HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-11 ACHP AGENDA & PACKET� rrAQ���
xtsro X ILAAN
AGENDA
CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Shepard Farm 8946 70th Street South„ Cottage Grove, MN 55016
June 11, 2024
5.00 PM
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of the Agenda
4. Approval of Minutes
4.1 April 9, 2024, ACHP Minutes
5. Open Forum
6. Action Items
6.1 Onsite Tour - Shepard Farm
6.2 Historical Markers - Plaque Design Review
7. Discussion Items
8. Project Updates
8.1 CLG Grant for Historic Context Study
8.2 Cottage Grove Historic Landmark Eligibility Form
8.3 2024 Histroic Preservationist of the Year Award
8.4 Langdon Village - SWCTC Informational Video
9. Historic, Inquiries, Articles, and Research Information
9.1 Riverside Inn (Later Named White House Inn)
10. Committee Comments
11. Council Liaison Comments
12. Adjournment
COTTAGE
" TORIC LANDVARK
MINUTES
CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION
April 9, 2024
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Historic Preserva-
tion was duly held at the Cottage Grove City Hall, 12800 Ravine Parkway South, Cottage Grove,
Minnesota, on the 9th day of April, 2024.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Reckinger called the meeting to order at 6.01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Herb Reckinger (Chair), Joseph Gall, Corinne Marz, Tony Brinkman,
Linda Johnston, Jacob Grundhauser, Marie Sumstine
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Councilmember Dave Thiede; Mike Mrosla, Senior Planner; Conner
Jakes, Associate Planner; David Olson, Parks and Recreation
Commission
APROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Motion made by Grundhauser to approve the Agenda with no changes. Gall seconded. The motion
passed unanimously 7-to-O.
APROVAL OF MINUTES
Grundhauser made a motion to approve the February 13, 2024 meeting minutes as is with no
changes. Gall seconded. The motion passed unanimously 7-to-O.
OPEN FORUM
No one spoke.
ACTION ITEMS
Historic Preservationist of the Year — Nomination
Jakes summarized the memo and displayed the public's nominations for the award. The committee
discussed the nominations from the public, which were all for Dodge Nature Center (Shepard Farm).
Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation Minutes
April 9, 2024
Page 2 of 4
The public's nomination previously won the award, so the committee discussed further options of
first-time recipients.
Sumstine commented that various members of the public worked diligently to save the house located
at 10301 Grey Cloud Trail South. Reckinger stated Cindy Yff and Kathy DeMarre would be great
recipients for the award due to their work on the Old People's Home & Cemetery. The committee
agreed that both Cindy and Kathy should be nominated as recipients of the award if selected.
Brinkman stated Corrine Marz would be a good recipient as well due to her work on Native American
history.
The committee agreed after discussion that Cindy Yff and Kathy DeMarre should be nominated due
to their detailed work on preserving the history of the Old People's Home & Cemetery. Johnston
made a motion to nominate Cindy Yff and Kathy DeMarre. Brinkman seconded. The motion passed
unanimously 7-to-O.
Historical Markers — Plaque Design
Jakes summarized the memo and displayed the two potential plaque designs. Grundhauser stated
the second option with the ACHP's themed colors is preferred and the inclusion of a QR code to
additional information the site would be great to include. Grundhauser stated sites where the re-
source is still present doesn't need the amount of information as other sites. More photos of sites
where the resource does not exist would be more beneficial. The committee agreed that the second
option of the plaque design with the ACHP's themed colors is preferred. The motion passed to select
the second option with the ACHP's themed colors as the design preference 7-to-O.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Historical Markers — Plaque Information
Jakes summarized the memo and displayed the information gathered for each site; the committee
reviewed each site and discussed the information and photos for each site.
Atkinson Cemetery information was accurate. Brinkman stated there is a book titled "History of
Newport (Red Rock)" which discussed the Atkinson Cemetery in detail. The committee agreed that
a list of prominent names buried in the cemetery and potentially photos of the headstones would be
a good addition to the plaque.
