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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-10-09 HPC Packet MAPLEWOOD HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION COUNCIL CHAMBERS – CITY HALL October 9, 2014 – 7:00 PM 1.Call to Order 2.Roll Call 3.Approval of Agenda 4.Approval of Minutes a.September 11, 2014HPCMeeting 5.New Business a.Clarification of When Projects Go to HPC for Review b.Islamic Institute Building c. CLG Annual Report d.Nomination Process for Annual Heritage Award 6.Old Business a.Review 2014 goals (goals list included, no memo) b.Historic Context Study c. Park System Master Plan 7.Visitor Presentations 8.Maplewood Area Historical Society Update 9.Commission Presentations a.History Mystery (Chair Boulay) b.Use of electronic media (Twitter, Facebook) (Chair Boulay) 10.Staff Presentations a.Gladstone Phase II Update b.Lookout Park 11.Adjournment 4a MINUTES MAPLEWOOD HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION 7:00p.m., Thursday,September 11, 2014 Council Chambers, City Hall 1.CALL TO ORDER A meeting of the Heritage PreservationCommission was held in the City Hall Council Chambers and called to order byChair Boulayat 7:00p.m. 2.ROLL CALL Commissioners Chairperson Peter Boulay Present Commissioner Robert Creager Absent Commissioner Richard Currie Present CommissionerJohn Gaspar Present Commissioner Frank Gilbertson Absent Commissioner Leonard Hughes Present Commissioner Brenda Rudberg Present Staff Natural Resources Coordinator, Ginny Gaynor Present 3.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Commissioner Currie moved toapprove the agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Rudberg Ayes – All The motion passed. 4.APPROVAL OF MINUTES a.July 10,2014HPC Meeting Commissioner Gasper movedto approve the July 10, 2014minutes. Seconded by CommissionerHughes Ayes – All The motion passed. 5.NEW BUSINESS a.CIP Process Natural Resources Coordinator, Ginny Gaynor, reviewed the CIP Process and answered questions of the commission. Thursday, September 11, 2014 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes 4a 6.OLD BUSINESS a.Park Master Plan Natural Resources Coordinator, Ginny Gaynor, discussed the Park Master Plan and answered questions of the commission. b.Historic Context Study Natural Resources Coordinator, Ginny Gaynor, discussed the Historic Context Study with the Commission. 7.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS a. 8.MAPLEWOOD AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY UPDATE Presidentof Maplewood Area Historical Society (MAHS), Bob Jensen, presented upcoming events and MAHS news. 9.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS a.Chair Boulay – History Mystery 10.STAFF PRESENTATIONS a. 11.ADJOURNMENT CommissionerCurrie movedto adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Rudberg Ayes – All The motion passed. The meeting was adjournedat 8:34PM. Next meeting is October 9, 2014. Thursday, September 11, 2014 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes 5a MEMORANDUM TO: Heritage Preservation Commission FROM:Ginny Gaynor, Natural Resources Coordinator/HPC Liaison DATE: October 9, 2014 SUBJECT:Clarification of WhatProjectsHPC Reviews Introduction The City’s Heritage Preservation Ordinance outlines the responsibilities of the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC). At the upcoming commission meeting, commissioners will review the sections covering alterations to historic sitesand landmarks. Discussion The City’s Heritage Preservation Ordinance was revised and adopted by city council in 2010 (Attachment 1).Staff would like to review with commissioners the types of building or site alteration projects that come before the HPC for review. Section 2-92 of the ordinance covers designation of historic sites and landmarks. In order for a site to be designated, there must be a public hearing and approval of City Council. There is one locally designated site in Maplewood – The Bruentrup Heritage Farm.There is one property in the city that is on the National Register of Historic Places – The Ramsey County Poor Farm Barn. Section 2-93 addresses alterations to historic sites, landmarks, or districts. If an owner wantsto alter a designated historic site, and that alteration would require a land use permit or other building permit from the city, the project must go before the commission for review.This is only for designated sites. The types of alteration might include new construction, remodeling, moving a building, excavation, or demolition.The city’s Building Inspection webpage (www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/index.aspx?nid=267) provides information on what types of repairs and alterations require a building permit. Until the city has more designated sites, the HPCwill have very few properties to review. Occasionallyproperties come before the HPC as an informational item orbecause aproperty owner isseeking some advice about their non-designated historic property. Recommendation No action required Attachment 1.Heritage Preservation Commission Ordinance 5a, Attachment 1 AMENDMENT ORDINANCE 905 THE HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION ORDINANCE Section 1This amendment revises Sections 2-87 to 2-91 DIVISION 4 HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION (“Commission”) Section 2-87 Authority for Establishment There is hereby established for the City a Heritage Preservation Commission as an independent commission to the City Council, as provided in Minnesota Statutes Annotated Sections 471.193 and 