HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990 04-24 HPB Meeting Minutes RegularA G E N D A
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA HERITAGE PRESERVATION BOARD
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 1990, AT 7:30 P.M.
EDINA CITY HALL MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM
I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
November 28, 1989
II. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS:
- Mrs. Marilyn Curtis
- Mr. Walter Sandison
III. ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
IV. CAHILL SETTLEMENT COMMEMORATION:
V. HISTORIC MARKERS:
VI. RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION :
Gordon Stuart
VII. OTHER BUSINESS:
VIII. NEXT MEETING DATE:
May 22, 1990
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA HERITAGE PRESERVATION BOARD
—.-TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 1990, AT 7:30 P.M.
MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM, EDINA CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Gary Nyberg, Marilyn Curtis, David Gepner, Walter Sandison,
Cy Stuppy, and Lois Wilder
MEMBERS ABSENT: Donald Wray
STAFF PRESENT: Joyce Repya
I. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
Gary Nyberg moved for approval of the minutes from November 20, 1989, Lois
Wilder seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
II. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS:
Joyce Repya introduced Mrs. Marilyn Curtis, 4400 West 50th Street and Mrs.
Walter Sandison, 4612 West 58th Street as the newest members of the Heritage
Preservation Board, having replaced Mr. Gordon Stuart and Mr. John Metil.
III. ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
Ms. Repya opened the floor to nominations for Chairman. Lois Wilder nominated
Gary Nyberg. David Gepner seconded the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
Gary Nyberg nominated Lois Wilder for Vice Chairman. Ms. Wilder respectfqlly
declined the nomination due to commitment conflicts.
Cy Stuppy then nominated David Gepner for Vice Chairman. Gary Nyberg seconded
the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
IV. CAHILL SETTLEMENT COMMEMORATION:
Ms. Repya advised the Board that Ron Clark, Inc. the developer of the old St.
Patrick's/Wooddale Montessori site has presented to the City Council, three
ideas for an interpretive center highlighting the historic Cahill Settlement.
They also proposed three possible location for the center.
The City Council has asked the Heritage Preservation Board to review the
proposed sites and design plans, and to make recommendations as to the most
desirable.
Reviewing the proposed site locations, Ms. Repya explained that three sites have
been identified as possible locations for the proposed interpretive center. The
first site is situated on the southeast corner of Cahill Road and West 70th
Street. The site is zoned commercial and houses the old Kings Court Building
which is currently being refurbished. A parking lot serves the commercial uses
on the site, however, sidewalks do not serve the site at this time.
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The second site is located on the southwest corner of Cahill Road and West 70th
Street, which is the northeast corner of the townhouse development. Sidewalks
serve both West 70th Street and Cahill Road, however, no on -street parking is
allowed.
The third site, Ms. Repya pointed out, is located on the southeast corner of the
townhouse development, at the northwest corner of Village Drive and Cahill Road.
Sidewalks serve only Cahill Road, and on -street parking is allowed on the north
side of Village Drive.
Mr. Nyberg opened the Board's discussion by expressing his opinion that the
second site, on the southwest corner of Cahill and West 70th Street was best
suited to house the interpretive center from a visibility standpoint, and
because of its relationship to the original St. Patrick's church site.
Mr. Nyberg pointed out that he felt the Kings Court site lacked adequate
visibility from West 70th Street and Cahill Road, and possessed a downward
sloping grade from the road that would not be compatible with any of the
proposals.
Addressing the third possible location on Cahill Road at Village Drive, Mr.
Nyberg explained that he felt this site would not provide adequate visibility
adding that an interpretive center would be lost on this site.
