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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Preservation - 05/18/1998HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION May 18, 1998 Page 1 APPROVED MINUTES HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION Monday, May 18, 1998 7:00 p.m., City Center Prairie Room A/B 8080 Mitchell Road Commission Members: Deborah Barkley, Kathie Case, Timothy Colliton, Jane Hession, Jan Mosman, Lori Peterson-Benike, and James Wilson Student Representatives: Jenny Freemyer, and Kristin Kelly Staff: John Gertz, Historic Preservation Specialist, and Rebecca Belz, Recording Secretary I. ROLL CALL Vice Chair Case called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and noted that Tim Colliton was absent. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The following items were added to the agenda: F. Coffee Shop Update (Under Old Business) C. Douglas-More House Question (Under Reports of Commission and Staff) Jan Mosman entered the meeting at 7:03 p.m. Jane Hession moved, seconded by James Wilson, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried unanimously. III. APPROVAL OF APRIL 20, 1998 MINUTES The following corrections were requested of the April 20, 1998 Minutes: > To correct the spelling of the Douglas-More House two times on page two under letter A. > To correct the date of the Garden Club’s plant sale on June 13, 1998 on page 3 in the third paragraph. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION May 18, 1998 Page 2 > To delete the sentence that reads, “She further explained that the HPC is now helping Friendship Ventures restore and reconstruct the original facility so it will HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION May 18, 1998 Page 3 be more useful to Friendship Ventures.” In the first paragraph of page 4 to read, “ She further explained that the HPC is now involved in discussions about restoration with Friendship Ventures and the City.” HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION May 18, 1998 Page 4 > To correct the spelling of Kristin Kelly’s name in the first paragraph on page 7. James Wilson moved, seconded by Lori Peterson-Benike, to approve the minutes of the April 20, 1998 meeting of the Heritage Preservation Commission as amended. Motion carried unanimously. IV. REPORTS OF THE EDEN PRAIRIE HISTORICAL SOCIETY Commissioner Case reported that the Historical Society would be making a presentation to the School Board June 8, 1998 regarding the importance of saving and restoring the Gymnasium. Commissioner Case further explained that the school plans to destroy the Kindergarten Gymnasium to erect office space for the school. She stressed that the gym had seen seventy-five years of graduates and still plays an important role at the school for meetings, parent-teacher events, orientations, and also classes for the Kindergartners. She said that the building has been kept in very good condition and still has the original bleachers. The Commission discussed this meeting and the plans for the gym at length. Commissioner Case invited the Commissioners to attend the meeting in support of saving the gym. Mr. Gertz reported of the presentation Phyllis Messenger gave at the Historical Society’s Annual Meeting. He said that a Hamlin University Student assisted Ms. Messenger. The presentation consisted of a complete recap of the program including a slide presentation and display of artifacts from the site. Others added that the presentation was very interesting and educational. V. REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND STAFF A. 19th Annual Historic Preservation Conference: Attendees reported that they attended the sessions Saturday in nearby Faribault. They noted that Tom Johnson, who wrote “Divided Highways”, was the Keynote speaker. They reportedly attended Mr. Johnson’s presentation, the educational presentation by the Faribault High School, and Pat Nunnally’s “Historic Landscapes” in which Eden Prairie and its sites were mentioned. B. Vision 2001 HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION May 18, 1998 Page 5 Mr. Gertz reported that though four of the HPC members were there, the meeting was not well attended that evening which eliminated the discussion groups. It was decided at the meeting that the videotapes would be forwarded to commissions to view at a regularly scheduled meeting. Commissioner Peterson-Benike added that the presentation introduced a new approach to thinking about the City’s future. C. Douglas-More House Question: Commissioner Case reported a conversation with Earl More’s granddaughter and the trees that were to be taken down. During the conversation, the granddaughter cried and expressed her frustration with the vines that were cut down from their house. Commissioner Case wondered if the Commission was aware of the removal of the vines. Mr. Gertz acknowledged that he knew of it and had recommended the vines be cut back. He explained that it could be very damaging to the house – mainly in rotting the ornamental woodwork on the house it was covering. The trees were also discussed and it was reported that Minnesota Department of Transportation will be replacing some of the trees and landscaping. It was also reported that nine windows in the house were broken as a result of the recent hailstorm. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Fredrick-Miller Spring: Mr. Gertz reported that he and Jan Mosman had met approximately two weeks ago to go over the drawings for the spring. Gertz then took the two comprehensive drawings to Bob Lambert who agreed with the HPC’s original motion to move the spring Creek- side. The Commission reviewed the comprehensive drawings and reviewed a few questions with Gertz and Mosman about items such as: parking spots, kiosks, benches, and curbing. The Commission commended Mosman for her work. B. Glenn Lake Children’s Camp: HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION May 18, 1998 Page 6 Mr. Gertz made note of the report included in the packet regarding the remodeling outline for the dining hall at the camp (also called Edenwood Dining Hall). After reviewing the outline, Mr. Gertz had only a few concerns about the proposition – namely the new windows. Then, in a conversation with a representative from Friendship Ventures, who is the partner in restoring the facility, several items about the plans were discussed, including the windows which Mr. Gertz suggested restoring the old windows and fitting the proposed addition with something completely different. During the discussion with the Commission, Mr. Gertz showed the latest completed drawings of the camp. Additional items discussed and that he believed the Commission would be particularly interested in include, but are not limited to the following: > It was noted that the deck shown on the original building portion would be eliminated. > A basement may be built on the far end of the original building, mainly due to foundation work and the 7 to 8-foot footings that are needed. > It was suggested to switch the proposed concession room and unisex bathroom. > Roofing material will be asphalt shingle. > Doors will be restored or replaced with in-kind doors. > Heating will be run under the floor. > Ventilators on the roof will be retained even though they will not be functional. > Siding will remain original. > The addition will be distinct but seamless. > It was requested to change the gable on the addition to a “Hip”. > The interior of the original building will retain its original appearance. A vapor barrier will be applied. > The new building will cross over property lines and may have two owners. It is also a possibility that the property will be “gifted” to the city. > The desire with landscaping is to maintain it and keep it from looking too structured. In closing, Mr. Gertz noted that the plans will be going to the DRC this Thursday and then to the Planning Commission June 8, 1998 for review. He requested the Commission’s input and support on the project to continue to proceed with the plans. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION May 18, 1998 Page 7 Lori Peterson-Benike moved, seconded by Kristin Kelly, that the Commission recommend to go forward with the plans for the Glenn Lake Children’s Camp and to support the plan submitted by Friendship Ventures including John Gertz’s comments as discussed in the meeting with the SHPO office. The Commission recessed at intervals during this conversation due to the thunderstorm. C. CLG Grant: Mr. Gertz reported that he and Pat Nunnally went to inspect the Minnesota Valley Trail segments and found that they lacked integrity and was difficult to discern trail features. He and Pat Nunnally decided not to pursue these sites at this time. Jane Hession left the meeting at 8:30 p.m. D. Riley-Jacques Farmstead: Mr. Gertz made note of the memo to Stu Fox, Manager of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, notifying him of the restoration work and the recommendation to coordinate the two pending painting projects for the property. He explained that as well as the Horsemen’s Club’s fence painting project, that the building is in need of paint as well. Mr. Gertz also reported that the septic system repair noted in his report has been completed. Bob Lambert had been out to the property and noted light peering through shingles. Mr. Gertz had noticed this too and requested Diethelm to fix and replace where necessary. E. Final Report to archaeology Survey Results of Pemtom-Dorenkemper Development: Mr. Gertz reported that the final investigation of the survey area was completed in April. No burial mounds were found nor any efficiency of any mounds. Christina Harrison, the archaeologist doing the survey, recommended that the development be allowed to proceed. F. Coffee Shop Project: HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION May 18, 1998 Page 8 Kristin Kelly looked into obtaining books for building codes and noted that they are quite expensive and wondered if there were other avenues to research them. Mr. Gertz reported that the City has Building Code resources available and that he would help her with the books or she could ask someone on staff to assist her if needed. Commissioner Peterson-Benike offered Miss. Kelly her help with the project and suggested starting by making some fundamental decisions like developing operating hours so the Staring Lake Outdoor Center could be reserved and the formation of a plan. Lori Peterson-Benike left the meeting at 8:55 p.m. VII. NEW BUSINESS A.&B. Evaluations for Staring Lake Outdoor Center and Consolidated School: Mr. Gertz noted the two Findings of Significance included in the packet for the Commission to review. These two properties will be added to the current CLG grant project once signed by the Chair of the Commission. Jan Mosman moved, seconded by James Wilson to accept the Findings of Significance for the Consolidated School and Staring Lake Outdoor Center properties. C. Request from Pemtom Land Company for Street Names to be used at Settler’s Ridge Development. Mr. Gertz reported to the Commission that he had received a request from Pemtom Land Company for a list of street names to be used for the Settler’s Ridge development. He shared with the Commission that the two student representatives prepared a list, which was forwarded to the developer last year. Evidentially the list had been misplaced and they requested a copy. D. Barney-Zylka Buildings Demolition: Mr. Gertz reported that the City will be seeking demolition of the Barney- Zylka buildings and asked if the Commission had input regarding the proposition. Mr. Gertz informed the Commission that the buildings are deteriorating and that the owners claim that there is a Native American Burial mound on the property and that an Euro-American female child is buried on the property as well. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION May 18, 1998 Page 9 The Commission agreed that the graves need to be investigated thoroughly. Commissioner Case also requested that some wood from the barn be saved as it is originally from the Hennepin Hotel. Staff will keep the Commission informed of the progress of this project. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Having no other business to come before the Commission, James Wilson moved, seconded by Jan Mosman, to adjourn the meeting at 9:01 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.