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6.0. SR 10-14-2002Item 6. City MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor, City Council and Heritage Preservation Commission FROM: Stephen Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator DATE: October 14, 2002 SUBJECT: Joint Meeting Topics Membership Section 471.193 of the Minnesota Statutes (attached) gives cities the authority to establish a Heritage Preservation Commission. Section 215 of the Elk River City Code of Ordinances (also attached), authorized the creation of a Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) for the City of Elk River as per the Minnesota Statute. This ordinance was past on July 19, 1999. The Elk River HPC held its first official meeting in March of 2000. The HPC is composed of seven members. The current roster, including terms limits, is attached. Role of the HPC (includes priorities of 2003 and potential grant opportunities) The role of the HPC is defined by Section 215.02 "Purpose of Commission" and the 8 points listed under Section 215.06 of the attached City Code titled, "Powers and Duties". The following is a summary of these duties: Create an inventory_ of cultural and historical resources in Elk River. These resources may not necessarily be eligible for the National Register, they may only hold local significance. The Sherburne County Historical Society has done quit a bit of the preliminary survey work in Elk River and the HPC has supplemented the County's work (Phase 1 Historic Surveys). Potentially historically significant buildings and sites identified during the Phase 1 Survey, need to be reviewed in more depth, as was done for the Downtown Revitalization Study (Phase 2 Evaluations). The HPC will be continuing an assertive effort regarding inventorying in 2003. Work for continuing education of the citizens of Elk River with respect to the historic and architectural heritage of the City. Educational efforts to date have included such things as hosting an open house at the Elk River Public Library, participating in the Chamber's Leadership Conference and Business Expo. However, the HPC has identified the compiling of a written history of Elk River as its main priority in regards to education. After a context study, oral interviews are one of the logical next steps in the process of compiling a written history of the community. The HPC will be seeking a consultant to conduct oral interview in 2003. Make recommendations regarding historic sites. This duty can take the form of recommending the acquisition of property, reviewing and making recommendations regarding development proposals (currently being done prior to Planning Commission review) and participating in the City's Comprehensive Plan process. In the future it will include recommendations regarding the designation of buildings or areas to "Heritage Preservation Site Overlay Zoning District" (Handke Stadium being is a logical example). There are seven standards the HPC weighs out when considering whether or not a site or building has national or local historical significance and should be afforded the protection of the Heritage Preservation Site Overlay Zoning. These seven standards can be found in Section 900.12 (22) of the City Code of Ordinances (attached). Hopefully, the Heritage Preservation Site Overlay Zoning is placed on property with the owners blessing. There are certain advantages (e.g. 20% tax credit for income producing historic buildings, funds from the Small Cities Development Program to rehabilitate historic commercial buildings and potential exemptions from some codes). However, this duty has the most potential for controversy. Solicit gifts and contributions The City of Elk River was confirmed a Certified Local Government (CLG) under Section 101 (c) of the National Historic Preservation Act in January of 2002. CLG status makes Elk River eligible for a number of programs and sources of funding. To date, Elk River has only received one grant in the amount of $1,300, which was used to send the HPC Chair, Kurt Kragness to a Preservation Conference in San Antonio, Texas. In 2003, the HPC will be applying for grants to help supplement money allocated to them by the City Council for hiring consultants to conduct oral interviews and continue inventorying potential historically significant sites. The City Council has allocated $5,000 for work on these two tasks. Solicitation may also take the form of cash donations (e.g. the Rotary has done for the Handke Stadium), property or in-kind services to help off set matching funds for grants. HPC Recommendation on the Downtown Revitalization Project The HPC will be providing a recommendation to the HRA regarding the local historic significance of the buildings involved in the Downtown Revitalization Project. A preliminary draft of their recommendation is attached for discussion purposes. Table of contents for Chapter 4'] 1 471.193 Municipal heritage preservation. Subdivision 1. Policy. The legislature finds that the historical, architectural, archaeological, engineering, and cultural heritage of this state is among its most important assets. Therefore, the purpose of this section is to authorize local governing bodies to engage in a comprehensive program of historic preservation, and to promote the use and conservation of historic properties for the education, inspiration, pleasure, and enrichment of the citizens of this state. Subd. 2. Heritage preservation commissions. The governing body of a statutory or home rule charter city, county, or town may establish a heritage preservation commission to preserve and promote its historic resources according to this section. Subd. 3. Powers. The powers and duties of any commission established