7.3. HRSR 01-27-2003 Item # 7.3.
•
Cty of
Elk -�--�
River
MEMORANDUM
TO: Housing & Redevelopment Authority
Heritage Preservation Commission
FROM: Catherine Mehelich, Director of Economic Developmen
DATE: January 27, 2003
SUBJECT: Downtown Revitalization Project
-Joint Meeting with the Heritage Preservation Commission
Attachments
• October 14, 2002 Joint City Council and HPC Meeting Minutes, pages 1 &2
• • Please bring your copy of the Historic Context Study
• Memo from the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) Regarding
Recommendations on Local Historic Significance in the Downtown Area
• Map of HPC Recommendation Areas
• Map of Area Identified in the Preliminary Redevelopment Agreement
Background
Following the October 14, 2002 joint meeting of the City Council and HPC, the Council
directed the HPC to meet with the HRA regarding its recommendations of historic
significance in the downtown area. Topics discussed at the October meeting included:
• The recently completed Historic Context Study
• Written History Project
• Funding for the HPC
• Review of the HPC recommendations for areas of historic significance in the
downtown area and possible overly district
A representative from the HPC will present the attached HPC recommendations at the joint
meeting with the HRA.
The HRA and City Council has identified the primary goal of the downtown revitalization
project to assure the long-term viability of downtown by making a connection to the rest of
the community and by utilizing the riverfront location. Redevelopment will enhance
• downtown Elk River's role as a residential,retail and commercial area and also revitalize
investment in the downtown business district.
Joint Meeting of the HRA and HPC
January 27,2003
Page 2 of 2
• The objectives identified to meet this goal include:
• Mixed use (residential/retail/service)
• Consideration of the historic context study results
• Strengthen connection to the community
• Traditional downtown design elements
• Brick, stucco, stone materials with visual breaks in the building design
• Increased residential density
• Pedestrian orientation
• Increase exposure to the riverfront
• Recognize those buildings that have potential for rehabilitation
• Replace market/economic obsolete buildings
• Multiple types of housing products (i.e. townhomes, senior rental co-ops,market rate
apartments)
The attached map indicates the areas which the HRA has directed staff and MetroPlains to
consider for redevelopment options.
HPC Recommendations
In general, the HPC has recommended the following:
• 1. Preservation/restoration of the Brick Block.
2. Preservation/restoration of the block including Sunshine Depot to First National
Bank,with special consideration for Sunshine Depot.
3. Preservation/restoration of the former Elk River Star News and Dick's Main Tap
buildings.
4. No building construction on Jackson Square.
5. Retain the Elk River Meats building.
6. Retain the Elk River Municipal Utilities building.
Based on the HRA's direction to staff and MetroPlains to explore a broader area than was
originally proposed for redevelopment opportunities,it is clear that the HPC
recommendations create a conflict with the HRA direction.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that after discussion with the HPC, the HRA provide staff and
MetroPlains with direction regarding the areas to be considered for redevelopment options.
•
• MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2002
Members Present: Mayor Klinzing, Councilmembers Dietz,Kuester,Motin, and Tveite
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Pat Klaers, City Engineer Terry Maurer,Building and
Zoning Administrator Stephen Roh1f,Economic Development Assistant
Heidi Hall,Street/Park Superintendent Phil Hals,and City Clerk Sandra
Peine
1. Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River City Council was called
to order at 7:10 p.m. by Mayor Klinzing.
2. Consider 10/14/2002 Agenda
Mayor Klinzing requested to move items 5.2 and 5.3 to follow item 6.
• COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS
AMENDED. COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION.
THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT
AGENDA AS FOLLOWS:
3.1. 9/23/2002 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
3.2. CHECK REGISTER
3.3. TOBACCO LICENSE FOR WASH-N-FILL—18296 ZANE STREET NW
3.4. TRANSIENT MERCHANT LICENSE FOR CHARLES VOLKERS OF
TAP ENTERPRISES FOR A TOOL SALE AT ELK RIVER BOWL
3.5. REQUEST TO PREPARE AN EASEMENT AGREEMENT FOR DAN
COLLINS TO SIGN IN EXCHANGE FOR PAYMENT OF $3,000
COUNCILMEMBER TVEITE SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
CARRIED 5-0.
4. Open Mike
No one appeared for this item.
110
City Council Minutes Page 2
October 14,2002
• 5.1. Consider Proclaiming MN Manufacturing and Technology Week
Heidi Hall indicated that next week is MN Manufacturing and Technology Week in
Minnesota. She noted that Elk River will be celebrating Manufacturing and Technology
week with several events including tours of NRG, GRE,and SoftPac and an open house at
the Landfill Gas-to-Electric Facility.
