Heritage Preservation Commission Packet - September 11, 2025
Heritage Preservation Commission
Special Meeting
Agenda
Thursday, September 11, 2025
6:30 PM
Elk River City Hall
Uppertown Conference Room
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. CONSIDER AGENDA
4. CONSIDER MINUTES
4.1 July 17, 2025, Meeting Minutes
5. GENERAL BUSINESS
Items in which the information is presented by city staff or consultants, then deliberation and action occur. General Business
items are not opportunities to receive or provide public input. However, the presiding officer may, at its sole discretion,
solicit public feedback.
5.1 Elk River Water Tower Historic Site
6. MOTION TO ADJOURN
Page 1 of 11
Meeting of the Elk River
Heritage Preservation Commission
Held at the Elk River City Hall
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Members Present: Chair Lance Lindberg, Commissioners Linda Campbell, Jayne Dietz, Zachary
Griffiths, and Gavin Tuckey
Members Absent: None
Council Liaison: Councilmember J. Brian Calva
Staff Present: Community Development Director Zack Carlton, Park & Recreation Manager Jeff
Shelby
Others Present: Sandy Meulners-Comstock, Mend Collaborative
1. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Heritage Preservation Commission
was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Lindberg.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Lindberg led the commission in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Consider Agenda
Moved by Commissioner Dietz and seconded by Commissioner Griffiths to approve the July 17,
2025, Heritage Preservation Commission agenda.
Motion carried 5-0.
4. Consider Minutes
Moved by Commissioner Campbell and seconded by Commissioner Griffiths to approve the May
15, 2025, Heritage Preservation Commission minutes.
Motion carried 5-0.
5.1 Historic Water Tower Park
Mr. Carlton stated a subcommittee has been working to kick off the project and start collecting official
public feedback.
Sandy Meulners-Comstock, Mend Collaborative, gave a presentation on the project progress. She
outlined design considerations including historic sensitivity, accessibility, landscaping and green space,
sustainability, and generational stewardship. The water tower site is listed on the historic register.
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Heritage Preservation Commission Minutes Page 2
July 17, 2025
-----------------------------
Ms. Meulners-Comstock asked the Commission for feedback on the proposed vision statement and goals.
Working Vision Statement:
The water tower historic park or site is a welcoming community space that celebrates the iconic water tower,
local heritage, and every day gathering. It is designed for all ages. It supports connection, play, events, and
ecological systems while reflecting the spirit of the community.
Goals:
1. To ensure that Elk River’s history is celebrated through storytelling, art, and interpretive design.
2. To make sure that this future park or site is a symbolic place for the community of Elk River and
that it’s also welcoming and inclusive and accessible for all ages and abilities to experience and enjoy.
Ms. Meulners-Comstock stated the Heritage Preservation Commission would be hosting a booth at Elk
RiverFest on Saturday, July 26, 2025, as well as the Elk River Farmer’s Market on July 31, 2025.
Mr. Carlton asked the Commission if they wanted to consider the water tower site as part of a series of
locations along a historic walking tour of Elk River. The water tower site could be the start or end of the
tour and could include different parts of Elk River’s history at each stop. Additional stops could include
Bailey Point, Houlton, or the Rivers Edge Commons.
Commissioner Campbell liked the idea that locations wouldn’t be isolated but part of a system. She asked if
there was a trail system to connect the historic locations. Mr. Carlton stated most of the sites would be
connected with sidewalks, but the Commission could examine gaps in the pedestrian system as a future
project.
Council Liaison Member Calva suggested a map or diagram on the kiosks to show “you are here”.
Ms. Meulners-Comstock commented that the City of Delano has an example of a downtown area with
medallions at certain locations where you can scan a QR code to learn more.
Commissioner Campbell suggested each stop include a brass rubbing. Ms. Meulners-Comstock suggested a
passport.
Commissioner Griffiths added that, if a passport was of interest, the water tower may be a good starting
point and could potentially stock passports.
Ms. Meulners-Comstock asked if the Commission wanted to tell a “broader story” at the water tower site or
focus on the water tower site itself. Commissioner Calva liked the idea of the water tower including things
that aren’t specific to the trail or site such as old schoolhouses located in Elk River. Commissioner Campbell
stated that the community may want input on how much history to tell. There is space at the water tower
site to include more history.
Commissioner Campbell asked about the amount of historical content currently at Rivers Edge Commons
park. Mr. Carlton stated that content is changeable.
Chair Lindberg stated that the water tower site could discuss the businesses downtown and where
businesses moved after the fire.