General discussion ensued relative to all the proposed locations. Mr. Stuppy
stated that he agreed with Mr. Nyberg's analysis of the sites and moved to
recommend the second site on the southwest corner of Cahill and West 70th as the
most desirable location to house an interpretive center. Lois Wilder seconded
the motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
Addressing the proposals for the interpretive centers, Ms. Repya explained that
Plan "A" proposed a crescent shaped retaining wall built into the berm. A hedge
would outline the center on top of the berm, followed by a boulder retaining
wall, an elevated planter, and finally, a wall consisting of the concrete block
from the St. Patrick's foundation on which five bas relief plaques, highlighting
the Cahill settlement would be displayed. Additionally, a bench also
constructed of the church foundation blocks is proposed to face the plaques,
affording visitors a place to rest and reflect.
Plan "B", Ms. Repya stated is also proposed to be built into the berm. A hedge
row would accent the upper level followed on down with a boulder wall, and a two
foot planting bed atop a low wall with a ledge for seating. The highlight of
this scheme is an obelisk shaped structure, constructed of the foundation blocks
from the church. Each side of the structure would include a plaque explaining
the history of the Cahill School, store, St. Patrick's Church and the Irish
community. The roof would be constructed of pre -cast concrete, fashioned to
resemble the steeple of the original church.
The third proposal, Plan "C", Ms. Repya explained like the other two, would be
built into the berm. The crescent shaped design would be outlined by a hedgerow
along the top and sides followed by a retaining wall, incorporating the concrete
block from the church foundation. The same bas relief plaques proposed in the
other plans would be attached to the wall. At the base of the display wall, a
planter is proposed behind a final low wall which would also provide seating.
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Chairman Nyberg explained to the Board that while no formal action would be
taken as to the most desirable design plan, the Board's comments and preferences
would be relayed to the Planning Commission and City Council. Mr. Nyberg then
proceeded to state that he was pleased that the developer has taken the
responsibility to propose the designs for the interpretive center, and to see
the incorporation of the foundation blocks from St. Patrick's church in all the
plans.
Mrs. Wilder agreed with Mr.Nyberg, however, expressed concern that perhaps the
intent of the Board was misunderstood in the developer's proposals to include
the "concrete" foundation blocks from the church.
Mrs. Wilder went on to explain that the historically significant foundation is
that from the original 1888 church. At present, the material is unknown; it
could be limestone slabs, or field stone, but until the foundation is excavated,
it is an unknown entity.
Mr. Nyberg also pointed out that until the original foundation is discovered,
and its condition determined, it would be difficult to dictate how and where it
could best be incorporated into the design of the cegter. Board members agreed
with Mr. Nyberg, pointing out that the concrete foundation blocks are most
likely part of the 1924 reconstruction of the church.
Expressing their preferences for the three proposed design plans, five of the
six members present (Chairman Nyberg, Mrs. Curtis, Mr. Gepner, Mr. Sandison and
Mr. Stuppy) favored Plan "B" with the obelisk structure as the central focal
point. Design Plan "C" was their second choice with the plaques displayed on a
retaining wall visible from the sidewalk or street. The sixth member of the
Board, Mrs. Wilder explained that she favored Plan "C" as the most visible and
historically fitting of the proposals, with plan "B" as her second choice..
All the Board members agreed that Plan "A" lacked the visibility and impact they
would like to convey with an interpretive center.
David Gepner asked who would be responsible for the maintenance of the
interpretive center. The Board agreed that the City's Park Department would be
responsible for maintenance as they are at the mill site and the Tupa Historical
Park.
Following a brief discussion regarding the plans, Chairman Nyberg stressed that
while the Board has expressed their preferences for the proposals presented, the
Board agrees that the best design for the center is dependent upon the discovery
of the original 1988 foundation materials.
The Board members added that the developer should be commended for the
thoughtfullness, creativity and originality that went into the proposals.
V. HISTORIC MARKERS:
Ms. Repya advised the Board that the Historical Marker Program was begun in 1976
as a part of the U.S. Bicentennial. At that time, a subcommittee of the
Historical Society designated the following locations as worthy of
identification:
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1.
Cahill Community
5.
Country Club District
2.
Grimes House
6.