138.51. Section 2-88 Statement of public policy and purpose The City Council hereby declares as a matter of public policy that the protection, preservation, perpetuation and use of places, areas, buildings, structures and other objects having a special historical, community or aesthetic interest or value is a public necessity and is required in the interest of the people. The purpose of this Chapter is to: (a)Safeguard the cultural resources of the City by preserving sites, structures, districts and landmarks which reflect elements of the City's cultural, social, economic, political or architectural history; (b)Protect and enhance the City's attractions to residents and visitors; (c)Foster civic pride in the beauty and notable achievements of the past; (d)Enhance the visual and aesthetic character, diversity and interest of the City; and (e)Promote the use and preservation of historic sites and landmarks for the education and general welfare of the people of the City. Section 2-89 Advisory body All actions of the Commission shall be in the nature of recommendations to the City Council, and said Commission shall have no final authority with reference to any matters, except as the Council may lawfully delegate authority to it. Section 2-90 Composition; Appointment; Qualifications; Terms (a)The Heritage Commission shall be composed of seven (7) members appointed by the City Council, who shall be residents of the City, and shall be selected to assure that the Commission is representative of the various areas of the City and responsive to the needs of the people. (b)Commission membershipshall be drawn from persons with demonstrated interest and/or expertise in historic preservation. If available in the community, at least two members of the Commission shall be heritage preservation-related professionals (e.g. the professions of history, 5a, Attachment 1 architecture, architectural history, archeology, planning, real estate, design, building trades, landscape architecture, or law). A member of the Maplewood Heritage Preservation Commission is required to be a representative to the Ramsey County Historical Society. The City shall pay for the membership of the Commission or designee. (c)The members of the heritage preservation commission shall serve staggered terms. All appointments shall be assigned by the city council for a term of three years. Section 2-91 Officers Generally The chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Commission shall be elected by the Commission at the first meeting in January of each year from among the members of the Commission. The Chairperson shall be responsible for callingand presiding over all meetings and shall be entitled to an equal vote with other members of the Commission. If the Chairperson is unable to attend a meeting, the vice-chairperson shall conduct the meeting. Section 2-92 Designation of historic sites andlandmarks (a)Procedures: The City Council, upon the request of the Commission, may by resolution designate an historic site, landmark, or district. Prior to such designation, the city council shall hold a public hearing, notice of which shall be published at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the hearing. Notice of the hearing shall also be mailed to all owners of property which is proposed to be designated as an historic site, landmark or district and to all property owners within five hundred (500) feet of the boundary of the area to be designated. Every nomination shall be forwarded to the Minnesota Historical Society for review and comment within sixty (60) days of the Commission’s request. (b)Eligibility criteria: In considering the designation of any area, site, place, district, building or structure in the city as an historic site, landmark, or district the Commission shall consider the following factors with respect to eligibility: (1)Its character, interest or value as part of the history or cultural heritage of the City, the State or the United States; (2)Its association with persons or events that have made a significant contribution to the cultural heritage of the City; (3)Its potential to yield information important in history or prehistory; (4)Its embodiment of distinguishing characteristics of architectural type or style, or elements of design, detail materials or craftsmanship; and (5)Its unique location or singular physical appearance representing an established or familiar visual feature of a neighborhood or community of the City. Section 2-93 Alterations to landmarks, sites or districts; review (a)Review and recommendations generally: The Commission shall review and make recommendations to the Council concerning proposed alterations to an historic site, landmark or district. 5a, Attachment 1 (b)Land use permit: Every application for a land use permit which may result in the alteration of a designated historic site, landmark or district in the City shall be reviewed by the Commission; thereafter, the Commission shall make a recommendation and may recommend conditions regarding approval to the City Council concerning the proposed permit. (c)Other building permits: The Commission shall review and make recommendations to the Council concerning the issuance of building permits to do any of the following in a historic district or State designated historic site: (1)New construction – New building or new addition to an existing building (2)Remodel – Alter, change or modify building or site (3)Move a building – Building or structure moved into the city. (4)Excavation – Dig out materials from the ground. (5)Demolition – Destroy, remove