The Minnesota PPThereservationistreservationist Minnesota Issue 2, 2012

HistoryHistory BeneathBeneath OurOur FeetFeet atat FujiFuji YaYa Table of Contents

Features Help for the Historic Homeowner Erin Hanafi n Berg 4 The Minnesota Inspired by Pioneers, Volunteers are Saving Preservationist an 1852 Schoolhouse Volume 15, Number 2 Mavis and Bob Voigt 5-6 Issue 2, 2012 History Beneath Our Feet— The Archaeology of the Fuji-Ya Site Preservation Alliance of Minnesota Peer Halvorsen and Jennifer Bring, The 106 Group Ltd. 9-12 416 Landmark Center In Pursuit of Main Street Designation 75 W. Fifth Street Della Schmidt 13 Saint Paul, MN 55102-9775 651.293.9047 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mnpreservation.org

Board of Directors Good News , Minneapolis, Chair Advocates for the Bemidji Carnegie Library , Rochester, Vice Chair , CPA, Farmington, Treasurer Take a Giant Step Forward , Saint Paul, Secretary Katherine Scott 14-15 , Minneapolis Rogers Columns , Saint Paul , Minneapolis Editor’s Note , Saint Paul Will O’Keefe 3 , Minneapolis Perspectives on Preservation: Matt Hill, Saint Paul Norman Jones III, Minneapolis Jennie Eukel 7-8 , Excelsior Minnesota Main Street Vanessa Matiski, Saint Paul Emily Northey 16 , Minneapolis , Wayzata Out Standing in the Field , Winona Erin Hanafi n Berg 17-18 , Minneapolis The Last Word , Minneapolis Bonnie McDonald 19 E x - O c i o Where Is It? *, Saint Paul Bill Morgan 20 , Saint Paul

Honorary Director , Saint Paul

S t a  , Executive Director , Field Representative , Minnesota Main Street Program Coordinator , Communications & Programs Coordinator

Editing Team , Editors , Design Production of this issue of The Minnesota Preservationist Contributors to this Issue was made possible through a generous grant from the Erin Hanafi n Berg, Wayne Boyd, Jennifer Bring, Jessica Norman Dewey, Jennie Eukel, Peer Halvorsen, Christine Lick, Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation Bonnie McDonald, Bill Morgan, Emily Northey, Will O’Keefe, Della Schmidt, Katherine Scott, of Rochester, Minnesota Mavis and Bob Voigt

*State Historic Preservation Offi cer The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota is a private, nonprofi t, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting Minnesota’s historic resources. PAM is a Statewide Partner of the National Trust for On the Cover Historic Preservation. Views expressed in The Minnesota Preservationist do not necessarily refl ect the position of more on the fascinating story of Fuji-Ya. the organization or its board of directors.

Photo courtesy of the 106 Group Ltd.

2 THE MINNESOTA PRESERVATIONIST Editor’s Note ne of the incredibly unique things about my job as Othe Communication & Programs Coordinator for the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota is that I get to speak with some of the most dedicated and optimistic people. Each issue we try to tell some of the “Good News” in preservation, but this issue, combined with a few recent events, provides me with such excitement and good feelings about preservationists. It’s probably easiest to just lay out a few examples of this:

• Gene and Maxine Schmidt (see right) declared April 18th to be “Hug a Historic Building Day” and celebrated by hugging the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment. If people are celebrating “Talk Like a Pirate Day” and “Hug a Blogger” then I would like to second Gene and Maxine’s declaration.

• We held our fi rst pub crawl of the year last month; what an amazing turnout! We explored some of the historic drinking establishments in the West 7th Neighborhood of Saint Paul. Sixty people purchased tickets for the event, with attendees spanning more than fi ve decades in age. It was pretty amazing to walk throughout the crowd seeing the smiling faces and conversations being had, all in the name of historic buildings.

• In this issue you’ll read about the advocacy e ort for the Bemidji Carnegie Library. We’ve seen time and again that local politicians are unwilling to see historic buildings as assets and yet in Bemidji, we saw an incredible changing of hearts and minds.

• The Minnesota Main Street program held its fi rst Basic Training of the year in New Ulm and had so many attendees that we needed to go out and buy a whole lot more nametags.

• I received an email from Mavis and Bob Voigt (who you will read about a little later in the issue) telling of the celebration planned for when the SOS: Save Our School Campaign Steering Committee o cially takes ownership of the Valley School in Point Douglas, Minnesota after raising $40,000 to purchase the building.

• The HPC in Minneapolis reviewed the city’s application for demolition of Peavey Plaza, a modernist landmark, and denied it. Despite the City Council overruling the HPC in Minneapolis, we want to give them credit for their review of the city’s application to demolish Peavey Plaza. In denying the request, they stood up. We thank all HPC members for their time and energy ensuring that historic resources are given fair consideration before irreparable damage can be done.

Thinking back on each of these things, I can’t help but smile a little bit knowing that the people who support us and that we hope to represent Welcome New Members! and enable to the best of our abilities are so awesome. Thank you all! Conley Brooks, Wayzata Lorrie Buirge, Minneapolis As always, if you have any comments, positive or negative feedback, Arielle Courtney, Minneapolis please feel free to email me at [email protected]. Jeanne Daily, Elverson, PA Richard Henderson, Saint Paul Barbara Howard, Saint Paul Shannon Malzahn, Osage Aaron Martin, Saint Paul Will O’Keefe Multivista, Maple Grove Editor Sam O’Connell, Burnsville David Parker, Stillwater Nick Pernsteiner, Champlin Anita Robeson, Southlake, TX Jennifer Schilling, Saint Paul Arturo Steely, Minneapolis Brian Wagner, Eau Claire, WI

