The Elk River Historic Context Study - A Proposal to the City of Elk River from Landscape Research November 23, 2001The Elk River Historic Context Study
A Proposal to the City of Elk River
from
Landscape Research
November 23, 2001
NOV 2 6 2001
Elk River Historic Resources Study
A Proposal to the City of Elk River
From
Landscape Research
St. Paul, Minnesota
November 23, 2001
With its roots as a fur trading post, Elk River is one of Minnesota's historic Mississippi
River towns. Greek Revival houses, downtown commercial buildings, and early
farmsteads in the surrounding agricultural area are among important evidence of its
past. As the Elk River community continues to grow and develop, the role of historic
resources will continually be evaluated through housing improvement, downtown
development, and environmental review activities conducted for transportation and
other projects. The proposed historic contexts study and downtown survey will provide
the city with comprehensive information about the city's history and the significance of
its historic resources.
Historic Contexts
The proposed study will develop historic contexts for Elk River and provide a
comprehensive narrative and analysis of the growth of the city from settlement to the
present. It is likely that one of the contexts will focus on Elk River's relationship to early
Sherburne County and the Mississippi River, and the changing rural, suburban, and
urban landscapes. Other contexts will analyze the development of agriculture, and
commercial, institutional, and residential development. Whenever possible, examples of
extant buildings or landscapes associated with each context will be identified.
Downtown Survey
The study will include a Phase I and II survey of the core downtown area. The survey
will focus on the properties previously identified as significant by city staff. Based on a
tour of the site and information from city staff, it appears that Phase II inventory forms
can be completed for up to ten properties. (Additional survey is discussed below.)
This project will be conducted within the Guidelines for Preservation Planning established
by the Secretary of the Interior and will be compatible with databases maintained by the
State Historic Preservation Offices.
Preservation Planning Recommendations
This study will assist the city in planning for historic and cultural resources.
The study will also provide recommendations for further survey and evaluation of
historic properties, sites, and landscapes in Elk River.
The final report will combine text and illustrations in a useful and interesting format. It
will be supplied in hard copy and on disk. Landscape Research will provide a quantity
Elk River Historic Context Study 1
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November 23, 2001
of reports for immediate use, with additional printing to be determined by the client. As
requested, we will present the findings of the study at a staff or HPC meeting.
Additional Phase I and II Survey
A complete Phase I and II survey of the 210-acre area shown on the RFP map can be
completed for an additional $4,000.
Firm Qualifications
Landscape Research has worked with many communities and planning agencies in the
Midwest and New England on a great variety of research and preservation planning
projects. In Minnesota, we have had extensive experience with historical research and
planning projects throughout Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington, Dakota, and Rice
counties. We have successfully completed many preservation plans and context studies,
including those for the University of Minnesota, and cities such as Minneapolis,
Hastings, St. Cloud, Lanesboro, and Northfield. Our National Register work has
involved the development of historic contexts for various aspects of Minnesota
agriculture and historic landscapes.
Carole Zellie is an architectural historian and urban planner. She founded Landscape
Research, now a three -person firm, in 1976 and has served as project director and
principal investigator for many of the firm's past projects. Ms. Zellie holds degrees in
architectural history (B.A., M.A.) from the University of Minnesota and an M.S. in
historical geography from the University of Wisconsin -Madison. For the proposed
project Ms. Zelhe will serve as principal investigator.
In addition to the preparation of historic context studies and architectural and cultural
resource surveys and all aspects of the National Register and local designation studies,
Landscape Research also works with communities to develop the research and
documentation phases of their projects. Preservation plans, guidelines for new design
and rehabilitation, land use plans, procedures manuals, training programs, and a variety
of tours and other public education programs have resulted.
Our projects have conformed to the guidelines developed by the Secretary of the Interior
and have been coordinated with the State Historic Preservation Office.
Work Program Overview
Tasks:
To begin the project, the consultant will meet with city staff to discuss the project
outline and objectives.