or raze –completely tear down (d)Factors considered: The Commission, upon receipt of the permit application and plans, shall determine if the work to be performed adversely affects the designated historic site, landmark or district. In determining whether or not there is an adverse effect to the historic site, landmark, or district the Commission shall consider the following factors: (1)Whether the work will significantly alter the appearance of the building or structure so as to remove the features which distinguish the historic site, landmark or district as a significant cultural resource. (2)Whether the use of the property will destroy, disturb or endanger a known or suspected archaeological feature site. (e)Standards and guidelines: The Comprehensive Plan adopted by the City shall be the authoritative guide to reviewing permits in relation to designated historic sites, landmarks and historic districts. (f)Appeals: Any party aggrieved by a decision of the Commission shall within ten (10) days of the Commission’s action recommending denying the issuance of a building permit within a historic district have a right to appeal such decision to the City Council. The Commission in recommending denial of a building permit shall advise the applicant of his/her right to appeal to the City Council. The aggrieved party shall file with the BuildingOfficial a written notice requesting Council review of the action taken by the Commission. Section 2-94 Maintenance of records and documents The Commission shall conduct a continuing survey of cultural resources in the City which the Commission has reason to believe are or will be eligible for designation as historic sites, landmarks or districts. The Commission shall also prepare and maintain a Comprehensive map and survey. (a)Register of Historic Sites and Landmarks: The City shall maintain a register of historic sites and landmarks. (b)Repository for Documents: The office of the Building Official is designated as the repository for all studies, surveys, reports, programs, and designations of historic sites and landmarks. 5a, Attachment 1 Section 2-95 Violation It shall be a misdemeanor to alter, disturb, deface or materially change the appearance or use of a designated historic site, landmark, or district without a permit. This Historical Preservation Commission recommended approval of this ordinance. This ordinance shall take effect after publishing in the official newspaper. The Maplewood City Council approved this ordinance on June 28, 2010. 5b MEMORANDUM TO: Heritage Preservation Commission FROM:Ginny Gaynor, Natural Resources Coordinator/HPC Liaison DATE: October 9, 2014 SUBJECT:Repairs ofthe Assalam Mosque Introduction The Assalam Mosque in Maplewood is seeking advice on funding for repairs of itsbuilding. Discussion TheIslamic Institute of Minnesotahasthree mosques in the Twin Cities. One of these isthe Assalam Mosque at 1460 Skillman Avenue in Maplewood (across from Robinhood Park in the Gladstone neighborhood). The buildingwas built in 1966 for the Maplewood Library. It was later sold to the Islamic Institute and opened as a mosque in July 1997. Mr. Mohamed El-Akkad, one of the founders of the Institute, met with city planner Tom Eckstrand and HPC LiaisonGinny Gaynor, seeking funding for building repairs. The structure is 48 years old and is interesting architecturally.It is a round brick structure with a flat roof. The interior of the building has the original brick walls throughout and the original brick floor in the entry. The Institute’s website includes some photos of the exterior and interior (islamicinstituteofmn.com/maplewood.html). The roof is leaking and some of the outer beams are rotting so the roof needs repair. In addition, the Institutewould like to add small windows above the brickwork to provide better ventilation. This structure is not yet 50 years old. Maplewood’s Historic Context Study briefly mentions the buildingon page 36: “However, the first, distinctive Maplewood Branch Library remains on Skillman Avenue, as converted to the Assalam Mosque in 1997.As of this writing, the mosque has not submitted a building permit application. It is not a designated historic site so it does not fall under the purview of HPC review. However, the Institute islooking for funding for the repairs and information so they can maintain the historic integrity of this siteas they move forward with the needed repairs. Staff isprovidingthe mosquewith basic information about designation as a national or local historic site and about grants that can be used by designated properties. In addition, we have explained the need in preservation to remain true to the original architecture and to select materials for the repairs that are similar to the original materials. If commissioners have additional suggestions for funding or repair, staff can pass those onto the mosque.Staff was impressed by Mr. El-Akka’s desireto maintain the historic integrity of the site.The commission may wishto keep this site on a list of possibilities for designation. Recommendation No action required. 