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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-24-1990 HASTINGS HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION Minutes of Meeting of January 24, 1990 Present: Commissioners Thorsen, Hoeschen, Goderstad and Simacek Absent: Commissioner Malm Also present: Grossman, HPC Staff The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Simacek 1. Minutes of the Meeting of November 15, 1989 Mr. Goderstad moved and Mr. Hoeschen seconded approval of the minutes as printed. For the motion: 4; opposed: none. 2. Consideration of the future of the now-vacant County Courthouse. Mr. Grossman reported that the city's space needs study will be completed in about 5 weeks. The county is waiting for the city to decide whether it wants the courthouse or not. That decision should be made soon after the study is complete. The study will present findings on two alternatives: a. Build new city hall - costs of construction; b. Use Courthouse - costs of renovation. The commissioners made the following observations: If space and cost factors are fairly evenly balanced, then the weight of community values ought to tip the scales in favor of using the Courthouse. As the most imposing historic building in Hastings, its preservation is a statement of the city's image and direction. City use of the Courthouse will enhance the reputation for traditional principles, with the will to hold onto what is good and useable from the past, our current needs, and pass it on to the future. community's and ability adapt it to City use of the Courthouse will testify that the city appreciates and protects its built, as well as its natural, environment. The interest and beauty of our 19th century neighborhoods, residences, public and commercial buildings are what makes Hastings an attractive alternative to bedroom communities built around malls and strip centers. City use of the Courthouse will strengthen Hastings as a travel destination. Tourism is a large, rewarding and clean industry. It is not often that a city can invest the same dollars in both an industry and a public facility. Historic preservation is in the city's economic interest. It would also reenforce the drive to complete the restoration and open the LeDuc House. Without an appropriate use, it is extremely difficult to preserve large historic public buildings. The Courthouse was built for public administration, meetings and secure storage of documents. Those are city hall functions as well. Other than as a courthouse, it is hard to think of a better use than as a city hall. Properly renovated, with respect for its original design, the Courthouse would be a unique and impressive center of civic, social and service activities. The space, design and materials of the Courthouse cannot be affordably duplicated today. The Year 2000 report on the community's vision for the future calls for a a local history center and points out the need for display and presentation of community art. The Chamber of Commerce may be interested in a Courthouse office. These uses would compliment city offices, if space permits. The rotunda can provide an impressive public space for ceremonies, presentations, receptions, and displays. This type of space could not be built new within acceptible budgets. The high ceilings, large windows, and irreplaceable wood, stone, marble and stained glass, when combined with improvements to provide comfort and easy access, will present a dignified, spacious and professional atmosphere for city business. Suburban communities around us are trying to create centers of civic pride and identity with city halls and libraries and developing their malls as downtowns. While we too are growing rapidly, we have always had a civic center with historic and architectural character. We have had the experience of losing one well-known landmark, the Spiral Bridge. That regret can be put behind us while at the same time we build upon the strengths we have inherited. Let the Courthouse be the symbol as well as the City Hall of Hastings. Mr. Goderstad moved and Mr. Thorsen seconded communicating the above considerations to the City Council. For the motion: 4; opposed: none. Authorize advertisement for two vacant seats on the Comm~sslon. Mr. Thorsen moved and Mr. Goderstad seconded approval to advertise for applicantions. Applicants to describe their qualifications. Interviews to be held on February 28th. For the motion: 4; opposed: none. 4. Report on cataloging the Jacobsen collection in the Courthouse. Mr. Grossman reported that Mrs. Theiling and Mr. Olson were making progress in cataloguing and packaging the material. They have access to the Courthouse with a key held by Mr. Grossman. Materials used to date are reflected in following bills. 5. Other business brought before the commission. a. Mr. Grossman advised the commissioners that as his staff work was voluntary, it came after the HRA and Industrial Park needs. Therefore he was not always able to act on time. This is what happened to the grant application for 1990. The commissioners asked him to think about HPC committees so that they, instead of Mr. Grossman, can take care of issues as they come up. b. Mr. Thorsen asked that the commission be supplied with drawings of the proposed hotel for review. The site is not protected but is adjacent to a National Register Historic District. A special meeting will be held in two weeks for this review. c. Mr. Simacek asked that the commission assist in the re- establishment of a local historical society. He will contact Mike Ring to pass on the papers and powers. $. Bills a. Fair Book - cataloging, filing material - $158.06 b. Minnesota Historical Soceity - registration, archives conference for Ethel Theiling and Bob Olson - $20.00 Mr. Goderstand moved and Mr. Hoeschen seconded approval of the bills. For the motion: 4; opposed: none. 7. Adjournment Mr. Goderstand moved and Mr. Hoeschen seconded adjournment. For the motion: 4; opposed: none.