* The consultant will review a variety of inventory data held by the Minnesota State
Historic Preservation Office, Elk River, and Sherburne County. This includes
archaeological inventories, cultural resource surveys, and environmental review reports.
• Published and unpublished research sources will be analyzed. Sources include state,
county, and local histories, archaeological reports, newspapers, land use and other
Elk River Historic Context Study 2
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November 23, 2001
historic maps, real estate records, photographs and historical views, and other archival
materials found in local collections and at the Minnesota Historical Society.
• All previous architectural survey data will be reviewed in light of current fieldwork
and research. At the beginning of the project, the consultant will present a detailed
research plan to the client. The consultant will inform staff of progress to date during
the first month of the study, and first drafts of the study will be available for review and
revision prior to submission of the final report.
• The consultant will work with city staff to develop goals and objectives for
preservation planning and recommendations for future survey and evaluation of
historic properties, sites, and landscapes.
The consultant will also work with staff to prepare for a final presentation.
Timeframe Summary
A final timeline will be developed after consultation with city staff. The project will
commence in December 2001 and be completed in approximately six months.
Budget
We propose a $12,000 budget to develop a research plan, conduct and analyze the
research and survey, and prepare the historic context drafts and final reports. Up to ten
Phase II inventory forms will also be prepared for the area described above. The fee
includes all meetings with city staff, and travel expenses. The project fee is based on a
rate of $65 per hour and includes production of the final reports.
Submitted by
Carole Zellie, Principal
Landscape Research
November 23, 2001
Elk River Historic Context Study
Landscape Research
November 23, 2001
John Grossman
City Planner/HRA Director
City Hall
Hastings, MN
(651) 437-4127
Susan Roth
National Register Historian
State Historic Preservation Office
Minnesota Historical Society
(651) 296-5434
References
Work Samples
Context Studies
North Minneapolis Historic Context Study (1998; Minneapolis Heritage Preservation
Commission)
Northeast Minneapolis Historic Context Study (1998; Minneapolis Heritage Preservation
Commission)
An Inventory of Minnesota's Geographic Features of Historic and Cultural Significance (1989;
State Historic Preservation Office, Minnesota Historical Society)
Context Studies / Preservation Plans
The University of Minnesota Preservation Plan (1996, completed for the University of
Minnesota) Based on seven historic contexts. Recipient of Preservation Award,
Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission (1998); CUE Award (1998).
The Northfield Heritage Preservation Plan (1992; Northfield Heritage Preservation
Commission). Incorporated multi -year architectural survey, contexts study, and
preservation plan in one volume.
Design Guidelines / Publication Projects
The Dayton's Bluff Historic District Handbook (1992; St. Paul Planning and Economic
Development Department). Recipient of 1993 Preservation Award, St. Paul Heritage
Preservation Commission.
At Home in Northfield brochure series and Northfield: The History and Architecture of a
Community (1999)
Built in Milwaukee (1981; Department of City Development, Milwaukee, Wisc.). Recipient
of 1982 Merit Award, State Historical Society of Wisconsin.
Elk River Historic Context Study 4
Landscape Research
November 23, 2001
CAROLE ZELLIE
Education
1989 Master of Science, University of Wisconsin -Madison. Department of
Geography (urban and historical geography).
1975-76 Ph.D. Program, University of Wisconsin -Madison. Department of Art
History (American architecture).
1974 Master of Arts, University of Minnesota. Department of Art History
(American and European architecture and urban planning).
1972 Bachelor of Arts, University of Minnesota. School of Architecture and
Department of Art History.
Professional Experience
1976-present Principal, LANDSCAPE RESEARCH
Clients are public agencies, planning and historical commissions, engineering
and architectural firms, and museums. Services include studies of landscape,
architectural, and settlement history; the development of design and
rehabilitation guidelines for historic and special districts; publication and
interpretive program planning and design; National Register, tax certification
and 106 review, and historic structure and feasibility reports.