5c MEMORANDUM TO: Heritage Preservation Commission FROM:Ginny Gaynor, Natural Resources Coordinator/HPC Liaison DATE: October 9, 2014 meeting SUBJECT:CLG Annual Report Introduction The City of Maplewood has Certified LocalGovernment(CLG) status.This program entitles cities that are dedicated to historic preservation and meet CLG requirements to be eligible for CLG grants. Each year the city submits an annual CLG report to the State Historic Preservation Office to show that we aremeeting program requirements. The annual report covering October 2013 through September 2014 is attached. It covers all the items that we are asked to address. If Heritage Preservation Commissioners have suggestions on activities that may have beenmissed in the report, please information staff of those. Attachment 1.CLG Annual Report 5c, Attachment 1 City of Maplewood Annual LCG Report (year ending September 30, 2014) The City of Maplewood and its Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) arecommitted to an effective community preservation program. During this past year we have met requirements for Certified Local Government status,as demonstrated by the activities below. 1.Local designations. No local designations were made in the year ending September 30, 2013. In 2014, we began developing a program for local designations. A list of locally and nationally designated sites is attached (Attachment 1). 2.Building permits. No building permits for historical structures werereviewed. There are only two designated historic sites in the city.The City and HPC are still in early phases of preservation planning and hope to begin designating sites in the next few years. 3.Membership. The HPC consists of seven members, a staff liaison and a council liaison. A list of members with contact information is attached(Attachment 2). The chair was Peter Boulay and the vice-chair was Richard Currie. Peter Boulay was our representative to the county historical society.No new commissioners joined the HPC this past year. 4.National Registry. No properties on the National Register of Historic Placeswere reviewed by the HPC. There were no new submissions to the national registry. 5.Inventory. The city’sinventory of historic sites was assembled by volunteers and completed in 2002. The commission plans to have a professional update the inventory in the next few years. There are 72properties on the inventory, some of which have sincebeen demolished. 6.Public Participation. All HPC meetingsadhered to the Minnesota Open Meeting law and were open to the public. MaplewoodHPC meetings are streamed live and broadcast on cable television. The minutes from HPC meetings are available on the city website. 7.Training. CommissionerRudberg and staff liaisonGaynor attended the America Association of State and Local History conference in September 2014. 8.Other Activities. The City and HPC: a.Completed a Historic Context Study. This project was financed in part with funds provided by the State of Minnesota from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the Minnesota Historical Society. b.Awarded the Maplewood Heritage Award to Bob Jensen. This award 5c, Attachment 1 recognizesan individual who has positively influenced our city’s past or strengthened the preservation of Maplewood history. c. Mounted series of historic photos at Maplewood Community Center. d.Hosted presentations: i.Maplewood Drive-In Theater, Pete Boulay ii.Old Betsy-Gladstone’s First Fire Engine, Bob Jensen and Dick Juker iii.Oral Histories and Maplewood Volunteer FirefireOral History Project, Kate Cavett iv.Four presentations by David Jones: 1.JFK Assassination 2.Apollo: Why We Went to the Moon 3.The Lincoln Assassination: A Fragile Time 4.Prohibition: A Grand Misadventure Attachments 1.List of designated sites 2.Roster of HPCmembers(not included in HPC memo) Attachment 1 Designated Sites in Maplewood Local Designation by City of Maplewood Owner: City of Maplewood Bruentrup Heritage Farm 2170 County Rd D Maplewood, MN 55109 National RegisterProperty Owner: Ramsey County Ramsey County Poor Farm Campus (cemetery, barn, milk house, water tower, garage and boiler shop) 2020 White Bear Ave Maplewood, MN 55109 5d MEMORANDUM TO: Heritage Preservation Commission FROM:Ginny Gaynor, Natural Resources Coordinator/HPC Liaison DATE: October 9, 2014 SUBJECT:Nomination Process for Annual Heritage Award Introduction Each year the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) makes a recommendation to City Council regardingthe recipient of the annual Heritage Award. At the upcoming commission meeting, commissioners will review the nomination process for the award. Discussion The Maplewood Heritage Award is an annual award recognizing an individual who has positively influenced our City’s past or significantly contributed to the preservation of Maplewood historyand/or historic resources. In recent years the nomination process for the city’s annual HeritagePreservation Award has been the commission developing a list of candidates without accompanying documentation on thecontribution of each candidate. This makes it very difficult for newercommissionersto evaluate the candidates. Staff would like to suggest that the HPC revises the nomination process for the annual Heritage Award. We recommendthe commission appoints a nominate committee to develop a slate of candidates and to documenteach candidate’s contributions. This documentation would be included inthe commission packet at the December or January meeting, so commissioners could review it prior to voting. If the commission decides to take this approach, some questions to address include: 1. Who would like to be on the nominating committee? 2. Doesthe commission prefertovote on the award in December or in January? 3. If commission members not on the nominating committee would like to suggest a candidate to be considered, who should they submit that information to? Recommendation Staff recommends the commission discuss the nomination process for the annual Heritage Award. No formal action needed. 