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Brookings Historic Preservation Commission
August 28, 2014 Minutes
A meeting of the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission was held on Thursday, August 28, 2014 at
4:00 p.m. in City Hall. Members present: Leah Brink, Mary Bibby, Dennis Willert, Les Rowland, Tom
Agostini (arrived 5:30 p.m.), Janet Merriman and Janet Gritzner. Shari Thornes, City Clerk, was also
present.
Chairperson Rowland called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Janet Merriman was welcomed as the
newest member to the Commission. Discussion regarding submitting questions on the Engage
Brookings site was added to the agenda. A motion was made by Bibby, seconded by Willert, to approve
the agenda as amended. All present voted yes, motion carried. A motion was made by Brink, seconded
by Bibby, to approve the minutes. All present voted yes; motion carried. Thornes will send out a
DOODLE to determine the next meeting date.
National Alliance of Preservation Commission Conference Report. Brink attended the 2014 National
Alliance of Preservation Commission Conference in Philadelphia in July. She presented the following
report and shared pictures of conference workshops and functions.
FORUM 2014 NAPC Conference
Leah Brink
July 17, 2014
Preservation Commission Short Course – Notes:
National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) is really about training.
This is about getting best practices in the country back into our local areas.
NAPC Summer 2016: Mobile, Alabama
IDEA: Seat on the HPC that is dually appointed to the Planning Commission
NAPC also offers ‘Camp’ – camp comes to you; trainers go to your particular location
Framework for Historical Development
• 1st overtly intentional act about preservation – ladies of Mt. Vernon thought Washington’s place
worth saving….then Williamsburg, VA. Then somewhere in the 1930’s in Charleston – they created
the first district for heritage/protection. North Carolina Winston-Salem. Wilmington, NC.
• 1931 was the first Charter – the Athens Charter – first International body
• 1964 was the second – the Venice Charter
• 1966 National Historic PreservationAct for federal preservation was mostly to guide the Hwy
program
• The Secretary of the Interior’s standards
• Finally, Certified Local Government Program (CLGs) in mid 1980’s.
• Ended up with institutionalization at the local government level.
Preservation Power Grid
Public Quasi-Public Non-Profit Private
National Nat’l parks Fannie Mae, USPS
Advisory Council HP
State State Office HP NC Railroad Statewide advocacy
(SHPO)
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Local BHPC School Systems (ME!!)
Tax districts
• 2300 preservation commissions around the country yet 30,000 local government entities = 10% of
local gov’ts have institutionalized
• 82% of these are small or medium-sized towns
• Preservation Power is LOCAL. Where is the money for preservation? It’s in the local entities
• We are really not about history. Or architecture. We’re really all about Real Estate. Land use law.
• Public Service Ethic.
o Staff members take an oath
o Commission members are public servants, too (since we were appointed)
• Community Preservation Personality
o Some want to be like Williamsburg
o Some just want a nice place to walk the dog after work
o (SPECTRUM)
If a community has a ton of backlash and appeals and editorials and disputes – the
local HPC is out of step with the community
It’s our job to give them what we want
o What is Brookings’ personality? Should desire to have a citizen voice.
• KNOW YOUR ROLE
o It’s not preservation advocacy! That’s the fox guarding the hen house…
o “We provide design review services!” (Semantics is our friend…!)
o Keep working from the stance of common ground. We’re all in this together.
IDEA: Have a Mission Statement. Establish it yourself during strategic planning and then took it to
Council
Ex.: “Identify, preserve, protect and promote” (easy, manageable, actionable)
Pyramid of Preservation Practice
Design Review*
Designation
Preservation Plan
Survey and Inventory
*Note that Design Review is the smallest; should be most automatic thing we do
Historic Preservation Law
• Federalism: evolving relationship between the states and the federal government
• Federal Govt: express (enumerated) powers
• Separation of Powers defined by the US Constitution: Article 1/Legisltative, Article 2/Executive,
Article 3/Judicial
• Federal Law –
o Section 106 (NHPA of 1966)
Any federal “undertaking” – funding, licenses, permits, acquisitions
End up with an MOA
o Section 4(f) (DOTA)
Transportation projects that “uses” or substantially impairs a historic property
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“No feasible and prudent alternative” standard
DOT: Federal hwys and bridges
Higher standard than Section 106
o NEPA natl env pol act
Any major federal action that significantly affects the quality of the human
environment
EA or EIS (environmental impact statement) document
o NAGPRA – native americans
Archeological resources or native American resources
o RLUIPA (churches)
Religious land use // institutionalized persons
What is a substantial burden on free exercise of religion?