The Old People's Home & Cemetery information was accurate. The committee requested staff
contact Cindy Yff and Kathy DeMarre to assist in writing the plaque information. In addition, the
committee requested there be a map of where the two homes were, if possible.
The Cottage View Drive -In site was discussed as staff did not have any information on the site.
Grundhauser and Johnston stated photos have been found in the Cottage Grove Facebook groups.
Councilmember Thiede stated the drive-in was located adjacent to the current Walmart site, so a
good location for the plaque would be at the corner of the east Walmart entrance adjacent to the
public trail. Grundhauser stated once the Shoppes at Cottage View develop, it would be beneficial
to move the plaque to the north corner of the site.
Shepard Farm was discussed, and the information was accurate. Councilmember Thiede stated the
house onsite has historic photos that could be utilized for the plaque if the Shepard Farm staff is
Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation Minutes
April 9, 2024
Page 3 of 4
contacted. Grundhauser stated it would be nice to include the acreage of the site as it is generally
unknown how large the site is.
The Cedarhurst site was discussed, and the information was accurate. The committee discussed
and desired for the plaque to talk through the site starting with a farmhouse and moving to modern
day. Grundhauser stated the plaque should incorporate Cass Gilbert.
The Thompson Grove development was discussed, and the information was accurate. Brinkman
stated Orrin Thompson was not associated with any of the Thompson Grove plats. Rather, his
brother Olin Thompson is associated with the plats. Grundhauser stated it would be interesting to
reference that this is one of the earliest large developments in the southern area of the county.
Johnston inquired as to whether the old street names could be incorporated into the plaque.
The Hill -Gibson house was discussed, and the information was accurate, no comments were made
from the committee.
PROJECT UPDATES — VERBAL UPDATES
Historical Display Case
Jakes stated the historical display case has been completed along with the tri-fold brochure that
contains detailed information on each of the schools within the display case. Johnston stated staff
could put an article in the Cottage Grove Reports to inform residents the project is completed, and
the information is available.
Certified Local Government Grant (CLG) Application
Jakes stated staff submitted the application for the Certified Local Government Grant and that staff
will be informed as to whether the city has been awarded the grant on April 12, 2024.
Mississippi Landing
Mrosla summarized the status of the Mississippi Landing development and that photographs
documenting the house were obtained. Staff also stated other items such as doors, barn wood, and
part of the wall were preserved in order to be utilized for a display case at the future Mississippi
Landing park building.
Historic Properties Conditional Use Permit — Code Language Revisions
Jakes provided the committee with an update that the Historic Properties Conditional Use Permit
has been added into the code. In addition, staff provided the uses that would be permitted with the
permit and the process for issuance.
Langdon Village — Ground Penetrating Radar/SWCTC Video
Jakes provided the committee with an update on the schedule of the Langdon Village privy dig. The
dig was scheduled for April 20, 2024, and committee members were invited to attend. Jakes also
stated that the South Washington County Telecommunications Commission is producing a video on
the history of the Langdon Village, which include the privy digging event.
Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation Minutes
April 9, 2024
Page 4 of 4
HISTORIC INQUIRIES, ARTICLES, AND RESEARCH INFORMATION
7575 Lamar Avenue South — House History
Mrosla stated the new property owner of 7575 Lamar Avenue South is searching for history on the
property and its correlation to the Military Trail.
COUNCIL LIASON COMMENTS
There were none.
COMMITTEE COMMENTS
Grundhauser inquired as to the requirements for obtaining a valid Historic Properties Conditional
Use Permit. Staff provided the list of requirements as listed in the city code.
Grundhauser inquired as to how staff's work of making historic information more accessible is pro-
gressing. Staff stated work is progressing as it relates to internal organization of information and
scanning documents.
Grundhauser inquired about the Cedarhurst property and the current status. Staff stated a wedding
venue user was interested but that there are no additional details at this time.
STAFF COMMENTS
There were none.
ADJOURNMENT
Reckinger made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Gall seconded. The motion passed unanimously
7-to-0, and the meeting was adjourned.