6a 2014HPC Goals - Status 1.Continue all necessary measures for the Certified Local Government (CLG) status by maintaining a historical site survey and providing all the documentation required to the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office.On-track. 2.Complete Historic Context Study.Completed. 3.Develop criteria for local designations, identify site to designate, and begin process for designation of onesite.On-going. 4.Submit a nomination to the city council for the Maplewood Heritage Award for 2013. Completed. Awarded to Bob Jensen. 5.Submit a recommendationto the city council to have a Heritage Award for businesses. Commission reviewed this and voted to NOTcreate a heritage award for business since businessescan be awarded through the existing award. 6.Write and obtain a grant for preservation planning.Not yet initiated. 7.Write a grant to continue archeological investigation at Fish Creek.To be done Fall 2014. 8.Ensure proper preservation ofthe city council minutesand public access to copies of the minutes.Most minutes from the 1970’s through the present are available online. The older minutes are more fragile but are being scanned. The city’s target for online availability of all minutes is 2016. 9.Review photos of demolished buildings throughout the year and make it part of the HPC’s annual report.Annual report will be done in December or January. 10.Have a guest speaker from a historical sitegive historical presentation to the commission. Maplewood Drive-In Theater – Pete Boulay, April meeting Old Betsy – Bob Jensen and Dick Juker, May meeting Oral Histories – Kate Cavett, May meeting 11.Continue to identify and recognize historic families. 12.Continue to identify and recognize the historyof geographic features such as lakes, etc. 13.Continue to provide and add links to the city website from the Maplewood Area Historical Society, Minnesota State Historical Society and other public websites. 14.Continue to identify books, articles and media about Maplewood. Work with the Maplewood Library to provide the books, articles and media to the public. 15.Continue to promote, collaborate and work with the Maplewood Area Historical Society. Worked together on Historic Context Study. 6b MEMORANDUM TO: Heritage Preservation Commission FROM:Ginny Gaynor,Natural Resources Coordinator/HPC Liaison DATE: October 9, 2014 SUBJECT:Historic Context Study Introduction At the July 10, 2014 Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) meeting,commissioners approved the Historic Context Study prepared by consultant Thomas R. Zahn and Associates. Consultants presented the study to City Council on September 8, 2014. At the September 11, 2014 HPC meeting, commissioners reviewedthe recommendations in the study. During the discussion items that were mentioned as priorities were: 1) updating the survey of historic structures,2) defining the local designation process, and 3) conducting the archeological study at Fish Creek. Commissioner Currie has requested that the Commission continue its discussion of the Historic Context Study. Attached is a copyof the recommendations from the Historic Context Study (Attachment 1), which was included in the September 2014 HPC packet. Commissioners are encouraged to bring their copy of the Historic Context Study tothe meeting. Attachment 1.Context Study Recommendations 6b, Attachment 1 Recommendations and Future Actions – From 2014 Historic Context Study HPC Commissioners: The recommendations below are pulled directly from the Historic Context Study. For each context, mark the one recommendation that you think is the highest priority and needs the most immediate attention. If you have another recommendation that is more pressing, please write it in the blank box provided. Context 1 – Native American and Early Settlement PriorityRecommendation Maplewood should pay special attention to archeological investigations of any remaining Native American sites — most notably the publically-owned Fish Creek site. A brief archeological survey of the area was completed in 2005 as a pre-development effort. Now that the land is publically owned and presumably more accessible, ideally, a full Phase II archeological survey should be completed; minimally the area should be protected and surveyed as possible. It is the Consultant’s understanding that this is a potential future project. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) could advise and assist on this matter. Most other Native American sites have been lost due to public development (such as roads and even parks) and private development (farms and homes). However, many Maplewood-area residents have stories of finding artifacts such as arrowheads and serving implements. The HPC should work with the Maplewood Area Historical Society on accessing and interpreting these resources as they become available. Interpretation of public spaces, such as trails and parks, should include reference to Native American settlement and even to the pre-settlement natural conditions. Several of the conservation plans for area nature preserves already do this well and could serve as a model. Concurrently,the city may desire to pay special attention to any early settlement resources, such as the former Gladstone Shops and townsite. Ideally, a larger full archeological survey would again be completed, perhaps as part of future development of the area. A Cultural Resources Assessment of the area, conducted in 2005 by the 106 Group, is an excellent resource for this. Pete Boulay’s “Walking Tour of Old Gladstone” is similarly evocative. The Consultants specifically recommend a greater consideration of the Gladstone Shops site, as detailed later in the study. The Consultants recommend further study of the original Town Hall building (as moved and altered), to determine historic integrity and the possibility of its preservation. Any remaining original settler sites should be preserved. Maplewood stands in contrast to many Minnesota communities in that often Native American resources are lost while late 1800s settlement is very prevalent. This can appear to weigh a community’s history toward the later period. In Maplewood’s case where many resources throughout time have been lost, this contrast is far less evident, which in some ironic way may provide more historic continuity. 