WWW.MNPRESERVATION.ORG 3 |features| Help for the Historic Homeowner By Erin Hanafi n Berg

y heart always sinks a little when I receive a message that a household has to be near the poverty line to be Mlike this one, from Jenny in Duluth: eligible—the guidelines are often set as a percentage of the area’s median household income. (You might be I am wondering if there are any programs, funding surprised to learn what qualifi es as “low-income” in your or loan options for purchasing a home that needs community.) restoration. The home is not on the historic registry, but it is a beautiful brick house built in 1913 that needs Rebates for energy-e cient appliance upgrades extensive repairs. The house is in foreclosure, and I (furnace, refrigerator, water heater, etc.) are often would like to learn about any programs that might available through the local utility company or exist to help me restore it as my primary residence. community-based energy agency. In Duluth, the local Unfortunately, there are very few preservation utility is Minnesota Power, which has an extensive list programs available in Minnesota to help residential of rebates. DEEP —Duluth Energy E ciency Program— property owners. The new state rehabilitation tax credit o ers up to $2,500 in rebates for all income levels. is only available for income-producing properties that Weatherization assistance for low-income residents are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. is available across the state, accessed through local Grants, like the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grants, partners like the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity typically can only be used by non-profi t organizations Agency in Duluth. (If you plan to undertake or municipal entities. Minnesota had a property tax weatherization improvements, be sure to read our exemption program, called This Old House, that allowed information on window rehabilitation before you assume homeowners to freeze their local property taxes at that your windows need replacing!) the pre-renovation value for up to fi fteen years, but There are also some special HUD-fi nanced rehab loans the program ended in 2003 and the legislature has available through mortgage companies and banks. seemed reluctant to reauthorize it. We lag behind our According to HUD, “The borrower can get just one neighbors in Wisconsin, where a 25% income tax credit mortgage loan, at a long-term fi xed (or adjustable) rate, is available for historic homeowners; reportedly, more to fi nance both the acquisition and the rehabilitation than 16,000 historic houses might qualify. In terms of of the property” (as opposed to a fi rst mortgage, historic preservation funding, Minnesota homeowners which would fi nance the purchase of the property pre- come up short. renovation, and then higher-rate construction loans to But other funding-assistance programs out there fund the rehab work). Also, there are still programs can help, and many people don’t know to turn fi rst through Minnesota Housing to assist fi rst-time to their local housing agencies. Many Community homebuyers, or buyers who have not owned a home Development Corporations (CDCs) have residential within the past three years. MHFA’s CASA program housing improvements and neighborhood stability as includes a “purchase and repair” option, but it is only the core of their missions and may have loans, grants, available in targeted areas and both income limits and or other fi nancial resources available. In Duluth, for purchase price limits apply. example, Neighborhood Housing Services is the local Financial assistance is available for rehabilitating lending partner that provides access to the Minnesota an older home, but you need to know where to look. Housing Finance Agency’s (MHFA) Fix-Up Funds. Hopefully this gives Jenny, and others like her, a place Oftenincome qualifi cations apply, but this doesn’t mean to start.

4 THE MINNESOTA PRESERVATIONIST Inspired by Pioneers, Volunteers are saving an 1852 Schoolhouse By Mavis and Bob Voigt

wo former students of the historic TValley School in Denmark Township joined more than 50 other guests on May Day to witness the rebirth of one of Minnesota’s oldest schoolhouses. Built in 1852, Valley School still stands at its original site on St. Croix Trail in south Washington County, the only publicly- owned building left of what once was the village of Point Douglas.

“When I was 14 years old,” said Richard Hullander, one of the former students, “I had my fi rst job opening the school in the morning, starting the fi re and doing some cleaning. Sometimes we kids would take our rifl es to school so we could shoot squirrels on the way home. We had a lot of fun.”

For 94 years, the school grew alongside the old Point Douglas area, which

was founded in 1849 and predates Photo courtesy of Wayne Boyd Minnesota’s statehood. Like other rural schools, the historic structure was more Historic Photo of Valley School than a school—it was a community center, where families participated A highlight of the Valley School May Day event was in box suppers, school programs, a group of children carrying baskets of fl owers to meetings and more. symbolize new life for the school. “Thank you for saving School consolidations in 1946 led the children to attend the school for us,” they said, as they gave the fl owers to classes in Hastings, yet the schoolhouse remained a people in the audience. The children also enjoyed trying center of the Woman’s Club activities like card parties, out a pair of old desks in the school, brought in for the teas, luncheons and meetings. In 1972 the building was occasion. purchased by the Peterson family, who cared for it until Dean Peterson—of the Peterson family—presented a just last year, when they agreed to sell Valley School to symbolic key to Society President Wayne Boyd and the Demark Township Historical Society for $80,000. expressed his pleasure that his own children will be able

WWW.MNPRESERVATION.ORG 5 to visit the restored school some day. Guests cheered when Society member Bob Voigt announced the successful completion of Phase I of the campaign, which involved raising $40,000 to meet a May 1 deadline. “Thanks to all the generous people in the community who made donations, we are now the o cial owners of Valley School,” he said.

The Society will raise another $40,000 by May 1, 2013 to complete the purchase, and an additional $45,000 to restore the building. Society members will work with educators and board of education representatives to develop classroom experiences for children in the restored school. They also will o er free public events and programs on historic topics in the schoolhouse.

Society President Wayne Boyd talked about the historic value of the school’s site at 13728 Saint Croix Trail South, where the Saint Croix and Mississippi Rivers meet. “There is a lot of history here,” he said, “and we want to help people learn about it.”

More information about the SOS: Save Our School project is available by contacting Jean Boyd, 651-436-8031, [email protected]; or Sharon Lewandowski, 651-436-5664, [email protected]. Donations can be sent to Treasurer Lauren Cran, 7777 Quadrant Avenue South, Hastings MN 55033. Information is also available at dthsmn.org.