Heidi requested Mayor Klinzing to sigh a proclamation proclaiming October 21 —October
25 as Minnesota Manufacturing and Technology Week.
COUNCILMEMBER KUESTER MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO
SIGN THE PROCLAMATION FOR MINNESOTA MANUFACTURING AND
TECHNOLOGY WEEK. COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ SECONDED THE
MOTIOND.THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6. Joint Meeting with Heritage Preservation Commission
• HPC members present: Jeff Gongoll,Jim Nord, Cindy Olson,and Cliff Lundberg
• HPC members absent: Pat Dwyer,Kurt Kragness,and Bud Houlton
Vice President Jeff Gongoll updated the City Council on some of the HPC tasks and
activities.
Discussion was held on the following topics.
1111 • Recently completed Historical Contexts Study and creating an inventory of
historical sites
• Written history project--Hiring a consultant to conduct historical interviews.
Discussion was held regarding the possibility of training a few volunteers to
conduct these interviews.
• Funding for the Commission—It was suggested that grant writing be a focus of the
Commission as a way of obtaining funding. Steve Rohlf indicated that the
Commission would also be requesting funds from the Council. Contributions from
the community were discussed as a possible funding resource.
• Downtown Revitalization Project—The Mayor questioned if the commission is
intending to pursue an overlay district for part of downtown. Steve Rohlf indicated
that the document prepared by the HPC entitled"Recommendation on Historic
Significance in the Downtown Area"is the Commission's recommendation
regarding sites with historic significance and that an overlay district may be
considered at a later date.
Discussion was held regarding the process the HPC should follow to pursue an overlay
zone. It was the suggestion of the Council that the HPC have a joint meeting with the HRA
and the downtown developer,MetroPlains.
5.2. Consider Dates/Times for Joint Meeting with the Sherburne County Board of
Commissioners Regarding the YMCA Project
City Administrator Pat Klaers updated the Council on the YMCA project. He indicated that
• the Sherburne County Commissioners have requested to meet with the City Council
regarding this issue sometime in November.The City Administrator stated that both the city
City of
Elk -�-1
River
MEMORANDUM
TO: Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA)
FROM: Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC)
DATE: January 27, 2003
SUBJECT: Recommendation on Local Historic Significance in the
Downtown Area
The Heritage Preservation Commission has reviewed the areas being considered for inclusion in
the Downtown Revitalization Project to make recommendations regarding local historic
significance. In their review,the HPC used the recently completed Historic Context Study of the
city and Phase II Inventory information,as well as the seven standards used in determining if a
41/ property qualifies to be rezoned to Heritage Preservation Site Overlay Zoning District, found in
Section 900.10 (22) (C) of the City of Elk River Code of Ordinances. The HRA has already
received the final version of the Context Study and the Phase II Inventory. A copy of the Section
900.10 (22)(C) is attached to this memo.
Brick Block-
i. This block is of interest regarding the development of Elk River. It was the result
of the turn of the century farming prosperity in the region and represents the birth
of Elk River's financial district.
iv. The"Brick Block"is anchored by the old First National Bank building,which
was built by W.H.Houlton. Mr.Houlton is a key figure in the economic
development of Elk River. In addition,the former Bank of Elk River building is
located in this block. This building is associated with others who significantly
contributed to the development of Elk River, e.g.Babcock, Castle and Dare.
v. As the name implies,the"Brick Block"embodies a distinctive architectural
treatment for the period it was built,brick. Having suffered a number of
disastrous fires in the commercial areas of Elk River,this block was an attempt to
reduce the hazard.
viii. As much as anywhere in Elk River,the"Brick Block"represents an established
and familiar visual feature of the community and physical tie to the past.
Recommendation—Although the architectural integrity of some of the buildings is
currently lacking,the HPC for the City of Elk River feels this block has local
historic significance. The HPC strongly recommends that this block is left intact
• and revitalization take the form of restoration and creative reuse. The HPC further
recommends that this block be considered for designation as a Heritage
Preservation Site Overlay District(HPS).
• Block south of Main St.between Sunshine Depot and First National Bank
i. The development of this block is indicative of the overall economic health of Elk
River at the time and the expansion of its commercial district.
v. The small single story buildings contained within this block are indicative of the
commercial expansion that took place in Elk River during the early part of the
20th century.
viii. As a grouping of buildings,this block creates a familiar visual feature of the
community. The fact that these buildings are old helps to create an establish feel
that,not only instills a sense of what has come before,but creates a small town
atmosphere that is hard to duplicate.
Recommendation—As a grouping of buildings,the HPC feels that
this block has
local historic significance. By nature of potentially being the oldest commercial
structure in Elk River,the HPC feels the Sunshine Depot individually has local
historic significance. There is a strong possibility that the architectural integrity of
these buildings can be restored. It is strongly recommended that willing property
owners in this block be encouraged and aided in efforts to restore their buildings,
including such measures as designation to HPS.It is further recommended that the
established look and small town atmosphere created by small single story shops be
preserved.
