Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Preservation - 05/19/2025Agenda Eden Prairie Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting 7 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2025 City Center, Heritage Rooms Eden Prairie, MN 55344 ATTENDEES Heritage Preservation Commission Members: Steven Schumacher-Chair; Paul Thorp-Vice Chair, George Maxwell, Robert Bowes, Rod Fisher, Andy Ludowese, Catherine Lau, Lisa Rude, Prima Sisinni City Staff: Beth Novak-Krebs, Staff Liaison; Kristin Harley, Recording Secretary Student Members: Nico Allen, Kadie Crider, Jacob Jolje, Hardhik Kommalapati, Amuktha Pothamsetti, Annika Rice MEETING AGENDA I. Call the Meeting to Order / Roll Call II. Reading of Land Acknowledgement Statement III. Approval of Agenda IV. Minutes A. Heritage Preservation Commission meeting held Thursday, April 17, 2025 and Monday, April 21, 2025 V. New Business A. Review and Consider Recommending the Council Approve a Certificate of Appropriateness to construct an addition onto the Dorenkemper House (see attached Findings of Fact). (MacDonald and Mack to present plans) B. Students Present their Video of the Smith, Douglas, More House C. Ribbon Cutting for the Flying Red Horse VI. Old Business VII. Reports from Subcommittees A. Native American History / Outreach B. New Heritage Preservation Site Designations HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA May 19, 2025 Page 2 C. Renovation / Maintenance / Development D. Documentation / Historical Records / Outreach VIII. Reports from Students IX. Reports of Commission and Staff X. Reports on Historical Society A. General Update (Paul/Bob) XI. FYI Items XII. Next Meeting A. Monday, June 16, 2025 XIII. Adjournment UNAPPROVED MINUTES JOINT MEETING BETWEEN THE EDEN PRAIRIE HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION AND THE EDEN PRAIRIE HISTORICAL SOCIETY THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025 7:00 P.M. Meeting Heritage Rooms, City Hall HPC COMMISSION MEMBERS: Steve Schumacher (Chair); Paul Thorp (Vice-Chair); Rod Fisher; George Maxwell; Robert Bowes; Andy Ludowese; Catherine Lau, Prima Sisinni, Lisa Rude HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBERS: Kathie Case-Pres., Paul Thorp-Vice Pres., Chris Honaas Wildfang Treasurer, Tom Achartz-Museum Curator, Mary Meier- Secretary, Kelley Regan-CPG House Chair and Directors: Bob Bowes, Devyn Stanton, Bob Prince, Duane Hookom, Suzanne Berg COMMISSION STAFF: Beth Novak-Krebs, Staff Liaison Kristin Harley, Recording Secretary STUDENT MEMBERS: Nico Allen, Kadie Crider, Jacob Holje, Hardhik Kommalapati, Amuktha Pothamsetti, Annika Rice I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Chair Schumacher called the meeting to order at 6:11. The commission members of both commissions introduced themselves. HPC Commissioner Lau was absent. II. NEW BUSINESS A. HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION UPDATES Case stated she was on the first HPC back in 1989. The Historical Society was designated to care for collections by then-Mayor Osterholt in 1969. The Heritage Preservation Committee was under the umbrella of the City Council. She gave an overview of the significance of the Historical Society’s partnership with the HPC. Paul Maravelas was involved with the HPC in the early years; then John Gertz, historian, was the staff liaison. The City’s sense of value of history has improved since then. She described how the Cummins Phipps Grill House was almost lost to a ballfield. EDEN PRAIRIE HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION April 17, 2025 Page 2 Schumacher commended the Mayor’s and City Council’s dedication to history. He summarized the HPC’s efforts to preserve history in Eden Prairie. Fisher gave an overview of his work with indigenous and pre-settler history. He wished to find a way to tell history that was less documented. Not much progress was made in talks with the Shakopee nation, but the HPC realized it had some documented pre-settler history, and managed to put together a report and book proposal to be written by Paul Maravelas and Zach Mohlis. This was a year-and-a-half timeline, with research being compiled into a manuscript, which would become a book and an online report and bibliography. Schumacher summarized the grants and other funding sources for the book proposal. Achartz asked since the historical role of the HPC was to preserve buildings, how this work blended into Historical Society’s sphere of influence, and how this aligned with the intent of the commission. Thorp stated his role was to give Maravelas the research, and he was a joint member of the HPC and the Historical Society. Case stated the HPC received the structural grants, whereas the Historical Society received smaller grants. The Historical Society also returned half the money raised from activities such as Santa to the Cummins Phipps Grill House. In her opinion the two organizations complemented each other. She gave an overview of the restoration of the House. Maxwell stated once the book was written people will know what is in the Historical Society’s collection. Schumacher added the specific mission was to 1. safeguard the heritage of the City by preserving its sites and structures, to 2. promote the preservation and continued use of the historical sites and structures for the education and general