Churches are not exempt from local ordinances.
o Rehab Tax Credits
Either a 10% credit on qualified rehab expenses
Must be “certified historic structure”
Must meet Secretary’s Standards for Rehab
Must be income producing
Jointly administered by SHPO, NPS and IRS
Rehab must be “substantial”
3-part application process
• State law – SHPO
o Do we have state tax credits in South Dakota??
o State enabling legislation (every state has it)
o State open meetings laws (why we have to publish meeting times)
o State administrative procedure act
o State Section 106 and 4(f) laws
o State archaeology laws
o State Easement enabling legislation
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• Local law
o It’s ALL LOCAL (because of the federalism idea)
The regulatory power isn’t at the National level. National register does not have
power to save a house. Local level is where that happens
A local preservation ordinance:
• A) Must be Constitutional (takings, due process, RLUIPA, freedom of
speech etc.)
• B) Must abide by state enabling legislation (we need to know what it is
that we’re empowered to do, specifically)
Takings 101:
• When a property owner comes in and says “you can’t tell me what to do with my property!”
• “No person shall be… deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process oflaw; nor shall
private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” -5th amendment
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• “No state shall….deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process oflaw” -14th
amendment
• 2 types:
o A) Physical taking – like highways and cable runs
o B) Regulatory taking
“Lucas” taking: hurricane hugo in the 1980s. Mr. Lucas could not build on his two
properties. Beachfront Management Act. He felt that the act was basically a taking
of his land. Supreme Court agreed. If there is NOTHING, NADA that you can do on
the property, it is a taking.
“Penn Central” taking: 1978 case that is still a Pole Star of takings case law
• Grand central station. Penn company wanted to build a 50-60 story high rise
above the station
• Plan was denied. Penn central sued. It was not determined to be a taking
because there was still use and revenue coming from the property. It wasn’t
value-less.
• Preservation is a reason for exercising police power (this was an outcome of
the case). We have the power to go in and preserve.
These two cases provide a continuum.
• The ‘Mahon Takings Spectrum’
o Private property w/o due process of law
Due process is fairness in making laws as well as administering and enforcing laws
What process is ‘due’?
• Notice
o Property owners, adjacent, and general public have the right to be
heard at meetings
o What type of notice is required?
Prop owners = mailing
Within district = posting of sign on property
General public = notice in newspaper of record
• Hearing
o Most are fairly informal, counsel not required, no cross examination
o Public must be able to attend
o Time allowed for speakers can be limited but must be even-handed
o Can ask for a spokesperson if groups of people
• Fair and informed decision-making by BHPC
o FAIR: tie it to criteria
o FAIR: Ex-parte communications
o FAIR: Conflicts of interest
o Informed: read packets ahead of meeting, visit site if appropriate,
attend CAMP, conferences, etc.
Procedures for Preservation Commission Meetings
Before the Meeting – (setting the stage) COA = Cert. of Apprvl.
1. COA applications received on time
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2. COA applications determined to complete
3. Published agenda
4. Public notice
5. Agenda packets to commission well before meeting (some include staff reports and some don’t;
definitely make sure to READ packets in advance)
6. Verify Quorum
7. Meeting room setup – keep in mind like a Council chambers may be intimidating, has barricades to
the public, etc. Don’t be so ‘us’ and ‘them’-ish!
During the Meeting – (on with the show)
Chair’s meeting guide script prepares public for what is to happen
1. Call to order and welcome
2. Roll call and minutes approval
3. Minor work report from staff
4. Public hearings on applications in agenda order
a. If someone contacts you about their project personally, you would want to disclose that you
got the email and read it, but formed no conclusions and just state it for record.