Top to Bottom: Dean Peterson (left) presents key to President Wayne Boyd; children try out the desks in Valley School; children carrying May baskets to the school PhotoS courtesy of Mavis A. Voigt

6 THE MINNESOTA PRESERVATIONIST |columns| Perspectives on Preservation Featuring Jennie Eukel By Jennie Eukel

rowing up, I’ve always been interested in design fascinating is that these architects designed the furniture Gand architecture from past eras. I’m not entirely pieces specifi cally for their own buildings. Aesthetically sure where this interest originated, but I am sure it has they wanted furniture pieces to look good and show o something to do with the fact that I was raised on movies their buildings, so they designed the pieces themselves. dating back from the 1930s though the 1960s. I love After learning this, I became intrigued and wanted to seeing the set design in these fi lms and how it helps to learn more about the homes and buildings in Minnesota create the entire mood of the fi lm. From my experience, that these architects helped design. I’ve found that the same principles can apply to a city’s architectural landscape. It was around this time that The architectural styles of I met the local Minnesota buildings can set the mood chapter of Documentation for an entire city, helping it and Conservation—Modern establish its identity. Movement, or DOCOMOMO. Joining as a board member Having lived in Minnesota gave me the opportunity for my entire life, I’ve always to learn more about the appreciated the various importance of Modernist architectural styles seen buildings and their increased throughout the state. It is risk of demolition. Many a hodgepodge of di erent of these buildings are designs and you can see too young to put on the the layers of history which National Register of Historic infl uenced di erent districts Places. Additionally, there and towns. I graduated with is a perception with select a degree in Art History, individuals who think that where I learned that we must some of the aesthetic look to past architecture styles of Modernism are and draw upon its elements not attractive enough to in order to understand the merit preservation. Because context for designing for of this, it can sometimes future buildings. Each city be di cult to convince has a historical past and it is government o cials to important to be thoughtful preserve these buildings of which buildings to keep or rather than tear them down. reuse in order to maintain the It is only decades later when city’s individuality. a certain style of architecture becomes en vogue that we I’ve always had an

regret Photo courtesy of Jennie Eukel tearing down some appreciation for design of our architectural jewels. and architecture from By joining DOCOMOMO, decades past, but I never o cially considered myself I realized how important it is to bring education and a preservationist until the last couple of years. I began awareness of these Modernist buildings, or we may risk working as an interior decorator at local stores including possibly eliminating many architecturally signifi cant Gabberts and Room and Board. Both stores o er structures from this time period. an assortment that includes reproductions of classic furniture pieces from various past eras of design. Again, I guess you could call me another accidental drawing upon my love of old movies and their set design, preservationist. Not long after I began volunteering with I fell in love with these furniture pieces. During my time DOCOMOMO, I became involved with the Preservation at Room and Board, I began researching the history Alliance of Minnesota’s Communications Committee. of the designers behind the Modern furniture pieces Since then, I have learned much about how good design and discovered that most of these individuals worked and architectural preservation go hand in hand. I have primarily as architects. One thing I particularly found learned there are ways to demonstrate the importance of

WWW.MNPRESERVATION.ORG 7 Right: Top Hat, 1935 Below: The lobby of the W Hotel during PAM’s Historic Pub Crawl in 2011.

standing up for these older buildings so we don’t risk losing signifi cant parts of our city’s past to generic mass-produced structures or parking lots. There are always going to be people who think the only way to keep a city progressing is to tear down existing properties, but the bigger challenge is to look at these spaces and try to fi gure out how we can keep these places, restore them and bring them up to date.

One great example of turning a building around is the W Hotel located in the 1929 Foshay Tower. At one time this building was an outdated o ce complex, but since its transformation, the building has been brought back to life. It is now a destination for many locals looking for a classy and fun way to spend a night out, as well as travelers who fi nd refuge in one of the

229 luxury guest rooms. By revitalizing this building, it is once Photo courtesy of Jennie Eukel and Will O’Keefe again an icon in the Minneapolis skyline.

There are also numerous examples of revived historical Main Street districts around Minnesota. I went to college in Northfi eld, so I got to see fi rsthand how the historic buildings played an important part in bringing tourists and visitors to the city to support the businesses and shops occupying these buildings on their Main Street, Division Street. Northfi eld also has a supportive community and history center which encourages activities and events to bring people out to support these independently owned businesses.

Every year, there is a big turnout for the Defeat of Jesse James Days, which hosts re-enactments of their famous bank raid. In addition to this event, there are numerous other events hosted on the historical street. By getting out to these Main Streets across Minnesota, not only are you showing love for your local businesses, but you are also helping to keep these historical buildings relevant in today’s ever-changing architectural landscape.

Whether you are a student, a designer, an architect, a historian, a landscape designer or one of the many other creative professionals, there is a chance you may be a preservationist and not even know it! If you have a love of design, it is hard to turn your head away from these at-risk buildings that shaped Minnesota‘s identity as being rich in both history and culture. I encourage you to take part in becoming a member or volunteering your time to help our preservationist community. From my experiences, I have discovered that good design never goes out of style!

Jennie Eukel is the founder and editor of Twin Cities Design Scene. She is founding board member of DOCOMOMO US MN and volunteers with Preservation Alliance of Minnesota. She is also an arts and design enthusiast and loves to help the community with branding, marketing and PR.

8 THE MINNESOTA PRESERVATIONIST History Beneath our Feet— The Archaeology of the Fuji-Ya Site By Peer Halvorsen and Jennifer Bring, The 106 Group Ltd.

tarting in the mid nineteenth century, the milling and A number of contributing archaeological resources are Stransportation network that developed surrounding also found within the Saint Anthony Falls Historic District. the Saint Anthony Falls in Minneapolis played a pivotal The most well known of these are located in Mill Ruins role in the development of Minneapolis as a major United Park where the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board States metropolitan area. The remnants of this key period has conducted excavations exposing and stabilizing in the history of Minneapolis are primarily encompassed historic walls and waterpower features associated with within the Saint Anthony Falls Historic District, which several historic mills. A lot of the historic resources is both locally designated and listed on the National have been documented within the Saint Anthony Falls Register of Historic Places. Resources within the historic Historic District; however, there are still areas within the district include the iconic Stone Arch Bridge built by district that have not been investigated, particularly for James J. Hill in 1883, as well as the Hall and Dann Barrel archaeological resources. Until recently, one such area Company Factory built in 1877, which supplied barrels was the former Fuji Ya restaurant site, a curving parcel for the Minneapolis fl our industry. Also contributing to bounded by West River Parkway on the northeast, the the district is the Minneapolis Eastern Railway Company Third Avenue Bridge on the northwest, and South First Enginehouse, which served to shuttle the cars of fl our Street on the Southwest (Figure 2, next page). In 2006 The and grain to various mills and rail yards for transport to 106 Group Ltd. completed an archaeological investigation the rest of the country (Hess and Kudzia 1991). at the Fuji Ya site. During the investigation, remnants of

Figure 1. Fuji Ya Parcel Location and Surrounding Historic Properties Map courtesy of The 106 Group Ltd.

