HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981 09-22 HPB Meeting Minutes RegularA G E N D A
EDINA HERITAGE PRESERVATION BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1981, AT 7:30 P.M.
EDINA CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
1. Approval of the Minutes: June 23, 1981
11. History and Architecture of Edina, Minnesota
III. Wooddale School Report
IV. Old St. Patricks Church, 7000 Cahill Road
V. Edina Theatre progress
VI. Other Business
VII. Next Regular Meeting Date: October 27, 1981, at 7:30 p.m.
VII. Adjournment
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA HERITAGE PRESERVATION BOARD
HELD SEPTEMBER 22, 1981, AT 7:30 P.M.
EDINA CITY HALL MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Foster Dunwiddie, Gordon Stuart, Stephen
Sinykin, Tom Martinson, Frank Thorpe, Lois Wilder
STAFF PRESENT: Harold Sand
I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
Frank Thorpe moved approval of the June 23, 1981, minutes as submitted.
Stephen Sinykin seconded the motion. All voted aye; the motion carried.
I1. HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE OF EDINA, MINNESOTA :
Foster Dunwiddie explained that books were distributed to a number of
area bookstores and that several stores have ordered additional copies to re-
plenish their supplies. Several members expressed concern that the book was
not apparently available at the Southdale branch of B. Dalton. Mr. Dunwiddie
reported that he presented the book at the September 10 meeting of ECCO, the
Edina Council of Community Organizations.
111. WOODDALE SCHOOL REPORT:
Mr. Dunwiddie said that the school was now fully occupied. The Edina
Montessori Academy is located on the first floor and the Maranatha Academy
is located on the second floor. Both schools are tenants with 5 year leases.
The Edina Historical Society is renting space for a museum within the base-
ment band room.
IV. OLD ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH, 7000 CAHILL ROAD:
Mr. Dunwiddie reported that the building is vacant because the former
occupant of the building, the Edina Montessori School has moved to the Wooddale
School: The potential re -use or redevelopment of the site increases the concern
about preservation of the building. The advocates of rezoning the site to Heri-
tage Preservation District have not submitted additional historical documents and
research at this time.
Mr. Sand said that the owner was advertising space available for an artist
studio or offices. The City Staff has advised him that a retail commercial use of
the property is not acceptable. Mr. Sand said that the owner has hired an arch-
itect to study the development potential of the site with multiple family residential
uses. The Staff has discussed the historic- significance of the site and building
with the architect. The architect has agreed to consider preservation of the
building in the development plans. Mr. Dunwiddie requested that the Staff con-
tact Mrs. Skagerberg about the research. It is particularly important to identify
and verify the early pictures of the 1885 church building.
Heritage preservation Board
September 22, 1981
Page 2
V. EDINA THEATRE:
Mr. Sand said that the theatre was progressing with the reconstruction
of the ziggurat roof. The Edina Board of Appeals and Adjustments has granted
sign ordinance variances to permit the accurate reproduction of the original sign .
The Board also permitted the sign to be animated with flashing lights on weekends
and holidays. The Board of Appeals and Adjustments was impressed with the fact
that the sign was previously recognized by the Heritage Preservation Board as a
historic and architectural landmark.
IV. OTHER BUSINESS:
A. Country Club District
Foster Dunwiddie said that the nomination of the district to the
National Register of Historic Places was still awaiting the hearing before
the State Review Board. The new regulations for public hearings and
notification of property owners have not been transmitted from the Fed-
eral Government.
B. Edina Mill Site Kiosk
Mr. Sand reported that two street lights have been installed at the
mill site to discourage vandalism. Quotations are being solicited for re-
placement of 3 damaged plexiglas panels with Texan panels.
C. Historic Site Walking Tour
Stephen Sinykin said that he was impressed with the City of North-
field, MN walking tour that was available to the public on a cassette tape.
He suggested that a similar tour- program should be considered for the City
of Edina. The tape could be loaned or sold individually or included with a
gift kit for newcomers to the city. The tape may also be useful for school
groups, clubs and other organizations. Dr. Sinykin said that he has had
some experience producing this sort of tape and, if the Board agreed, it
was a worthwhile project, he would be happy to do the work. The Board
generally agreed that the concept should be pursued and that a proposal
could be considered at the next meeting.
D. W. 50th Street Tree Trimming
Tom Martinson remarked that the utility companies were trimming the
trees along W. 50th Street between Wooddale Avenue and Halifax Avenue.
The trimming appears to be excessive and may be increasing the potential
for Dutch Elm disease. The vista of W. 50th Street in this area is one of
the finest in the City and is closely identified with the image of the City.
Mr. Martinson requested that the Staff contact the City forrester concerning
the tree trimming and investigate methods of preserving the trees by treat-
ing them for Dutch Elm disease. Underground power lines were suggested
as a potential solution.
Heritage Preservation Board
September 22, 1981
Page 3
E. Annual Meeting of the National Trust for Historic Preservation
Mr. Sand said that the National Trust will hold it's annual meeting
in New Orleans, September 30 through October 4, 1981 Mr. Dunwiddie
and Mr. Sand plan to attend the meeting.
V11. NEXT REGULAR MEETING DATE: October 27, 1981
Mr. Dunwiddie said that the evening class he is teaching at the University
is in session and requested the meeting time be changed to 8:00 p.m. The Board
generally agreed to the change.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Martinson moved the meeting be adjourned. Mr. Stuart seconded the
motion. All voted aye; the motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Harold Sand, Secretary