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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-26-05 . City of Farmington 325 Oak Street Farmington, MN 55024 Mission Statement Through teamwork and cooperation, the City of Farmington provides quality services that preserve our proud past and foster a promisingfuture. AGENDA HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING April 26, 2005 7:00 P.M. CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Approval of Minutes of February 24,2005, Regular Meeting 4. Public Hearings - none 5. Reports a. Mural on Otten Building Goin Planning Commission meeting) b. Middle Creek Historic Cemetery - Park Trail Link and Historic Site Improvements b. Certified Local Government Grant c. Powerline Update 6. Unfinished Business a. Revised 2005 Goals and Objectives List b. Preservation Month - Plans for Downtown Walking Tour (May 23) 7. New Business a. Historical Markers and Signs b. Exchange Bank Building - Bicycle Rack c. Minnesota Historic Structure and Community Re-Investment Tax Credit 8. Miscellaneous 9. Adjourn HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES February 24, 2005 1. CALL TO ORDER Vice-Chair Preece called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Bev Preece, Tim Burke, Edgar Samuelson Absent: John Robertson Also Present: Robert Vogel, Consultant; Cynthia Muller, Executive Assistant; Billy Samuelson 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION by Burke, second by Samuelson to approve the agenda. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (November 4,2004) MOTION by Samuelson, second by Burke to approve the November 4, 2004 Minutes. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS - None 5. REPORTS a. 2004 Annual Report The Commission reviewed a draft ofthe report at the November 4, 2004 meeting. Consultant Vogel reviewed highlights of the report. Staffwill forward a copy of the final report to the commission members. b. Update - Middle Creek Historic Cemetery - Boy Scout Project Mr. Billy Samuelson is working on a project to add improvements to the Middle Creek Cemetery for his Eagle Scout project. His project was approved at the November 4, 2004 meeting. He sent a letter to Parks and Recreation Director Distad for some assistance in removing the barbed wire and cutting a fallen tree. He is in the process of sending letters to three fencing companies that make split rail fences regarding using the wood from the tree. He will bring a copy of the letter to the next meeting and is still planning to do the work in the spring. Staff will confirm that the barbed wire has been removed. It was mentioned there will be a park on the west side of Akin Road with a trail in the area of the cemetery. Members asked if there could be a spur off the trail leading to the cemetery. Staff with check with Park and Rec on this. The commission discussed interpretive signs and Consultant Vogel will bring information to the next meeting. The commission would need to obtain donations for these signs. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Nominate Officers for 2005 MOTION by Burke, second by Samuelson to nominate Bev Preece as Chair. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. MOTION by Preece, second by Burke to nominate Edgar Samuelson as Vice- Chair. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. HPC Minutes February 24, 2005 Page 2 MOTION by Samuelson, second by Preece to nominate Tim Burke as Secretary. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. b. 2005 Commission Goals The following goals were set for 2005. 1. Reorganize the HPC as a 5-member advisory commission. 2. Present the annual preservation award during Historic Preservation Month (May). 3. Become a "Preserve America" community. 4. Nominate historic properties for designation as Farmington Heritage Landmarks. 5. Improve the historic preservation content ofthecity's web site. Place articles from Consultant Vogel on the web site on a regular basis. 6. Organize a walking tour of downtown or one of the older residential neighborhoods. 7. Host an open house to show off a building that has been recently restored and/or hold a workshop for historic property owners at a historic property that is in need of rehabilitation. 8. Develop interpretive signs - prioritize a list, develop a style, and do 1 or 2 signs per year. Look at what works best in other cities and would be within a donation budget. 9. Apply federal grant funds to apply for heritage landmark designations. 10. Co-ordinate trolley rides with F AHS. 11. Work with the Planning Commission to ensure historical properties are taken into consideration in developments. 