HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHPCMinutes_2011_10_13Brookings Historic Preservation Commission
October 13, 2011 (amended)
A meeting of the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission was held on Thursday, October 13, 2011
at 5:15 p.m. in City Hall. Members present: Dennis Willert, Les Rowland, Mary Bibby, Father Ryan Hall,
Tom Agostini (late arrival) and Janet Gritzner (late arrival). Pam Merchant was absent. Shari Thornes,
City Clerk, was also present.
Chairperson Willert called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. Agenda: (Hall/Bibby) Motion to approve
the agenda. All present voted yes, motion carried. Minutes: (Hall/Bibby) Motion to approve the August
minutes. All present voted yes; motion carried. Next Meeting: Thursday, November 10th @ 4:30 p.m.
Old Business/Updates/Reports:
Mayor’s Awards Event. The combined Mayor’s Awards presentation and reception was held on
Thursday, September 29 at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota. The event was well attended with
approximately 120 guests. Staff had estimated 60 for attendance. All winners from both organizations
were present along with the Mayor and five city council members, the city manager, several city
department heads, local legislators, Jay Vogt, State Historic Preservation Officer, and local media. Mr.
Vogt’s provided the following comments at the event.
“Congratulations to the award winners today—you have demonstrated leadership in and a commitment to historic
preservation. Thank you Mayor Tim Reed for recognizing the good work in accessibility and historic preservation
taking place in the City of Brookings. As we can see by the former Central Elementary School, now the Children’s
Museum of South Dakota, receiving awards in both categories, historic properties and accessibility are truly
achievable.
The City of Brookings and its historic preservation commission serves the community well in seeking to preserve,
rehabilitate, and restore historic properties. I appreciate the good work of the members on the historic preservation
commission. Thank you for your dedication to protect historic properties and promote the history of the City of
Brookings. Since becoming the State Historic Preservation Officer, I have worked with City Clerk Shari Thornes,
and she is a strong advocate for historic preservation in the City of Brookings. I appreciate her efforts throughout
the years. Without leadership from the City and a commitment and investment from property owners, we would
lose those properties significant in the community that connect us to our past and allow us to see and touch o ur
heritage.
We are on the edge of the Brookings Central Residential Historic District. It is a delightful and aesthetically
pleasing neighborhood. Most of the houses with the district were constructed from 1884 to 1943; in fact, the
Sherwood’s home was constructed in 1894. These homes represent a variety of architectural types including
Craftsman-Bungalow, Colonial Revival, Neo-Classical Revival, and the most dominant style, the Queen Anne. Plus
the neighborhood is home to Gothic Revival churches and church-related buildings. I would guess that this early,
historic neighborhood remains a popular place people want to live.
However, this Central Area is especially appealing because of the Brookings County Courthouse; the former
Brookings High School, now known at the 1921 building, re-named after its construction date; the former Carnegie
Library, now the Brookings Arts Council; and the Central Elementary School, now the Children’s Museum of South
Dakota. This educational and government gathering place is bordered by the charming historic central residential
neighborhood, with large trees and pleasant streets providing easy access to commercial zones.
The Brookings Arts Council Center, the 1921 Building, and the Children’s Museum of South Dakota are excellent
examples of historic or older properties being returned to a state of service, through repair and alterations, which
makes possible an on-going contemporary use while preserving those portions and features historically important to
the property. In the historic preservation world, we call this type of work, rehabilitation, and my office deals mostly
with projects that involve the efficient and effective modern use of historic buildings. We often use the 1921
Building as a good example of a creative and operative rehabilitation of a historic property. I remember a period of
time when the fate of the school weighed in the balance.
The City of Brookings has 29 properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places, including four historic
districts which add hundreds of homes and commercial buildings to the number of properties actually included in the
National Register.
Added in the National Register as part of the Brookings Central Residential Historic District in 1994, the historic
Central Elementary School has been an educational facility since 1936. Originally a traditional school, then it
became a school within a school, and today it continues its educational mission as the Children’s Museum of South
Dakota. Much of the historic details in this building have been incorporated into the design of the museum. You
can tell this once was a school, now it teaches through play. I particularly like the floors and windows. Historic
preservation is the ultimate form of recycling. Thank yo u Dale and Pat Larson and the Larson Foundation for your
commitment to Brookings, South Dakota, Education, History, and Play.
