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3 <br /> <br />estimates received by the city. The reduced cost was a pleasant surprise as Elk River Municipal Utilities, the current <br />owner of the tower, has earmarked money for tower repairs. That money will be used for matching funds in a <br />future grant application. <br /> <br />The next phase of the project includes preparing a Restoration Analysis Report, which will consist of construction <br />drawings for the actual restoration work. The city has again been working with Kodet Architectural Group, Ltd. to <br />complete this work. An application for grant funding was completed to help with the costs of the restoration and <br />the timing of the improvements will be based on grant receipt and timing. <br /> <br />Elk River Walking Tour <br />The HPC worked with students and faculty at St. Cloud State University to prepare a self-guided walking tour of <br />historically significant locations in Elk River. Late fall 2014 the city hosted a presentation from St. Cloud State <br />University students where they presented a number of different draft brochures. The HPC has been utilizing these <br />to prepare a mobile brochure on the city’s website. <br /> <br />The city continues to work on getting the walking tour on the city’s website to increase the availability of the <br />information. The city offered three guided walking tour facilitated by a member of the HPC. Despite the weather, <br />each tour was well attended and received positive feedback. The is looking to offer more guided tours in 2018. <br /> <br />Oral Histories <br />Commissioner Mortensen continues to seek out additional residents willing to be interviewed for the oral histories <br />project. The HPC is also in the early stages of expanding this program to encourage additional members of the <br />community to not only be interviewed, but interview other residents. <br /> <br />37th Annual Statewide Historic Preservation Conference <br />In September 2017, HPC staff liaison BrieAnna Simon and Commissioner Mortensen attended the Annual <br />Statewide Historic Preservation Conference in Hastings MN. <br /> <br />Houlton Farm Natural Area <br />The City of Elk River worked with the Trust for Public Land, the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, and the <br />Friends of the Mississippi to acquire the Houlton-Olson family farm and add it to the city’s park system as a <br />conservation area. <br /> <br />The 335-acre riverfront property is located west of downtown near the Orono Dam and has been in the family <br />since the 1870’s. The park opened in the fall of 2016 and has been very popular. The HPC will look for <br />opportunities to explore historical topics associated with the park. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />2018 Proposed Projects <br />Preservation of Jackson Street Water Tower <br />The HPC plans to apply for the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage large grant by May 25, 2018 to assist <br />with the restoration of the Jackson Street Water Tower. Matching funds are available, but the actual restoration will <br />be based on specified grant timelines. <br /> <br />Oral Histories <br />The HPC will continue to look for additional opportunities to interview residents for the oral histories project. <br /> <br />History Fair Judging <br />The HPC has participated in judging at the Salk Middle School History Fair in the past, and members of the <br />commission will again have an opportunity to volunteer as a judge for the fair in February 2018.