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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981 03-24 HPB Meeting Minutes RegularAGENDA EDINA HERITAGE PRESERVATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1981, AT 7:30 P.M. EDINA CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM I. Approval of the Minutes: February 24, 1981 11. Resolution of Appreciation for Maryanne Herman III. The History and Architecture of Edina, Minnesota IV. Wooddale School Report V. Old St. Patricks Church, 7000 Cahill Road VI. Other Business VII. Next Regular Meeting Date: April 28, 1981, at 7:30 p.m. VIII. Adjournment MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA HERITAGE PRESERVATION BOARD HELD TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1981, AT 7:30 P.M. EDINA CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Foster Dunwiddie, Stephen Sinykin, Gordon Stuart, Betty Paugh. MEMBERS ABSENT: Tom Martinson, Frank Thorpe, Lois Wilder STAFF PRESENT: Harold Sand 1. Approval of the Minutes Betty Paugh moved approval of the February 24, 1981 minutes as submitted. Gordon Stuart seconded the motion. All voted aye; the motion carried. II. Resolution of Appreciation Foster Dunwiddie read the proposed Resolution of Appreciation for the service to the Heritage Preservation Board by Mrs. Maryanne Herman. Stephen Sinykin moved approval of the resolution. Gordon Stuart seconded the motion. All voted aye; the motion carried. Ill. The History and Architecture of Edina, Minnesota Foster Dunwiddie said that he had discussed the progress of the book with Greg Fern. Mr. Sand said that Mr. Fern has provided a tentative pro- duction and delivery schedule for completion of the book. The keylines are expected to be delivered to the printer on March 26, with a proof returned for approval April 1. Approval of the proof is anticipated on April 3 with printing the week of April 6 and binding the week of April 13. The final copies of the book will be delivered April 23 or 24. He said that this time framework would correspond with the Board's desire to sell copies of the book at the annual meeting of the Edina Historical Society on May 12 and National Historic Preservation Week, May 10 - 16. Foster Dunwiddie mentioned that it would be desirable to present the book to the City Council and hold an autograph party prior to public sale. Stephen Sinykin indicated that any additional delay in publication will prevent the release at an important time during the year. Betty Paugh suggested that additional sales could be made at the Braemar Summer Fest, July 3-4-5, and the 50th and France Art Fair. Harold Sand added that an announcement of the availability of the book in mid-May is scheduled in the next Quarterly City Newsletter. The Board generally concluded that an effort should be made to avoid further delays and requested the Secretary to write to Mr. Scott and confirm the production schedule. Heritage Preservation Board March 24, 1981 Page 2 IV. Wooddale School Report Foster Dunwiddie reported that according to an article in the Edina Sun newspaper, the Edina Park Board has determined that they do not require the space in Wooddale School; they recommend that the building is demolished and the land converted to a park. Mr. Dunwiddie indicated that he discussed the matter with Joan Cornwell, Chairperson of the Wooddale School Use Committee, who has talked with Joan Lonsbury, Chairperson of the Park Board. Apparently, the Park Board decision was made without the benefit of review of the Wooddale School Committee report, or the Heritage Preservation Commission recommendation and the fact that the building is a pivotal structure within a district that is nominated to the National Register of Historic Places. Mr. Dunwiddie read a memorandum dated April 8, 1980 from Harold Sand to Ken Rosland, City Manager, conveying the action of the Heritage Preservation Board at the March 13, 1980 meeting. The memo indicates that the Wooddale School building is significant as an individual land mark structure and an integral part of the Country Club District. The building is a very handsome structure that may be suitable for a number of adaptive re -use projects and a number of suggestions were provided. The Board generally discussed the Wooddale School Committee report and remarked that it was a very high quality and thorough report. The Board also discussed the importance of saving the building and decided to encourage the City Council to try to preserve the building. Mr. Dunwiddie mentioned that the Powderhorn Christian School has offered to lease the entire building, however they required, a commitment prior to March 15, 1981. Mr. Marsh Everson, 6000 Fox Meadow Lane, owner of La Pepinere Montes- sori Schools said that he has offered to lease the ground floor of the building for daycare however his proposed rental rate was considered too low. Gordon Stuart moved that the Board endorse the Wooddale School Committee report and reiterate the recommendation of one year ago, recommending the preservation of Wooddale School as an important landmark structure and as a pivotal structure within the Edina Country Club District recently nominated to the National Register of Historic Places. Betty Paugh seconded the motion. All voted aye; the motion carried. V. Old St. Patrick's Church, 7000 Cahill Road (currently LaPepinere Montessori School) Marsh Everson, owner of the property, indicated that he has discussed the building and site with Jack Buxell of Engstrom and Associates, and a land survey of the property has been ordered. He said that he is not presently any closer to a decision about the property and his decision appears to be delayed by the condition of the economy and the delays on the decision over the reuse of Wooddale School and the Edina East Upper Division. Under these conditions, he preferred that the Board not act further on designation of the site. Mr. Everson said that his architect did not view the present structure as marketable within the present demand for historic buildings. The original Heritage Preservation Board March 