pursuant to this section may include any power possessed by the political subdivision creating the commission, but shall be those delegated or assigned by the ordinance establishing the commission. These powers may include: (1) the survey and designation of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are of historical, architectural, archaeological, engineering, or cultural significance; (2) the enactment of rules governing construction, alteration, demolition, and use, including the review of building permits, and the adoption of other measures appropriate for the~preservation, protection, and perpetuation of designated properties and areas; (3) the acquisition by purchase, gift, or bequest, of a fee or lesser interest, including preservation restrictions, in designated properties and adjacent or associated lands which are important for the preservation and use of the designated properties; (4) requests to the political subdivision to use its power of eminent domain to maintain or preserve designated properties and adjacent or associated lands; (5) the sale or lease of air rights; (6) the granting of use variations to a zoning ordinance; (7) participation in the conduct of land use, urban renewal, and other planning processes undertaken by the political subdivision creating the commission; and (8) the removal of blighting influences, including signs, unsightly structures, and debris, incompatible with the physical well-being of designated properties or areas. No power shall be exercised by a commission which is contrary to state law or denied a political subdivision by its charter or by law. Powers of a commission shall be exercised only in the manner prescribed by ordinance and no action of a commission shall contravene any provision of a municipal zoning or planning ordinance unless expressly authorized by ordinance. Subd. 4. Exclusion. If a commission is established by the city of St. Paul, it shall for the purpose of this section exclude any jurisdiction over the capitol area as defined in section .~_~_~.~9, subdivision 2. Subd. 5. Commission members. Commission members must be persons with demonstrated interest and expertise in historic preservation and must reside within the political subdivision regulated by the ordinance establishing the commission. Every commission shall include, -if available, a member of a county historical society of a county in which the municipality is located. Subd. 6. Communication with the state historic preservation officer. Proposed site designations and design guidelines must be sent to the state historic preservation officer at the Minnesota historical society, who shall review and comment on the proposal within 60 days. By October 31 of each year, each commission shall submit an annual report to the state historic preservation officer. The report must summarize the commission's activities, including designations, reviews, and other activities during the previous 12 months. HIST: 1971 c 128 s 1; 1973 c 123 art 5 s 7; 1985 c 77 s 1; 1989 c 9 s 2 Copyright 2002 by the Office of Revisor of Statutes, State of Minnesota. comprehensive plan, any ordinances and any capital improvement prograph the Council has adopted to implement the plan. After such review it shall, to the extent it deems necessary, revise the comprehensive plan, adopt the amendments or the new comprehensive plan, and recommend it to the Council in accordance with law. Similarly, after such review, it shall recommend to the Council any amendments it deems desirable to the capital improvement program and any ordinance implementing the plan. 214.06 - MEETINGS AND PROCEDURE The Commission shall meet regularly on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Special meetings may be held at any time upon the call of the Chairperson. Notice of the time and place of a special meeting shall be communicated to the members and publicly noticed at least three (3) days prior to the meeting except in the event of an emergency. A majority of the Commission members shall constitute a quorum. Ail Commission meetings shall be open to the public. Except as provided herein, the Commission shall be governed by and operate pursuant to Robert's Rules of Order as most recently revised. SECTION 215 - HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION 215.00 - ESTABLISH/~_/T~ OF HERITAGE PRESERVATION COM/(ISSION A Heritage Preservation Commission for the City of Elk River is hereby established. This Heritage Preservation Commission is established pursuant to the authority given by Minnesota Statutes, Section 471.193. 215.02 - PURPOSE OF COMMISSION The Heritage Preservation Commission is established to review and make recommendations to the City Council on issues pertaining to the historical, archaeological, engineering, and cultural heritage'of the City of Elk River. The Commission shall participate in the preservation and acquisition of Elk River's heritage and historical sites. 215.04 - MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS The Heritage Preservation Commission shall consist of seven (7) members appointed by the City Council as follows: two members whose terms expire the last day of February 2000; two members whose terms expire the last day of February 2001; and three members whose terms expire the last day of February 2002. Thereafter, each member shall be appointed at the first regular Council meeting in March for terms of three (3) years. The last day for the term of office of each member shall be the last day of February, however, all members may continue service until 2.29 either re-appointed or replaced by the City Council. A vacancy shall be filled by the City Council for the remainder of the term. The members of the Heritage Preservation Commission, by a majority vote, shall elect one of the appointed Commissioners at the first meeting of the year to serve as Chair and one to serve as Vice Chair. Commission members must be persons with demonstrated interest or expertise in historic preservation and must reside within the City of Elk River. The Heritage Preservation Commission shall include, if available, a member of the Sherburne County Historical Society. 