Block from the Nextel Building to Old Theater-
i. Many of the buildings in this block have great interest and/or value in regards to
the cultural heritage of Elk River: (i.e. Dicks Main Tap - first"all talking
pictures"/opera house, 649 Main St being the former site of the Elk River Star
• News and owned by Charles Babcock, 641 Main St. formerly being the
municipal building and a Farm Bureau.
v. The one or two story buildings in this block are characteristic of small town
commercial building for the period during which they were constructed. It is
recommended that that what is behind the added facades is reviewed for a
potential restoration.
viii. In addition to being a site that played significant rolls in the development of Elk
River's heritage and culture,the buildings in this block do represent an
established and visual feature of Elk River.
Recommendation-The HPC is recommending that the buildings on this block be
retained, especially those mentioned above,and that restoration back to their
original form is explored.
Jackson Avenue Parking Lot
i. This area has character, interest and value as part of the development,heritage
and cultural characteristics of the City of Elk River. Elk River was created with a
New England theme, around a central square. Jackson Avenue, although it is
now a parking lot, is still open space that gives the visual feel of the central
square it once was. This open space also ties to Elk River's past as a railroad
community with the commercial area containing a main street parallel to the
tracks with a road running perpendicular between the two(Jackson Avenue).
v. Jackson Square is a distinctive embodiment of both the New England style layout
for a community and a railroad community that was common of the period.
• viii. Established when Elk River was first laid out and developed,the open space that
is now the Jackson Avenue parking is a very strong established and familiar
visual feature of the community.
• Recommendation—The HPC not only recommends that Jackson Avenue parking
lot not have buildings constructed on it,but further,if parking can be
accommodated elsewhere,that it be restored to a central square containing park
amenities.
Elk River Meats
i. Records indicate that this building has continuously been operated as a meat
market since it was originally constructed. The continuity of the service
provided in this building is witness to its value to the culture of Elk River.
v. This low profile building is indicative of small town commercial buildings for the
period when it was built.
viii. Not only does the Elk River Meat building represent a established and familiar
visual feature,the continuity of the service provided increases its significance.
Recommendation-The HPC recommends that the Elk River Meat building be
retained.
Elk River Municipal Building
i. Over the years,this building has played a key roll in the development of Elk
River being a former library, city offices, fire station and jail.
v. The inverted roof in this building is a unique architectural form.
viii. This building's long standing adjacent to a main corridor through the community
• and its many public uses firmly establish it as a familiar visual feature.
Recommendation—The HPC is recommending that this building be retained.
Overall recommendation
The HPC understands that the HRA has many factors to weigh out when considering
what should be done in the downtown area. The HPC is also realistic that the integrity of
many of the older buildings in the downtown area is currently lacking and that others are
not significantly old. However,as a whole,the downtown area does have local historic
significance as an established and familiar visual feature that ties our present community
to what has come before.
While it is important to keep the downtown area vital, it should not be done at the
expense of our cultural heritage. As one of the oldest communities in Minnesota, it
would be a shame to loose one of the few remaining visual ties to our past.
To this end,the HPC recommends that the downtown area remain low profile small shop,
not only because it helps instill a sense of our cultural heritage,but it also helps create a
small town atmosphere,which is one of the draws for people locating to our community.
To accomplish this the HPC recommends encouraging restoration and creative
reuse in the downtown area.
Further,the HPC recommends that Historic Preservation Site Overlay Zoning District be
applied to those buildings listed above which the HPC recommended be retained. Lastly,
the HPC is recommending that design standards in the Historic Preservation Site Overlay
District only be applied to the outsides of the buildings and not be too restrictive.
•
• 900.10 (22)
C. Standards The Heritage Preservation Commission shall recommend to the
Planning Commission that an area,building district, or object be rezoned to the Heritage
Preservation Site Overlay Zoning District upon determining that such site meets one or
more of the following criteria:
i. It has character, interest, or value as part of the development,heritage or
cultural characteristics of the City of Elk River, State of Minnesota,or the United
States;
ii. Its location is the site of a significant historic event;
iii. It has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important in pre-history
or history;
iv. It is associated with a person or persons who significantly contributed to
the culture and development of the City;
v. It embodies distinctive characteristics of an architectural style,period,
form, or treatment;
vi. It represents the work of an architect or master builder whose individual
work has influenced the development of the City of Elk River;
vii. It embodies elements of architectural design, detail,materials, or
craftsmanship which represent a significant architectural innovation; or
• viii. Its unique location or singular physical characteristics represents an
established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood,community,or the City
of Elk River.
111
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