5. Check for conflicts of interest
6. Staff presentations (includes recommendations)
7. Public testimony – some states have to affirm the truth;
8. Close hearing/ Commission discussion
9. Findings of Fact/ Conclusions of Law vote
a. How do you construct this motion?
b. Staff comments cite the guidelines first, then list the facts in sequential order.
i. You can make comments on this paper as you get additional evidence during the
public hearing portion of the meeting.
c. In NC, they take two votes: 1) We agree these xxx are the facts 2) We find the xxx is or is not
in Congress with...(specific standard) based on the following facts
10. Decision on applications
11. Other items on business agenda
Critical Acclaim for Performance
1. Better decisions
2. Public understands your decision
3. Futility of appeal is transparent
When community improvement and urban growth collide with local character
• Design: Basis or Architectural Conservation Theory, Determining Compatibility, How to Make it Work
at Home
• Professional Designers vs. designers. “We’re all designers”.
• What are the things we’d put on a postcard for our community? The answer is the ‘character-
defining features’.
• Standards for Rehabilitation - www.NPS.gov
• The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, 1995
• Standards are general criteria against which work can be measured. Guidelines are different.
• Infill. Is the rededication of land in an urban environment, usually open space, to new construction.
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• Because the Standards by themselves were not enough, many communities were establishing their
own Guidelines. ‘Design Guidelines’
• Design all revolves around form and function.
• Zoning is where it all comes to roost. Look to your zoning codes.
• “mid-century modern” greyhound bus station
• We have to figure out how to build in CONTEXT
• “compatible infill design” “in context” with its neighbors
• You can Blend it, Hide it, or Celebrate its difference
• Incremental changes begin to strip away those character-defining features
Brief history of conservation philosophy: SCRAPE and anti-SCRAPE
• Anti-scrapers didn’t want people to touch buildings and remove details.
• Scrapers would wipe it clean and then add new things
• Italians came along and offered middle ground; the Italian synthesis.
o Ex. Venice St. Mark’s Campanile They didn’t add conjecture or take away stuff, just
recreated exactly as it was originally.
• The US passed the Antiquities act of 1906
• 1931 Charleston local Preservation Ordinance
o Was going to take the scrape/anti-scrape and synthesis approach to an entire
community
• New Orleans “tout ensemble” = All Together
o Individual buildings, the character of the place, you try to match context that preserves
character of the entire district (not individual buildings)
o Learn compatibility in 5 minutes!
There’s no difference between the historic district and non-district (you want
the whole thing to work together)
Nps.gov
This is where to go to research
Sometimes size matters
o FRESH – infill should be fresh
o F = footprint
o R = roof shapes
o E = envelope (shape and mass)
o S = skin (material)
o H = holes (where and how is the skin punctured?)
HOW does it all work on the ground?
Charleston BAR has been making decisions since 1931 without any standards or guidelines. They base
their decisions (for better or worse) on precedent only.
Engineering 101: A Primer on basic structural engineering terms, concepts, and issues as it relates to
aging buildings
(J&M Preservation Studio)
Procedures
• Identify the issues
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o What are the concerns?
o How long has it been present?
o Was there an event that caused it?
o Has any attempt at repair been made?
o Do you understand the cause and effects of the issue?
• Find the right Engineer
o Inquire with fellow historic site operators
o Review credentials/references and experiences
o Review the engineer’s approach to the issue and scope of work proposed
o Are there access issues for the project? If so – who is the responsible party?
o What are the deliverables from the engineer
• Develop the scope of work
o Requires both parties
o Pre-propsal site visit (pro bono)
o Provide as much info as possible such as:
Past reports
Any drawings of the building/site
General history & significance of the building/site
Photos of the issues (past and present)
Your understanding of the issue
Goals & expectations
• Deliverables
o Assessment report with recommendations
o Opinion of probable cost (estimate) aka Order of Magnitude Cost Estimate
o Schematic documents
o Construction & Permit docs
o Bidding
o Contract admin.
o Meetings with client/board/etc.?
o Do the deliverables proposed match what may be required of grantors or funding
sources?