215.06 - POWDERS ~ DUTIES The Heritage Preservation Commission shall prepare, hold hearings, and recommend to the City Council such plans, programs, and policies as it deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this ordinance. Said powers shall include, but are not limited to, the study and recommendation to the City Council on the following: 1. Work for the continuing education of the citizens of Elk River with respect to the historic and architectural heritage of the City. It shall keep current and public a register of designated heritage preservation sites and areas. 2. Conduct a continuing survey of all areas, places, buildings, structures, or similar objects in the City of Elk River which the Commission, on the basis of information available or presented to it, has reason to believe are, or will be, eligible for designation as heritage preservation sites. 3. Solicit gifts and contributions to be made to the City and to assist in the preparation of applications for grant funds to be made to the City for the purpose of heritage preservation. 4. Recommend accepting the services on a permanent or part-time basis of technical experts and other such persons as may be required to perform its duties. 5. Make recommendation that an area, building, district or object be designated a Heritage Preservation Site. 6. Review and make recommendationsrelativetorequest$~rHeritage Preservation Site Alteration Permits. 7. Recommend making application to the National Register or the Minnesota Historical Society for the designation of a historic site or district. 8. Make recommendations on the acquisition of sites eligible for designation as a heritage preservation site by gift, negotiation, or eminent domain as provided for in Chapter 117 of Minnesota Statute. 2.30 215.08 - MEETINGS AND PROCEDURE The Commission shall meet at least four times each calendar year, at such time and place as the Commission shall determine. Notice of the Commission meetings shall be communicated to the members, posted at City Hall, and published in the City's official newspaper at least three days prior to the meeting. Except as provided herein, all Commission meetings shall be governed and operated pursuant to Robert's Rules of Order and open to the public. SECTION 216 - PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION 216.00 - ABOLITION OF PARK BOARD AND RECREATION BOARD The Park Board and Recreation Board in and for the City of Elk River heretofore established pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Section 412.501 to 412.531, is hereby abolished. 216.02 - ESTABLISI{M~/T~ OF PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION A City Park and Recreation Commission for the City of Elk River is hereby established. This Park and Recreation Commission is established pursuant to the authority given by the Minnesota Statutes Section 412. 216.04 - PURPOSE OF COMMISSION The Park and Recreation Commission is established to review and to make recommendations to the City Council on the development and organization of the City parks and City recreation programs. The scope of the Commission shall consist of advising the City Council regarding matters relevant to the parks and recreation functions of the City. The Commission shall participate in the planning for development and acquisition of parks and recreation programs. 216.06 - MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS The Park and Recreation Commission shall consist of eight (8) members appointed by the City Council for terms of three (3) years each. Ail terms shall end on the last day of February, however, commissioners shall hold office until their successors have been appointed. Appointments shall be made at the first regular Council meeting in March. The terms of the members shall be staggered so that no more than three (3) terms of office shall expire at one time. Ail appointments shall be made by the City Council and a vacancy shall be filled by the City Council for the remainder of the term. Officers of the Park and Recreation Commission shall consist of Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary. The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Commission if present, 2.31 and perform all other duties and functions assigned by the Commission or the City Council. The Vice Chair shall perform these duties in absence of the Chair. If a vacancy occurs in the Chair Office, the Vice Chair shall assume the Chair's duties for the remainder of the year and a new Vice Chair shall be elected by the Commission at the next scheduled Commission meeting. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the sitting members. Each member of the commission shall be a resident of the City of Elk River. 216.08 - COMPENSATION The members of the Commission shall serve without pay but may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred while performing duties as a Park and Recreation Commission member. 216.10 - TRAINING The Commission members shall be encouraged to avail themselves of training courses offered by the City, State, and other goverrnnental units and agencies and the City Council shall budget for the reimbursement of expenses incurred in training each year. 216.12 - POWERS AND DUTIES The Commission shall prepare, hold hearings and recommend to the City council such plans, programs and policies as it deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this ordinance. Said powers shall include, but not be limited to, the studying and recommending to the City Council on the following: 1. Land acquisition for Park and Recreation purposes. 