Cottage
J Grove
here Pride and?1059eritY Meet
TO: Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation
FROM: Conner Jakes, Associate Planner
DATE: June 11, 2024
RE: Historical Markers— MNHS Grant Opportunity
Introduction/Background
The Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants program — also known as Legacy Grants
— is a grant program created to provide financial support for projects focused on preserving
Minnesota's history and culture. This state -funded program is made possible by the Arts and
Cultural Heritage Fund using sales tax revenue resulting from the Clean Water, Land, and
Legacy amendment created through the vote of Minnesotans on November 4, 2008.
At its April 9, 2024 meeting, the ACHP reviewed and selected the preferred plaque design. In
addition, the ACHP also reviewed the primary information and photos gathered by staff. The
seven locations that the ACHP reviewed included:
1. Atkinson Cemetery
2. Old People's Home & Cemetery
3. Cottage View Drive-in (current site of Walmart)
4. Dodge Nature Center (Shepard Farm)
5. Cedarhurst
6. Thompson Grove (at Well No. 1)
7. Hill -Gibson House (current site of The Legends)
The interpretive signage to be placed at each historic site, provided the City is awarded the grant,
will highlight the historic nature of the stie and its past and/or present significance.
Discussion
Staff would like the Committee's input on the proposed plaque design and information for each
site. The Communications Department has produced the following final drafts of each plaque
design based on the information approved by the ACHP. Each draft can be edited based on the
committee's feedback.
Atkinson Cemetery�TINSON
�E>�> TRY
OJ
-
�
ORIGINATED IN 1854
_ ^ E9T. A aUPIAL 51'I£ ABQ[li IB51, - _
mc. Mar ls. ]aTe.
W. q Ml;NC6q, I. H CACRCRILL
_ -
& ]- N CRAN6ALL, TRUSTfP�.
w
The Atkinson Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries
oin
Washington Countythat resides in its original location.
o
Named after its founder, John Atkinson, this cemetery
5 —
is the burial place for many of Cottage Grove's earliest
--
U o
settlers, many of whom were formative to the successful
y r
development of Cottage Grove. Burials began in 1854 with
O
the Atkinson Cemetery Association formed in 1874, the
Oz
site was listed in the city's Register of Historic Places and
g
5
Landmarks in 1982.
:� b
� o
_
The Cemetery underwent a restoration in the early 1980's
U a
and created a connection to the Mars Candy Corporation.
Gladys Munger was a local supporter of the cemetery's
o
restoration and was contacted by Forrest Mars who is
a
the founder of the Mars Candy Corporation. Forrest was
tracing his family history at the time and found out he and
M.
O?
Gladys were third cousins; Forrest provided funds for the
Wrestoration
of the cemetery and the cemetery was restored.
Y
-° t '
v
Old People's Home
71
o
and Cemetery
I`
{
ORIGINATED IN 1907
uo
The Old People's Home and Cemetery was built and
established by the Church of God in 1907 to provide care
o
for the elderly. Unfortunately, the home burned down
j
4-42
on the morning of November 16, 1917, from a fire thati.
w.: -
O
originated in the attic of the home. The people of St. Paul
w
Park took in residents until they could find a new home
and place of care. A new location was established in
o
St. Paul Park when the Church of God purchased the St.
w
Paul Methodist College in 1918. The last known burial was
to
in 1925, although all grave locations have been lost.«'
�E
>
s� o
The Old People's Cemetery remains today. Not only was it
�e
r
a burial ground for elderly at the nearby home, it also was
\, -
U =
a burial for Church of God members. There are believed to
is ^ • M3=
r
O�^
a
be approximately 40 people interred on the site.
Uj w
T Y
�—I
- -q0ttage
OF
fa. d%
Cottage View Drive-In40%
ORIGINATED IN 1966
.,.�
anurvn�
The Cottage View Drive -In was opened on August 24, 1966
during the nationwide boom of drive-in theaters. Cottage�-
View Drive -In had a capacity of approximately 950 cars
where visitors would access the site and watch movies
from their vehicles. Admission to the site was valid for
the entire evening, which included two movie showings.