Old Cahill School
3.
Edina Mill Site
7.
Minnehaha Grange Hall
4.
Morningside Community
8.
Edina Mills Community
Through the work of the Bicentennial Commission, the City was awarded a $3,000
matching grant from the Minnesota Americas Revolution Commission for the
fabrication and installation of the historic markers which were to include the
City logo, Bicentennial symbol, and a short description of each site.
After the Bicentennial year, the Commission was disbanded, and the
responsibilities for the historical marker program was passed down to the
Heritage Preservation Board.
Ms. Repya explained that she has reviewed the minutes from the Heritage
Preservation Board which show that discussions relative to the historic markers
took place in 1977, 1984, and then annually until 1987. During those ten years,
easements were granted to allow for placement of the signs on historic private
property, however, the actual fabrication and installation of the signs never
took place.
Responding to a question relative to the status of the Bicentennial Grant Funds,
Ms. Repya stated that those funds, as well as monies collected from the sale of
the book History and Architecture of Edina. Minnesota total approximately
$1,000.00 and are kept in the City's general fund.
At this time, Ms. Repya explained, the Park Department has commissioned the
fabrication and installation of two signs; one for the Grange Hall and one for
the Old Cahill School. The signs are 3'6" X 3'6" double faced sandwich panel of
1/4" Lexan over a 5/8" plastic plywood core. The signs will include text
pictures and will stand 6 feet high, supported by anodized aluminum posts.
The bid for these signs was awarded to Nordquist Sign Company for the cost of
$2,350.00 per sign, or $4,700.00 total.
Discussion ensued relating to the cost of the signs and the construction
materials. Members agreed that the signs were warranted, but wondered if one
sign wouldn't service both the Grange Hall and Cahill School. (one building per
sign face), thus freeing up the second sign for the Country Club District.
Ms. Repya explained that the Purchase Order had already been completed for the
signs, so the likelihood for changes was slim. However, she indicated that she
would check with Bob Kojetin, the Park Director to see if they had any plans for
identifying the Country Club District in Wooddale Park,
Mrs. Lois Wilder advised the Board that she was a member of the original
Bicentennial Historic Marker Committee and felt is was a shame, after all the
work and research that went into the program, that the Bicentennial signs never
became a reality. She went on to point out that for a property to be
historically identified, either by National Register designation or Historic
Overlay Rezoning is not enough without clearly identifying those properties to
the public by the means of a sign or marker of some kind.
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Mrs. Curtis agreed with Mrs. Wilder, pointing out that many of the Edina
residents are unaware of the rich history in our community. Ms. Curtis also
advised the Board that her home, the Baird House, received a small yard sign in
1986 for the home's 100th anniversary. The sign has since deteriorated to the
point that it has been removed.
Discussion ensued relative to the historic properties that are presently clearly
identified. The Board agreed that the Mill Pond, Cahill Community, Grange Hall
and Cahill School have all been, or are in the process of being well marked.
Conversly, the Country Club District, and the Grimes, Baird and Peterson houses
are not identified as historically significant to the general public.
The Board agreed to continue the pursuit of clearly labeling the historic
properties in the City. Ms. Repya agreed to investigate future plans the Park
Department might have for identifying historic sites. No formal action was
taken.
VI. RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION:
Ms. Repya read the resolution prepared to commend Mr.; Gordon Stuart for his
thirteen years of service to the Heritage Preservation Board.
David Gepner, moved approval of the resolution. Walter Sandison seconded the
motion. All voted aye; motion carried.
VII. OTHER BUSINESS:
A. David Gepner advised the Board that May 15, 1990, is ride your bike to work
day. He added that bicyclists would like to be identified as part of the
transportation system. Bicycles don't pollute, the need for parking spaces
would be reduced, and people would be healthier. No action taken.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
Lois Wilder moved for adjournment. Cy Stuppy seconded the motion. All voted
aye. Motion carried.
Joy R ya
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