12. Place articles in the city newsletter regarding rural surveys, the Middle Creek Cemetery, and upcoming activities. c) Heritage Landmark Nominations The process takes approximately 4 months. First the HPC decides they want to designate properties, and then hold a meeting with the property owners. It was suggested to meet with the owners of the Lyric Theater, the old St. Michael's Church on Elm Street, and possibly Feely Elevator. It was decided to not invite the property owners to the April 14, 2005 meeting, but to set up a special meeting to meet with them as a group. Consultant Vogel will provide a list of property owners to the commission prior to the next meeting and include a map showing the property locations. The last step is to hold a public hearing designating the properties as heritage landmarks. d) Certified Local Government Grant Application The City is not set up for a historic district to nominate a block of structures. The following properties will be the focus of the Local Designation Form project: House, 421 Oak Street House, 509 Oak Street House, 520 Oak Street House, 521 Oak Street House, 320 Walnut Street The project could start June 1,2005. e) Preserve America Application HPC Minutes February 24, 2005 Page 3 Cities that do heritage preservation work will qualify for this federal recognition program. Recipients of the award will receive a sign and a letter from the President. The City needs to submit the application form, the Heritage Preservation ordinance, the annual report, and 4 photos of historic sites. Three cities in Virginia have gone through the process. This can be used as an outreach tool. Farmington could be the first Minnesota city to receive this award. Applications will be received in 4 cycles during the year. MOTION by Burke, second by Samuelson to direct staffto prepare the application. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. f) Preservation Month (May 2005) April 15 is the deadline for nominations. Consultant Vogel has received 1 nomination. He suggested giving the award to a contractor that actually does restoration work. It was suggested to place a list of past award winners on the website and advertise for nominations. Members would like to organize a walking tour through the downtown lead by Consultant Vogel. The tour could be recorded and placed on the website. The Council should be invited. There will also be a proclamation signed by the Mayor. 8. NUSCELLANEOUS On March 2, 2005 an open house will be held at the library regarding arts in the city. Representative Garofalo will be attending. The HPC was informed of History Matters Day at the Capitol to be held March 7,2005. Chair Preece reminded members the Camp manual is available for them to read and contains some good information. Chair Preece prepared a letter to the editor and requested staffto review it. Members asked about the difference between landmark designations and historic places. Consultant Vogel explained that landmark designations are consistent with the zoning. The local designation carries more weight than the National Register. As Consultant Vogel will not be available April 1, the next meeting will be April 14, 2005. At this meeting, the commission should discuss the trolley ride to be held during Rambling River Days. The rides will take place on June 25,2005. The city rents the trolley from Dakota City. There are 2 trolleys so one could be downtown and the other giving tours of Dakota City. Consultant Vogel would like to see more ofa city presence during the trolley rides, perhaps handing out information on the city as people get on the trolley. 9. ADJOURN MOTION by Burke, second by Samuelson to adjourn at 8:47 p.m. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. ~R espectfull);: submitted, -; . ;>r) ~/ a..... ~AJ . ynthia Muller Executive Assistant \\\\\ \ \\\ \\ \\\\ ' ,--.... )- ci <t ~ f- \.) ~ <c '^ "" u.. :} C. .J :s c ~ ol:: '----' ~ ~ ~ l- I... ~ \1) V ~ IU ~ ~ c c ~ ~ ~ [J \ \ \ \ ' / ,/ " I f@'. . ....l@ , q- ..0 N ~. . ,. ...;.: . f01 , Sql o ~ ~ o =< .., - (i './. <t lu 0 ~ J _ \) ...J ' < ,I ~~ f- ..I V )- + <t 11'.... ClI E o at. :r < ~ ~ ~ <l: '< ll. 10 ',! .L Q '" tl ~ J - ,~ r!J \l ~ ~ 0' III '" <t ,\\ 0 f'... fi ~ 1\... ~ b.- Or )- r>/. ~ IlO ~ ;.r v ~ 00 < (; ~ l~ ~ 1:' ~ o q- 1\ -:. ~ ~ ..>> -(0 '" ::,L v o oJ lXl ~ K: I- ~ ~ 4l. .h Cl V' \u < ~ / ..J - iC I- ~ V" "" V. ~ " VI ~ , z ~ \~ -b ..J c.:: :i .3 ~ b~ Q.. '\,0" I . ,., I ~ '.ll '< <> ~ '.ll ~ -l illi i ,,9- ,t: ~ Farmington Heritage Preservation Commission Suggested 2005 Goals & Objectives 1) Reorganize the HPC as a five-member advisory commission. 2) Present the annual preservation award during Historic Preservation Month (May). 3) Become a "Preserve America" community. 4) Nominate historic properties for designation as Farmington Heritage Landmarks. 5) Improve the historic preservation content of the city's website. 6) Organize a walking tour of downtown or one of the older residential neighborhoods. 7) Host an open house to show off a building that has been recently restored and/or hold a workshop for historic property owners at a historic property that is in need of rehabilitation. Heritage Site Recognition Program City of Eden Prairie What is the Heritage Site Recognition Program? The Heritagc Site Recognition Program is an opportunity for residents to experience and cclebrate our community's past. The program is intendcd to recognize historically significant buildings and places within Eden Prairie. Participation in the program is voluntary and carries no restrictions on the owner. Help us honor Eden Prairic's past with your participation in the program. What is a Heritage Site? A Heritage Site can be a residential or commercial building. structure, site, or an area which reflects elements of Eden Prairie's cultural. social, economic, political, archaeological, or architectural history. What is