1973-5 City Planner II, Historic Preservation and Urban Design. Department of
Planning and Economic Development, St. Paul, Minnesota.
1986 Research Associate. Hatch Grant, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Wisconsin -
Madison.
1980- Guest Lecturer/Critic. Graduate School of Design, Harvard University;
Preservation Program, Boston University; Department of Landscape
Architecture, University of Wisconsin -Madison; College of Architecture
and Landscape Architecture, University of Minnesota.
1985-86 Board Member, Madison Trust for Historic Preservation.
1990-92 President, Society of Architectural Historians, Minnesota Chapter.
Carole ZellielLw dsc ape Research
Landscape Research: Partial List of Clients and Projects,1976-2001
Unless noted, Carole Zellie served as the Principal Investigator or Project Director.
St. Paul, Minnesota (1987-)
Client: St. Paul Heritage Preservation Commission. Evaluation of existing city-wide cultural
resources study and development of historic contexts and location designation studies (2000-).
Client: Minnesota Historical Society. Literature search and building reports for the Henry
Sibley, Faribault, and DePuis houses at the Sibley Historic Site (1998-9).
Client: Planning and Economic Development Department. Final writing, editing, and design of
the Downtown St. Paul Urban Design Plan and Urban Design Postcard Project (1997). Recipient
of 2001 Communication Award, St. Paul Heritage Preservation Commission.
Client: Minnesota Historical Society. Historic landscape report and master plan for the grounds
of the Alexander Ramsey House (1995).
Client: Dayton's Bluff District 4 Community Council. Preparation of an urban design framework
for the Dayton's Bluff Historic District; study funded by the McKnight Foundation (1993).
Client: Minnesota Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office. Writing and
production of a 16-page brochure describing the Minnesota Certified Local Government Program
(1993).
Client: Ramsey County Historical Society. Historic structures report for the Heman Gibbs Farm
(1993).
Client: St. Paul Planning and Economic Development Department. Design and production of a
30-page design guidelines handbook explaining the district design review process and criteria
(1992). Recipient of 1993 Preservation Award, St. Paul Heritage Preservation Commission.
Client: St. Paul Planning and Economic Development Department. Study and development of a
model for the creation of heritage conservation districts; companion study of the historic
contexts of the Dayton's Bluff Historic District (1991).
Client: Dayton's Bluff District 4 Community Council. Design and production of a newsletter on
building conservation for the residents of the Dayton's Bluff Historic District (1992).
Client: St. Croix Valley Heritage Center, with Winsor/Faricy Architects. Team member for
programming and schematic design for new center to be located in Taylor's Falls, Minnesota
(1988).
Client: Minnesota Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office. Statewide inventory
of geographic features of cultural and historical significance and preparation of guidelines for
the nomination of selected features to the National Register of Historic Places. Individual
National Register nominations for Barn Bluff, Winona, and Sugar Loaf, Winona (1988-9).
Client: Minnesota Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office. Project Coordinator
for a reuse feasibility study at the Thorstein Veblen Farmstead near Northfield, Minnesota
(1990). Historic structures report prepared with MacDonald and Mack Architects, Ltd. (1992).
Carole Zelliel bndscaM Reawch 2
Client: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. An architectural and cultural resources investigation and
publication design for the Mississippi River Headwaters Reservoirs, including dams,
dwellings, and associated structures (1987).
Client: Ramsey County Historical Society. Director of "St. Paul and the Mississippi," a
National Endowment for the Humanities -funded planning study of the historical and cultural
impact of the river on the city. Research and production of two publications dealing with the
project themes (1988).
Client: Minnesota Historical Society. Historic structures report of original and existing
conditions at the LeDuc House, Hastings, Minnesota (1987); intensive historical research report
for the interpretive plan (1989); documentation of interior furnishings (1990) and outbuildings
and grounds (1993). Ongoing consultation on site development 1994-.
Minneapolis, Minnesota (1987-)
Client: Minneapolis Park Board and URS/BRW. Preparation of interpretive materials and
exhibits for Mill Ruins Park (2001).