Design Phase Definitions
Observations and evaluations
Structural Analysis
• Identify structural component
• Determine which standards apply
• Determine which building codes apply
• Classification of work
• Determine material properties
• Determine min lode bear specifications
1. Flexural Members: Beams joists girders rafters
2. Axial Members: columns, pilasters, ties, struts
3. Diaphragms: Slabs
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4. Frames: Truss
5. Connections: Bolts, Pins, etc.
• Standards – there are many that engineers use! Civils use ASCE, AISC, NDS, ACI 318, etc.
• Building codes are written by local authorities to keep people safe. There’ve been 5,000
separate codes in use at one time.
• Over time, one consistent set was developed/International Building Code, Intl Residential Code,
Intl Existing Building Code
• IBC Existing Structures: Ch 34
• Can use IBC or IEBC which is more comprehensive.
Classifications of work per IEBC:
• Repairs: Restoration to good or sound condition of any part of an existing building for the
purpose of its mntc.
• Alterations:
o Level 1
o Level 2
o Level 3
• Change of occupancy
• Additions
• Historic Structures (on registries)
• Relocated Structures:
Nothing is grandfathered in – if you touch it, you must bring it up to Code!
Determine Material Properties:
• Obtain original documentation
• Age, environmental and history of structure
• Proprietary structural systems
• Config and surface texture may differentiate between cast iron, wrought iron, steel
• Grade and species of lumber
Determine MiniMUM Design loads
Preserve Iowa Conference Report. Thornes attended the 2014 Preserve Iowa Summit in Cedar Rapids,
IA, August 20-23. The Conference was sponsored by their SHPO, Preserve Iowa, a statewide non-profit
and the State Economic Development Office. The following are some highlights from her report:
Iowa Historic Preservation Programs
• 20 million in State and Federal funds since 2002
• 1M in challenge grants
• Iowa Historic Tax Credits
• Seeking Preservation Masters Program at Iowa State. Currently a historic preservation certification
program.
Cedar Rapids Rebuilding after the 2008 Floods
• Challenge: “Clean up doesn’t mean tear down.”
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• Utilized ground breaking promotions and events for a restoration project.
• Tool: TIF funds for rebuilding of a Louis Sullivan Jewel Box bank building. Economic development
and further neighborhood stabilization followed the bank restoration in the way of 6 story condos
and other residential growth in the Kingston Village.
Donovan Rypkema: The Future of Historic Preservation
Historic preservation is stuck in time and how historic preservation has to change in the 21st Century.
• Historic Preservation needs to be a teacher.
• ENERGY: Mayor Bloomberg’s energy audit in NYC found the oldest buildings in NYC had the
highest energy scores. Preservation Green Lab research has found the new, platinum level
LEED buildings won’t last long enough to yield a carbon offset to match the oldest buildings
energy savings.
• PROPERTY VALUES: He provided several examples of historic preservation’s positive impact on
residential property values even during the recent economic recession: Philadelphia’s local
districts increased 2%, 1% higher than other residential areas in the city. Local districts
consistently demonstrated greater increases.
People are willing to pay a premium to prevent a lunatic from doing something to
negatively impact your property.
What happens to historic property in economic downturns? In Philadelphia, they examined 6
districts and the rate of foreclosures was half of that in other areas of town. Connecticut and
Utah had the same findings and it wasn’t just the wealthy areas.
• FEDERAL TAX CREDITS: The Federal tax credit program stats:
o Created in 1971
o $99 billion into the private sector
o $2.2M in jobs
o Cost $24 billion, but generated $24 billion.
o Cost per job: $8665
o 75% of tax credits are in low income neighborhoods
o For every $1 state tax credit, 47 cents is returned.
TROUBLE:
o The tax credits are in the most trouble since its passage in 1966.
o Historic tax credits are in danger.
o Many projects are done only because Federal credits are leverages with state credits.
Many of those would not have gotten done with state credits alone.
o Historic preservation needs to change how we do business and how we advocate.
o Cited this Administration is the worst ever for historic preservation. It has dumped all
previous programs and has not created or funded any new ones.
o “Hardest Hit Fund” provides funding to tear things down and the US Treasury Department
has determined that none of those projects is subject to the Federal 106 Review law.