the process for Heritage Site Recognition? The process is simple. Buildings, structurcs, and sites may be nominated by the owncr or by another person or agency through an application process. Nominations not supported by the owner will be withdrawn. The Heritagc Prcservation Commission will coordinate the program, review applications and forward thcm to the City Council for approval. Applicantswill be notified following the City Council's determination. What is the cost? Each bronze plaque will cost thc City $45.00. The City is requesting that each eligible participant contribute $25.00 toward their plaquc. Scholarships will also be availablc from the City. For more information on scholarships, pleasc contact John Gcrtz, Historic Prcscrvation Specialist at 949-8454. All procccds derivcd from this program will bc used for historic prcservation projccts in Edcn Prairic. ~ CITY OF EDEN PRAnuE HERITAGE SITE PlAQUE APpuCATION FORM Actual size LO"x7'~ cast bronze. Plaque is on display at acyCenter. The Heritage Site Plaque program recognizes Eden Prairie's historically significant sites. To be eligible your home or property must meet all the criteria listed below. Help us put Eden Prairie's historical sites on the map. ... lANDMARK YOUR HOME ... Please check all applicable criteria. o Property has been included in the City's Cultural Resources Survey. o Property is unique; a visual landmark. o Property represents an important event, style, or character. Applicant Information Name Address Telephone Property Description For more information, please contact HERrrAGE PREsERVATION COMMISSION 8080 MITCHELL ROAD · EDEN PRAIRIE, MN 55344 · 949-8300 A A S L H Technical Technical Information Service American Association for State and Local History Establishing a Plaque Program: Bringing Local History to the Community by Richard Bamberger Local and state historical societies almost always are searching for new and innovative ways to enhance the historical awareness of members of their communities. Plaque programs provide one of the most effective and least expensive ways of bringing history "to the streets." A plaque program, organized and administered by a historical society, involves the recognition and landmarking of local historic proper- ties through the use of plaques typically purchased by the owners of these properties. In recent years, an increasing number of historical societies have established such programs, often as a means of enhancing community outreach and historical awareness. Program Start-Up In establishing a plaque program a historical soci- ety must: a) determine the goals and objectives of the program; b) select the type of program most likely to permit the fulfillment of these objectives; and c) set the criteria for inclusion in the plaque program. Richard Bamberger is the founder and director of the Erie Landmark Company, Rockville, Maryland, established in 1986. Establishing Program Goals and Objectives Historical societies tend to organize plaque pro- grams for any number of reasons, but most typically, these reasons include: · Membership. Plaque programs allow a historical society a means by which it can expand its outreach and membership. For building and home owners who may not be members of or active in a historical soci- ety but who are, nevertheless, interested in local his- tory and historic preservation, participation in a plaque program often serves as the first step toward more active involvement. · Education. Marking a substantial number of buildings in a given district or a neighborhood pro- vides a graphic image of the history of that area. As such, the historical society may find itself bet- ter able to bring history directly to those it was previously unable to reach - uninvolved residents, visitors, or tourists. · Preservation and Rehabilitation. Although a plaque program itself does not necessarily imply the recognition of buildings as historic sites, the guide- lines by which a building is accepted into the pro- gram may serve to encourage building owners to rehabilitate and maintain their historic structures. ,.:0 · Fund Raising. A plaque program has the poten- tial to be a fund raiser for the sponsoring organiza- tion. Some dealers are even willing to sell plaques to historical societies at wholesale prices. The histor- ical society may, in turn, either pass these discounts on to the building owner or use the discount for their own fund raising purposes. Certainly, these are not the only reasons histori- cal societies establish plaque programs. Whatever the reason, it is crucial that the objectives of the pro- gram be established ahead of time and that there be a consensus reached on the objectives. Ideally, the form which the program takes should be depen- dent entirely upon the goals selected. Selecting Appropriate Program Form In determining the type of program able to meet the objectives set out for it, the historical society must make two basic decisions. First, on the basis of the program objectives, the historical society must choose between two overall types of programs, interpretive and recognition. An interpretive pro- gram involves the landmarking of historic sites using markers with customized wording describing the specific structure or district. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, such plaques may provide a bit of the history of a specific site. If the primary program objective is community education, this type of pro- gram would be most appropriate. Furthermore, a plaque program of this sort can be used as a basis for a walking tour. Roadside markers are a special type of interpre- tive markers. Larger (and more expensive) than the usual interpretive plaque, roadside markers permit the communication of more detailed infonnation. Typically, these are mounted on a post adjacent to the historic site, unlike plaques, which are mounted on the wall of a building. (See Fig. 2.) If the objective of the program is either outreach and membership or preservation and rehabilitation, a recognition program may be more suitable. Recog- nition plaques also tend to be less expensive since they have little or no customized wording. The National Register plaque (see Fig. 3), used for recog- nition, usually is inscribed with the following word- ing: "This property has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior." A more sophisticated (and expensive) plaque includes the name of the building, restorer, construction date, or reference number (such as indicating a description in a guide Fig. 1. This interpretive marker uses customized wording. Photograph courtesy of Erie Landmark Company, Rock- ville, Maryland. book) printed either below or above the standard wording. Secondly, the historical society must decide whether or not it wants a consistent plaque format or whether the selection of the format will be left up to the individual purchaser. If one of the objec- tives of the program is to increase community aware- ness of the activities of the historical society, then it may be important that all plaques ordered through the program are of a consistent format. Typically, it is in the historical society's interest to ensure that, regardless of whether the program is of the interpretive or recognition type, all plaques have some sort of logo or the name of the historical society placed at the top or bottom of each plaque. (See Figs. 4 and 5.) Some historical societies, how- ever, go beyond this and determine exact plaque specifications, i.e., the material used, shape of the plaques, and wording permitted. For the historical society adopting a program with a set plaque format, i.e., with more than just the name of the historical society at the top or bottom, there are a number of alternatives regarding the Fig. 2. Mounted adjacent to historic League Park, this attractive marker provides detailed information on the 'Iexas Sesquicentennial Project and the site. Photograph courtesy of OMC Industries, Inc., Bryan, Thxas. manner in which the plaque is fabricated and its shape and size: 1. Mode of Fabrication: Plaques are fabricated in one of three ways: metal casting, wood processing, or metal processing. · Metal Casting. Plaques fabricated in this method are usually made from either bronze, aluminum, or iron. All three must be cast in a foundry; however, not all foundries are alike. Depending on the equip- ment and casting process used by a foundry, the price of a cast plaque can vary greatly. Furthermore, there are advantages and disadvantages for each T HIS PR.O PER. T Y HAS BEE N PLACED ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES BY THE UNITED STATES DEPAR.tMENT OF THE INTER.lOR. Fig. 3. Smith-Cornell, Inc. offered the first National Reg- ister plaque in 1975. OldStandard@ shown here, is one of several variations. Photograph courtesy of Smith-Comel~ Inc., Auburn, Indiana. type of material. Iron, while the least expensive, is heavy and has an uninteresting natural color. Alu- minum, while typically priced in the middle range, looks less expensive and may corrode over time. Bronze, while the most expensive, looks more dig- nified and lasts longer. · Wood Processing. Plaques fabricated out of wood may either be carved or painted. Many historical societies have chosen wooden plaques as the most appropriate for those neighborhoods with a large proportion of wood frame houses. Furthermore, these plaques often can be obtained locally. However, while these plaques are among the least expensive, they tend to weather poorly and typically must be replaced every two to five years, depending on the environment. · Metal Processing. Plaques processed onto metal, as opposed to plaques cast out of metal, are the least expensive. For the historical society considering this mode of fabrication, there are two choices, metal photo and screen processing. In the case of the former, text and photograph are embedded in photo- sensitized aluminum. In the case of the latter, text and photo are essentially painted onto the surface of the metal. Metal photo offers a number of advan- tages since it is the least expensive to produce and provides the clearest image reproduction (see Fig. 6), which is ideal if the historical society wishes to incorporate into the plaque an old fashioned-looking, tintype photo of a structure that once stood on a site. However, these plaques can be damaged if van- dals use a sharp object, and they can only be Fig. 4. This easement marker is used by the L 'Enfant Trust, Washington, D.C. Photograph courtesy of Erie Landmark Company, Rockville, Maryland. . 