WWW.MNPRESERVATION.ORG 9 three historic mills and associated branches of a railcar system were identifi ed, all of which contribute to the rich history of Minneapolis’ historic riverfront.

History of the Fuji Ya Site Sawmilling was the fi rst industry to develop in Minneapolis and during 1856 - 1869 the city was dominated by this industry (Stark et al. 2006:9). Joel Bean Basset built two sawmills on the west bank of the Mississippi. The fi rst was located near the head of the First Street Canal, and after selling it, Bassett built his second one just north of the fi rst in 1870, located within the current Fuji Ya site (Figure 1). The second sawmill had a daily capacity of 100,000 board feet of lumber, 30,000 shingles and 30,000 laths and was run by a 200 horsepower turbine wheel (Morrison 1885:49). The Bassett and its associated turbines and boilers powered three mills in this area: itself, the Columbia Flour Mill, and the Occidental Feed Mill. Unfortunately, the sawmill burned down in 1897; however, the engine house survived the fl ames and continued to power the adjacent Columbia Flour Mill (Anfi nson 1984:95-96, 1989:55).

The Columbia was built by J.B. Bassett, Horace S. Wade, E. Zeidler and F.D. Zimmerman who collectively composed the Columbia Mill Company. Construction of the mill began in 1889 when the boiler room was built on the corner of the Bassett sawmill within what is now the Fuji Ya site (Figure 3). The Columbia employed 35 people and produced 1,200 barrels a day and was reputed to produce some of the best fl our in Minneapolis (Morrison 1885:48). It was also the fi rst mill in Minneapolis to adopt the new technology of the roller process of fl our milling, which reduced processing time and increased yield (NM 1891:225). In 1941, the upper fl oors of the Columbia mill collapsed and were torn down. The brick boiler room was subsequently used as a chemical lab and a bookstore in the late 1940s and the eastern foundations were later incorporated into the Fuji Ya restaurant during its expansion in 1974 (Stark, et al. 2006:14).

In 1883, the Occidental Feed Mill was built on the current Fuji Ya site by McAlister, Chase and Company and utilized the Bassett Sawmill’s waterpower turbines to operate. It was noted as having “a good trade on rye fl our” which was most often shipped to customers on the east coast (NM 1895:869; Figure 4). Like the Bassett, the Occidental also met an unfortunate end when it burned down in 1919 (Anfi nson 1989:54). It is now covered by an asphalt parking lot.

Figure 2. Bassett’s Second Sawmill, 1905 (Top) Photos courtesy ections of Minnesota Refl Figure 3. Columbia Flour Mill, 1899 (Middle) Figure 4. Occidental Flour Mill, 1898 (Bottom)

10 THE MINNESOTA PRESERVATIONIST Archaeological Investigations at the Fuji Ya Site Immediately west of the Columbia lay the remains of The Basset, Columbia, and Occidental mills now largely the Occidental Feed Mill buried beneath an asphalt lie in ruins and the only way to properly understand parking lot. Excavations in this parking lot revealed their role and context in Minneapolis history is through that the foundations of the Occidental and its attached their archaeological remains. Prior to 2006 little formal grain elevator and o ce were mostly intact (Stark, et al investigation was conducted on the Fuji Ya site. In 1986, 2006:36-40). Je rey Tordo of the Minnesota Historical Society During excavations of the Occidental Feed Mill a fourth conducted archaeological investigations in a parking lot site was unexpectedly found. Adjacent and to the north to the east of the Fuji Ya restaurant. He uncovered the of the Occidental and Columbia a railcar scale pit and northern wall of the City Waterworks and a small section associated scale were uncovered completely intact. of a wheelhouse. His recommendation was to avoid the Through research it was discovered that these tracks remains to preserve the integrity of the underground were most likely operated by the Minneapolis Eastern structures (Stark, et al. 2006:7). Railway Company, which was incorporated in 1878 with After 1986, no formal investigations of the site were the objective of building a railroad between St. Paul and conducted for 20 years until The 106 Group Ltd. conducted Minneapolis with branches to all of the mills and factories a larger archaeological evaluation of the area as part of in the area (Prosser 1966:144; Stark, et al. 2006:41; a potential development project. Archaeologists used Figure 6). trenching and hand excavation techniques to uncover remains of former structures and record any intact structures incorporated into existing buildings. During the investigation, remnants of the Bassett’s Second Sawmill, Columbia Flour Mill, and the Occidental Feed Mill were identifi ed.

The intact foundations of the Bassett Sawmill’s boiler room were identifi ed underneath the Fuji Ya building and remnants of the mill’s wheelhouse were uncovered beneath a small parking lot to the east (Figure 5). The Basset mill was extremely important because it contained turbines and boilers that powered three mills. It is currently unknown where and how the power was transferred to the Columbia and Occidental mills; only further archaeological investigations could answer such questions (Stark, et al. 2006:27-28).

The Columbia Flour Mill was the most intact of the three mills. Located immediately west of the Bassett Sawmill lies the eastern portion of the Columbia, which was incorporated into the foundations of the Fuji Ya restaurant in 1974, creating two rooms in the basement of the building. Several excavated trenches revealed remains of the Columbia’s limestone walls with some of the walls showing signs of fi re (cover photo). Excavations of the mill’s associated grain elevator also yielded cups that transported grain up the elevator into a distributor (Stark, et al. 2006: 28-33).