• GOOGLE ALERTS: A number of historic preservation ordinances are being defeated or
weakened across the country. Recently, Louisville, KY’s ordinance was gutted.
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Donovan Rypkema: “The Economics of Historic Preservation and Main Street”
Read the Iowa Study!
Iowa Main Street communities:
o $11M additional investment in the state
o State program - $1M/year
o Net sales tax generated by new businesses only was $43M
o Property values: 1990s - $60K, 2000s - $155K
o Smaller towns – property values stayed same or greater
Studies in New Mexico, North Carolina, Michigan, Utah
o Property values stayed higher than city as a whole
o Foreclosure rates were lower for single family houses
Young people are not involved.
Environment:
o Bob Young, University of Utah, Materials Flow Analysis (tons of material for a same size
project with similar materials):
Rehab 47 tons
Suburban new construction 182 tons
Tear down & infill 351 tons
o The average historic house rehabbed with state tax credits saved 116 tons of material in
their landfill.
Mistake: Historic preservation wanting a slot in a city’s comprehensive master plan. Instead,
we should be thinking about how historic preservation advances other peoples’ ends and how
historic preservation adds to their project.
What kinds of workers are you trying to attract? Knowledge based workers? Historic districts
attract diversity of owners not seen in other neighborhoods.
46% of new businesses want to locate in historic or older buildings.
Housing affordability + Transportation Index:
o 49% Cost burden housing
o 42% National Register Districts
o 37% Local Historic Districts
Walk Score: Raleigh, NC
Raleigh: 29 car dependent
Local Districts 82 very walkable
NR Districts 64 somewhat walkable
All historic districts 73 very walkable
Bike Score: Raleigh, NC
Raleigh 39 somewhat
Local Districts 71 very
NR Districts 59
All historic districts 65
Population density:
o Local districts have 2x people per acre than suburbs
o 2 neighborhoods studied in Raleigh
Taxes generated per acre
• Suburb: $610K
• Local District: $2.3M
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o Rarely diversity in lot size in new subdivision and there’s not socio-economic or human
diversity either.
o Diversity in historic districts is similar to a city as a whole.
o Historic district property owners tend to have a greater commitment and sense of
stewardship about their homes. This is part of the theory why there are fewer
foreclosures in historic districts.
o The percentage of projects by project size is consistent at every level from $5000 to
$19M.
o Find slide on how historic tax credits leverage private investment.
o Rightsizing: Cities that have permanently lost population over time and how to adjust.
What is the role of historic preservation in those efforts? Historic preservation isn’t
even at the table. Historic preservation needs to help those cities decide how best to
reallocate their resources.
o Historic districts is where people move back to first when relocating back home.
Example – Philadelphia: historic districts gained 12K, while the rest of the city
lost 4K.
Don’t tear down where people want to move back to. Cities must protect those
locations.
Economic competitiveness: People are moving to European countries for the quality of life and
jobs are following them.
Preferences of those planning to buy in the next five years.
Jason Roberts: Build a Better Block: How to Make Real Change in Your Community
Look up his TEDx presentation!
When you identify all the things you love about a particular area, its comprised of 100 little
things and usually small in scale: flowers, quaint shops, outdoor seating, great signage, small
scale
Primary tenants of his philosophy are:
o The goal is to show an actual demonstration of the idea
o Peoples’ attention span it short
o Test an idea, temporarily
o Think small, work fast
Blackmail yourself into action quickly.
o Show up!
o Give it a name
o Your budget - take away a zero, or two. It builds co-responsibility and creativity.
Instead, borrow. It builds a sense of community and neighborhood.
o Commit to physical change in days.
o Get into the street.
o Wear orange vests (everyone things it’s official business if you’re wearing an orange
vest)
o Count things!
www.Streetmix.net is a great free software to help visualize streetscape changes
His approach has been used to demonstrate a number of ideas: Bike lanes, outdoor seating,
food trucks, street cars
State Historic Preservation Awards Presentation:
Use pictures and other visual images whenever presenting awards to help “tell the story.”
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Consider a sustainability award category in the future.
Review their award system and consider changes to the Brookings Mayor’s Awards.