'iO~ WI LLIA M Sl' ~v't CLERK. ~v~ \ 18s6) ?PIC ,\\0 il LBAN Y FOU~t>~ Fig. 5. By placing its name at the bottom of the plaque, Historic Albany Foundation increases public awareness of its activities. Photograph courtesy of Erie Landmark Company, Rockville, Maryland. reproduced in a limited number of colors (silver and black) when used outdoors. Screen-processed plaques are nominally less expensive than metal photo and can produce text and illustration in color. However, because screen printing involves surface paint, it is susceptible to weathering and vandalism. There are more sophisticated methods of fabricat- ing interpretive markers, such as fiber glass laminates, but these belong more in the realm of museum displays rather than to that of building markers. 2. Shape and Size: Depending upon the type of plaque (cast metal, processed wood, processed metal) desired, historical societies should be able to find a manufacturer able to provide a plaque of nearly any shape or size. For instance, cast metal plaques range I Fig. 6. Artwork for this anodized aluminum marker was done by the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP) in Baltimore, Maryland. Metal processing offers high impact photographic and textual interpretation. Photograph courtesy of Smith-Gomell, Inc., Auburn, Indiana. in size from twenty-four square inches to twelve square feet. Clearly, the price of the plaque depends to a great extent upon the size ordered. With respect to plaque shapes, while historical societies using processed metal usually are limited to a square or rectangular shape, in theory, no such limitations exist with respect to processed wood or cast metal. Wood can be cut into any shape. However, the more complex the shape, the higher the price. A number of mass-produced standard shapes, suitable for historic sites - squares, rectangles, ovals, and "colonials" - are available primarily through local sign shops. Finally, cast metal plaques can be made in virtually any shape since they are cast from reus- able patterns. However, the more complex the shape, the more difficult to finish the edges of the plaque and, thus, the higher the price. While these steps may make the process of setting up the program seem quite complex, most plaque producers will be able to provide advice and assistance, hence greatly simplifying the decision-making process. Running Stage I In actually implementing a plaque program a historical society must: a) find a producer able to manufacture the type of plaque(s) selected; b) pub- licize the program; and c) set up an application, selection, and order processing system. Each of these steps is described in more detail below. Finding a Producer Depending on the type of plaque desired, histori- cal societies may be best off working with either a local or a national producer. Wooden and screen- printed metal plaques are available generally through local sign shops, which means there are clear advantages of working with a local producer who can offer personalized service. Metal-photo and cast metal plaques are less likely to be produced locally, and therefore, when ordered through a local sign shop, are priced in such a way to cover the costs of the "middle-man." It is possible, however, to order these types of plaques directly from a limited num- ber of manufacturers who specialize in historic plaques. These manufacturers typically advertise in relevant periodicals, and some offer discounts to historical societies. Additionally, some state agen- cies keep information about these manufacturers on file. Despite the order of presentation above, it may be helpful to first find a manufacturer to help you through the decisions incorporated through the start-up phase. The supplier should be selected on the basis of prior experience and reputation. Fur- thermore, for the historical society implementing a plaque program, the key is to find a producer who is able to meet the basic criteria already established and who will work with you in making the other decisions required for a successful program. In selecting a manufacturer, the historical society must be aware that plaque prices vary by producer, and it most definitely pays to shop around. Publicizing the Program In general, a plaque program is, over a period of years, self-promoting in that as plaques are placed, they generate public interest, often becoming a "tra- dition" in themselves. The methods for publicizing a plaque program, to a large degree, are dependent upon the goals of the programs. For groups whose objective is to recognize and to coordinate restora- tion activities by its members, publicity can be accomplished through internal organizational com. munications, e.g., newsletters and meetings. For groups using the program as a fund raiser, to stimulate community awareness or to create a walk- ing tour, a minimal amount of promotional work is desirable and not difficult to accomplish. Often historical societies try to publicize their plaque pro- grams using the local media, such as community newspapers and radio. Such publicity efforts may be facilitated greatly if the historical society already has mounted one or two plaques on well-known properties. A second method by which the histori- cal society may accomplish its publicity objectives is