Figure 5. Bassett Second Sawmill Southwestern Corner (Bottom)

Figure 6. 1892 Foote Map Showing Photo and map courtesy of The 106 Group Ltd. Minnesota Eastern Railway Lines (Top)

WWW.MNPRESERVATION.ORG 11 All of these sites demonstrated good integrity and Anfi nson, Scott F. were recommended as contributing properties to the 1984 Archaeological Potential on the West Side of the Central Minneapolis Waterfront: A Search for Archaeological Sites Along Saint Anthony Falls Historic District. The three historic the Proposed West River Parkway Extension. On fi le at the mills were recommended as contributing to the historic Minnesota State Historic Preservation Offi ce. St. Paul. district for their role within the Saint Anthony Falls milling district that propelled Minneapolis to the global 1989 Archaeology of the Central Minneapolis Riverfront Part 1: Historical Overview and Archaeological Potentials. The Minnesota forefront of lumber and fl our production. The mills were Archaeologist 48 (1-2). also identifi ed as important because of their potential to answer research questions, particularly related to how Hess, J.A. and C. Kudzia power was transferred from the turbines at the Bassett 1991 National Register of Historic Places. St. Anthony Falls to and through the Columbia and to the Occidental. The Historic District, St. Anthony Falls Waterpower Area. On fi le at the railcar pit and scale were recommended as contributing Minnesota State Historic Preservation Offi ce, St. Paul. to the historic district because of their relationship to the development of the falls area as the center of global Morrison, Andrew 1885 The Industries of Minneapolis; Her Trade, Commerce, fl our production in transporting feed, grain, and fl our to Manufactures and Representative Establishments. J.M. Elstner and from markets creating in turn the conditions to allow and Co., Minneapolis. Minneapolis to become the leading flour and feed milling city in the world (Stark et al. 2006). The Northwestern Miller (NM) 1891 Roller mill use in Minneapolis. The Northwestern Miller, 27 Preservation of these sites is important to the history of February. Minneapolis. Minneapolis as they represent the historic lumber and 1895 Improvements to the technology of the Occidental Feed fl our milling industries that spurred growth within the Mill. The Northwestern Miller, 18 September. Minneapolis. City and ultimately made it what it is today. 1895 The Occidental Feed Mill’s rye trade. The Northwestern Challenges to Preservation Miller, 18 December. Minneapolis. One of the most di cult challenges to the preservation Prosser, Richard S. of these historic sites is the force of nature. If exposed 1966 Rails to the North Star: One Hundred Years of Railroad and semi-exposed features of the site are left to the Evolution in Minnesota. Dillon Press, Minneapolis. elements the site will rapidly decay. When archaeological Stark, Will E., J. Tworzyanski, and A. Ketz. sites are destroyed, any unrecorded information they 2006 The Wave Development Analysis of Effects and Phase may have contained is completely lost and can never be II Archaeological Evaluation, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Submitted to City of Minneapolis Community recovered. If purposeful preservation measures are not Planning and Economic Development Department. On fi le at the taken to maintain these sites valuable information about Minnesota State Historic Preservation Offi ce. St. Paul. the history of Minneapolis will be lost. In essence, neglect can be a form of demolition. Tordoff, Jeffrey P. 1986 Phase I Archaeological Testing of the Fuji- Ya Parking Lot and Palisade Mill Sites. On fi le at the On the other hand, redevelopment of these sites without Minnesota State Historic Preservation Offi ce, St. Paul. a mind toward preservation may also lead to their destruction. It is imperative that any development in this area be done with utmost care to minimize adverse impacts to the ruins. Redevelopment should not only attempt to preserve these sites, but also strive for restoration of these ruins. While restored buildings can add a signifi cant aesthetic value to the landscape they also provide signifi cant opportunities for education. One of the best ways to convey historical information is through the places and objects themselves. To stand in a place of historical signifi cance has a much greater impact than reading about it in a book. Therefore, authenticity should be an essential component to any redevelopment and restoration of these sites. Finally, it should also be recognized that appropriate preservation and interpretation of these sites not only increases opportunity for education, but also increases the value of the city itself.

12 THE MINNESOTA PRESERVATIONIST In Pursuit of Main Street Designation By Della Schmidt, President, Winona Area Chamber of Commerce

he Winona Area Chamber of Commerce and the City beautifi cation e orts, shop local promotions, retail Tof Winona have journeyed together for more than a promotions, holiday lighting and even a themed window year to explore and position the community to pursue display contest. The City of Winona improved banner Main Street designation. But, the process for Winona signage, partnered with the Chamber on beautifi cation actually began several years ago. projects, enhanced bicycling routes in and around downtown and improved the Main Street/Mississippi In 2007, the City of Winona updated its Comprehensive River connection. Plan and as part of that initiative, a Revitalization Plan for downtown was also created. Hundreds of community The Winona Area Chamber took a further step in 2011. It volunteers participated in the process, including became an Associate Member of Minnesota Main Street numerous Chamber leaders. Clearly articulated in the and began sending sta to the training programs o ered fi nal documents was an understanding, even a vision, for by the program. Soon, the City of Winona also began a managed program for downtown revitalization. sending sta to appropriate conferences. Together, city The Winona Area Chamber implemented some of the and Chamber leaders began to cast a vision for creating recommendations included in the 2007 plan, such as a framework in Winona for establishing a designated Minnesota Main Street program for its downtown.

Today, many of the “puzzle pieces” of the four-point approach to Main Street have been introduced for downtown Winona. The City and Chamber have created a feasibility task force to begin taking the puzzle pieces, add in the fi nancial plan, and in the end develop the framework for a Main Street Program, managed by the Winona Chamber with the fi nancial partnership of the City. While still in the development stage, it is anticipated that the application for Main Street designation will be complete in 2012, and a full-time Main Street Program Manager will be employed by the end of the fi rst quarter of 2013.

As an Associate Member, the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce has been able to access and utilize both the professional sta and conference resources provided by Minnesota Main Street to lay a fi rm foundation from which the Winona Main Street program will soon emerge.

As part of the Winona Area Chamber’s efforts to pursue Main Street Designation, residents Photos courtesy of Della Schmidt participated in beautifi cation projects which have included planting fl owers along Main Street.