Visitors were free to tune their radio to the movie audio,
play frisbee and other yard games in the grass area, and
a°
purchase food at the on -site concession stand. Families
w
with young children favored drive-in theaters because it
was easier to care for their infant while watching a movie.
Americans at the time were fascinated by cars and flocked
to drive-in theaters, but over time with the rise of cable
television and video cassette recorders, the popularity r
of drive-in theaters decreased. Due to lack of funding,
Cottage View Drive -In closed on September 27, 2012. # _ �3
-� MEMO"
Shepard Farm
ORIGINATED IN 1919
Shepard Farm propertywas purchased by Roger and
Katherine Shepard in 1919 and used as a summer
residence and family farm. In that same year, the main
residence, farmhouse, and associated buildings were
designed and constructed by architect Alfred Hopkins.
Following the Shepards' passing, their daughter Constance
Shepard Otis inherited the property. She wanted to
ensure the natural beauty of the property was preserved
for future generations in essentially the same form as
originally envisioned and created by her parents. To realize
this vision, a conservation easement was placed over the
property. Opening to the public in the spring of 2022, the
property provides educational opportunities for visitors,
consists of many animals, a restored prairie, and offers 140
acres of green space for people of all ages to experience
the beautiful outdoors.
MW
Cedarhurst Mansion
ORIGINATED IN 1860
Designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert, the
Cedarhurst Mansion consists of 10 rooms on the ground
floor, 16 rooms on the second floor, a presidential suite,
ballroom, and a 100-foot veranda. This mansion is actually
three houses built atop each other over 50 years.
The original house was a farmhouse built in 1860, shortly
after the American Civil War. In 1911, the Severance's, who
owned the property, commissioned Cass Gilbert to begin
the transformation from a summer farm to a country
estate. Gilbert finished the transformation in 1917, which
resulted in the Neoclassical Mansion that is seen today.
In its heyday, the house was widely known as the scene
of frequent entertainment— with guests usually arriving
by train to the St. Paul Park train station where they were
met by the Severances' horse-drawn hack, or in later years
by a chauffeur -driven automobile.
Thompson Grove
ORIGINATED IN 1854
Constructed by Orrin Thompson Homes and consisting
of nearly 1,200 ranch -style homes, the Thompson Grove
housing development was the first large development in
the city. Four base house models were offered within the
development. The once -rural area began to experience the
effects of suburban sprawl. The population jumped from
833 residents in 1950 to over 13,400 residents by 1970.
By 2000, Cottage Grove was one of Minnesota's fastest -
growing communities.
The lowest priced home began at $11,650 with $350
down and an approximate $80 per month payment. The
highest priced home model was priced at $14,600 with
$600 down and an approximate $99 per month payment.
In addition, the developer also constructed the Thompson
Grove Country Club. Known as the "Nation's Most
Beautiful Country Club" — home buyers received a free
club membership after purchasing a home.
I
M
Hill -Gibson House
0
ORIGINATED IN 1850
U w
The Hill -Gibson house was a modest two-story farmhouse
ulocated
on a wooded lot southeast of Camel's Hump in the
o
old Corners Settlement. This blue -shuttered home was a
Q
duplex with the core unit constructed in the 1850s and the
z
wing unit constructed in the 1890s. The house featured
c� a
unhewn log joists supporting its original structure.
Q oc
w
z The Hill -Gibson house is closely associated with Lewis Hill,
Q 0 an early pioneer of Washington County. Hill was born in
�o Hollis, Maine in 1822 when he began the long journey to
w
the Falls of St. Croix. In 1844 he arrived in Cottage Grove
U d
and engaged in farming for some years.
�
SU o
In 1855, he sold his belongings and moved to Dakota
Ln
County. A few years later, Hill returned to Cottage Grove
U =
and buried his roots at the Hill -Gibson House.
Q a
y., w
� w
Y
�I`•TL^�11,
�11
/i .
,4.