through the use of direct mail. A simple direct mail flyer addressed to owners of historic properties often incorporates a photo of a typical plaque, an order form for a plaque, and in some cases, an appli- . cation form (see section on program participation and participant selection below). An example of such a flyer is presented in Fig. 7. Annual or semi-annual award dinners or events may be used to publicize a program recognizing significant restoration efforts in the community. Establishing Application, Selection, and Ordering System Eligibility criteria for program participation allow the historical society to influence and to direct com- munity norms regarding the proper care and main- tenance of historic properties. Examples of such criteria are: a) age of the structure; b) inclusion on a historic properties survey (see section below); and c) rehabilitation technique, i.e., the degree to which architectural integrity guidelines are followed. The type of application process used by the historical society depends on the nature of the criteria estab- lished for program participation. That is, those plaque programs for which stringent eligibility criteria exist are likely to have a more detailed appli- cation process than those with few criteria Application forms often accompany program pub- licity materials distributed by the historical society to potential participants. In situations in which information about all properties that might be included in the program are readily available to the historical society, such as properties listed on the National Register, the application form need. only request such basic information as the name and address of the property, name and address of property owner, and date on which the property was placed on the Register or recorded in local histori- cal records. In those cases in which such informa- Historic Albany Foundation's HISTORIC BUILDING PLAQUES 'iO~ WI LLIA M s]' ~",'t CLERK. ~v€ ~: 1856:~ ~ Ie ~\o JiLBANY FOU~Dp.. Our plaques are requested for buildings in the City of Albany that retain their original character, are in a good state of preservation and contribute to the historical or architectural nature of their neighborhood, After careful research, the date of construction, first owner, occupation and other pertinent information concerning the origin of a building are obtained and included with the 6" x 10" cast aluminum plaque which is custom made for each order, For more information and cost, please contact HISTORIC ALBANY FOUNDATION 44 Central Avenue. Albany, New York 12206.463-0622 Fig. 7. Flyer publicizing the plaque program of Albany, New York. Courtesy of Historic Albany Foundation, Albany, New York. tion is not readily available or in which the eligibility criteria set by the historical society demand further information (for instance, the source of information pertaining to historical significance of the property, listing of structural changes to property), the appli- cation form should incorporate questions pertain- ing to these issues. Of course, it is in the historical society's interest to keep its requests for informa- tion realistic and the application form as simple as possible. In many cases the application form doubles as an order form. That is, rather than processing the appli- cation and then beginning the ordering process, the historical society requires payment and shipping information on some portion of the application form. Fig 8. shows an example of a combined (simple) application and order form. The nature of the ordering process itself depends on the system worked out between the historical society and the plaque supplier. Some suppliers will request that all plaque orders be processed centrally HISTOR'C DISTRICT HOUSE TOUI lV.!;wburgh PreserVation Associatiorz. Oediu,ed Ie'he ,evil.,iZllroo 01 lhe Cil~ 01 Newburoh 87 Liberty Street. Newburgh ' New York 12550 914 '565'6880 .....:.... LANDMAIUt YOUR HOME .............. Customiz.ed plaquaa such as the one .elow, are now availeDl. for Newwrgh' 8 historic }mildinIS. for l~~~:c::I~~~e plaque is on display presently et NPA Headquarters Orders can .e placed in person or by mail. PRICE: a 80.00 per plaque for NPA members S 95.00 per plaque for nOll-members $ 75.00per plaque for members ordering 3 or more. Please make checlts payable to Newburgh Preservation Association. DESIGN YOUR PLAQUE ON rHE Mel, Of 'l'llIS SHE:ET ......................................... Actual siz.e of oval lO"W x 7"H A NONPROFIT CORPORATION CHARTERED BY THE STATE OF NEW YORK r...,~OOIaYn"'~1'YIlI'VI!I_OI"O'~<rmOl'flC('f;I.....OI'~ft'\" Fig. 8. Sample plaque program application. Courtesy of Newburgh Preservation Association, Newburgh, New York. and that plaques be shipped to the historical soci- ety. In such cases, the historical society processes all payments and is made responsible for the final distribution of the plaques. In other cases, the sup- plier may be willing to accept orders directly from individual participants (using the historical society's order form), and ship directly to the participant. Delivery times vary greatly among suppliers, rang- ing from two weeks to three months; therefore, it is recommended strongly that plaques to be presented at some special event be ordered well in advance. Other Issues Legal Restrictions There are no federal regulations governing the placing of historical markers although there is a common misconception that properties listed on the National Register should be marked with a uniform text. In fact, nothing seems to mandate this text other than tradition. Local and state regulations may cover the placing of roadside markers and larger, free-standing plaques that may in some fash- ion disrupt the smooth flow of traffic on roadways. Mounting (and the problems of theft) One of the questions that most frequently arises concerns the danger of theft or vandalism. Surpris- ingly, it is often the smaller, less urban communi- ties that suffer from this problem. 