WWW.MNPRESERVATION.ORG 13 |good news| Advocates for the Bemidji Carnegie Library take a Giant Step Forward By Katherine Scott, PAM Communications Committee Chair

avid Gurney was born and raised in Bemidji. In 2008, they proceeded with information and a commitment to Dhe saw his hometown high school, a prominent changing the minds of the City Council. Bemidji landmark dating to 1923, razed. A group of local citizens had attended City Council meetings and Next, Save the Bemidji Carnegie Library organized protested in front of the school, but were ultimately a protest in front of the library. Roughly ten people unsuccessful in their attempts to save the beloved gathered and the advocates worried that the community building. was not taking them seriously. This setback gave them clear indication that they needed to keep the pressure In September of 2011, when the Bemidji City Council voted on and continue to raise awareness on the merits of unanimously to demolish the Carnegie Library, the former preserving the library. Bemidji High School advocates went on the defensive. The loss of the high school three years before had taught At the request of Alan Brew, Bemidji Historic Preservation the advocates some valuable lessons about what needed Commission chair, another vote on the Carnegie Library to be done. Gurney immediately set up a Facebook page was taken at a city council meeting on January 17. The called “Save the Bemidji Carnegie Library” to pool the council upheld their decision to demolish the library, but resources and varying talents that people in the Bemidji instead of a unanimous vote, the motion barely passed area had to o er. He hoped to raise awareness and collect “Despite feeling for so long like the City Council was not listening signatures for a petition to to us … when we got the citizens of Bemidji to work together and save the library. Immediately contact their representatives, the City Council did the right thing.” hundreds of people joined the Facebook group. An informal —David Gurney, Save the Bemidji Carnegie Library petition to save the library was started via Change.org and in just one week nearly 4-3.1 This change of heart in several of the council 600 people signed on. A number of the advocates members strengthened Save the Bemidji Carnegie began contacting the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota Library’s resolve. They continued their advocacy work, looking for advice on how best to proceed. With updated encouraging citizens to write letters to the local paper information on the economic benefi ts of preservation and to call their local government representatives.

At the March 5th City Council meeting Mike Bredon, the Executive Director of nonprofi t public access television station Upstream TV, proposed a reuse of the library.2 The council met at a special work session on March 12, where Bredon presented his proposal. At the session, Save the Bemidji Carnegie Library

Left: Advocates from “Save the Bemidji Carnegie Library turned out to promote library preservation at the October 2, 2011 rally.

Photos courtesy of Jessica Norman Dewey, Save the Bemidji Carnegie Library member Oppostie: One of the Bemidji Carnegie Library advocates.

14 THE MINNESOTA PRESERVATIONIST Although Save the Bemidji Carnegie Library experienced a great success in halting demolition, there is still a great deal of work to be done. The group and the city council are working together toward preservation of the library. A Save the Bemidji Carnegie Library steering committee to raise funds has been approved, and the city council has pledged $100,000 toward preservation if the fundraising goal is met. An RFP for a conditions assessment of the building was issued jointly by the city and Save the Bemidji Carnegie Library in late March. The city council will consider awarding a contract in May.3

In addition to saving the building, the fi ght for the Bemidji Carnegie Library has increased awareness and appreciation for Bemidji’s historic buildings and what it takes to save them. Bemidji has proven that true cooperation between citizens and local government enhances the fabric of the community. It’s becoming increasingly clear to all advocate Lewis Crenshaw discussed an aggressive parties that preservation is in the long-term best interest funding strategy for the library, which included an of the city. application for Legacy Grant funding and other state and foundation grants, as well as pursuit of private donations. Congratulations and well wishes are in order for the Upon skepticism from the council about the ability of advocates from the Save the Bemidji Carnegie Library Save the Bemidji Carnegie Library to raise the funds, as they celebrate their early success and continue their Brew, Crenshaw, and others pledged generous donations dedicated e orts to ensuring the reuse of the library. toward reuse of the building. While doubts still existed on the council, it was clear that members were beginning to 1 see the dedication of the advocates and the concern of http://www.ci.bemidji.mn.us/vertical/sites/%7BDC40720D- A823-4643-91CD-6456402D11F6%7D/uploads/1-17-12_CC_ the community. It was decided that another discussion Minutes.pdf of the Bemidji Carnegie Library would take place at the 2 upcoming city council meeting on March 19. http://www.ci.bemidji.mn.us/vertical/sites/%7BDC40720D- A823-4643-91CD-6456402D11F6%7D/uploads/3-5-12_CC_ Minutes.pdf Over the next week, Save the Bemidji Carnegie Library 3 stepped up their advocacy e orts. The group staged http://www.ci.bemidji.mn.us/vertical/sites/%7BDC40720D- A823-4643-91CD-6456402D11F6%7D/uploads/Combined. another protest outside the library, wrote op-ed pieces, pdf and again directed citizens to call the three local representatives who still favored demolition. Bemidji citizens sprang into action and made numerous phone calls to city council members. At the next meeting the impact of those phone calls was clear: the Bemidji City Council voted unanimously to save the Carnegie Library. It was truly a uniting moment for the city of Bemidji.

WWW.MNPRESERVATION.ORG 15 |columns| Minnesota Main Street = By Emily Northey

innesota Main Street delivers four trainings to our • Their community now has 5-10 more experts in Mmember communities each year. The biggest, best, downtown revitalization than they had before. and most foundational is the two-day Main Street Basic Sure some of the people were probably considered Training. Each time I type “Basic Training” I’m reminded “experts,” before and now they’ve “leveled-up,” as my of military basic training and wonder if we should change sister likes to say. This multiplies the e ect by 5-10 as its name. Then I remember past years and how much shown by the number of meetings the new experts learning is accomplished during those two days by attend, number of people informally trained by the people attending, especially those who attend with two new experts, number of volunteer projects improved or three others from their community. Those people get by them, etc. the most impact from the training since they’re able to go • The people who get involved in e orts such as Main back home and bounce ideas o one another based on Street are seldom involved in just one. They wear the shared meaning they now have. several hats beyond their day job. The more people When one person from a community or group goes to a who become experts, the more organizations in town training—not just for Main Street, but anything—they’re that will be touched (and dare I say improved) by the only able to do so much with that information, excitement, new Main Street experts. and energy when they get back home and it’s time to • “Okay, okay, Emily. We get it. Stop already,” you might start implementing the new knowledge. When they bring be thinking. Well, I’m not quite done. You see, when up the new idea at a meeting, they’re the expert and these new experts start talking about how important everyone looks to them to do it. This is a great beginning, and cool downtown is while wearing their other hats, but it takes many people to make progress. other community organizations get involved in improving the downtown. When two people attend a training together, they’re able to talk with each other about what they learned. Others Why am I going on and on about the importance of witness their excitement. They get a clearer picture of sending groups of people to trainings? Because this year what the training-goers learned because now they’re we had large groups attend our Basic Training from two hearing two people’s perspectives. Everyone takes away communities: Red Wing and Luverne. You could see the something just a little di erent from the training. ideas churning as they talked with one another during breaks or whispered (quietly) to their neighbor during a When a critical mass (5-10 people) learns new techniques presentation. together communities are able to really make things change: start the project they’ve planned, improve their While I don’t know what projects they’ll tackle—or what events, convince a building owner to fi nally do that existing projects they’ll make that much better—after renovation project. Why’s this? they go home, it’s clear that Red Wing’s and Luverne’s new Main Street experts will be able to “Get It Done.” • If the training is out of town, they learn more about each other from hours in the car talking. This informal Get It Done,” is Main Street Guiding Principle #8: Implementation. networking strengthens the bonds of community, making it easier to work together professionally later—especially when they might disagree about the best solution. • They all know the same information, both basic and more advanced, about the Main Street Approach Emily Northey to downtown revitalization. Instead of one person Minnesota Main Street Coordinator telling the rest of the committee about this great idea The Minnesota Main Street Program has that only she really understands, now several people been fi nanced in part with funds provided understand it and implementation is much easier. by the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the • Now they’re a team, a class, a cohort. Attending Minnesota Historical Society. Minnesota the training, doing the exercises, learning everything Main Street is recognized by the National Trust Main Street Center® as the offi cial on the 253 pages of handouts—these activities form statewide coordinating program in several people into a larger, more cohesive group with Minnesota. For more information, visit the same goal: make our downtown better. PAM’s website at www.mnpreservation. org/programs/main-street.