Stephanie Meeks, National Trust President
Iowa has the largest # of CLGS in the country (over 100)
Iowa will release a “Culture Mobile App” this October that includes all historic assets, national
register listings, cultural sites, and specialized trips.
Iowa Main Street has more than any other state with 68 participating communities.
Iowa has won more Main Street awards than any other state.
Preservation Green Lab (National Trust uses this firm often and is based in Seattle)
o Older buildings offering competitive advantage to commercial corridors
o Downtowns are becoming younger and more diverse
o Millennium generation is interested in the results of historic preservation (restored
downtowns, loft apartments, great businesses in historic spaces). But, they don’t know
anything about historic preservation.
o Millenniums are moving back to cities and looking for downtown experience and love
older buildings.
o More cell usage in older neighborhoods on weekends and evening because that’s where
they want to socialize.
o Key elements: Density of buildings, high walkability score, affordable, non chain,
diverse, welcoming, variety of amenities, aesthetics
o Forbes Hipster Neighborhood Report:
The San Francisco-based startup Nextdoor.com helped us dig through data on
more than 250 neighborhoods in the biggest U.S. cities. We assessed each area’s
walkability according to Walkscore.com; the number of neighborhood coffee
shops per capita (with some help from NPD Group’s report); the assortment of
local food trucks (and their ranking according to Zagat’s); the number and
frequency of farmers markets; the selection of locally owned bars and
restaurants; and the percentage of residents who work in artistic occupations.
We also factored in Nextdoor’s Neighborhood “Hipness” Index, which is based
on how often words associated with hipness (for example art, gallery, designer,
musician) appeared on each Nextdoor neighborhood’s site pages, and Nextdoor
conducted a survey in which members sounded off on their communities.
Thoughtful public policy: Dubuque amended its permitting processes to adapt to the needs of
historic buildings.
The preservation movement has always been led by volunteers.
Concerned about the Federal Tax Credit program: talking points and draft letters available to
use when contacting congressional districts. The Trust can provide specific local information to
demonstrate how tax credits have played a role in revitalizing our community or state.
o Every $1 tax credit = $1.25 in treasury revenue
Questions: Who are the current SD National Trust advisors? How many state Main Street
programs are there?
Leah Rogers, Commission Member & Consultant
Iowa Barn Foundation: restoration, painting, mothballing
Rural photos are hard to find. Need to photograph barns right now before they are gone.
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Volunteers doing the entire county survey project. She solicited those volunteers with just one
article in the newspaper. Several of those people have now been volunteers on the project for
10 plus years.
Ed Sauter – Architect and member of the Historic Preservation Commission, Mt. Vernon
Half of Mt. Vernon is a historic district
Mt. Vernon has had design review since 1999
They only have 2 buildings on Main Street left to restore
They host a number of educational seminars: painting, tuck pointing, porches, windows, history
Their website includes:
o Searchable photos, cemetery records, newspaper (10 papers, 154 years)
o All images can be downloaded and are interactive. You can request a “tag for updates,”
o Available to everyone, worldwide, 24/7
o Photos are safe
o No staff time now
Michael Wagler, State Main Street Coordinator
New people make a kneejerk assessment of your community based on the appearance and
healthiness of your downtown.
Downtown is a key element in industrial, commercial, and professional recruitment.
Downtown is also a great incubator for new businesses.
It serves as a civic forum and community space.
Downtown is a major employer. We should find out the number of employees in downtown
Brookings.
Protects property values and public investments.
There is now a generational gap in downtown memories. Many of us remember going
downtown for movies, shopping, etc.; however, young people don’t have those memories.
Cost of a small, empty storefront is estimated at $220,000 per year (see handout).
Mothballing - Scott Flagg, DNR Derelict Building Grant Program
The state of Iowa has a program that provides funds for derelict buildings. It’s available to rural
communities, 5000 and smaller. Only cities are eligible to apply and they must own or intend to
own the building. You can apply multiple times. The building must be vacant.
Funding levels include:
o Asbestos removal (100% reimbursement for inspection, $10K for removal & 50/50
match for over $10K)
o Mothballing (50K, 50/50 cash – patch roof, structural engineering analysis, tuck
pointing, strengthen structural integrity)
o Construction & demo debris diversion
o Economic improvement and beautification
They have a GIS map of all projects.