6b, Attachment 1 Context 2 -Agriculture and Farming PriorityRecommendation To the Consultants’ knowledge, no complete farmsteads remain in Maplewood. However, due to the fact that many farms remained in operation until relatively recently, and as many of them were well-kept, there may be some valuable hidden resources. The HPC should work with area property owners to identify and inventory farm-related resources still in existence, and develop a program to preserve and protect these resources even as the use of the land changes. Several farmhouses still exist, though now surrounded by other residences. The HPC should create a comprehensive listing of these houses, and work with homeowners to preserve and protect these homes. The HPC should support the MAHS and its efforts to interpret the Bruentrup Farm. This farmstead, though moved from its original site, maintains excellent resources in the house, barn, granary, maintenance shed, and machine shed, and is an extremely accessible and educational resource. The Schroeder Dairy story is compelling but often overlooked. The HPC should look into further recognition and preservation of the site. As smaller community gardens and “urban farms” become more common, Maplewood may regain a sense of this history (albeit a reconstructed one). It should be aware of sense of place. Context 3 - Transportation PriorityRecommendation As discussed at length in this section, very few transportation-related resources still exist, which is a common issue. Those that do, or that are discovered, should be surveyed and cataloged, with particular attention paid to the importance of this context. A key remaining resource are the archeological remnants of the Gladstone Shops. These elements are located beneath the city-owned Gladstone Savanna, and are generally protected by being buried. The City should ensure their protection and interpretation. Any reuse of the area should be carefully considered. Future development of the Gladstone area should give a nod to the past, without being tempted by replication. 6b, Attachment 1 Several trails, such as theVento Trail and the Gateway Trail, take advantage of former rail corridors for recreational use. These trails are lightly interpreted already, and there is room for more historic interpretation along them. The HPC should work with the MAHS to interpret the transportation-related resources that the Society possesses. Context 4– Cultural Life PriorityRecommendation In many cases, religious cultural resources are lost because congregations need to expand on limited budgets, and are often ineligible for tax credits that for-profits can use in preservation efforts. This is particularly the case in Maplewood, where the existing religious buildings generally represent the recent past. The HPC should work with local churches to ensure that resources are protected. Cemeteries are generally not eligible for National Register nomination, though this trend is reversing in Minnesota, especially for those with significant structures such as the Forest Lawn Mausoleum. The HPC should consider National Register designation for this resource. In many communities, cemeteries also generate much interest and their own preservation societies. Maplewood’s cemeteries should consider similar initiatives. Parks and open areas have long been part of Maplewood’s cultural history, since long before the Open Space Referendum. In general, these places do not have buildings or similar resources to preserve, but their sense of place is still crucial. The HPC should work with the Parks Commission to include historicpark features in the currently in-process Parks and Recreation Plan. Similarly, Maplewood has strong Natural Resources plans in place. Adding historic resources to these plans might be tricky, as few built resources remain. However, the natural environment of the Maplewood area is also part of its history/pre-history, and so preservation could be integrated into these plans in many ways. Redesign Maplewood’s “Big Tree Registry” to ensure it has a historical component as well as a natural resource element. Other cities, such as Minneapolis, Portland, Seattle, and Madison have similar programs, usually based on size, age, and significance. Some areas have developed walking tours or even iPhone apps for their programs. Maplewood retains several sports-related sites, though the loss of the Keller Golf Clubhouse — a prominent landmark designed by a significant local architect — was an unfortunate blow. The HPC should recognize and retain these sites. In particular, the HPC should investigate listing 6b, Attachment 1 Aldrich Arena on the National Register of Historic Places. Similarly, though the remaining tourism resources (such as the Hennings cabins) are in poor condition, the HPC should investigate retaining and preserving them. The