Client: University of St. Thomas. Preparation of mitigation study for the Anderson Electric
Carriage Company, 1112 Harmon Place (2001).
Client: Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission. Preparation of local designation
studies and design guidelines for the MacPhail School of Music and the Harmon Place Historic
District (2000-2001).
Client: Brighton Development Corporation. Preparation of tax certification for the Gaar-Scott
Implement Warehouse Residential Lofts project (2000-).
Client: SRF Associates. Section 106 review of properties in the Washington Avenue and East
River Road project area on the University of Minnesota -Minneapolis campus (2000).
Lander Group, Minneapolis. Evaluation of the Anderson Clinic, 301 Kenwood Parkway (2000).
Client: American Swedish Institute. Research on the designed historic landscape and
architectural technology of the Swan Turnblad House (1999).
Client: St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board. Historic resources consultation for the Hennepin
Island Masterplan (1998). With Roger Martin FASLA.
Client: Minnesota Historical Society. Preparation of National Register of Historic Places
nomination for the Sears Building, Minneapolis, Minnesota (1998).
Client: Minneapolis Community Development Agency. Preparation of the historic resources
and urban design components of the AUAR process for the Southeast Minneapolis Industrial
Area. (1997-98). With Peer Collaborative Inc.
Client: University of Minnesota Master Planning and Facilities Management Departments.
Preparation of preservation master plan including Twin Cities, Duluth, Morris, and Crookston
campuses, 1996. Recipient of Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Award, 1998.
Client: Federal Reserve Bank. Preparation of text and illustrations for five interpretive
exhibits located on the Federal Reserve Plaza, Minneapolis, 1995-1998. With HOK
Architects, St. Louis, MO.
Carole Zellie/ImadsW Larch 3
Client: Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP). Urban design framework
study for Hennepin Avenue (Loring Park to Lakewood Cemetery corridor;1995, with
Martin/Pitz Associates et. al).
Client: Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission. Study of three historic contexts to be
incorporated in the Minneapolis Preservation Plan (1993); local designation context studies
(1993-94; 94-95; 95-96; 96-97; North and Northeast Minneapolis historic context studies, 1998).
Client: Robert Poehling. Preparation of National Register of Historic Places Nomination for
the George and Nancy Van Dusen House,1900 LaSalle Avenue, Minneapolis, 1994.
Client: Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Preparation of a master plan for Nicollet
Island, including the Nicollet Island Historic District (1993-6; with Martin/Pitz Associates).
Client: Stevens Square/Loring Heights Community Organization. Preparation of National
Register Nomination for the Stevens Square Historic District (1993).
Client: St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board. Preparation of a study analyzing landscape change
at St. Anthony Falls between ca. 1600 and 1990, for use in the preparation of an interpretive
plan for the St. Anthony Falls Historic District (1989).
Client: Minneapolis Community Development Agency and Schoell and Madson Engineers.
Documentation of the public works history of Main Street S.E. prior to a repaving and
landscape design project (1990).
Client: Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission. Development of historic contexts for
six neighborhood movie theatres. With Frank Martin (1990).
Client: St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board as consultant to Martin/Pitz. Member of team for the
interpretation and design of the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail (1991).
Client: The Urban Design Center, School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture,
University of Minnesota. Photography and script for a 1-hour presentation on urban design
issues along the Nicollet Mall (1987).
Rochester, Minnesota (2001)
Client: Olmsted County Historical Society. Preparation of a designed historic landscape study
for the Mayowood estate.
St. Cloud, Minnesota (1998-1999)
Client: St. Cloud Heritage Preservation Commission (1998). Preparation of The St. Cloud
Heritage Preservation (1998) and a local historic district nomination for the Southside Historic
District (1999).
Washington County, Minnesota (1999-2000)
Client: Washington County Department of Land Management. Preparation of a county -wide
study of historic contexts and recommendations for preservation planning.