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Heritage Preservation Commission Minutes Page 3
July 17, 2025
-----------------------------
Mr. Carlton asked if the Commission liked the idea of incorporating fire and water into the design. Ms.
Meulners-Comstock commented that theme could be conveyed through art or plants.
Commissioner Campbell asked if the Elk River fire department may want to have input on the history of
the fire or have historic items to display.
Commissioner Dietz added that there are historic hitching posts that could be installed on the site.
Ms. Meulners-Comstock reviewed the materials that would be brought to Elk RiverFest and the Farmer’s
Market which would ask residents their opinion on that they wanted to see at the site.
Commissioner Dietz asked if there would be some sort of fence or screening to protect neighboring
properties from any lights installed at the water tower site.
Ms. Meulners-Comstock showed the Commission the website that was created for the project which
includes an interactive map where people can share their concerns, ideas, or photos as well as take a survey.
She stated, once the two engagement events are completed, she would create a summary of public feedback.
Mr. Carlton discussed the potential of a special meeting in September.
5.2 Farmer’s Market Booth – July 31
Mr. Carlton stated the Commissioners could volunteer for a shift at Elk RiverFest or the Farmer’s Market at
the Heritage Preservation Commission booth.
5.3 Other Business
Mr. Carlton asked if any of the Commissioners would like to attend the Preserve Minnesota Conference in
New Ulm on September 10-12, 2025. Commissioner Dietz was interested and Commissioner Campbell was
potentially interested.
6. Adjournment
Moved by Commissioner Dietz and seconded by Commissioner Campbell to adjourn the meeting
of the Heritage Preservation Commission.
Motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Katie Porath.
___________________
Lance Lindberg, Chair
Page 4 of 11
Heritage Preservation Commission Minutes Page 4
July 17, 2025
-----------------------------
___________________
Tina Allard, City Clerk
Page 5 of 11
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
Heritage Preservation Commission
Item Number
5.1
Meeting Date
September 11, 2025
Prepared By
Zack Carlton, Community Development Director
Item Description
Elk River Water Tower Historic Site
Reviewed by
Zack Carlton
Action Requested
Review the conceptual plans and provide direction to staff and the consultant as the project moves towards
final design.
Background/Discussion
The Elk River Water Tower Historic Site Committee has been working with Mend Collaborative on
conceptual site plans which build on the commission's discussion from July 17, 2025. The group also
incorporated feedback from the public which had been gathered from a booth at the Elk River Farmer's
Market, Elk RiverFest, and through an online survey.
The consultant and city staff will also host a booth at the farmer's market immediately prior to the HPC
meeting where the concept plans will be put on display for review by the public. Feedback from the public and
the commission will be incorporated into a final design for review by the public, HPC, and City Council in
October.
Examples of the farmer's market display boards are attached.
Financial Impact
The current design effort is funded within the CIP.
Mission/Policy/Goal
Reflect the culture of citizens and what is important.
Attachments
1. Water Tower Site Concept Boards
Page 6 of 11
Project Overview
The City of Elk River and its Heritage Preservation
Commission are embarking on a plan to envision the
future of the city’s water tower site. Situated below Elk
River’s famous water tower, listed on the National Register
of Historic Places, this project aims to transform the
one-quarter acre parcel into a well-designed and
accessible site for history storytelling. This future
history-centered site will enhance the surrounding
environment, honor the historical significance of the water
tower and the city, and explore the history of Elk River
through a process that involves residents.
Project Goals
• Elk River’s history is celebrated through storytelling, art,
and interpretive design.
• The site is a symbolic place for the community of Elk River.
• The site is welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for all ages
and abilities to experience and enjoy.
• The site is a key stop along a future Elk River Heritage
Walk, connecting various historic sites throughout the city.
Project Vision Statement
Water Tower Historic Site is a welcoming community
space that celebrates the iconic water tower, local heritage,
and everyday gathering. Designed for all ages, it supports
connection, play, events, and ecological systems while
reflecting the spirit of the community.
Project Website
A project website has been set up to
communicate key dates and project
information about the water tower site.
Please visit the website through the URL
below, or by scanning the QR code!
Phase 1 - Understand
July 2025
In this phase, the project team is beginning
to lay the groundwork for understanding
the Water Tower Historic Site and the
history of Elk River.
Phase 2 - Envision
August through September 2025
In this phase, various ideas for the Water
Tower Historic Site will be developed and
brought to the community for input.