historic neighborhoods are part of Maplewood’s core identity. Though things like the community clubs are long gone, the HPC should investigate interpreting the neighborhoods and their character, perhaps through signage, banners, etc. Context 5– Civic Life PriorityRecommendation Maplewood should consider preserving both the original New Canada Hall (threatened) and the Maplewood Municipal Building. The latter especially stands as a good example of mid-century work, and is indicative of the area governance. The HPC should support the MAHS in their oral history project on area firefighters. These histories provide a very evocative description of the importance of the fire department in Maplewood’s history. With the new combined fire station under construction, the Consultants understand that the city will likely sell the current fire stations. The HPC should work to ensure that these are preserved, and also interpreted in some manner. The two original schools that have been converted to private homes are interesting cases. The HPC should consider working with these homeowners to allow interpretation without the loss of any property rights. The barn of the Poor Farm is Maplewood’s only current National Register site. There are some related resources, including other buildings, the Potter’s Field, and the (moved) caretaker’s house. The HPC should investigate an expansion of the National Register nomination, or at least some other ways to interpret and preserve the existing resources. Context 6 – Commerce andIndustry 6b, Attachment 1 PriorityRecommendation The MAHS has done significant research on the Saint Paul Plow Works and the Railroad Shops. The HPC should consider working with them to commemorate these lost resources. The 3M complex is truly Maplewood’s most significant resource. Both in its cohesive mid- century modern design and its impact on the community, it for better or worse defines Maplewood. The MAHS is currently commissioning a study on the company and its campus, which is of great importance. The HPC should support this study, and the City of Maplewood should work with 3M to preserve and protect as much of the campus as possible. These contexts provide an extremely brief overview as to the significance of Maplewood’s commercial and industrial operations. Further research should be completed on the topic, and survey work initiated to establish the existence and condition of these resources. Context 7 – Residential Architecture PriorityRecommendation In order to accurately assess cultural resources, and prioritize the nominations for residential properties, Maplewood should update the residential parts of its surveys. To this end, the HPC should consider completing a reconnaissance survey of its residential housing stock. The survey could be completed as part of the Certified Local Government (CLG) or The Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage (Legacy) Grant process. Similarly, the HPC should consider doing a similar survey of related residential features such as outbuildings and street amenities; these elements could also be included in the comprehensive survey. The Consultants found relatively few of these resources remaining. Based upon this initial survey, the Maplewood HPC should encourage local nominations of architecturally or historically significant residences or residential collections. This should lead to the development of outreach materials on the locally nominated properties. The HPC may then want to develop a driving tour map for significant residential property sites within the community. A few homes in the area may be suited for National Register inclusion. These are listed in the Recommendations and Further Actions for the study as a whole, along with some non-residential sites. If further research justifies the action, Maplewood should consider preparing a Multiple Property nomination for mid-century development housing. Based upon inventory research, Maplewood may also want to consider designating a historic district, either locally or to the National Registerof Historic Places. One possible candidate for this may be the neighborhood adjacent to Lake Phalen which appears to have a cohesive 6b, Attachment 1 collection of significant residential architecture. The HPC should conduct outreach to city residents regarding architectural styles and preservation techniques. Such information would allow homeowners to understand their home’s distinguishing features, and assist them in planning for the preservation of their property. Such outreach should not ignore elements such as outbuildings, landscape, fences, walks, and other details. Ideally, this process would occur through some sort of residential design guidelines. General Recommendations PriorityRecommendation One important next step that the city could take wouldbe to complete a full cultural resources survey. There are some important past surveys (including the standard Ramsey County one and a Maplewood-specific one), but they are in need of clarification, addition, and updates. Such an initiative is quite largeand time-consuming, but some of it could be completed by a team of enthusiastic volunteers under professional leadership. Maplewood has only one National Register-listed site —the Poor Farm Barn. As described in the recommendations for that context, the HPC should consider expanding that nomination. At least a few other properties, such as the Bruentrup Farm, do not qualify since they have been moved. Some suggested other potential properties for National Register listing include: • The