THEMINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY A newsletter on historic preservation Preservation from the State Historic Preservation Office of the Minnesota Historical Society Winter 1998 PLANNERVol.IX, No. 1 When the Obstacles Loom Large CALENDAR OF EVENTS MHS Collections For two threatened Twin Cities GRANTS DEADLINES historic properties—the Historic District and the Sam S. Shubert Jan. 9: Pre-application deadline for CLG Theatre in —the obstacles to grants. preservation are large and complex and Feb. 6: Final deadline for CLG grant have frustrated efforts to preserve them applications. for years. Finding a suitable new use for Officers’ Row. This photograph was probably taken in the properties would appear to be key to the late 1960s or early 1970s. PUBLIC MEETINGS ON a decision. But it’s not that simple, and as time. The vacant buildings are deteriorat- HISTORIC PRESERVATION this issue of the Planner goes to press, ing, which can be attributed in part to very different approaches to addressing indecision about the future expansion of SHPO will host three public meetings to the preservation issues are unfolding for the airport and the limitations of the deed discuss planning for historic preservation each property. as it relates to the needs of the general restrictions, both real and perceived. public, government agencies, and com- Now that the decision has been made not munities throughout Minnesota. Your Fort Snelling to expand the airport in the direction of thoughts are needed to help the Office The Fort Snelling Historic District is the fort—at least in the foreseeable review the goals of the statewide preser- one of only 21 National Historic future—the time is right for exploring vation plan issued in 1995 and establish Landmarks (NHL) in Minnesota. In alternatives that would ensure a future priorities for its 1998-99 work plan. We encourage you to attend one of the meet- 1971, title to the property was transferred for this national treasure. ings listed below. No advance registra- to the State of Minnesota by the U.S. The DNR initiated the study this fall, Government, with deed restrictions tion is required. Meetings begin at 7 contracting with preservation consultant p.m.; receptions are at 6 p.m. For more requiring that it be used for “public park Thomas Zahn and Associates to facilitate information, call Michael Koop, (612) or recreational purposes.” Since then, the the process. A preservation consulting 296-5451. property has been administered by the team was assembled, which consisted of a Minnesota Department of Natural March 26: Morton, Lower Sioux preservation architect, an economic spe- Agency Interpretive Center Resources (DNR). cialist, recreation planners, and represen- For years, the myriad of federal and tatives from the DNR, SHPO and the April 23: Little Falls, Cass Gilbert Depot state agencies involved have been unable to Metropolitan Council. May 7: Virginia, Coates Plaza Hotel decide what to do with the 28 buildings, The team’s assignment is to explore which are known to many as Officers’ Row the potential for viable new uses for the MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS or the Department of Dakota buildings. buildings as well as the open spaces. A Jan. 12: Brown Bag Lecture, noon-1 p.m. To further complicate the situation, the public meeting kicked off the project in district stands in the shadow of the ”Nature’s Finest Scenery: The Urban late November and was followed by a Development of St. Paul’s East Side.” Minneapolis-St. Paul International whirlwind week during which the team Airport. Cargill Commons, MacMillan Education conducted over 50 interviews. One Center, Minnesota History Center. During the 1997 session, the promising sign early on was learning Cultural resource historian and planner Minnesota Legislature, upon recommen- from a planner that Garneth Peterson will discuss the growth dation by the Legislative Commission on the agency is open to exploring creative patterns of an early neighborhool whose Minnesota Resources, authorized funding and innovative options regarding the residents enjoy the bluffs, views and for a study to develop a conceptual uti- deed restrictions. Over the next several water. lization plan for the Upper Bluff Area. The study couldn’t have come at a better Continued on page 2 Continued on page 2 When the Obstacles Loom Large CALENDAR OF EVENTS Continued from page 1 months the team will synthesize its find- presented at the same meeting and that March 4: ”Whose House Was This?” ings, make recommendations and pro- validated the unique contribution the 2-3 p.m. Learn how to use resources such duce a report; additional public meetings theater makes to the community. The as city directories and photographs to will be scheduled for later this winter. final decision awaits action by the full uncover your house history. MHS council, scheduled for Dec. 30, and Research Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd. W., The Shubert Theatre discussions continue with the St. Paul. $3 for MHS members, $5 for While the situation is encouraging Minneapolis Community Development nonmembers. Registration required; call and even hopeful for Fort Snelling, the Agency about plans that could preserve (612) 296-2143 future is very tenuous for the Sam S. the historic theater, including moving the March 19: Grants Review Committee Shubert Theatre in Minneapolis, which is building a block away to save it. The next Meeting, 9:30 a.m., Minnesota listed on the National Register of issue of the Planner will include available Historical Society, 345 Kellogg Blvd. W., Historic Places. On Dec. 15, the information on this volatile situation; St. Paul. For agenda information, call Community Development Committee of perhaps a new vision of downtown devel- Mandy Skypala, (612) 296-5478. the City Council voted in favor of a opment will emerge, one that incorpo- major development project that calls for the rates a restored Shubert Theatre. March 19: State Review Board demolition of the 1910 classical revival Meeting, 7 p.m., Minnesota Historical theater. Committee members appeared to Society, 345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul. ignore the findings of a feasibility study, Britta L. Bloomberg For agenda information, call Michele commissioned at their request, which was Deputy SHPO Decker, (612) 296-5434.

