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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9B - 16000 Main Ave Building 16200 Eagle Creek Avenue S.E. Prior Lake, MN 55372-1714 MEETING DATE: AGENDA #: PREPARED BY: AGENDA ITEM: DISCUSSION: CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES: ISSUES: CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT June 20, 2005 ~ 98 Frank Boyles, City Manage CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A PLAN FOR THE TWO STORY BUILDING LOCATED AT 16000 MAIN AVENUE. H istorv At the June 6,2005, meeting the City Council received a comprehensive report from Chief Building Official Bob Hutchins regarding the physical condition of the buildings at this location. The report and the pictures it included recommended demolition of the buildings on the property with the exception of the large Quonset hut and the pole barn. The staff was directed to return to the Council this evening with a plan regarding how we might proceed with the demolition of the two-story house. We have been in contact with three firms to receive prices for demolition of the house. Since the June 6,2005, meeting we have proceeded to remove articles from the property exterior and the five small buildings. This action was taken only after members of the City staff walked the site with the curator of the Scott County Historical Society. The curator concluded that with the exception of a few pieces in the house (which he will receive permission from the Kop family to obtain), none of the items on the exterior represent artifacts that the Historical Society would have interest in. I have also spoken to Susan Roth who is the National Register Historian for the Minnesota Historical Society. From her comments, I conclude that no historical evaluation is required for this property. She did indicate that the City could request an advisory inquiry be performed. Such a study would require about 30 days. The study is done at no cost to the City, but it will be necessary for us to supply information on this topic including the following: physical description of the property, what was done on the property and what it was part of, basic historic information, and photo documentation, both past and present. This information is to be sent to the Historical Society for their analysis. To request the study, the City would need to write a letter to that effect. The Council indicated at the June 6, 2005, meeting that the public could come forward with ideas for the use of the two-story building. On the afternoon of June 14, 2005, a caller left a voice mail stating she had an idea for the use of the building. The caller did not leave her name or telephone number, and has not followed up on the call. Today we received the attached letters from Kevin Busse with his suggestion. It may be appropriate to request that the historical inquiry be done to provide the City Council with additional information. www.cityofpriorlake.com 1:\COUNCIL\AGNRPTS\2005\0620 plan f~Hg<fPJ> ~2.a~'ra~~a / Fax 952.447.4245 M-t-1 to '/0-06 Kevin D. Busse 5101 160lth Street South East Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-2538 (952)-447-3698 June 13, 2005 Dear Mayor, Council Members, and City Manager: With the current discussion on the future of the Kop property, this letter is a reminder of my original1etter dated January 27'th (copy enclosed), where 1 presented the idea of making the property into a "Travelers Information" rest area similar to what the city of Shakopee has in their Memorial Park otTHighway 101. . This "gateway" to Lakefront Park, the downtown area, and it's ideal location just off Highway 13 would be the perfect site to welcome visitors to our city with it's park-like setting. There's plentY of room for parking, lots of shade trees and space for picnic tables, while still being an active part of Lakefront Park. This building would be separate .from the Kop house, being similar to the' construction used for the one in Shakopee. T encourage you to once again refresh your memory by looking over my January letter, and giving the idea serious consideration. I look forward to hearing from, and personally speaking to~ach one you,about this idea. .. . Separate from my "Travelers Information" plan, I am avvare that one of the major issues is what to do with the Kop house. Here are my thoughts on that matter... Accordingto the. June 11 'th article in the Prior Lake American, the Kop house was built in the 1850's. According to documents, Prior Lake was platted in 1871. That being said, the Kop house is older than the city of Prior Lake. You may look at that house and'say "It's just an old farm house with no history." Many in our city would look at that house and say the building itself is "living history.'" Everything that has happened in the entire history of Prior Lake, and earlier, has happened with that house being there, up through the present day. The "living history'" of that property continues even as you read this letter. While it's true that the Kop's weren't what one would call ""famous," what's important here is not that it was their home, but the age and history of the house itself is what makes it important for our city to preserve. T watched the building inspector's presentation of the house and property during the council meeting broadcast on cable-TV. I would agree that most of the out-buildings, separate from the home, are in an extremely dangerous condition, and that those should be torn down for safety. However, everyone in town knows that house isn't up to code. What building codes that may have existed at that time were way different than what exists now, but it is what was common for a house built back in the 1850's, and the changes and improvements made to the home over the years. Yes, window frames are rotting, itls an old foundation, and the brick facing is in major need of repair, but there are older homes in Prior Lake right now that are replacing their windows, firming up their foundations, and updating their electrical wiring. With the city of Prior Lake spending large sums of money redeveloping the downtown area, and constructine a ne\v city hall and nolice station. surelv there is monev available that can be used to preserve this important historical home. I am deeply concerned that if this house isn't restored and preserved, in the coming years we will aU regret the terrible loss of our cities history represented by this home. If the house cannot be restored, then at the very least it should be considered for rebuilding and preservation in the 1850's style. As a community proud of our heritage, it is the least we could do. The Mayor and city staff are often heard referring to Lakefront Park as "The Gem of Prior Lake." The fact is, without that house, Lakefront Park would not exist! There would have been no Kop farmland or property to donate to the city for a park. With the growth our city has experienced over the years, it most likely would've been nothing more than residential housing. The "gem" our city is so proud of would not exist if it wasn't for that 1850's farm house! What would the house be used for? As part of my "Travelers Information" idea, the restored' home could then be used as a center to preserve and display the artifacts of our city, educating visitors and the people of our town to the history of our community. There is an employment opportunity here as well, as staff would be needed not just in the "Travelers Infonnation" building, but in the home as wen, which would help in the growth and income of our city through a small admission fee to the house. How to keep the home secure and safe from vandals? Currently in Lakefront Park, the wonderful pavilion is secure, along with the skate park and concession building at Watzel's beach. Why would the Kop home be any less secured, due to it's value as a historical structure in our community. The city has a tough decision to make. Do you preserve an important part of Prior Lake's heritage... an historic home that pre-dates the founding of our city, or do you destroy, bury, and move on? T sincerely hope the city chooses the former, and decides to preserve, rebuild and restore. As I said earlier, it's the very least we can do. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and listen to my views. Again, I look forward to meeting with, and talking to all of you about my "Travelers Information" idea. . . Sincerely, Kevin D. Busse . . ..... -.......------.- ~-----_.__._~--_._-_. /LU-:J to .r/6'-O~ Kevin D. Busse 5101 160'th Street South East Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372-2538 (952)..447-3698 June 13, 2005 Dear Mayor, Council Members, and City Manager: With the current discussion on the future of the Kop property, this letter is a reminder of my original letter dated January 27'th (copy enclosed), where T presented the idea of making the property into a "Travelers Information" rest area similar to what the city of Shakopee has in their Memorial Park ofTHighway 101. This "gateway" to Lakefront Park, the downtown area, and it's ideal location just ofT Highway 13 would be the perfect site to welcome visitors to our city with it's park-like setting. There's plentY of room for parking, lots of shade trees and space for picnic tables, while still being an active part of Lakefront Park. This building would be separate from the Kop house, being similar to the construction used for the one in Shakopee. T encourage you to once again refresh your memory by looking over my January letter, and giving the idea serious consideration. I look forward to hearing from, and personally speaking to each one you, about this idea. . Separate from my "Travelers Information" plan, I am aware that one of the major issues is what to do with the Kop house. Here are my thoughts on that matter... According to the June 11 'th article in the Prior Lake American, the Kop house was built in the 1850's. According to documents, Prior Lake was platted in 1871. That being sai~ the Kop house is older than the city of Prior Lake. You may look at that house and say "It's just an old farm house with no history." Many in our city would look at that house and say the building itself is "living history." Everything that has happened in the entire history of Prior Lake, and earlier, has happened with that house being there, up through the present day. The "living history" of that property continues even as you read this letter. While it's true that the Kop's weren't what one would call "famous," what's important here is not that it was their home, but the age and history of the house itself is what makes it important for our city to preserve. I watched the building inspector's presentation of the house and property during the council meeting broadcast on cable-TV. I would agree that most of the out-buildings, separate from the home, are in an extremely dangerous condition, and that those should be tom down for safety. However, everyone in town knows that house isn't up to code. What building codes that may have existed at that time were way different than what exists now, but it is what was common for a house built back in the 1850's, and the changes and improvements made to the home over the years. Yes, window frames are rotting, it's an old foundation, and the brick facing is in major need of repair, but there are older homes in Prior Lake right now that are replacing their windows, firming up their foundations, and updating their electrical wiring. With the city of Prior Lake spending large sums of money redeveloping the downtown area, and constructine a new city hall and nolice station. surely there is monev available that can Kevin D. Busse 5101160'th Street South East Prior Lake, Minnesota. 55372-2538 January 27, 2005 Dear friends at the City of Prior Lake: With Meda Kop's passing this past week, I can't help but wonder what will happen to the Kop property now that she's gone. Many of the residents of our community made clear that they feel the property should remain as natural and "park-Itke" as possible, but we all know the site cannot be left alone to deteriorate. And if I understand correctly, the DNR situation limits the use to park and recreation purposes. I've been giving some thought to how the Kop property can be used. while keeping it an active part of Lakefront Park, and also making it into something that our community could use and benefit from into the future. I'm hoping that you would consider making the Kop property into a "Travelers Information" rest area, very similar to what the City of Shakopee has in their Memorial Park off 101. Many tourist drive through Prior Lake year a round, and the city, along with Scott County, has much to offer for events and activities. With it's ideal location to the entranc~ to Lakefront Park, and the northern entrance to the newly redeveloped downtown, it's an inviting spot right off Highway 13 to show travelers what Prior Lake has to offer. What makes the idea attractive to me is that it does not take away from the view of the Kop property. A small single-story building, like the one in Shakopee, could be built while still appearing natural to users of Lakefront Park. A small paved parking area using the existing driveway and parking would be more than enough for visitors to use. Add a few picnic tables to the area and it's a beautiful location, still keeping it's natural park-like appearance and use. The Kop residence is one of the oldest homes in Prior Lake, and we should be proud of that. Prior Lake has a rich history with the lake, resorts, railroad and more. Perhaps the main level of the house could be made into a museum to educate visitors to the history of the community, and to display artifacts of our city. The change in the appearance of the property would be minimal. What a wonderful way to honor the Kop family, and the history of our community, while welcoming visitors to our city and Lakefront Park, showing what we have to offer ass growing community. I look forward to talking with you more about this idea, as I believe this would be a very beneficial and constructive use of the Kop property that everyone in our city, visitors and residents, would enjoy for years to come. Feel free to contact me at the address above, or to call me at 952-447-3698. Again, I look forward to hearing from you. thank you for taking the time to read my letter concerning this important issue for our community. Sincerely, Kevin Busse cc: Mayor Jack Haugen City Manager Frank Boyles City Councilmembers Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce Prior lake American Newspaper ~...,..""",~"""",~~~'---~--_.._-...._"_.........-............,._.._-~-_.......... '.< .."-""..~-~-_...__.._~-~.._-_.~---,..~