Forest Lawn Cemetery Mausoleum, 1800 N. Edgerton St. • The Seaholm P. Gottfried House, 1800 E. Shore Drive (unique Moderne design) • KSTP Transmitter Building, 2792 Highway 61 (Art Deco/Moderne style) • A Multiple Property listing for the two converted schools: Edgerton (1745 Edgerton Street) and Carver Lake (2684 W. Highwood Ave.) • JWS Frost House, 1889 Clarence St. • Saint Paul’s Priory at 2675 Larpenteur, determined National Register eligible in 2010. As well as suggesting National Register nominations, Maplewood should develop a local nomination process. A local designation would help to identify significant resources and offer them a level of appropriate protection, while also increasing public participation. There are a number of properties that would be suitable for such designation, including several of the existing railroad resources, the Sundgaard house, the Swanson house, and others. The relatively new Minnesota state tax credit, as well as existing federal tax credits, allow significant deductions for historic, income-producing properties, and the HPC should encourage commercial property owners to use these to full advantage. See Appendix A for more information. There are several natural allies for the HPC in their preservation work. In particular, the 6b, Attachment 1 Maplewood Area Historical Society has been doing strong work in exhibits, oral histories, and research. The HPC and MAHS should work together whenever possible to promote Maplewood preservation. It is especially important that they work together with regards to the 3M site, which is an important resource. One of the biggest challenges that will continue to face Maplewood is the idea of “historic.” Important as Gladstone’s history is, it’s time to move beyond that as being Maplewood’s main resource. The area is large and diverse, and contains many historic elements. Especially important are the area’s mid-century resources, ranging from homes to 3M to civic buildings. To many, the idea of preservation of the recent past is a difficult concept; they simply can’t fathom that something in their lifetime can be historic. The HPC should aggressively promote the understanding of the preservation of the recent past and its resources therein. Maplewood has lost too many of its historic elements. It should work to preserve the important ones that remain, and beyond preserving them, should develop interpretation and outreach plans so that its residents understand the importance of these resources. The HPC should create a “Top 10” (or 20, or 30) list of resources it will not stand to lose. It should also make clear to the public that simply recognizing the history of something (such as photographing it before demolition), or collecting parts of it for a history display (such as saving an architectural feature) is not the same as preserving the building. Finally, the HPC needs to be vigilant in educating that replication is not the same as preservation. Tearing down a building, and then creating a new one in its place in a historic style, is not preservation, and actually stands counter to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standard’s (see Appendix B). Other cities have been successful in using completed context studies as a kind of training and introduction manual for new HPC members. Such a use would be an excellent way to ensure that the Commission has a standard basis of knowledge and shared goals for the future. 6c MEMORANDUM TO: Heritage Preservation Commission FROM: Ginny Gaynor, Natural Resources Coordinator/HPC Liaison DATE: October 9, 2014 SUBJECT:Maplewood Park System Master Plan Introduction Maplewood is engaged in a community process to develop a ParkSystem Master Plan. At the September 11, 2014 Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) meeting, commissioners reviewed the draft recommendations that were related to history. Commissioners will finalize the list of parks whichshould have historic interpretation. Discussion In 2013, Maplewood began work on a Park System Master Plan. The plan will guide investments in parks over the next 20 years and ensure the park system meets community needs now and into the future. It addresses the community’s aging park infrastructure, changing city demographics, evolving parks and recreation trends, and long-term funding.For more information on the plan, visit: www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/parks. At the September meeting, HPC commissioners discussed the draft recommendationsthat were related tohistory and historic preservation.The HPC had a few additional suggestions that staff will submit to the Park Master Plan leaders: 1.Restore or recreate a historic playground. 2. Documentthe history of the park system including basic information on each park such as year of establishment, cost of acquisition, significance of park’s name, etc. 3.Provide historic interpretation for parkswith significant history. The commission wanted to pull together a list of the parks that have the most significant history andare most important to interpret. Theparks for this listthat have been submitted by staff and by Maplewood Area Historical Society chair include: Lookout Park, Joy Park, Flicek Park, Gladstone Savanna Neighborhood Preserve, Maplewood Nature Center, Fish Creek, and Prairie Farm Preserve.The commission should determine if there are other parks that needto be included. Recommendation Commissioners should discuss whether any other parks need to be added to the list of parks with significant history needing interpretation. No action required.