welfare of the people of the City, and 3. fostering civic pride in the beautiful and noble accomplishments of the past. Novak-Krebs stated education had been a particular focus lately. Case emphasized the two organizations did not do the same thing. Case spoke of the commission’s emphasis on adaptive reuse and Schumacher explained the student project video. Case added the Historical Society was a resource for information not in the files. Novak-Krebs announced the interpretive panels for Flying Red Horse arrived and were ready to be installed. There would be a conversation Monday on the timing for construction of the plaza, installing the panels and a community event and a ribbon-cutting. Regarding the development on the site of Marshall Farm, the development agreement was being finalized. Once that was done, there would be no demolition until the HPC completed photo documentation of the structures and property. Thorp explained the upcoming events at the Dorenkemper House, and Novak-Krebs explained the City was still working on adaptive reuse of the house, which included adding restrooms. Case stated in June there would be an event with food trucks, and Picnic on the Farm would be held July 16, at 6:00 p.m. EDEN PRAIRIE HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION April 17, 2025 Page 3 Thorp stated that they could use some help when they do tours of the house to monitor the kids that go through. There would be a bluegrass music band. Schumacher asked for large Historical Society projects the HPC could help with. Case’s suggestions included a trolley tour, the Calico Ball held at Steve Schussler’s barn, with square dancing and hay bales in a Green Acres theme. On May 9 and 10 the Prop Shop would be held, which had raised $4000 in two days last fall. Santa brought in 4,000 people every year, and this year his visit would start two weeks before Thanksgiving. Case invited the HPC to hold events and have meetings in the house. She described the cessation of the tree selling due to their small size, and described the Sharing Tree event. Schumacher suggested also working with the Human Rights and Diversity Commission. Other suggestions were an Amazing Race idea with a stamped passbook/Past Port concept. Sisinni suggested an accompanying app, and Lisa Rude suggested a digital photo plus the physical Past Port stamp. Case suggested Peoplefest and stated Katie Qualey wanted a scarecrow contest. Case suggested a Founding Day event collaboration and lamented that despite Eden Prairie being a river town, one could not access the river. Also, one could not drive to see the Flying Red Horse, and she emphasized the need to have some kind of river destination. Discussion followed on RT Anderson park. Fisher asked the parameters of “historical.” Achartz asked which demographics groups were missing. Discussion followed on the difficulty of starting the conversation, valuing the history of others as advocates for history. Fisher stated he lives on Duck Lake with Gordon Storhaug*? had asked him for photos. Case suggested gathering Peoplefest information to create a file: when did new residents come, why, and from where? There was no historian on staff at Eden Prairie, but Thorp stated a clipping file was being built. Stanton offered to take new photos and videos and create short records. Achartz noted it could be difficult to collect history, especially in the digital age. Schumacher added more photos were fake today. Cheryl Ahlcrona stated she was a member of the Lake Minnetonka-Excelsior Historical Society and described the “waiting to die” group of longtime members. Case announced the Annual Meeting on May 15 at 6:00 p.m. and invited all present to attend. She also invited them to become members. Schumacher asked for and received confirmation a report from the HPC was on the Historical Society agenda, and a report from the Historical Society was on the HPC agenda. III. OLD BUSINESS EDEN PRAIRIE HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION April 17, 2025 Page 4 IV.. NEXT MEETING The next HPC meeting will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Rooms, City Hall. The next Historical Society meeting will be held on May 15, 2025. V. . ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Maxwell moved, seconded by Fisher to adjourn. Motion carried 8-0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:09 p.m. UNAPPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2025 7:00 P.M. Meeting Heritage Rooms, City Hall HPC COMMISSION MEMBERS: Steve Schumacher (Chair); Paul Thorp (Vice-Chair); Rod Fisher; George Maxwell; Robert Bowes; Andy Ludowese; Catherine Lau, Prima Sisinni, Lisa Rude COMMISSION STAFF: Beth Novak-Krebs, Staff Liaison Kristin Harley, Recording Secretary STUDENT MEMBERS: Nico Allen, Kadie Crider, Jacob Holje, Hardhik Kommalapati, Amuktha Pothamsetti, Annika Rice I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Chair Schumacher called the meeting to order at 7:00. Absent was commissioner Bowes, as were student representatives Pothamsetti, Rice and Kommalapati. II. READING OF LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENT Fisher read the land acknowledgement statement. III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Lau moved, seconded by Maxwell to approve the agenda. Motion carried 8- 0. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: Maxwell moved, seconded by Lau to approve the minutes of the March 17, 2025 meeting. Motion carried 8-0. V. NEW BUSINESS A. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS AND INTRODUCTIONS Schumacher welcomed the new commission members and had each commission member introduce themselves in turn. EDEN PRAIRIE HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION April 21, 2025 Page 2 REVIEW NOMINATION FOR THE HERITAGE PRESERVATION AWARD AND SELECT WINNER Schumacher announced the nomination. Lau explained the video being produced by the student representatives. Discussion followed on the project. Novak-Krebs explained the nomination for Eden Prairie Schools. In 1924, the Consolidated School was constructed and it included a state-of-the-art gymnasium. In 2024, Eden Prairie Schools celebrated 100-years of school history. The gym was an important historical landmark and the Eden prairie Schools held events in the gym so residents could see it. Thorp explained the Historical Society meeting at the gym six years ago had been a success. He explained the refurbishing of the doors. He commended the school for its efforts for the celebration. Fisher emphasized the school was not obligated to protect the gym; school staff had chosen to do so. Thorp stated there was not a particular individual named; the school was the recipient of the award. Novak-Krebs stated she would contact event coordinator Molly Malone to see who would accept the award, presented May 6 at the City Council meeting. Discussion followed on the nomination. MOTION: Schumacher moved, seconded by Maxwell to approve the award for Eden Prairie Schools historic preservation nomination. Motion carried 8-0. Novak-Krebs offered to write up the presentation of the award. VI. OLD BUSINESS VII. REPORTS OF SUBCOMMITTEES A. NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY OUTREACH B. NEW HERITAGE PRESERVATION SITE DESIGNATIONS C. RENOVATION/MAINTENANCE DEVELOPMENT D. DOCUMENTATION/HISTORICAL RECORDINGS/OUTREACH VIII. REPORTS OF STUDENTS Crider, Holje and Allen introduced themselves. Allen announced the video would be available by the next meeting and able to be shown at the banquet on May 22. Holje explained the final interview and footage was ready. Schumacher invited the student representatives to the banquet. EDEN PRAIRIE HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION April 21, 2025 Page 3 IX. REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND STAFF X. REPORTS OF HISTORICAL SOCIETY Thorp stated the joint meeting was a success, with refreshments and tours. The Annual Meeting would be held May 15 at 6:00 p.m. at the Cummins Phipps Grill House, with guest speakers who were longtime farmers in Eden Prairie. Novak-Krebs stated that once the development project entitlements were completed for the Marshall Farm, the developer would notify her when commission members could visit the site to take photographs. The Vintage Sale would be held May 9 and 10. This included the Prop Shop Sale. There would be a picnic June 4 at 3:30 p.m. with the City Council and City staff, serving hot dogs and beer. On July 16 there would be a City event at the Dorenkemper House. The Historical society would have a table at People fest on July 27. September 9 would be the 100th anniversary of Camp Edenwood, and the event would begin at 5:00 p.m. Lau stated she was a member of PEO, a woman’s organization, which was seeking a summer social activity that would also be educational, and requested the Cummins House and suggested a tour. The event would be held Thursday, July 17 in the morning for 20 members. XI. FYI ITEMS Thorp urged another attempt at a national designation of the Smith Douglas More House, trying to tie this in with the Depot. (The people who ran the Depot lived in the Smith Douglas More House.) Schumacher requested an update on the Depot nomination. Novak-Krebs explained there had been a conversation with the Rail Authority, which opposed any use restrictions but not signs or the clearing of brush. Discussion followed on the definition of “use” that could be restricted. Schumacher explained the only restriction would be any digging, which was unlikely. Thorp stated the Rail Authority could not stop the nomination, which it would not do. Novak-Krebs stated it was important to maintain relationships between the City and other entities. Novak-Krebs suggested the Voluntary Heritage Site designation and plaque. Discussion followed on the possible consequences of an alternate, such as a voluntary or a restricted, designation. EDEN PRAIRIE HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION April 21, 2025 Page 4 Thorp clarified the designation would require the City of Eden Prairie to review all future uses. People’s memories were short; designation prevented damage done due to this. Fisher asked Novak-Krebs to explore with City staff a designation that would satisfy the Railroad Authority’s concerns. Novak-Krebs agreed, adding the City had put a lot of thought into the water reservoir and pump house site, and would not be likely to change the site detrimentally later. Lau emphasized the point was the recognition of the historical importance of the site. Rude stated the point was to have a process in place if a permit were to be pulled on the site. Thorp gave the example of the sidewalk that was almost placed across the site a few years ago. Sisinni suggested a two-step process, to get the designation completed, then working with the City to refine the language. Thorp reiterated that making the connection to the Depot might help the designation of the Smith Douglas More House, which SHPO did not consider historically significant at the time. The Depot could be added to the historic map of the site showing its importance. Schumacher requested this discussion be continued at the next meeting and for Novak-Krebs retrieve the write-up from years ago. Thorp stated the research that was tied to the Smith House. XII. NEXT MEETING The next HPC meeting will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Rooms, City Hall. XIII. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Maxwell moved, seconded by Fisher to adjourn. Motion carried 8-0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m. 1 Riley Lake Park Dorenkemper House Lake Riley TO: Heritage Preservation Commission FROM: Beth Novak-Krebs, Staff Liaison for HPC DATE: May 19, 2025 PROJECT: COA – 2025-01-0010 Findings of Fact Recommendation Building Addition REQUEST AND BACKGROUND The Dorenkemper house located at 9090 Riley Lake Road was designated a Heritage Preservation Site on November 17, 2015. The City is proposing to construct an addition onto the building to accommodate a restroom and mechanical room so the building can support an adaptive reuse. As a Heritage Preservation Site, a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required to change the exterior appearance. Any proposed change, addition or alteration to a building, structure or site must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Historic Preservation Projects. After considering the recommendation from the Heritage Preservation Commission, the City Council will hold a public hearing and has final approval of the COA. 2 The request for a Certificate of Appropriateness seeks approval of the following: construction of an approximately 165 square-foot building addition onto the south side of the building just off the kitchen. The City owns the house and the property. The house was built in the 1850’s and it was originally located at 18925 Pioneer Trail. The house was moved to Riley Lake Park in 2002. The house consists of two connected structural units: a one-and-one-half story hewn logcore and a one-story balloon-framed kitchen wing addition. The core of the house is a single-pen log structure made of eight courses of stacked hardwood timbers laid horizontally and fastened together with interlocking V-notches at the corners. The house was restored in 2006 and is in an excellent state of preservation. Location of proposed addition 3 The building addition is proposed to be located at the end of the one-story portion. The addition is 8’ by 20’ 9” which is 165 square feet. The addition will include a restroom and a mechanical room. The addition is designed to match the exterior appearance of the building. The roofline, building material, and window will blend with the existing building. The house is currently used as a museum of sorts with much of the original furniture. The Historical Society provides tours of the home. The house is open to the public during events such as Harvest to Halloween and Picnics in the Park. For several years, the City Council and the Heritage Preservation Commission have been discussing ideas for increasing awareness of the house and its history and possible adaptive reuse. Ideas have included an ice cream parlor, restaurant, coffee shop or a local small business. Until recently, adaptive reuse was limited because the house has no running water, 4 no restrooms, no heat and limited electricity. In 2024, sanitary sewer and water lines were extended to the house and the electrical panel has been upgraded in preparation of future adaptive reuse. The proposed improvements include HVAC for heat and air conditioning and a restroom. The adaptive reuse being proposed for the house is an independent bookstore. The bookstore operator/owner wants to provide a cosey atmosphere where customers will relax, explore books and have meaningful experiences. The owner is planning to keep some of the furniture in the home and she intends to respect the history of the home. The owner of the bookstore will lease the house from the City. The application for the Certificate of Appropriateness pertains to the improvements to the structure. A Conditional Use Permit application will be forthcoming for the adaptive reuse of the home. The Conditional Use Permit requires approval by both the Heritage Preservation Commission and the City Council. FINDINGS OF FACT • The proposed building addition and the building materials are found to meet general preservation standards applicable to this application request. The Heritage Preservation Commission may wish to adopt and recommend to the City Council the following Findings, based on the criteria in City Code, Section 11.38, Subd. 8. A., Criteria for Alteration of Historic Preservation Sites and Subd. 8. C., Criteria for Certificate of Appropriateness. C.1. Every reasonable effort shall be made to provide a compatible use for the property which requires minimal alteration of the buildings, structure, or site and its environment, or to use the property for its originally intended purpose. The adaptive reuse of the structure as an