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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981 02-24 HPB Meeting Minutes RegularA G E N D A EDINA HERITAGE PRESERVATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1981, AT 8:00 P.M. EDINA CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM I. Introduction of New Members: Dr. Stephen Sinykin Mrs. Lois Wilder 11. Approval of the Minutes: January 27, 1981 111. The History and Architecture of Edina, Minnesota - Status Report IV. Wooddale School Committee - Activities Report V. Edina Country Club District National Register - Status Report IV. The Old Church of St. Patrick of Edina, (La Pepiniere Montessory School) 7000 Cahill Road. VII. The Episcopal Church of Edina, Trinity Chapel, Oak Grove, (Sheridan's Decorating Studio) 4924 France Avenue So. VIII. Other Business: A. Transmit documents to the Edina Historical Society B. Election of Officers IX. Next Meeting Date: March 24, 1931, at 8:00 p.m. X. Adjournment MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA HERITAGE PRESERVATION BOARD HELD FE=BRUARY 24, 1981, AT 8:00 P.M. EDINA CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT Chairman Foster Dunwiddie, Tom Martinson, Gordon Stuart, Betty Paugh, Stephen Sinykin, Lois Wilder STAFF PRESENT: Harold Sand OTHERS PRESENT: Marsh Everson, Lapepinere Montessori Schools; Donna Skagerberg, Edina Historical Society; Bill Duggan, St. Patrick's Church . Introduction of New Members Foster Dunwiddie welcomed Dr. Stephen Sinykin and Mrs. Lois Wilder as new members of the Board. 11. Approval of the Minutes: January 27, 1981 Tom Martinson noted that he was not present at the January 27 regular meeting, but was present at the January 6, 1981, special meeting. Stephen Sinykin moved approval of the minutes as corrected. Gordon Stuart seconded the motion. All voted aye; the motion carried. Foster Dunwiddie noted that there were several people present in the audience that were interested in item VI and suggested that this item should be considered next. VI. The Old Church of St. Patrick of Edina - (Lapepinere Montessori School) 7000 Cahill Road Foster Dunwiddie read a letter from Father Mahon requesting Heritage Preservation District Zoning of the old church building. Mr. Dunwiddie explained that the Board would not take any official action approving Heritage Preservation District Zoning until the significance was considered by the Board at a public hearing. The property would be evaluated according to established HPB policies and criteria. Mr. Dunwiddie explained that the HPB recommendation would be considered by the Edina Community Develop- ment and Planning Commission and ultimately the Edina City Council. The Edina Historical Society also has an opportunity to comment on the report and findings of the Board. Mr. Dunwiddie advised the Board that the old St. Patrick's Church building was included in the "Historic Building Survey of Edina" prepared by William Scott and Jeff Hess. The site was recommended for municipal designation as a Heritage Preservation District by the report. Tom Martinson noted that the matter was previously considered by the Board in April, 1980 and inquired why the item was not pursued at that time. Foster Dunwiddie replied that other activities such as the Country Heritage Preservation Board February 24, 1981 Page 2 Club .survey and publication of the History and Architecture of Edina were considered more urgent priorities. The Board also did not receive a formal request for consideration until now. Tom Martinson inquired if this site was the next logical priority for consideration for rezoning. Mr. Martinson noted that to date, the City has zoned the Grimes House, the Baird House, the Edina Mills site and the Old Cahill School and Grange Hall site. Mr. Dunwiddie indicated that the Board's efforts were concentrated on the National Register sites and the Old St. Patrick's Church has not been considered of National Register potential. Mr. Martinson commented that the Bungalow District identified in the historic building survey may have National Register potential. Donna Skagerberg, 6001 Killarney Lane, President of the Edina His- torical Society said that the Historical Society considers the site and building very important to the community. This is the only remaining building from one of two important focuses of early community life and development. The Historical Society supports the Heritage Preservation District Zoning of this site. Mr. Bill Duggan, 5801 Dale Avenue said that he was representing the church because Father Mahon could not attend the meeting. He and six other members of the church were present supporting the preservation of the old church building as a community landmark. Marsh Everson, 6000 Fox Meadow Road said that he was the owner of the Old St. Patrick's Church building and he presently operates a Montessori school in the building. Mr. Everson requested that the HPB defer action on any rezoning of the site until he has prepared a development plan for the site. He has a great love of historical things and would like to work with the Board to preserve the site. He said that he is studying various solutions, but the solution must be economically viable. Foster Dunwiddie said that Mr. Everson started working with an arch- itect 3 months ago on development plans for the site. Mr. Dunwiddie inquired what the status of the plans and the time framework he was projecting. Mr. Everson responded that his architect was out of town now, but he expects the planning to take two to three months. r Mr. Sand inquired if Mr. Everson had any plans for modifications to the site or building in the forseeable future and if he would withhold modi- fication of the site until the Board considered the zoning recommendations. Mr. Everson indicated he would continue to maintain the site in its present condition. The site has remained untouched for a long time and he has no immediate plans. Mr. Duggan observed that the normal time framework for consideration of HPD zoning coincides with the time framework Mr. Everson has projected for his plans. Heritage Preservation Board February 24, 1981 Page 3 Mr. Dunwiddie said that he would like to see the groundwork laid for consideration of a rezoning. Mr. Martinson moved that the Board accept the request and instruct the Staff to prepare a detailed report about the his- tory and significance of the site and building and recommendations about the qualifications of the site according to established policies and criteria. Dr. Sinykin seconded the motion.Mr. Martinson commented that the Board will try to work with the owner to provide a reasonable