24, 1981 Page 3 1884 clapboard structure would be more marketable. Mr. Everson provided copies of the June 22, 1967 Edina Courier article about the church. He discussed the building with Ev Garrison and Bill Duggan and they indicate that the foundation was not pre -1924. Mr. Dunwiddie commented that according to National Preservation standards it is not appropriate to try to dress the existing structure to appear to be the original 1884 structure that was destroyed by fire. This is called earlifying a building, which means making it appear older. In response to Mr. Eversons request that the Board defer action at this time, Stephen Sinykin said that the board does not have any material to act upon at this time. Foster Dunwiddie commented that any decision would be made at a public hearing based upon material presented to the Board. He said that the Board must respond in a manner that is sensitive to the owner's concerns and to the concerns of the residents that would like to preserve the heritage of the City. Mr. Everson presented copies of the March 3, 1981 article from the Minneapolis Tribune by Willim Safire. The article discussed the increased governmental restrictions on private property rights. Mr. Everson said that he would like to work with the Board to find a solution. Harold Sand said that he has done additional research and discovered that the Edina Assessing Department records and the Hennepin County records indicate the property is owned by Floyd C. Russell. Mr. Everson said that he has a Contract for Deed to purchase the property from Popplaars and Russell . The contract will be satisfied in 1984. The Board requested Mr. Sand consult with the City Attorney, Tom Erickson about the implications of this new infor- mation. No further action taken. VI. Other Business A. Sheridan's Decorating Studio The original Trinity Chapel, Oak Grove Episcopal Church in Edina 4924 France Avenue So. Foster Dunwiddie reported that Harold Sand and he met with Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sheridan on March 10. They discussed the problems with peeling paint, and cracked and rotted clapboard siding. The paint problems may be due to the lack of a proper vapor barrier and the cracked and rotted boards can be replaced. They also discussed the possibility of providing a proper foundation for the front vestibule or replacing the vestibule. The Sheridans are seeking improvements to the structure and additional display area for the business. Mr. Dunwiddie commented that the original building was in a different location and it was a one story structure with a different roof. Apparently, a second story and new roof was added when the structure ceased serving as a church. The building was later moved to the present location. The front vest- ibule and windows are not original. The original entrance was probably on the Heritage Preservation Board March 24, 1981 Page 4 end and the original windows had a pointed gothic arch. One of the original window openings was exposed when the recent addition was constructed, how- ever the size and location was not recorded before it was covered. Due to the substantial modifications to the structure, additional sympathetic modifications should not be detrimental. Foster Dunwiddie said that Harold Sand had cited the probable difficulties with the fire code and the need for a sprinkler system. Mr. Sand also suggested a potential addition with an open front porch on the main level and a basement level display area with a window facing West 491 Street, similar to the existing addition. The Sheridans thought the suggestions were helpful. No further action taken. B. Preservation Alert from "Preservation Action" Foster Dunwiddie provided copies of the latest report from "Preservation Action" concerning the budget cuts recently proposed by the Reagan administration. The report indicates that the Federal government has delegated a number of respon- sibilities to State and Local agencies and now is withdrawing funding for these activities. The budget cuts, if approved, will make the National Register Program ineffective. No further action taken. C. Great River Road Program. Foster Dunwiddie provided copies of a news article concerning the freezing of funds for the Great River Road program for the Mississippi River Road. The project does not merely construct a roadway, but it includes improvements in many adjacent areas to provide attractions along the roadway. The Minnesota portion of the project is 90 million dollars, which includes restoration of the James J. Hill House in St. Paul, the Commandant's House at Fort Snelling, the Alexander Ramsey House in St. Paul, and the Dakota County Court House in Hastings. No further action taken. D. 3rd Annual All -Volunteer Awards Dinner - April 28, 1981 Foster Dunwiddie reported that he received a letter from City Manager, Ken Rosland inviting the Board to the dinner and requesting nominations for awards. E. 1981 Spring Conference for Minnesota Heritage Preservation Commissions Harold Sand reported that he has arranged to borrow the City bus to transport 'the Commission to Northfield for the Conference. The Board generally agreed to meet at City Hall at 8:15 a.m., May 9, 1981, to attend the conference as a group. Heritage Preservation Board March 24, 1981 Page 5 F. I The History of Edina" by Paul Hesterman Harold Sand reported that copies of the report were distributed to the Heritage Preservation Board and to the Edina Historical Society. Foster Dun- widdie said that a CETA employee transcribed the handwritten draft prepared by the author. VII. Next Regular Meeting Date Betty Paugh observed that the next scheduled meeting, April 28, 1981, conflicts with the All Volunteer Awards Dinner and suggested an alternate date be considered. The Board generally agreed to change the meeting to April 21, 1981, at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Vlll. Adjournment Stephen Sinykin moved the meeting be adjourned. Gordon Stuart seconded the motion. All voted aye; the motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Harold Sand