2. Plans and major improvements in City parks. 3. Rules and requirements for conduct of and in parks and recreation facilities. 4. Plans and programs relating to the design and programming of city parks. 5. Proposed amendments in the recreation section of the City Growth Management Plan. 6. DeveloPment of a comprehensive City park and recreation plan and make recommendations on the implementation of this plan. 7. Assisting in the promotion of city parks. 8. Conducting periodic inspection of City parks and review existing situations and make recommendations on improvements of City parks and recreation programs. 9. Discourage the vandalism of City parks. 2.32 Zoning DistricE, there shall be allowed in the Mineral Excavation Overlay District the following conditional uses, subject to all requirements of the City Code for the establishment and operation of such uses: i. Mineral excavation operations and related facilities licensed under Section 720 of the City Code. C. Dimensional and Other Regulations and Standards; Performance Standards - Dimensional regulations, setbacks, yard regulations, height regulations, sign regulations, parking and loading regulations, performance standards, and requirements applicable in the Underlying Zoning District shall be applicable in the Mineral Excavation Overlay District, subject to any additional requirements, regulations,.and standards which must be met pursuant to the City Code for the establishment and operation of mineral excavation operations. D. Administrative Procedure - Establishment of Mineral Excavation Overlay Zoning on a specific parcel of land shall be by amendment to the City's Zoning Map as provided by this Zoning Ordinance and pursuant to the procedure set forth in Section 900.44 hereof. An application for a conditional use permit to allow a specific mineral excavation operation, if timely filed as provided by the Zoning Ordinance, may be processed by the City and considered by the City Council along with an application to zone the affected property into the Mineral Excavation Overlay District. 22. HPS - Heritage Preservation Site Overlay Zoning District STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The purposes of the Heritage Preservation Site overlay zoning district are to: (1) Safeguard the heritage of the City by preserving sites and structures which reflect elements of the City's cultural, social, economic, political, visual, or architectural history; (2) Promote the preservation and continued use of historic sites and structures for the education and general welfare of the people of the City; and (3) Foster civic pride in the beauty and notable accomplishments of the past. A. Uses Heritage Preservation Site Overlay Zoning shall be applied to and superimposed upon all zoning districts contained herein as existing or amended by the zoning ordinance text and official zoning map. The regulations and requirements imposed by Heritage Preservation Site Overlay Zoning shall be in addition to those established for the base zoning districts which jointly apply. Under the joint application of standards, the most restrictive requirements shall apply. B. Reports The City Council may direct the City staff to prepare studies which catalog buildings, land, areas, 9.72 districts, or other objects to be considered for rezoning to the Heritag~ Preservation Site Overlay District. The Building and Zoning Administrator shall instruct the appropriate staff persons to prepare technical reports where applicable, and provide general assistance in preparing a recommendation on the action to the City Council. 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. D. Communications with Minnesota Historical Society: A copy of the Heritage Preservation Commission's recommendation on a proposed Heritage Preservation Site, including boundaries, and a program for the preservation of the Heritage Preservation Site, shall be sent to the Minnesota Historical Society in accordance with Minnesota Statutes 471.193, Subd. 6. E. Review of Permits: i. Permit: A Heritage Preservation Site Alteration Permit is required to do any of the following in, on, or to a structure on property located within a 9.73 Heritage Preservation Site Overlay Zoning District in the City: a. Remodel, alter, repair in any kind or manner, that will alter the exterior appearance of a historic building, site, or landmark. b. Erect a building or any structure. c. Erect signs. d. Demolish any building in whole or in part. This does not apply to structures required to be demolished in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 463. e. Alter or remove a land form in whole or in part. The application for a Site Alteration Permit shall be accompanied by detailed plans including a site plan, building elevations and design details, and materials necessary to evaluate the request. The City Council shall make the determination whether to approve or disapprove the permit. ii. Reports: The Building and Zoning Administrator shall instruct the appropriate staff persons to prepare technical reports where applicable, and provide general assistance in preparing a recommendation on the action to the City Council. iii. Heritage Preservation Commission Recommendation: The Heritage Preservation Commission shall review each application and make its recommendation to the City Council relative to the request for a Heritage Preservation Site Alteration Permit. iv. Criteria for Heritage