HomeMy WebLinkAboutJan 7- Oskam Heritage Landmark
City of Edina 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Krystal Caron, Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-826-0347 kcaron@EdinaMN.gov www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oskam House Named Edina Heritage Landmark
Edina, Minn., Jan. 7, 2016 – The City of Edina recently named the Hendrick and Marri Oskam House at
6901 Dakota Trail an Edina Heritage Landmark.
The Edina Heritage Landmark designation is an overlay zoning to promote the preservation, protection and
use of significant heritage resources in the City. Heritage Landmarks are nominated by the Heritage
Preservation Board (HPB) and designated by City Council resolution.
The Oskam House is a two-level, single-family residence in the International style with a rectangular plan, a
butterfly roof, post and beam construction, a walk-out basement, and a two-car detached garage. It is
historically significant because of its association with the broad themes of suburban development and Mid-
century Modern residential architecture in Edina. As one of the first homes built on Indianhead Lake, the
natural terrain has remained untouched and there have been no additions to the homes since it was
constructed. However, it has been meticulously maintained and is still a shining an example of Mid-century
Modern architecture today as it was when constructed in 1963.
“The Oskam house is only the fourth private residence to receive the Edina Heritage Landmark
designation,” explained contact HPB Staff Liaison and Senior Planner Joyce Repya. “And unlike the three
other homes that were built in the 1800s and early 1900s, this house was built in 1963, which was the
period when much of our suburban development occurred in Edina. That makes it very special from a
suburban development perspective.”
In addition to being a noteworthy example of modern residential architecture, the house is one of a
relatively small number of post-war residences in Edina designed by a female architect. Architect Elizabeth
Close received a degree in architecture from MIT. In partnership with her husband, architect Winston
Close, she designed many modernist buildings and was an influential force in regional architecture.
Heritage Landmarks are chosen based on the quality of significance in history, architecture, archeology and
culture present in buildings, sites, structures, objects and districts. As part of the designation process, a plan
of treatment is created to provide guidelines for design review as well as specific recommendations for
preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and reconstruction, as appropriate.
For more information, contact Repya at 952-826-0462 or JRepya@EdinaMN.gov.
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