16 THE MINNESOTA PRESERVATIONIST Out Standing in the Field All About Barns By Erin Hanafi n Berg

few years ago, I picked up a bumper Asticker at the National Preservation Conference that read “I brake for barns.” Since we had just purchased a new(er) car and my husband is picky about these things, I stuck it to a magnet sheet before displaying it proudly on my vehicle. It lasted about two weeks before somebody swiped it. Apparently, even petty thieves brake for barns.

It’s no wonder that so many people have a fondness for these oversized symbols of our agrarian landscape. Barns are as varied as the people who built them, and driving down a country road can be as fascinating Photos courtesy n Berg of Erin Hanafi as people-watching in the city. In addition to the proverbial red, barns come in white, In March, Erin visited the MacDougall Barn, one of PAM’s past 10 Most Endangered silver, yellow, and green, and are built out sites now owned by the state DNR, in Morrison County. of wood, brick, and stone. Barns can have repairs or rehabilitation work up-front and then claim typical gambrel roofs, or pointed or rounded arched roofs, the credit (a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount or straightforward gables. Barns can be accessorized of tax owed) on his or her state and/or federal income with dormers, cupolas, weathervanes, ramps, and any taxes. The 40% combined credit requires pre-approval, and all variety of windows. There are even a handful of and must meet national standards. The 10% credit does round and octagonal barns in Minnesota. not require review, but there are some limitations on the About ninety Minnesota barns are listed in the National percentage of structural and exterior alterations that are Register of Historic Places, obviously only a fraction allowed. Read the National Park Service’s brochure on of the ones that exist. Many more may be eligible for Historic Preservation Tax Incentives for more information historic designation and preservation. One of the most and contact the State Historic Preservation O ce with recent to be identifi ed as historically signifi cant is the questions about National Register eligibility and the Goodrich-Ramus Barn in Eden Prairie. Built in 1942, the combined 40% tax credits. barn became the subject of a mitigation plan when it In Minnesota, privately owned barns have little chance was a ected by the widening of Pioneer Trail. Hennepin of preservation funding assistance other than the rehab County was required to list it for purchase and reuse, and tax credits, but that is not the case in many other states. the winning bid came from Steve Schussler, the creator of New York has had a 25% rehab tax credit specifi cally for the Rainforest Café concept restaurants. Schussler, who barns since 1996. The Iowa Barn Foundation, a non-profi t reportedly bought the property because he always liked organization, o ers matching grants to assist with high- barns, uses the barn as a “creative laboratory” and has quality barn restoration, and has granted over $400,000 outfi tted it in like fashion, with crystal chandeliers in the to date. Washington state passed a Heritage Barn Bill in haymow and fi berglass cows in the pasture. 2007 with bi-partisan support, creating a competitive Most barn owners don’t have Schussler’s resources, matching grant program for barn preservation and however, and PAM gets one or two inquiries each month establishing an advisory board to examine tax incentives from barn owners wondering about preservation, and and other public policies that would promote barn how to pay for it. If the barn is listed in the National preservation and reuse. Maine, Maryland, Vermont, and Register and is part of an active farming operation, Connecticut also have barn preservation assistance the owner might be eligible for state and federal programs, either through state agencies or non-profi ts. rehabilitation tax credits totaling 40% of qualifi ed Extension services in other states, including Ohio and rehabilitation expenses. Barns that are not listed in the Wisconsin, are also active in surveying historic barns National Register, but which were built before 1936, might and educating barn owners on preservation practices. be eligible for the relatively straightforward 10% federal National barn preservation e orts include the work of income tax credit. In both cases, an owner must fi nance the National Barn Alliance, which is still active, and Barn