May 2-10: Minnesota Archaeology Week. The fourth annual Minnesota REGISTRATION Archaeology Week includes a range of events throughout the state. For more St. Croix State Park Is Designated a information, call (612) 725-2729 or National Historic Landmark write to Minnesota Archaeology Week Statewide Coordinator, c/o Office of the The St. Croix Recreational Resources park staff, over 500 historic State Archaeologist, Fort Snelling History Demonstration Area, now known as St. park resources have been listed on the Center, St. Paul, MN 55111. Croix State Park, was designated a National Register. May 3: Mendota Landmarks Walking National Historic Landmark (NHL) on The St. Croix Recreational Tour, , 2-3:30 p.m. In Sept. 25, 1997 by the U.S. Department of Demonstration Area was one of 46 this 90-minute guided walking tour, the Interior. The park joins 20 other recreational demonstration areas (RDA). Sibley Historic Site visitors can explore properties in Minnesota that have These were New Deal planning projects Mendota’s natural and historic land- achieved Landmark status, which is intended to retire “submarginal” agricul- marks, including ferries and bridges, Pilot reserved for properties that have tran- tural lands and develop them for recre- Knob, and the 1854 Church of St. Peter. scendent value to the nation as a whole. ational use. A number of federal agencies Fee required. For information, call (612) Ten years ago the State Historic were involved in these projects; the 452-1596. Preservation Office (SHPO) did a survey National Park Service provided the over- May 7: State Review Board meeting, to identify the CCC/WPA/Rustic Style all technical supervision and the Civilian 7 p.m., Minnesota Historical Society, historic resources in 23 of Minnesota’s state Conservation Corps (CCC) and the 345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul. For parks. Rolf Anderson, historical consultant, Works Progress Administration (WPA) agenda information, call Michele Decker, was retained to complete the survey and usually provided labor. (612) 296-5434. prepare the National Register documen- St. Croix State Park is one of the two tation. As a result of this work, and the best remaining examples of recreational May 10-16: National Historic assistance of the Department of Natural demonstration area planning and design Preservation Week, including the in the country. The St. Croix RDA also is statewide Historic Preservation an extremely significant and well-preserved Conference. Theme: “Preservation Begins SHPO collection at Home.” The next issue of the Planner state park of the period, and epitomizes will include a list of events. the artistic quality and high aspirations held for state parks designed by the Park Service during the 1930s. St. Croix is one of a handful of parks nationally that best represents the highest achievements of the Right: The stone entrance gate to collaboration of the Park Service, the St. Croix State Park. CCC, other New Deal agencies and local park authorities during the New Deal.

2 Minnesota Preservation Planner • Winter 1998 New Mitigation Agreements for Historic Properties in Construction Projects: Discussions in Progress

When historic properties are identi- license to operate its Hennepin Island Sumner Field project and (b) develop- fied in construction or development pro- Plant. ment of the Mill Ruins Park. ject areas, special steps sometimes must • The Bureau of Mines main campus, • Certain properties in the be taken to avoid or reduce the effects of which typifies a modern government Minnehaha Parkway Historic District, a the project on the historic properties. research center from the 1950s; building National Register-eligible district in When this happens, a memorandum of 201 at Fort Snelling (the 1907 hippodrome Minneapolis. The Sound Insulation agreement stipulating mitigation measures built for the Fort); and an intact Nike Program, which involves those proper- is drawn up. (For long-term projects, a Missile Base, dating from 1959, on a parcel ties, is under discussion with the Federal “programmatic agreement” is sometimes of land in Farmington. Discussions are Aviation Administration and the used.) Agreements are signed by the pro- being held with the Bureau of Mines closure Metropolitan Airports Commission. ject agency, the Advisory Council on team regarding pending sale of these • Graceville Library, an Ellerbe- Historic Preservation, the State Historic three properties. designed, Carnegie-funded building in Preservation Office (SHPO) and other • The Duluth Ship Canal, the U.S. Graceville (Big Stone County). interested parties. New agreements have Army Corps of Engineers Discussions about the proposed demoli- recently been formulated and are under Administration Building in Duluth’s tion of the library are being held with the discussion in meetings of Review and Canal Park, and the Duluth Vessel Yard. State Department of Education and the Compliance staff of SHPO and federal All three are National Register-eligible Institute for Museum and Library and state agencies. properties. Discussions are underway Services (a federal agency). with the Detroit District of the Corps Finally, broader concerns are at issue Recent meetings have included con- regarding a long-term planning and in discussions with the Natural sultations about the following historic maintenance strategy for these three sites. Resources Conservation Service about properties: • Sumner Field housing project, integrating cultural resource considerations • St. Anthony Fall Historic District, Minneapolis, (a National Register-eligible in the agency’s work with statewide rural Minneapolis. Discussions are being held property), and Mill Ruins Park in the St. conservation practices. with the Federal Energy Regulatory Anthony Falls Historic District. SHPO Commission about an application to staff is in consultation with the City of Future issues of the Planner will establish a hydroelectric power operation Minneapolis (which is fulfilling the bring you information as it becomes in the Crown Roller Mill, located in the responsibilities of the Department of available. district, and about Northern States Housing and Urban Development) about Power’s (NSP) application to renew its (a) the proposed demolition of the