'Ib some extent, the type of plaque (material) influences the fre- quency and type of damage that may occur. Wooden plaques are more likely to be defaced but rarely sto- len, whereas bronze plaques virtually are indestruc- tible, yet appear to be the most attractive to thieves. Should theft be a concern, the two best precautions are placing the plaque in a location that makes it difficult to be reached and using commercially avail- able epoxies to adhere the plaque, making it extremely resistant to removal. Plaques are either front mounted (holes drilled through the front of the plaque and screwed into anchors placed in the mounting surface) or rear mounted (welded studs onto the back of the plaque that are pushed into holes drilled in the mounting surface). By filling the drilled holes with epoxy, the screw or stud virtually is unremovable. Historic Building Surveys and Plaque Programs Some historical societies have ongoing research programs investigating the historical value of local buildings and structures. For such historical socie- ties, one option to consider is the incorporation of a plaque program into these ongoing research efforts. There are two advantages for tying these programs together. First, a plaque program can help cover research expenses, giving the building owner the feeling that they are getting a tangible product in return for their donation. A second advantage is that a building owner's awareness of the historical society's ongoing research efforts is increased. Conclusion As historical societies continue to enhance their efforts to inform community members about the historic importance of their neighborhoods, it is likely that, in the future, an increasing number will be considering plaque programs as highly visible, administratively simple, cost-effective approaches to community education and historic preservation. Plaque programs offer the leadership of historical societies an innovative way to make local history accessible to all members of the community. Besides enhancing the educational goals of historical socie- ties, such programs often facilitate the meeting of other group objectives such as membership expan- sion, community rehabilitation, and fund raising. While this leaflet provides specific steps leading to the planning and implementation of a successful plaque program, additional information may be obtained from historical societies with plaque pro- gram experience or from suppliers specializing in historic landmarks. Technical Leaflets are issued by the American Association for State and Local History. Providing the historical agency and museum field with detailed, up-to-date technical advice, the leaflets and reports are available through History News maga- zine to AASLH members or through the AASLH Press catalogue to any interested buyer. Copyright @ 1989 by the American Association for State and Local History. Technical Leaflets should be cata- logued as part of History News. AASLH American Association for State and Local Hist.ory Technical Leaflet 168, "Establishing a Plaque Pro- gram: Bringing Local History to the Community,"hHistory News, Volume 44, Number 3, May/June 1989. Reprints are available from the American Associ- ation for State and Local History, 172 Second Ave- nue North, Nashville, Tennessee 37201. American Association for State and Local History endorses no particular product or service. , ' Minnesota Historic Structure & Community Re-Investment Tax Credit Strengthening & Preserving Minnesota's Main Streets & Historic Places A coalition of cities, historical groups, and property developers is actively promot- ing proposed legislation that would allow a credit on state income taxes equal to 25 percent of the qualified cost of a historic rehabilitation of residential or in- come-producing properties. The proposed legislation, similar to provisions in over 20 other states, would encourage private investment in historic properties in both urban and rural Minnesota, generating jobs and stimulating economic devel- opment within existing communities. How Does It Work? . Allows credit on state income taxes equal to 25% of the qualified cost of a historic rehabili- tation. . Parallels federal historic preservation 20% tax credit, creating more development opportu- nities in Minnesota. . Useful for both commercial and residential property, developers and homeowners. Fed- eral credit is for income producing properties only. Economic and Social Benefits . Creates jobs and economic activity far beyond level of tax credit. . Leverages more federal resources for the state. . Replenishes