5.A. HRSR 08-27-2001 ' Item/ 5D.
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Housing & Redevelopment Authority
FROM: Catherine Mehelich, Director of Economic Developmen9e7
DATE: August 27, 2001
SUBJECT: Consider Historical Context Study
As part of the drafting of the Downtown Redevelopment Plan, the Heritage Preservation
Commission (HPC) has made a recommendation to the HRA to complete a Historic
Context Study with a focus on the downtown area. The HPC has recommended the HRA
complete the context study prior to making taking action on any redevelopment proposals in
the downtown area. At the July 23,2001 meeting the HRA requested a representative of the
• HPC attend the next regular meeting to answer questions about the context study.
As previously discussed, the context study would be completed by a professional/consultant
and takes less than six months to complete. A context study identifies the significant
historic themes of a community. Some examples of historic themes that have been
discussed include: transportation (river,railroad, etc.), commerce and energy. The study can
provide a framework that can be used to weigh the importance of structures to the
community's heritage. In addition to a building's historic significance, the study will
consider if the structure has maintained its original location and integrity.
The study will cost between $10,000 to $12,000. The HRA has discussed the option of
applying for a grant to recoup one half of the cost, however such an application would delay
the study completion until Fall 2002. An alternative action would be to fund the study in its
entirety and have the study completed earlier, so the results may be reviewed and
incorporated into the redevelopment plan.
Building& Zoning Administrator, Steve Rohlf and/or a representative of the Heritage
Preservation Commission will be present at the meeting to answer any questions of the HRA
in regards to the context study.
So as not to delay any continued redevelopment planning and marketing of development
opportunities, staff recommends the HRA consider authorizing completion of the context
study with full funding from the HRA. In addition, staff will continue to explore alternative
IIIIgrant options, such as the Initiative Foundation planning grants.