6.8. SR 08-20-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I MEMOR~NDUM TO: Planning Commission FROM: Rebecca Haug, Environl'lflental Administrator DATE: August 14, 2007 SUBJECT: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 1326 4th St N.W. The Holy Trinity Episcopal Church recently applied for a Conditional Use Permit and Plat approval for their existing church at 1326 4th St NW. As stated in your Planning Commission packet, the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church represents a landmark building in Elk River's history. Its white clapboard siding and bell tower are a recognizable aspect of the cityscape. This was the first congregation in Sherburne County. Its first building was erected in the late 1850's at 1915 Second Street. The structure was moved to Elk River in 1877. The present building dates from 1890-present. This church is listed on the State Historic Preservation Office database and the Sherburne County History Center database. The City's context study recommends the con~ervation of Elk River's historic churches. The building addition will have a noticeable impact on the character of the church. The goal of the HPC is to preserve the integrity of histdric neighborhoods. The Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) reviewed this recommendation at their meeting on August 9, 2007. The HPC recommended that the original architectlilre of the building be retained by continuing to use wood siding and if economically feasible install another peak on the remodeled area with windows that match the historic church. .A conceptual drawing of what the church could look like is attached. This would mainmin the original character. The HPC also discussed the house that is proposed to be torn down for a parking lot. Kurt Kragness, Director of the Sherburne County Ijlistory Center researched the history of this home. The exact date of construction is uncettain, but likely to be between 1884-1900. The original owner is uncertain but it is known that George and Phoebe Crocker and their family lived in it from 1900-1919. Mr. Crocker work~d as a blacksmith. One of his sons worked as a fin man on the steamboat a~d a ~aughter w~s a bookkeeper for the ~our~. Cens~s records reveal that many of his neighbors wer~ employed at the sawmills. This house 1S a first generation residential structure in one of the oldest platted additions in Elk River. The HPe developed policies that strive to presetV1 these historic neighborhoods as they provide I