Phase 3 - Act
October 2025
In this final phase, the complete vision
plan for the future of the Water Tower
Historic Site will be detailed out, ready for
implementation and final sign-off!
Timeline
https://engage.mendcollaborative.com/water-tower
or scan here:
5 minute walk to Water
Tower Historic Site
Downtown
Elk River
Voy
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H
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Main Str
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W Jackson Ave NWWater Tower
Historic Site
History of the Water Tower Video
Scan here!
Water Tower Restoration Video
Scan here!
More Fun Information
✓
Page 7 of 11
What did we hear?
Through online and in-person engagement, we heard from many residents
about their vision for the site! See the events held below, and the results from
what we heard!
Results:
Online Activities
In-Person Activities
Online map to add ideas
and insights about the
existing site and future
designs.
Social Map
visitors
* closed August 31st * closed August 31st
* closed August 31st
contributions
288
6
Elk Riverfest Pop-up
July 26th, 2025
Farmers Market Pop-up
August 31st, 2025
attendees100+
Online survey to
capture preferences
and ideas about the
future site.
What excites you
most about the
future site?
Survey Quick Pollresponses responses2715
What needs to
be here?
• Play
• Pathways
• History &
Storytelling
What do you want this place to be?
A place to celebrate and preserve Elk
River’s historic water tower as a symbol
of community pride—sharing stories of
Elk River’s history, as well as educational
information about the water tower.
How should
history be told?
• Live programs or
events
• Interpretive
signage and
panels
• Public art &
Sculpture
• Space for small
gatherings and
learning sessions
• History
interpretation and
education
• Plantings
• Pathways
• Public art
Main programmatic
elements:
Walking paths
Play features
Picnic spaces
History storytelling
What needs to be here?
Place a dot on the amenities you’d like to see at the Water Tower Historic Site:
Water
Food
Lighting
Others
Landscaping
Shade
Seating
Accessibility for all
write in!
What needs to be here?
play features
walking paths
history storytelling
water
shade
picnic tables
seating
food
landscaping
What do you want this place to be?
The future Elk River Water Tower Historic Site is a place where I...
What history do you want told at this site?
I want the history of “........” to be told at this site.......
find time
by myself
outdoors
1800’s trading
along the
river corridor
bring people
visiting Elk
River
why this
water tower
is here
How should history be told?
live programs or events
interpretive signage and panels
public art & sculpture
interactive installations, themed
trails or story walks
augmented reality or mobile tours
What is in a name?Do you feel the “Elk River Water Tower Historic Site” doesn’t quite roll off the tongue? Help us find a name for this special place that is truly Elk River.
Use a sticky note to give us a name or word that.....
reflects Elk River’s shared history:
welcomes everyone:
captures the collective future of Elk River:
Give us a name or word that...
reflects Elk River’s shared history:
• Jackson Street Water Tower
• Water Tower Park
• Water Tower Fun Park!
• The Imagination Park
• Water Tower Welcome Plaza
• The Best Park
• Exploration Park
• Watershed Tower Park
• School Park
welcomes everyone:
captures the collective future of Elk River:
Design-a-site!
Draw what you’d like to see on the water tower site.
DESIGN-A-SITE!
Elk River Water Tower Historic Site
Page 8 of 11
0’15’45’
N
Concept Idea 1: Journey
Water LineJackson AvenuePark Welcome Sign
Bench Swings
Movable Tables
Interpretive City Map
City History Timeline Water Tower History Walk and Signage
Stone Water Feature
Rain Garden
Picnic Tables
Circular Benches
Historic Water Tower
What is missing from this concept?
Use a sticky note to share your idea below:
Page 9 of 11
0’15’45’
N
What is missing from this concept?
Use a sticky note to share your idea below:
Concept Idea 2: Community
Water LineWater LineEntry Boardwalk
Entry Stairs
Bench Swings
Sloped Lawn
Interpretive City Map
Rain Garden
Water Tower History Walk and Sig-
Movable Tables
Elk River History Timeline/Bench
Historic Water TowerJackson AvenuePark Welcome Sign
Page 10 of 11
Programs
Materials
Plantings
Linear timeline signage
Water feature
Swing benches
Tiered seating
Elk River map
Water interpretation
Sloped lawn
Storytelling feature
Red furnishings
Striking reds
Mixed Textures
Movement
Shou Sugi Ban
Year-round interest
Wood Decking
Warm colors
Which programs, materials and plantings do you like the most?
Place dots on your favorite elements.
Page 11 of 11