In the first three rounds of funding for this program, they have awarded 56 of the 118 who have
applied.
Three Minute Success Stories: 15 ideas. At the closing session, 15 projects were highlighted and their
spokespersons had 3 minutes to give a synopsis. It was a very effective and fun way to learn what
everyone is doing in the state. Thornes recommended utilizing this method at the next statewide CLG
meeting.
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A project of note was the Fort Madison Entrepreneurship Challenge. The bank partnered with the high
school to fund 4 high school teams with seed money to create a business plan and present to the bank.
Teams were then given six weeks to operate as a business in a downtown location.
Draft Ideas/Action Plan:
1) Attend Iowa Downtown Summit: August 27/28
2) Threats/Concerns:
a. Federal Tax Credits – contact our congressional delegation
b. Young people aren’t involved. Develop strategy to involve millenniums.
c. Historic preservation ordinances across the country are becoming weakened.
3) State Initiatives Wish List:
a. State Tax Credit
b. Barn Foundation
c. Derelict Building Fund
d. Main Street program
e. Cultural Assets Mobile App
4) Tools:
a. TIFS for historic rehab loans
b. CDBG funds for innovative sustainability practices? (West Union installed district wide
geothermal system in downtown properties)
5) Partners:
a. Sustainability / energy stats from Rypkema’s presentations
6) Promotion/Education/Advocacy:
a. Hold “groundbreakings for rehab projects”
b. Property values in NR districts & local districts
c. 3 minute success stories
7) Training/Board Development:
a. Rypkema Studies
b. Jason Roberts TEDx Talk
8) Influence:
a. Local person appointed as National Trust State Advisor
b. Local person appointed on State Historical Society Board of Trustees
9) Local historic resources:
a. Map of environs
b. Revamp Mayor’s Awards categories
c. Review permitting process (Dubuque)
d. Website improvements
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South Dakota MainStreet Summit, Rapid City, October 30-31.
The BHPC received an invitation to attend a Main Street Summit in Rapid City. The purpose of the
meeting is to discuss the benefits of, and process to form, a statewide Main Street Coordinating
program. Rowland and Thornes may attend the summit. Anyone else interested in attending needs
to contact Thornes as soon as possible.
HISTORIC PROPERTIES REPORTS:
6th Street Transportation Steering Committee Update: Rowland serves on the Committee and reported
that the group will be discussing the 6th Street Main-Medary widening project on September 8th. The
Commission asked if a traffic study had been done in that area. Are there accident reports and how do
they compare to other parts of town. Is the traffic seasonal? Is there precedence for how other
historic districts have dealt with DOT ?
Brookings Commercial Historic District:
• 414/416 Main Avenue project remains on hold waiting for the final plans from the architect.
Central Residential Historic District:
• County Parking Lot (7th Avenue) – Thornes was contacted by property owners in the Central
Residential Historic District expressing concern regarding recent activities with the County’s
vacant lot located on the east side of 7th Avenue, between 3rd and 4th Streets. The neighbors
contacted various county officials, but no one knew any details about the project. They are
concerned regarding the lack of landscaping. Thornes recalled the BHPC providing the County
with recommendations regarding this project at the time an 11.1 review was conducted. The
Chair will send an email to County representatives relaying the Commission’s previous
landscape recommendations.
• 725 4th Street – Owners of 725 4th Street applied to remove existing non-historic desks on the
east and west facades due to rot. The new decks will be reconstructed to exactly match the
previous design and will be done in cedar. SHPO ruled no adverse effect and the permits were
issued.
Individually Listed:
• 423 8th Street – The plans for the new garage/carriage house were approved by SHPO. No
further review is required on this project.
Brookings County:
• Hartinger Barn – Thornes was contacted by Barb Hartinger, owner of a barn southeast of
Brookings near the Elkton exit. Hartinger asked for technical assistance in determining if the
barn should be saved. SHPO staff reviewed the structure and found it to be Gothic Arch design,
which is a fairly rare barn type in South Dakota. SHPO staff will assist in getting the barn on the
State Register of Historic Places, which makes it eligible for the Deadwood Grant, and will later
assist in a National Register nomination. The owner plans to restore the barn.