Thank you to the residents who appreciate the value of historic properties, thank you to the government leaders who
choose to save and preserve historic properties rather than tear them down, thank you to the property owners and
investors who seek to rehabilitate or restore historic properties, and thank you to all of you who support their efforts.
The City of Brookings has much to celebrate today. Again, congratulations to the award recipients. Thank you.”
Jay Vogt, State Historic Preservation Officer
Suggested improvements for next year’s event: no music or quieter music, microphones for presenters,
request all hosting committee/commission volunteers be present at start of event to act as hosts, create
new award design for BHPC, and designate a photographer.
Facilitated Training/Planning Retreat. Members identified early January, late April or May as best dates
to schedule the local district training.
Realtors Workshop. Paul Porter, SHPO staff, has taken the lead on a realtors’ workshop by tentatively
securing a professional speaker and contacting the State Real Estate Commission. Staff will present a
proposed program, budget and tentative dates at the next meeting.
Website. The subcommittee of Willert, Gritzner and Hall prepared a draft “frequently asked questions”
and made recommendations on interactive web options.
Brookings Commercial Historic District
Plaque Project – A local contractor has expressed interest in coordinating the project. City park and
recreation staff remains available for installation.
Central Residential Historic District
624 Third Street – The property owner/applicant formally withdrew his conditional use application.
SHPO was notified and the 11.1 review has been suspended until further action occurs.
Courthouse – To date, the County has not submitted an 11.1 review notification to SHPO for the
proposed courthouse remodeling.
817 4th Street – City and SHPO staff met with the property owner regarding state incentives and
technical assistance.
Community Cultural Center – An 11.1 review is pending for new storm windows and minor electrical
work.
University Residential Historic District
728 6th Avenue - City and SHPO staff met with the property owner regarding state incentives and
technical assistance on porch restoration.
915 8th Street – South Dakota State University Foundation applied for a demolition permit for the
house located at 915 8th Street. The property is located in the Brookings University Residential
Historic District and is listed as “non-contributing.” The Foundation used the property as
transitional housing for visiting or new faculty. The last tenants moved out in January leaving the
property empty. Shortly thereafter, SDSU facility management discovered the water pipes had
frozen, burst and caused significant water damage. Negotiation on an insurance claim ensued and
was finally resolved; however, at a significant financial loss on the structure. Mold and professional
cleaning services were contacted for estimates and guidance; however, the owners found the
expenses cost prohibitive. After nine months of no mitigation, including a hot summer, the water
and mold damage is extensive. The house is located on District boundary and adjacent to the
Foundation building. The Foundation plans to remove the structure and provide a single row of
parking accessed from the alley. Since the lot would not provide enough room for two rows, the
Foundation would add more lawn to the east of 909 8th Street, which is also owned by the
Foundation. According the National Register nomination, the “Matt Bedessem House” at 915 8th
Street was built in approximately 1915 and is non-contributing due to modifications to the structure.
It was in very poor condition due to the water and mold damage. Its removal will be another
encroachment into District. Three matching bungalows are located immediately adjacent to the
west. The city notified SHPO of the demolition request and SHPO already signed off on the project
due to the condition of the property. No further action is required.
Preservation Partner Reports:
Downtown Brookings Inc. - Parade of Lights – Dec. 1st
State Historic Preservation Office:
SHPO finished the Preserve America grant project they are working on with Brookings.
Three SHPO staff will be attending the NTHP Conference in Buffalo later this month.
November 1 is deadline to apply for the State Property Tax Moratorium. Members are asked to
remind any historic property owners they know who can maybe benefit from this program of
this deadline and to contact SHPO with any questions.
Announcements/Correspondence/Communications/Calendar
Appointment terms for Rowland, Gritzner and Hall are up for renewal on 12/31.
Nov. 17th Mayor’s Reception for City Boards/Committees/Commissions, 5-7 pm, Children’s
Museum
Adjourned at 6:27 p.m.
Submitted by Shari Thornes