independent bookstore requires the addition of a restroom and mechanical room for the HVAC. The proposed addition will be located on the south side of the kitchen. The bookstore does not require extensive modification of the house. The proposed building addition is only 165 square feet. The historic nature of the home will add to the ambiance of the bookstore. The plans do not include modifications beyond what is absolutely necessary. C.2. The distinguishing original qualities or character of a building, structure or site and its environment shall not be destroyed. The removal of any historic material or distinctive features should be avoided when possible. When the building was restored, the exterior was clad with horizontal weatherboard siding and the roofs were covered with cedar shingles. The building addition will be constructed to match the overall appearance of the building, maintaining the historic 5 appearance and character of the building. The building addition is not being added to the one- and-one-half story hewn logcore. The logcore will remain intact. The addition will be constructed off the end of the one-story balloon-framed kitchen wing. The building addition does not radically change, obscure, or destroy character-defining spaces, materials, features, or finishes. Although the building was moved, its current environment is reminiscent of a farmstead. The house is a nineteenth century farm dwelling and is located in an area of the park with open fields, adjacency to the Riley Jaques barn, and a view of the lake. The building addition will not impact the characteristics of its location. C.3. All buildings, structures and sites shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that have no historical basis and which seek to create an earlier appearance shall be avoided. The building addition will maintain the current appearance of the house. The pattern of fenestration will be maintained. The existing roofline over the kitchen will be maintained. The building materials will match the existing house. C.4. Changes which have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a building, structure or site and its environment. These changes may have acquired significance in their own right, and this significance shall be recognized and respected. Not applicable. C.5. Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterizes a building, structure, or site shall be treated with sensitivity. The building will continue to look like a farmhouse. The addition does not impact the logcore of the home, and the exterior treatments will match the existing character. C.6. Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced, whenever possible. In the event replacement is necessary, the new material should match the material being replaced in composition, design, color, texture, and other visual qualities. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features should be based on accurate duplications of features, substantiated by historic, physical, or pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or the availability of different architectural elements from other buildings or structures. The building addition will maintain the current appearance of the house. C.7. The surface cleaning of structures shall be undertaken with the gentlest means possible. Sandblasting and other cleaning methods that will damage historic building materials shall not be undertaken. 6 Not applicable. C.8. Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and preserve archaeological resources affected by, or adjacent to, any acquisition, stabilization, preservation, rehabilitation, restoration or reconstruction project. There are no known archeological resources near the house. C.9. The Commission and the Council shall also consider, when appropriate, the Secretary of The Interior’s Specific Standards for Preservation Projects. The Secretary of The Interior’s Standards for The Treatment of Historic Properties and Guidelines for The Treatment of Cultural Landscapes were considered in the review of this application. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval of the application as submitted. RECOMMENDED MOTION The Heritage Preservation Commission has found that the building addition as submitted by the City of Eden Prairie, meets the general preservation and rehabilitation standards and recommends the City Council approve COA 2025-01-0010. DISCLAIMER: The City of Eden Prairie does not warranty the accuracy nor the correctnessof the information contained in this map. It is your responsibility to verify the accuracyof this information. In no event will The City of Eden Prairie be liable for any damages,including loss of business, lost profits, business interruption, loss of business informationor other pecuniary loss that might arise from the use of this map or the information itcontains. Map information is believed to be accurate but accuracy is not guaranteed.Any errors or omissions should be reported to The City of Eden Prairie. *Any aerial photography and parcel geometry was obtained from Hennepin County and allusers are bound by the express written contract between Hennepin County and the Cityof Eden Prairie. Scale:1:3,600 ² Addresses Parcels 0 300 ft Certificate of Appropriateness - DorenkemperCertificate of Appropriateness - Dorenkemper %PSclLcNQcS )PsTc LA.E RILE< Riley ParN