Carole Zellie l LandsaWe Researck 4
Hennepin County, Minnesota (1992-2001)
Client: Hennepin County Works. Phase I and II environmental review for Humboldt Greenway
Project including research on early African -American community (2001).
Client: Hennepin County Public Works Department. Determination of Eligibility to the
National Register of Historic Places for the settlement of Fletcher, Hassan Township. With
Mike Koop (1992)
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota (1999-2001)
Client: Brooklyn Park Housing and Redevelopment Department. City wide historic resources
inventory and evaluation and recommendations for future planning.
North Oaks, Minnesota (1996)
Client: Hill Farms Historical Society. Preparation of a National Register Nomination for the
James J. Hill Stock Farm.
Stoughton, Wisconsin (1997-2001)
Client: Stoughton Landmarks Commission. Preparation of residential design guidebook and
walking tours of the East, Southwest and Northwest Side historic districts.
Madison, Wisconsin (1985-97)
Client: Urban Open Space Foundation. Preparation of a statement of significance for a
National Register nomination for the Yahara Parkway and Tenney Park and a related report
on landscape conservation issues (1997).
Client: Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation. Preparation of public information materials
for a statewide preservation organization, including a resource guide and slide presentation and
a course curriculum (1991). With Thomas R. Zahn and Associates.
Client: Madison Landmarks Commission and the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation.
Preparation of a guide to the Third Lake Ridge Historic District (1988).
Client: Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission. Preparation of a guide for local history
research (1985).
Client: Environmental Awareness Center, University of Wisconsin -Madison. Design and
production of a three-part series of newsletters illustrating the regional and urban planning
work of the Center (1984-6).
Washington, D.C. (1994-95)
Client: National Park Service, Interagency Resources Division. Writing and production of a 16-
page brochure describing the national Certified Local Government Program.
Carole Zellie/Iandsagv Research 5
Iowa City, Iowa (1994-5)
Client: Iowa City Planning Department. Preparation of a conservation district ordinance for
application to several central -city neighborhoods.
Northfield, Minnesota (1988-99)
Client: Northfield Heritage Preservation Commission. Project direction, design, and co -writing
of a book about the city's development and architecture. Previous projects included a contextual
(architectural and historical) study of the city (1988); a two-year intensive architectural
survey covering all properties within the city limits (1990-91); and preparation of a
preservation plan (1992).
Afton, Minnesota (1994-5)
Client: Afton Planning Commission. Preparation of design studies and ordinances for landscape
and architectural conservation.
River Falls, Wisconsin (1994)
Preparation of a management plan for the urban forest along the Kinnickinnic River in
downtown River Falls.
Menomonie, Wisconsin (1992-3)
Client: Main Street of Menomonie, Inc. Preparation of an urban design study and interpretive
plan for the Business Improvement and Historic Districts. Recipient of Minnesota Chapter of
the American Society of Landscape Architects 1993 Honor Award.
Hastings, Minnesota (1993- 98)
Client: City of Hastings and the Heritage Preservation Commission. City-wide historic
contexts study and intensive historic sites inventory; historic district study for the Old
Hastings Historic District.
Janesville, Wisconsin (1985-97)
Client: The Janesville Community Development Department. Preparation of a series of 40-page
guides to Janesville's historic districts; a heritage map and guide; development of a residential
design guidelines book for use in the city's restoration efforts; research, scripting, and
production of a 38-minute video presentation on the city's architectural development.
Lanesboro, Minnesota (1988-92)
Client: Lanesboro Heritage Preservation Commission. The initial contextual (architectural and
historical) study of the city was followed by an evaluation phase, which included preparation
of a preservation plan.
Lawrence, Massachusetts (1983-4)
Client: Community Development Department. Cultural resources investigation of five historic
districts in the city and preparation of National Register District nominations. Study area
Carole Zellie /LandsW Research 6
focused on 100 industrial buildings and milling equipment (ca. 1840-1900) along the North
Canal of the Merrimack River, the Arlington Mills complex, and three nineteenth-century
residential areas.