solution. Dr. Sinykin commented that there is no time conflict with Mr. Everson's plans because the rezoning will take approximately the same time. All voted aye; the motion carried. III. The History and Architecture of Edina, Minnesota Mr. Sand said that the publication date has been delayed further and Mr. Fern indicates the anticipated delivery date is April 1, 1981. Mr. Dunwiddie indicated that the educational purpose of the book is not well served by the delays and the book would be helpful in the Contin- uing work of the Board. Mr. Dunwiddie indicated he would contact Mr. Scott to encourage them to complete the report according to the latest schedule. Mr. Dunwiddie indicated Dorothy Dunn, Librarian at the Edina Community Library, has expressed an interest in an autograph party when the book is available. I V . Wooddale School Foster Dunwiddie brought a copy of the Wooddale School Committee final report that was presented on February 23, 1981, at a joint meeting of the Edina School Board and the Edina City Council. The report contained the results of a neighborhood poll concerning the disposition of the school building. The poll expressed overwhelming response to save the building and lease space to non-profit and community service organizations. The School Board and City Council established a working committee consisting of City Manager, Ken Rosland; Mayor, Wayne Courtney; School Superintendent, Ralph Lieber; School Board President; George Hite and Wooddal School Com- mittee chairperson, Joan Cornwell to study the various code compliance, ownership and rental formulas and to pursue lease arrangements with inter- ested parties. The time framework is critical because most schools will be finalizing plans for thenext school year in the next few weeks. It is impor- tant to enter into committments now to prevent the building remaining vacant for another full year. V. Country Club District Foster Dunwiddie said that a letter concerning the review of the nom- ination was received from Dennis Gimmestad of the Minnesota Historical Society. The hearing date before the State Review Board has been delayed because the State has not received the new regulations from the Federal Government con- Heritage Preservation Board February 24, 1981 Page 4 cerning the notification of property owners within the district. The publi- cation of new regulations has been delayed by President Reagan's order with- holding publication of new regulations for 60 days. Mr. Dunwiddie indicated that it was not necessary to ask the State to proceed immediately. VII. The Episcopal Church of Edina, Trinity Chapel, Oak Grove; Sherican's Decorating Studio, 4924 France Avenue So. The Board generally agreed that an addition in front of the building would be detrimental to the historic integrity of the structure and the add- ition should be avoided . Mr. Dunwiddie indicated that he and Mr. Sand would attempt to meet with Mr. Harold Sheridan, owner of the building. to resolve the repair and painting questions. VIII. Other Business A. Transmission of Documents to the Edina Historical Society Mr. Sand said that periodically useful, historic City documents. are released and given to him by various City departments rather than being destroyed. He suggested that these items could be properly handfed by established a procedure for review by the Heritage Preser- vation Board and transmission to the Edina Historical Society. The Society has better facilities for storage and indexing the material. Stephen Sinykin commented that this appeared appropriate and suggested that a record itemizing these transfers be maintained in the minutes of the Board. Dr. Sinykin moved that the Board adopt this review and transfer procedut-e and maintain records of the transfer in the min- utes of the meeting. Lois Wilder seconded the motion. All voted aye; the motion carried. .Mr. Sand said that he had .an Engineering Department file with correspondence and other documents relating to the annexation of Morningside. The file contains a memo from Warren Hyde concerning maintenance and dispositions of property, a list of equipment, a roster of officials and utility construction reports. Stephen Sinykin moved that the file be transmitted to the Historical Society. Lois Wilder seconded the motion. All voted aye; the motion carried. Mr. Sand said that he also had some historic photographs from the Engineering Department. The photographs include the dismanteling of the old City Hall in 1953, the construction of the Edina East and Southdale water towers and other storm sewer and street construction projects. Mr. Sand said that the 25 years old polaroid photos were deteriorating with age and should be copied to preserve the image. Foster Dunwiddie offered to have the photos copied at his office. Stephen Sinykin moved that the photos be transmitted to the Historical Society. Lois Wilder seconded the motion. All voted aye; the motion carried. Heritage Preservation Board February 24, 1981 Page 5 B. Election of Officers Betty Paugh moved that the Board re-elect Foster Dunwiddie as chairman and Tom Martinson as Vice -Chairman. Steve Sinykin seconded the motion. All voted aye; the motion carried. C. Letter from James Van Valkenburg Foster Dunwiddie reported that he received a lettter from the former Mayor, James Van Valkenburg thanking the Board for its advice and service to the community. Mr. Dunwiddie requested that the letter be made part of the minutes. D. Minnesota Preservation Conference Mr. Dunwiddie reported that the City of Northfield, Minnesota Heritage Preservation Commission will host the Annual Preservation Conference on May 9, 1981, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.. The Edina HPB was invited to attend. The Board ex- pressed an interest in attendance and traveling to the conference as a group. Additional information will be distributed. E. National Preservation Week Foster Dunwiddie reported that the Minnesota Historical Society has sent information concerning National Historic Preservation Week May 10 - 16. Mr. Dunwiddie said that the Edina Historical Society will observe the occasion with the annual meeting on the evening of May 12. The program will focus on the Country Club District and a slide show of the National Register Nomination will be presented. IX. Next Meeting Date: March 24, 1981 Mr. Dunwiddie said that he was not teaching spring quarter and the meeting time could be changed to 7:30 p.m.. The Board generally agreed to meet at 7:30 p.m. X. Adjournment Tom Martinson moved that the meeting be adjourned. Lois Wilder seconded the motion. All voted aye; the motion carried. Respectfully submitted, 41404FUI� Harold Sand