Reprinting from the Planner MnDOT Seeks Public Comments on Sauk Centre’s Main Street Historic District We receive frequent requests to reprint articles from the Planner, and we do encourage re-use of its contents, The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is trying out a new with two conditions. First: Please do way to involve the public in reviewing a proposed project in a historic disrict. not reprint material that we have MnDOT is proposing certain improvements to Trunk Highway 71 in the Main reprinted from some other source; Street Historic District in Sauk Centre. Information on this proposal is on you need to request permission from MnDOT’s home page, with an invitation for public comment. MnDOT and SHPO the original publication. Second: felt that it was important to solicit widely for public comment, since the district’s Include a credit line, Reprinted from associations with Sinclair Lewis contribute to its national significance. the The Minnesota Preservation You can access the information through the “News and Events” section of Planner, Minnesota Historical Society, MnDOT’s home page (http://www.dot.state.mn.us), or through a link with the Vol., No., season, year. This notice “Preserving the Past” section of the Minnesota Historical Society’s home page will be printed on the back page of (http://www.mnhs.org). A link is also being established with the Sinclair Lewis each issue. It is not necessary to call or Society’s home page, which originates at the University of Illinois. write for permission, but please send us a copy of the publication in which the reprinted article appears.

Minnesota Preservation Planner • Winter 1998 3 SAVED MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Minnesota Preservation Planner is published and distributed in January, April, July and October by the State Historic Preservation Office of the Minnesota Historical Society. Information for each issue should be received by the editor no later than one month before the publication date at the Minnesota Historical Society, 345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul, MN 55102-1906. For further information call (612) 296-5434.

Material from this issue may be reprinted with the following credit line: Reprinted with permission from the Minnesota Above: Several projects were completed on Preservation Planner, published by District No. 48 School (1870) in Collinwood Township, Meeker County, including: installing new the Minnesota Historical Society, Vol. IX, double-hung sash and storm windows, constructing Above: New energy-efficient windows that No. 1, Winter 1998. Do not reprint a new roof, replacing deteriorated siding, repair and matched the originals were installed on the Buhl material that has been reprinted from re-installing original shutters, and painting both the Public Library (1917) in St. Louis County; funds some other source. interior and exterior of the building. Funds were from the MHS State Grants-in-Aid program were provided from the state bond-funded County and used. Upon request, this publication can be Local Preservation Project Grants-in-Aid program. made available in alternative formats: audiotape, large print or computer disk. Unless otherwise noted, photographic ARCHITALKS Checks Out the History of Library Design images in the Planner are from the State Historic Preservation Office, This winter, SHPO and The Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library will Minnesota Historical Society. renew their popular ARCHITALKS lecture series by offering three presentations on the history of library design in Minnesota. Each lecture will be presented twice: first on This newsletter has been financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m in the Minnesota History Center’s 3M Auditorium, and Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, again at noon the following day (Monday) at Heritage Hall in the Minneapolis Public through the Minnesota Historical Society Library on Nicollet Mall. Kicking off the series on March 8-9 will be University of under the provisions of the national Historic Arizona Professor Abigail Van Slyck, author of Free to All: Carnegie Libraries and Preservation Act as amended. However, the American Culture, 1890-1920. On March 22-23, historian Garneth Peterson will contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the team up with architect Jeff Scherer to discuss the history of neighborhood libraries Department of the Interior, nor does the in Minneapolis and the restoration of the Hosmer Branch. The program for April 5-6 mention of trade names or commercial will be announced soon. Watch the Interpreter and Planner for further details. products constitute endorsement or recom- mendations by the Department of the Interior. NonProfit Regulations of the U.S. Department of the Organization Interior strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY U.S. Postage in departmental federally assisted programs PAID on the basis of race, color, national origin, 345 KELLOGG BOULEVARD WEST age or disability. Any person who believes St. Paul, MN SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA 55102-1906 he or she has been discriminated against in Permit No. 854 any program, activity or facility operated by a recipient of federal assistance should write to: Director, Equal Opportunity Program, U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, P.O. Box 37127, Washington, D.C. 20013-7127

Britta Bloomberg, Editor Michael Koop, Assistant Editor James Smith, Assistant Editor

http://www.mnhs.org

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