Belmont, Massachusetts (1983)
Client: Belmont Historical Commission. Preparation of an illustrated book on the architecture
and development of a nineteenth-century agricultural community that developed into a
twentieth-century streetcar suburb.
Somerville, Massachusetts (1983-4)
Client: Office of Planning and Community Development. Intensive rehabilitation study of 50
structures on Spring Hill, the city's first historic district. Demonstration project for future
programs.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1981)
Client: Department of City Development. Research, writing, and design of an illustrated book
and poster entitled Built in Milwaukee: An Architectural View of the City. Recipient of
Award of Merit, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1982.
Lowell, Massachusetts (1980-82)
Client: Department of Planning and Community Development. An historical and architectural
study of Lowell, a nineteenth-century textile manufacturing center. Intensive survey of
residential architecture outside the National Urban Park boundaries. With Elizabeth Hengen.
Client: Department of Planning and Community Development. Preparation of illustrated
brochure on the architecture and landscape of Chapel Hill, one the city's earliest residential
areas.
Carver, Massachusetts (1980)
Client: Carver Historical Commission. Design of survey and research plan for survey team.
Supervision of survey and preparation of historical narrative about a rural settlement
comprised of four Colonial and Federal -period villages, nineteenth-century iron foundries, and
cranberry industry buildings.
Arlington, Massachusetts (1980)
Client: Arlington Historical Commission. An historical and architectural study of one
neighborhood. The final report was intended to be used as a "neighborhood atlas" by residents,
and explained the evolution of the area from a Colonial farming community to the present.
Somerville, Massachusetts (1979-1985)
Client: Somerville Historical Commission and Office of Planning and Community
Development. A comprehensive architectural and historical inventory. Preparation of
Multiple Resource nomination to the National Register for 125 structures. Development of
management framework and guidelines for city offices (planning, rehab loan, and building
inspection); preparation of guides about historic building conservation for home and business
Carole Ze1he/Landscape Research 7
owners. Second contract (1982) included research and design for an illustrated book on the
architecture and development of the city. Recipient of Preservation Award, Victorian Society
of American, Boston Chapter.
Stoneham, Massachusetts (1979-1980)
Client: Stoneham Historical Commission. Comprehensive architectural inventory of the town
and preparation of Multiple Resource nomination to the National Register. Simultaneous
contract with Artist -in -the -Schools -Project to develop exhibits, slide shows, and related
material. Second contract for preparation of an illustrated book on the settlement and
architectural development of the town, with a focus on the nineteenth-century local shoe
industry.
Washington, D.C. (1978)
Client: Department of Housing and Community Development. Consultant to Carr/Lynch
Associates for neighborhood planning projects in two low-income historic districts, Anacostia
and LeDroit Park. Development of guidelines for conservation and rehabilitation of residential
properties and facade treatments for commercial structures. Concentration on community
participation program which preceded the design phase of the project.
Methuen, Massachusetts (1978-1979)
Client: Department of Planning and Community Development. Comprehensive architectural
and cultural resource inventory and preservation study. Multiple Resource nomination to the
National Register prepared in 1979 under separate contract.
Fall River, Massachusetts (1977-1978)
Client: Department of Planning and Community Development. An architectural survey and
neighborhood analysis of a large New England textile center. With the Preservation
Partnership, New Bedford, Massachusetts.
Kane County, Illinois (1977)
Client: Kane County Urban Development Department. A cultural resource inventory of seven
communities along the Fox River corridor in Kane County.
Evansville, Wisconsin (1976 and 1993)
Client: Rock County Planning Department and the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. A
study of a small rural community, partially funded by the National Endowment for the Arts.
An architectural survey, historic district delineation, and commercial building design
guidelines were analyzed in the final report. The 1993 contract involved the preparation of
residential rehabilitation guidelines.
Carole Zellie /Landscape Research 8