Request for reprint of SDSU Walking Tour Brochure. Representatives of the Agricultural Heritage
Museum asked if the BHPC would consider a reprint of the 1988 SDSU Walking Tour Brochure. The
project would be eligible for funding. The Commission will consider it during the 2015/2016 grant
application cycle.
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PROJECT & ISSUE UPDATES & FINAL REPORTS.
• 2014 Mayor’s Awards for Historic Preservation. The combined awards event (Human Rights,
Disability and Historic Preservation) is scheduled for Thursday, September 25th, from 5-7 p.m. at the
Dakota Nature Center. The BHPC is giving one award this year to the Masonic Temple for its
exterior rehabilitation. The press release and pictures will be due September 5th. Rowland will
present the awards, along with Mayor Tim Reed.
• Memorandum of Understanding for the 11.1 Review Process. Thornes continues to work on a
plan to address the remaining issues before presenting the MOU to the City Council. Those issues
include staff approval of projects, applicant wait time, frequency and number of meetings. She has
developed a draft application. The City Engineering office is working on an address list and map, to
include properties in the defined “environs.” It will be important to develop a system that doesn’t
create long delays for applicants wanting to do simple projects, such as step replacement with like
materials. There also needs to be a system in place for when staff is gone.
• Proposed Legislation. Thornes presented the following proposed legislation at the statewide CLG
meeting in Pierre on May 29th and received strong support. Some CLG staff and commission
members offered to lend their support by testifying in Pierre. She forwarded the draft legislation to
SHPO for submittal as a bill and is waiting for an update.
Following draft legislation change to 1-19B-3, pertaining to composition of preservation
commission--Residence--Terms of office. The Historic Preservation Commission shall consist of
not less than five nor more than ten members, who shall be appointed by the governing body
with due regard to proper representation of such fields as history, architecture, urban planning,
archaeology, paleontology, and law. All members of the commission shall reside within the
jurisdiction of the county or municipality establishing the commission and shall serve for terms
not to exceed three years, being eligible for reappointment as shall be specified by the
governing body. Residency requirements shall be as specified by the governing body.
• “Now You See It” Column. Gritzner plans to submit additional columns for publication.
• National Trust Conference, November 11-14. The BHPC received funding to send staff and one
member to the 2014 National Trust Conference in Savannah, GA. Thornes and Gritzner are
registered to attend and will provide a report following the conference.
• Engage Brookings. This item was tabled.
• Preserve South Dakota Plaques at SDSU. Thornes is meeting with Mayor Reed regarding an
update on this project.
PRESERVATION PARTNERS:
• State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
a. Staff is currently processing Brookings SD-13 CLG Grant Closeout.
b. They are working on ways to improve the survey website and CRGRID (public interface).
c. If anyone missed the Brookings Realtor Workshops they are welcome in Sioux Falls or Rapid
(Mon. Sept 8th 8:30 – 4:00 in Sioux Falls; Wed., Sept 10th, 8:30-4:00 in Rapid City)
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d. National Trust Conference Coming up in Savannah, GA week of Nov. 10th, (3 from SHPO
attending: Jay Vogt, Cindy Snow, Jenn Brosz)
• Downtown Brookings Inc. (DBI) – No report.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/CORRESPONDENCE/COMMUNICATIONS/CALENDAR.
Sept 25 Mayor’s Award Event, Dakota Nature Center, 5-7 pm
Oct 2 City Volunteer Reception, Dakota Nature Center, 5-7 pm
Oct 30-31 MainStreet Summit, Rapid City
Nov 10-14 National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference, Savannah
Dec 18 Mayor’s Holiday Party, Swiftel Center, 5-7 pm
• Upcoming agenda items: Brookings hosting the statewide CLG meeting, creation of a public
education committee, use of remaining 2014 funds, 2015 grant application: preservation plan
RFP, brochures, other projects, State’s new 5 year Goals, and Sustainability Poster Campaign
update.
Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Submitted by Shari Thornes