5.4. PCSR 08-14-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

~' ~Fz-' ~ City of El fiver MEMORANDUM TO: Planning Commission FROM: Rebecca Haug, Environmental Administrator DATE: August 14, 2007 SUBJECT: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 1326 4+h St N.W. The Holy Trinity Episcopal Church recently applied for a Conditional U se Permit and Plat approval for their existing church at 1326 4"' St I~~'. 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 conservation 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 historic neighborhoods. The Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) reviewed this recommendation at their meeting on August 9, 2007. The HPC recommended that the original architecture 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 fhe church could look like is attached. This would maintain 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 History Center researched the history of this home. The exact date of construction is uncertain, 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 worked as a blacksmith. One of his sons worked as a fm man on the steamboat and a daughter was a bookkeeper for the flour mill. Census records reveal that many of his neighbors were employed at the sawmills. This house is a first generation residential structure in one of the oldest platted additions in Elk River. The HPC developed policies that strive to preserve these historic neighborhoods as they pro~ride