the tax base through new sales and payroll taxes and an increased tax base. . Complements the JOBZ program by providing a business stimulus in the historic areas of large and small towns across the state. Creates affordable housing by ~ helping first-time and moderate income buyers through mortgage credit provision. Lender uses tax credit and lets owner buy down rate or reduce mortgage. ~ encouraging low-income rental housing when partnered with the federal low income housing tax credit. Encourages private investment in derelict or under- used buildings in historic core neighborhoods and puts neglected properties on the tax rolls at a higher value, stimulating more economic in- vestment in surrounding areas, especially on main streets and in historic commercial corri- dors. . . More labor intensive than new construction, rehab construction strengthens the local emplqyment base. . Speeds redevelopment of long vacant buildings, returning them to income-producing and taxable status. Limits sprawl, supports open space preservation & promotes environmental conservation efforts by concentrating on already developed areas. Supports community identity efforts to capitalize on history and heritage as a tourism draw. In the state of Missouri, the cost of the credit was recouped in additional payroll taxes alone. I; ..-- .. .......-.- .---,.--. . ... . ~. ,., , - ,iJ.''t11 ~ ..,.r~ /"'-1 '...1 I ", ~t;rl~ -:-!i~ r; r.f ! . -.' I "111"'_'__--- ;._~ h...... , - "_8 . ;...:;..." .. 11 ~tt I ....../ ' i~;,.JC"..,..._ ! ,,-:,- ,ft:,' r , ..3"'-'.' '" ~~J '''' ~ .'. i , "'_ . . Hotel Kaddutz Artists Lofts, Fergus Falls Vacantfor years Rehabbed in 2003 for $2.3 million National Guard Armory, Duluth Waitingfor rehab since the 1970s, . underutilizedfor over thirty years What is Eligible? The tax credit would be available for a property that is any of the following: . Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Minnesota has over 1,500 properties currendy listed.) . Certified as a contributing element of a National Register Historic District. Certified as historic by local heritage preservation commission or Certified Local Government. Proposed Legislation The proposed legislation, based on a highly successful Missouri law passed in 1997, provides an income tax credit for expenditures for historic structure rehabilitation. A taxpayer who incurs costs for the rehabilitation of an eligible property may take a credit against the tax imposed in an amount equal to 25 percent of the total costs of rehabilitation. The costs of ==- rehabilitation must exceed 50 percent of the total basis in the property at the time the rehabilitation activity begins, and the rehabilitation must meet standards consistent with the standards of the Secretary of the Interior for re- habilitation as determined by the State Historic Preserva- tion Office of the Minnesota Historical Society. Bills have been introduced in the 2005-2006 Legislature (Senate File 1659 and House File 1731). Chief authors are Representative Morrie Lanning (R) in the House and Senator Larry Pogemiller (DFL) in the Senate. QUICK FACTS ON TAX CREDIT USE ==- In Missouri, annual economic impact of rehab tax credit - $1.016 billion - due to economic activity related to historic preservation. In Florida, $2 returned for every $1 invested and a 10-fold return for the Main Street program. In Virginia, over $316 million in rehabilitation. 24 other states, including Wisconsin, Iowa and North Dakota, have similar s tate tax credits. '1 ==- ==- Why Should We Act Now? In the past 30 years, we have lost scores of historic buildings to dete- rioration and neglect because rehabilitation costs did not make them attractive to development. Many of them are in older residential neighborhoods, small-town main streets, and urban commercial cores. Reinvesting in these areas and spurring development will have a significant impact on their future health and vitality. Buckman Hotel, Little Falls Vacant many years Rehabbed at $2 Million in 1994 Although the federal preservation tax credit provides incentives for rehabilitation, most projects cannot be accomplished using federal credits alone As a result, without a stat.:: ~redit, ~vfillne5ota receives lower federal tax credit per-capita than other states. Now is the time to augment the federal his- toric tax credit with a state credit that will encourage this redevelopment to occur before it is too late. Supporting Organizations City of Duluth City of Minneapolis City of Saint Paul Duluth Affordable Housing Coalition Duluth LISC Duluth Preservation Alliance Historic Saint Paul Minnesota Historical Society MN State Historic Preservation Office Minnesota Solutions National Trust for Historic Preservation Preservation Alliance of Minnesota Twin Cities LISC White Bear Lake Area Historical Society Preservation Alliance of Minnesota' Will Stark, Advocacy Committee Chairman 516 Landmark Center' 75 W. Fifth St. . St. Paul, MN 55102' Phone: 651.293.9047 www.mnpreservation.org . director@mnpreservation.org Fact Sources: State Historic Preservation Office of the Minnesota Historical Society Donovan Rypkema, The Economics o{Historic Preseroation, 1994 Taylor & Weber, Historic Preservation Ta." Credit Study, Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, 2004