5.1. HRSR 02-25-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• LANDSCAPE RESEARCH 1466 Hythe Street St Paul, Minnesota 55108 (651) 641 -1230 February 20,2002 TO: Steven Rohlf Building and Zoning Administrator FROM: Carole Zell RE: Progress on Contexts Study To date we have made good progress on the Elk River historic context study and the • Phase I and II evaluation of buildings within the downtown district.Following the meeting with the HPC and HRA on January 17,the following has been completed: Context Study Review of historic maps,photographs,and inventory records and secondary sources. Most of this has been accomplished at MHS and the SHPO office and a visit to Sherburne County Historical Society is pending. Organization of the historic contexts,and a very preliminary first draft in progress. Phase I and II Projects Creation of inventory forms for individual properties,photography of all properties and description of exteriors. Research on properties (in progress). Next steps include significance statements and evaluation of properties. We will be ready to present the findings of the Phase I and II study in early April,as planned. Before any "official" meeting I would like to meet with you and Michelle from Planning to review my recommendations. Although many of the buildings have a current loss of historic integrity because of facade modernizations,there may be a good deal of historic fabric lurking behind. Although none of the buildings appear to be NRHP eligible,new development should address rehabilitation potential. Equally important is the conservation of the features of the historic townsite plan,including the pedestrian-scaled street grid,the once-park,now parking lot, and Main Street's relationship to the river and riverbanks. The mill sites are incorporated into an urban riverfront setting of both ecological and historical significance. •