6.0. SR 10-14-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Block south of Main St. between Sunshine Depot and First National Bank i. The small single story buildings contained within this block are indicative of the commercial expansion that took place in Elk River during the early part of the 20th century. vii. As a grouping of buildings, this block creates a familiar visual feature of t]~e community. The fact that these buildings are old helps to create an establish feel · that, not only instills a sense of what has come before, but creates a small town atmosphere that is hard to duplicate. Recommendation - As a grouping of buildings, the HPC feels that this block has local historic significance. By nature of potentially being the oldest commercial structure in Elk River, the HPC feels the Sunshine Depot individually has local historic significance. There is a strong possibility that the architectural integrity o'f these buildings can be restored. It is strongly recommended that willing properties owners in this block be encouraged and aided in efforts to restore their buildings, including such measures a~ designation to HPS. It is further recommended that the' established look and small town atmosphere created by small single story shops be preserved. Block from Nadeau's to Old Theater - Recommendation Jackson Avenue Parking Lot i. This area has character, interest and value as part of the development, heritage and cultural characteristics of the City of Elk River. Elk River was created with a New England theme, around a central square. Ja6kson Avenue, although it is now a parking lot, is still open space that gives the visual feel of the central square it once was. This open space also ties to Elk River's past as a railroad community with the commercial area containing a main street parallel the tracks with a road running perpendicular between the two (Jackson Avenue). Vo Jackson Square is a distinctive embodiment of both the New England style layout for a community and a railroad community that was common of the period. vii. Established when Elk River was first laid out and developed, the open space that is now the Jackson Avenue parking is a very strong established and familiar visual feature of the community. Recommendation - The I-~C not only recommends that Jackson Avenue parking lot not have buildings constructed on it, but further, if parking can be accommodated elsewhere, that it be restored to a central square containing park amenities. Overall recommendation The HPC understands that the HRA has many factors to weigh out when consider what should be done in the downtown area. The HPC is also realistic that the integrity of many of the older buildings in the downtown area is currently lacking and that others are not significantly old. However, as a whole, the downtown area does have local historic significance as an established and familiar visual feature that ties our present community to what has come before.