Committee Minutes

Grand Forks Historic Preservation Commission
1405 First Avenue North
Grand Forks, ND 58203
701-772-8756

Minutes
7:00 p.m.
November 9, 2004
City Hall

Present: Marsha Gunderson (Chair), Chuck Flemmer, Gordon Iseminger, Ted Jelliff, Randy Lee
Others: Curt Siewert (Office of Urban Development), Peg O’Leary
No quorum: matters may be discussed but will not be acted upon.

-1614 Lewis Boulevard – Curt Siewert
Pictures of the newly completed stonework on the front steps were reviewed. The work appears to be of much better quality than the patches on the building. It was required that this work be completed before the house transferred out of city ownership.

107 Conklin (built in 1915) – Curt Siewert
Innerface Inc. STEP Program is planning to acquire and rehabilitate this house using federal funds. They want to paint the exterior, install an egress window in SE corner (facing driveway), and make several changes to the interior of the house. The house has color-lock Masonite replacement siding. Siewert said he would not be releasing funds until December 9 so action at the next HPC meeting would meet his needs. Members present agreed that the proposed changes would not affect the historic integrity of the property.

309 N. 7th St. – Curt Siewert
This is a 25’ infill lot that originally was awarded to CMI, Inc., who would now like to pass on the project. The other applicant for the lot was Wally Rogers, who is proposing to build a 1½ story home. There were no site plans or elevations to review. Siewert said he will have Rogers supply more information.

1119 Almonte
The current owners of this covenanted home would like to place a second light on the front of the house to balance the current porch light. Members present agreed that this would be appropriate on the home, since it is very symmetrical in style. Formal action will be taken at the next meeting.

Chair Report – Marsha Gunderson
  History Conference – Gunderson and O’Leary will be attending the conference in Bismarck on Nov. 12-13.
  Griggs Statue – Alex was dressed for Halloween by some passerby who placed a bicycle wheel in his arms. O’Leary removed it.
  622 6th Ave. S. – RRVCA reports that the chimney is failing on this property, which is currently being rehabilitated, and they will rebuild the chimney exactly as it was.
  Conservation District Programs – The forum news, a National Trust Publication, has an interesting article in its Nov/Dec 2004 issue dealing with conservation districts. These districts can identify and protect neighborhoods that have a distinct physical character even though they may not merit designation as a historic district.

Coordinator Report – Peg O’Leary
  NPRR Bridge Interpretive Plaques Update – Comments on the second draft are ready to go back to the Corps of Engineers.
  Near Southside Plaques Update – O’Leary has signed off on the final draft for the plaques.
  Near Northside Survey Update – We received no responses to our RFP. Options were discussed and it was agreed that O’Leary would consult with SHSND officers in Bismarck about our options.
  28 Conklin (formerly 1502 Lewis Blvd.) – The house has sold, with covenants, to Sharon and Tom Bures.
  Campbell House Update – The relocation is virtually complete. The follow-up paperwork needs to be filed with the Keeper; that will be coordinated by Mary Kate Ryan.
  NDDOT
  University Avenue north to Gateway on 20th Street – A mill and overlay project in conjunction with installation of handicap ramps on sidewalks. O’Leary reported driving the street and seeing nothing that would be disturbed by the project as described.
  DeMers and 42nd Street intersection reconstruction – This project would include a railway grade separation structure and improvements to the I-29 ramps. Additional right of way will be required. The NDDOT is requiring a Class III Cultural Resources Inventory for this project. Members agreed with the need for the survey; HPC will receive a draft for review.

Other Business
  Historic Building Report – Gunderson said that Steve Martens, NDSU Architecture Dept., and his students worked on an evaluation of Valley City historic buildings. They compiled information on about 30 downtown buildings, including historic and contemporary pictures and uses and made recommendations about possible historic rehabilitation. Martens said 15 students working 15 hours a week took 18 weeks to complete the project.
The next regular meeting will be at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 23, in room A101, City Hall.

Respectfully submitted,



Peg O’Leary
Coordinator