Preservation Site Alteration Permit: The City Council shall approve, disapprove, and/or impose conditions on a Heritage Preservation Site Alteration Permit after consideration of the Heritage Preservation Commission's program for preservation and the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, as revised and, if applicable, the recommendation of the Planning Commission. v. Findings: The City Council shall make findings as to whether a site alteration permit application should be approved or disapproved, or conditions imposed, as determined by the criteria specified in Paragraph iv. of this subdivision. vi. Hearings: Prior to the City Council making its decision regarding an application for a Site Alteration Permit for a Heritage Preservation Site, 9.74 the City Council shall hold a public hearing on the application. Prior to such hearing the City Council shall cause to be published in a newspaper of general circulation notice of the hearing at least ten (10) days prior to the date of hearing. Notice of the hearing shall be sent to all property owners within three hundred fifty (350) feet of the site of the proposed Heritage Preservation Alteration. vii. Limitations: An application for a Site Alteration Permit shall be acted on by the City Council within 60 (sixty) days. If the Heritage Preservation Commission can not make a recommendation of approval or disapproval to the City Council within this time frame, the application shall be forwarded to the City Council for approval or disapproval of the permit without the Heritage Preservation Commission's recommendations. F. Emergency Repair: In emergency situations where immediate repair is needed to protect the safety of the structure and its inhabitants, the Building Official shall have the authority to enforce the Elk River Building Code, and may approve the repair without prior Heritage Preservation Commission or City Council action. G. Repository for Documents: The office of the City Clerk is designated as the repository for at least one copy of all studies, reports, recommendations, and programs required under this Section. H. Administrative Procedure: Establishment of Heritage Preservation Site Overlay Zoning on a specific parcel of land shall be by amendment to the City's Zoning Map as provided by this Zoning Ordinance and pursuant to the procedure set forth in Section 900.44 hereof. The Heritage Preservation Commission shall make findings as to whether a proposed Heritage Preservation Site is eligible for Heritage Preservation Site Overlay Zoning as determined by the standards specified in Paragraph C of this subsection. If the Heritage Preservation Commission de~ermines the site meets the standards in Paragraph C, it shall forward its findings to the Planning Commission with its recommendation that the site be designated for Heritage Preservation Site Overlay Zoning and its proposed program for the preservation of the site. Planning Commission Recommendation: The Planning Commission shall recommend approval, rejection, or modification of the proposed rezoning to the City Council. Such recommendation shall be based upon, but not limited to, the following factors: i. The provisions of Section 900.44 of this Chapter. 9.75 ii. Any o~her planning consideration which may be relevant to the proposed rezoning upon the surrounding neighborhood. iii. Any other planning consideration which may be relevant to the proposed rezoning. The Planning Commission may make such modifications, changes, and alterations to the proposed rezoning as it deems necessary in its recommendation to ~he City Council. 9.76 City TO: FROM: DATE: MEMORANDUM Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) SUBJECT: Recommendation on 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 their 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 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 received the final version of the Context Study and the Phase II Inventory and 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 buildings are associated with others who significantly contributed to the development of Elk River, e.g:Babcock, Castle and Dare. 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 th~'~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 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. vii. As a grouping of buildings, this block creates a familiar visual feature of t]~e 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 o'f these buildings can be restored. It is strongly recommended that willing properties owners in this block be encouraged and aided in efforts to restore their buildings, including such measures a~ 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 Nadeau's to Old Theater - Recommendation 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. Ja6kson 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 the tracks with a road running perpendicular between the two (Jackson Avenue). Vo 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. vii. 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 I-~C 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. Overall recommendation The HPC understands that the HRA has many factors to weigh out when consider 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 shoi0, 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 HPt2~recommends encouraging restoration and creative reuse in the downtown area. If this proves physically or economically unfeasible, the HPC recommends that redevelopment be done in a way that fits the character of the downtown area (low profile buildings with strict architectural standards). 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 E.lk 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.