7.1 HPSR 07-17-2014 Carlton, Zachary
From: Michael Koop <michael.koop @mnhs.org>
Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2014 12:26 PM
To: Carlton,Zachary
Subject: CLG grants--new and current
Attachments: FAQ on Conditions Assessments_2014JAN.pdf
Hi Zack,
When the Grants Review Committee recommended approval of Elk River's CLG grant on April 17, it was on
the condition that the scope of work for the project be revised to prepare a Condition Assessment(CA)rather
than a Historic Structure Report(HSR). While this may come as a surprise, when SHPO staff reviewed the
grant application it was clear that the budget was insufficient to prepare a HSR. In staffs opinion,having a CA
completed should suffice in meeting the City's goal of considering next steps toward rehabilitation of the water
tower.
Attached is an informational sheet that explains what a Condition Assessment is. This was prepared by
Catherine Sandlund in our office, so if you have questions about CAs you may want to contact her directly.
Catherine's email is catherine.sandlund Ca)nuihs.orl; or call 651.259.3463. The CA info sheet will be included as
an attachment to the CLG grant agreement that will be mailed to you.
On a separate note, Mandy Skypala, my colleague who administers CLG and other grants, wanted me to remind
you that we need final products and fiscal documentation (e.g. cancelled checks) for last year's CLG grant. The
grant funded an archaeological survey; the federal project number is 27-13-51930.002. Since you were not with
the city when this project was underway, I can mention that Mandy sent an email to Jeremy Barnhart outlining
what we need to close out the grant. Mandy was not able to find that email, so hopefully Jeremy still has it.
Let me know if you have any questions regarding the new CLG grant for the Condition Assessment.
Regards,
Michael
Michael Koop
State Historic Preservation Office
Minnesota Historical Society
345 Kellogg Blvd. West
St. Paul, MN 55102
651.259.3452
michael.koop@mnhs.org
www.mnhs.org/shpo
1
BUILDING CONDITION ASSESSMENT FAQ
WHAT IS A HISTORIC
BUILDING CONDITIONS ASSESSMENTS SHOULD:
ASSESSMENT?
Prioritize problem areas
Condition Assessments are one way to
understanding how buildings were Take the form of a written report
constructed,used,and maintained. Utilize a variety of inspection methods such
Conditions Assessments examine the various as hands-on, visual, or noninvasive testing
mechanisms that affect the structural and
material condition of the building."Whether Identify/describe existing building conditions
done for research purposes or as a precursor Identify/describe character defining features
to restoration work,all condition assessments and significant construction methods
have two primary objectives:to identify Provide:
materials and features,and evaluate their —brief historic overview
condition."' —a set of systematic photographs
with a photo key
—drawings/sketches that clarify or
WHO SHOULD CONDUCT THE better describe conditions
ASSESSMENT? -suggested interventions for problem areas
—initial cost estimate for treatment
Condition Assessments should be completed
Describe age, material, & condition of:
by a professional who meets the Secretary of —the site, vegetation, slope of the
Interior's Professional Qualifications for ground, and drainage.
Historic Architecture (see footnote 2). —the structural system: foundations,
walls, beams, rafters, etc
—the windows and doors
IS IT THE SAME THING AS —the roof and materials, and any
CONSTRUCTION exterior components such as siding
DOCUMENTS? -the finishes of the interior including
walls, floors, ceiling, cabinetry, etc
Preservation planning is very important to —the building systems: mechanical,
electrical, and specialty systems
good building stewardship. Completion of a
— porches, decks, patios, etc,
planning report is critical before construction
projects begin. However,conditions ASSESSMENTS MAY ALSO:
assessments cannot,and will,not be accepted Provide:
as a Scope of Work for future bricks and — measured architectural drawings of
mortar grants projects. Conditions the building (including elevations)
Assessments cannot be used as construction — plans and specifications for
documents for contractors.Additional suggested construction work
planning and design is required after the Focus on one building system such as
initial assessment to create the necessary Envelop, Masonry, HVAC System,
project drawings and specifications. Structural System, or Interior Finishes
BUILDING CONDITION ASSESSMENT FAQ
HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT THAN
A HISTORIC STRUCTURES INFORMATION AND RESOURCES:
REPORT OR A REUSE PLAN?
Preservation Briefs:
Because Conditions Assessments are not as in-
depth as a Historic Structures Reports (HSR)an
www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs.htm
overall treatment recommendation is not a The Standards:
required end product. (The Standards offer four
distinct approaches to the overall treatment of www.nps.gov/tps/standards/four-
historic properties) For that reason,it is treatments.htm
suggested that the Preservation treatment is Professional Qualification Standards:
utilized until a full HSR can be completed.
Preservation focuses on the maintenance and www.nps.gov/history/locallaw/arch_stnds
_9.htm
repair of existing historic materials and
retention of a property's form as it has evolved Pre-Planning Legacy Grant Information:
over time.More information about Historic http.//legacy.mnhs.org
Structures Reports visit:
www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief43.htm
Because Conditions Assessments do not include
economic analysis and other indirect structural
analysis they do not take the place of a Historic
Building Reuse Plan. For more information on ' Condition Assessments: Tips For Historic Building
reuse studies visit: Owners By Ed Fitzgerald On August 31,
2010 In Architecture & Engineering
www.mnhs.org/shpo/planning/reuse.htm
" SOI Qualifications for Historic Architecture:The
minimum professional qualifications in historic
architecture are a professional degree in architecture
or a State license to practice architecture, plus one of
AFTER THE ASSESSMENT: the following. At least one year of graduate study in
architectural preservation, American architectural
history, preservation planning, or closely related field,
While the Assessment provides valuable or At least one year of full time professional
experience on historic preservation projects.Such as
information about the problem areas,further graduate study or experience shall include detailed
planning and design is necessary to undertake a investigations of historic structures, preparation of
historic structures research reports,and preparation
successful preservation project. Once the high of plans and specifications for preservation projects.
priority problem areas have been identified a
Historic Architect should be contracted with to
refine the project plan,create drawings, and
specifications for the proposed treatment that can
be used to direct construct work.