WWW.MNPRESERVATION.ORG 17 ooking for PAM’s annual 10 Most Endangered LHistoric Places List? Well, it is not in this issue because we are excited to announce something new in its place. After much deliberation, the PAM Board of Directors decided to design a new program, called Sites Worth Saving. Our goals of this new approach to direct advocacy and in-depth fi eld services assistance are stronger partnerships, better Again, a partnership of the National Trust for Historic collaboration, more useful information, and ultimately Preservation and Successful Farming magazine that more “saved” historic resources. We plan to share our honored exemplary barn rehab projects from 1998 - progress with you—our members and supporters— 2009. more frequently, so look for updates in future issues Minnesota had a barn preservation initiative in the early of the magazine and online. 2000s, part of the State Historic Preservation O ce at the Minnesota Historical Society. When the SHPO’s budget Sites Worth Saving will optimize our e ectiveness by was cut in 2004, the annual barn preservation workshops focusing our e orts on sites with a measurable level of were taken over by a fl edgling non-profi t organization, support. The number of projects to which we provide Friends of Minnesota Barns. The Friends are still active, extensive information and assistance will likely with an annual awards banquet, frequent tours, and decrease, as many projects may involve a multi-year other events and activities to build awareness of historic e  o r t . Sites Worth Saving will debut mid-summer. barns, but this all-volunteer organization currently lacks While the details are still being nailed down, there will the fi nancial and human resources needed to reinstate a be a formal application process (similar to the 10 Most robust barn preservation program. nominations), and a standing selection committee will be formed to assist PAM sta with determining which You can help support barn preservation by becoming projects and initiatives to add to our “portfolio” of a member of Friends of Minnesota Barns, volunteering Sites Worth Saving. (If you are interested in serving on for the organization, and setting a good example. For this selection committee, please contact Erin Hanafi n technical information and best practices, turn to the Berg directly. We’d especially welcome participants National Park Service’s Preservation Brief 20: The from greater Minnesota!) As part of this new initiative, Preservation of Historic Barns or the National Trust PAM will also be enhancing and expanding our online for Historic Preservation’s booklet Working Assets for information, to make our website the preferred fi rst Sustainable Farms, or the resources page of the Friends point of contact and to provide as much indirect of Minnesota Barns. assistance as possible.

As with any new program, there will undoubtedly be kinks to work out. We hope that you will share with us your ideas and feedback as we embark on Sites Worth Saving.

Erin Hanafi n Berg Field Representative

National Register Nominations Historic Tax Credit Applications Cultural Resource Surveys Section 106 Compliance Exhibits and Interpretation HABS/HAER Documentation Archival Research Historic Landscape Reports HESS ROISE 100 North First Street Minneapolis MN 55401 612-338-1987 www.hessroise.com

18 THE MINNESOTA PRESERVATIONIST The Last Word The Executive Director’s thoughts on preparing for the future of historic preservation

Friends, advocates, supporters: these challenges, but your voice and fi nancial support will continue to be vital. It is with both sadness and excitement that I announce to you that I am resigning from my role as Executive PAM and the preservation movement in Minnesota Director of the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota (PAM) have signifi cant momentum going forward. We have e ective the end of May. I will be leaving Minnesota to energetic, enthusiastic, and experienced sta at PAM to accept a new opportunity as President of Landmarks implement our impactful programs and initiatives. PAM’s Illinois, the statewide historic preservation nonprofi t active and skilled Board of Directors provides strategic organization headquartered in Chicago. governance to drive our success. We have a growing base of fi nancial support through our members, Annual It has been my privilege to serve PAM as its Executive Organizational Sponsors, Donor Circle participants, Director for the past six-and-a-half years and to have and foundation relationships. Additionally, we have a been a part of its growth and success. When hired for robust network of partners with whom we collaborate the position in November of 2005, I was PAM’s only sta to maximize our reach. As a movement, we have person and charged with the exciting, but daunting, task more fi nancial tools at our disposal than ever before of increasing our organization’s service statewide. I’m and successes to celebrate as models statewide. I am proud that our now four full-time sta members and confi dent that the best for PAM and the historic places many interns have assisted thousands of stakeholders in my home state are yet to come. with hundreds of properties reaching every region of the state. Donations have increased fi ve-fold demonstrating PAM’s board is taking the next step to develop a transition that Minnesotans believe in PAM’s mission and our ability strategy that will continue the organization’s core work to wisely invest resources to preserve historic places. through an interim period. A board task force has been formed to develop and implement a hiring plan to fi nd To have the opportunity to do such meaningful work has PAM’s next Executive Director who will support the been fulfi lling, especially witnessing the impact of our vision outlined in our Strategic Plan. This vision includes collective work to increase preservation incentives and continuing PAM’s legislative advocacy, growing the activity. I take with me a rewarding list of organizational Minnesota Main Street Program, and launching our new accomplishments to pin on the wall as motivational Sites Worth Saving and real estate programs. Position inspiration that partnerships and perseverance can information will be forthcoming in late summer. achieve great things. Together, we’ve welcomed the National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference, The list of people and partners to which I’d like to helped to pass the Legacy Amendment grant program, convey appreciation is too long for the word count I’ve launched our fi eld services program, enacted the State been given, or I’d name names. Count yourself in this list Historic Tax Credit, and re-launched the Minnesota as a member, donor, partner, sta and board member, Main Street Program. We’ve hosted tours, workshops, colleague, and friend. symposia, and other events to increase awareness for the value of preservation. Along the way, I’ve had the pleasure to work with you to save historic places as a legacy for our future. Thank you, very sincerely, for such Sincerely and appreciatively, a rewarding opportunity.

Not every step along this road has been easy, nor will it be for the future leaders of PAM. I’ve seen more than a few of my hard-fought preservation e orts end with the wrecking ball. We continue to struggle with declining Bonnie McDonald revenues at the national, state, and local government Executive Director level putting our incentive programs and municipally- owned resources at risk. We have witnessed the erosion of the public decision-making process in communities statewide as citizen input is disregarded threatening signifi cant historic resources. Simultaneously, voices from across the country are questioning the value of protecting historic places within urban densifi cation e orts and retaining ordinances and historic designation as preservation tools. PAM will continue to address

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Krista is the author of Minnesota Open House: A Guide Where Is It? to Minnesota House Museums, MHS Press, 2007. Bill Morgan’s statewide scavenger hunt for historic places Irish emigrant John Cummins arrived in Eden Prairie in 1856. A major fi gure in early Minnesota horticulture, Cummins built his house from Chaska brick in 1879, gracing the interior with handmade butternut furniture. The daughter of the second owner married Martin Grill, and the couple opened a vegetable stand on Pioneer Trail. The house was placed on the National Register in 1982. Eden Prairie history is well documented in Daniel J. Hoisington’s Heritage, Preserving Eden Prairie’s Past. Where was it last time? Eden Prairie, MN Let’s go back up north for Photo courtesy of Bill Morgan this issue’s Where Is It? rista Hanson, Tim Colliton, and Justin Fortney Kcorrectly identifi ed the Cummins-Grill House on Email me: [email protected]

Pioneer Trail in Eden Prairie. Tim said that as former Photo courtesy of Bill Morgan Chair of the Eden Prairie HPC, he spent a lot of time Where is it this time? there. Tim was also a former PAM board member.