relations efforts
that should be used'in conjunction with the survey. She recommended a
press release to the Edina Sun and a mailing to all of the property owners
in the district prior to the survey. The letter would contain information
about the significance of the district and the ramifications of nomination
to the National Register. After the survey was completed a neighborhood
meeting would be appropriate to answer any questions. The Board generally
felt that good public relations were an important aspect of the project and
that complete information should be available to the residents. A prelim-
inary meeting with neighborhood leaders was suggested to help explain the
program before the neighborhood meeting. Lynn Spaeth agreed to submit
draft copies of the proposed press release and letter.
MaryAnn Herman moved to approve the contract as ammended.
Betty Paugh seconded the motion. All voted Aye. Motion carried.
III. Wooddale School
Foster Dunwiddie reported that the Historical Society held
a meeting with Dr. Liebur about the disposition of the Wooddale School
building. The Historical Society has allocated $4000 to establish a museum
in Wooddale School. Dr. Liebur indicated that discussions with other members
of the community were leaning toward Edina East Upper Division as the
Community Center. The Historical Society plans to submit a proposal for
alternate uses of the building.
Mr. Dunwiddie said that he has discussed the matter with
Mayor Van Valkenburg and the Mayor indicated that the subject was an appro-
priate avenue of investigation for the Heritage Preservation Board.
Mr. Dunwiddie explained that Harold Sand and he had inspected
the building on June 23, 1980 to locate any historic artifacts that may
be available and to determine the integrity of the building.
The inspection indicated that there were not many artifacts
to preserve. The bronze building dedication plack at the front entrance and
the two sidelights should be removed and stored while the building is vacant
to prevent theft or vandalism. Should the building be torn down it would be
desirable to retain the stone work around the entrance to the building and
the limestone plaques that read "Edina School" and "1926" on the front facade.
The auditorium balcony contains some origional seats with the letter E cast
on the sides, a few of these seats should be retained if the balcony is altered.
Mr. Dunwiddie discussed various recommended measures to
prevent vandalism to the building now that it is unoccupied.
Edina Heritage Preservation Board
June 24, 1980
Page 3
The exterior lights and the interior nightlights should
be left on. The basement windows should be boarded up to prevent entry
and an intruder alarm should be installed if -the building is to remain
vacant for a period of time.
Mr. Dunwiddie explained that the building is in excellent
structural condition with only minor problems such as tuckpointing of the
brick between the 1926 and 1936 additions. The mechanical systems appeared
to be updated and very well maintained. Mr. Dunwiddie presented plans of
the building prepared by his architectural firm from the origional building
plans. Mr. Dunwiddie discussed deficiencies from the current building code
that were identified by Bob Bahneman, the Edina Building Inspector. The
deficiencies appear to be feasible to correct without any major difficulties.
Mr. Dunwiddie said that Ken Rosland, City Manager and
George Hite, School Board Member have discussed setting up an ad hoc comm-
ittee to study the situation, find a temporary use and possibly determine
a permanent use. He indicated that residents in the neighborhood have con-
tacted him concerning preservation of the building and rezoning the property
to Heritage Preservation District.
The Board reviewed the plans and discussed several alter-
native uses that would be feasible including a community center, senior
citizen apartments and a combination of the community center and senior
citizen apartments. Mr. Martinson took copies of the floor plans and indicated
that he would study alternate uses for the building. No further action taken.
IV. Directions of the Board
Mr. Dunwiddie explained the recommendations of the Historic
Building Survey and said that the Board should discuss the approach that
would be used to implement the recommendations. Mr. Dunwiddie said that the
buildings recommended for local designation could be handled in two manners.
The first method is regulatory using the zoning ordinance and designating
properties Heritage Preservation District. The alternate method is advisory
where the Board notifies owners of significant properties and informs them
about the significant elements in the building and proper means of maintaining
the building. This may be implemented through design guidelines contained in a
book distributed to residents. Mr. Martinson mentioned a very well designed book
prepared by the city of Oakland CA. That may be helpful. The Board dis-
cussed the list of locally significant buildings and concluded that some of
them are not suitable for zoning and the advisory method is useful in these cases.
No further action taken.
V. Announcements
Mr. Dunwiddie said that the Mill site would be dedicated
by the Historical Society Sunday, June 29, 1980. The Sousa Band would be
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June 24, 1980
Page 4
present and the dedication ceremonies would begin at 2:30 p.m.
Mr. Sand indicated that a National Register staff member
contacted him about certification of Edina's preservation ordinances.
The certification will be processed in the near future.
VI, Next Meeting Date:
Mr. Sand advised that the next regularly scheduled meeting
was July 10, 1980 however Mr. Scott requested that the meeting be scheduled
during the week of July 21. Betty Paugh said that for the next year she has
a conflict on the second Thursday of the month. The Board discussed the meet-
ing dates and scheduling of the conference room.
Mr. Martinson moved that the July meeting be rescheduled
to Tuesday, July 22, 1980 and that the regular meeting date be changed to
the 4th Thursday of each month. Mrs. Paugh seconded the motion. All voted
Aye. Motion carried.
VII, Adiournment
Betty Paugh moved the meeting be adjourned. MaryAnn
Herman seconded the motion. All voted Aye. The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Harold Sand