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July 22, 2024 <br /> Zack Carlton <br /> Community Development Director <br /> City of Elk River <br /> 13065 Orono Parkway NW <br /> Elk River, MN 55330 <br /> Dear Zack, <br /> Thank you for reaching out to the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) regarding the development plan <br /> for the Specht property adjacent to the Oliver H Kelley Farm in Elk River. We appreciate the opportunity <br /> to review preliminary concepts and provide feedback to ensure that the proposed development protects <br /> the Oliver H Kelley Farm, a historic site that holds statewide and naonal significance, while benefing <br /> the future of the Elk River community. <br /> The Oliver H Kelley Farm is a significant part of the historical landscape of Minnesota and the <br /> surrounding community. Operated by the Minnesota Historical Society, this site has held stories, <br /> memories, and meanings for many different groups of people across its history. The site is part of the <br /> statutorily-defined Historic Sites Network, outlined in Minnesota Statutes, Secon 138.662, Subdivision <br /> 27. Its designaon as a Naonal Historic Landmark, the highest designaon by the US Department of <br /> the Interior, in 1964, has enabled us to preserve and present these stories to audiences who seek deep <br /> and authenc engagement with the past. As a result of this mission-driven work, we are proud to share <br /> that the farm today holds wide appeal for school children, agricultural organizaons, history enthusiasts, <br /> and family audiences alike. <br /> Part of this appeal arises from our ability to recreate and reanimate, at scale, the 1860s home farmstead <br /> of Oliver Hudson Kelley and his family. Our visitors come to the site with the expectaon that they can <br /> step back in me and experience a mid-nineteenth century farm at its peak. A housing development <br /> within view will no doubt impact this experience, which is why we are eager to work together to explore <br /> ways to migate this impact. <br /> One of the major concerns our site has in regards to a housing development on the adjacent property is <br /> viewshed or what the visual impact would be on the visitor experience at the site. Our visitors come to <br /> the site with an expectaon that they can step back in me to see a farm operang in the 1860’s. Having <br /> a housing development within view could have a significant impact. We do believe that there are ways to <br /> migate this impact through design of the site and we look forward to conversaons about how this may <br /> be accomplished. <br />Page 300 of 327