Mpls. Historic Homeowner Blog

Demo Alert - 3009 Park Ave South - The Pauline Fjelde House

Mpls Historic Homeowner Asso. — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 04:37:33 GMT

On Saturday, December 13th the Housing Committee of the Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO) held a special neighborhood meeting at La Vina restaurant to discuss the future of a home that once belonged to Pauline Fjelde at 3009 Park Avenue South.

The home was built as a duplex in 1908 by Pauline Fjelde a Norwegian Emigrant who came to America with her Father, Brother, and Sister. Her father was a master wood carver, her sister a musician, and her brother a sculptor. Her brother studied in Denmark and Rome and is the most famous member of the family. His works are located both in the U.S. and in Europe and locally he sculpted the Minerva sculpture above the entrance of the original Minneapolis Library as well as the iconic Hiawatha statue at Minnehaha Falls with other work located at Como Park.

Pauline built this home near the business district for a reason - she was a seamstress and acclaimed weaver and embroiderer who ran her business from her home. She IS the "Betsy Ross" of Minnesota. She embroidered the prototype of the Minnesota State flag that won first place at the 1893 Chicago Exposition and was adopted by the State Legislature upon here return. It was on display at the capital as well as the massive Hiawatha Tapestry (Based on the Sculpture created by her Brother) that took ten years to create due to the need to work off a pattern displayed on a mirror behind her because of the reverse pattern work. It was on display in the capitol rotunda for many years before being moved to the Historic Society Archives for safe keeping. (Picture of the homes interior with the tapestry during being created are available).

The home was designed in 1907 by architects Boehme and Cordella who also designed—among other notable structures—the Swan J. Turnblad Mansion (current home of the American Swedish Institute) at 2600 Park Avenue, just four blocks north of the Fjelde home.

After construction of this residence, Pauline left Minneapolis to study in Europe for almost two years - in Luxembourg, Paris, Denmark, and Norway. She melded traditional Norwegian weaving techniques with American and Native American motifs. She is credited with bringing the European Arts and Crafts movement into the Norwegian American textile arts scene. Her works are on display in a permanent collection at the Vesterheim - the National Norwegian - American Heritage Museum.

The current owners, the Schoffman's; bought this property to tear it down and create a parking lot for the vacant commercial property that they own on Lake Street.

The activity taking place at this property is a disturbing trend facing other residential neighborhoods in Minneapolis. The unique difference here is the historic significance of the home in question.

Commercial businesses are encroaching upon residential zoned neighborhoods to take advantage of the foreclosure crisis and further deteriorate the quality of urban living. This home is clearly zoned residential with an alley that buffers it from the commercially zoned property on Lake Street. The most likely reason that it remained vacant for so long was due to the impact of the previous commercial tenants that occupied the Schoffman's now vacant commercial property.

If this property is allowed to be rezoned as a parking lot for the "Check Cashing" business that the owner intends to lease; the effects of community blight will likely be passed along to the next residence.

We attended the meeting and were impressed with the turnout and the civility of the discussion. Over 38 members of the community turned out and unanimously voted (the sole dissenters were the Schoffmans) to request that the CANDO Board place a recommendation for the city to conduct a designation study from the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission (MHPC).

We toured 3009 Park Ave South after the meeting and were excited to see that the home was still in very good structural condition. Many others (including several architects, contractors, and former Heritage Preservation Commissioners) who toured the structure also felt the same way.

After the meeting the Schoffmans and representatives of the Lake Street Council talked with local residents regarding the problems facing their business and expressed concern about unrealistic parking requirements dictated by the city. We expressed our empathy for the financial problems facing small business owners due to these restrictions and pledged to assist them in finding solutions with the city.

In a strange turn of events, the Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO) Board under intense pressure from Lake Street Council attendees reversed their own residents overwhelming recommendations and forwarded the decision regarding the residentially zoned property to the "economic development" committee. The out come of this seems obvious (as well as may be the fate of any of those board members deciding to run for re-election-lol).

The escalation of this issue by local business appears to be less about the recognition of an important Historical and Cultural Landmark, the correction of misguided zoning ordinances forced on high density urban communities, or the continued support by it's base target market as it is about a win at all costs approach to gaining access to low cost parking availability along the Lake Street Corridor.

We feel for the Schoffmans and other entrepreneurs who take on the risk of owning a business. We need them to provide the basic enterprises that make our communities vital and convenient. Yet, We want to be assured that when we locate into a community where we build our families that the precepts of economic boundaries will remain constant. It is important that the City Council and it's leadership afford us this respect.

The Schoffmans speculated that a home in the residential zoned area of the community could be demolished and rezoned commercial regardless of the impact on the their neighbors. They would like the city to feel that their economic blight is greater than the dozens of residents around them who likely suffer a loss in home value and quality of life as a result of this change. They ignore the cultural and historic contributions of past residents and would like all to believe that the changes to this lot will produce an even greater significance for future generations.

It is unclear to us how anyone could rationalize the continued support of this proposal after reviewing the historic significance of this property or observing the strong and clear objections stated by the Central Area Neighborhood community members at the December 13th meeting. However, if and when the request for demolition resurfaces, the issue involved will become part of a wider forum in which we need your support.

Here is the contact information for the groups and agencies that are or will be part of the decision making process on this issue:

8th WARD CITY COUNCIL - Elizabeth Glidden Email - Elizabeth.Glidden@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Central Avenue Neighborhood Development Organization Email - pmiller@scc.net

The Lake Street Council Email- jwisdom@lakestreetcouncil.org

Minneapolis Zoning Commission

Heritage Preservation Commission

Please take the time to express your opinions to these key decision makers so that we can protect these historic resources.

Happy Holidays to All!

Mpls Historic Homeowner Asso. — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 01:54:00 GMT

We hope that everyone has a wonderful Holiday Season.

We will not meet over the holidays but will be back in January with a full agenda.

Victory!

Mpls Historic Homeowner Asso. — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:22:56 GMT

On Monday, the Minneapolis Zoning and Planning Committee unanimously rejected the appeal of St. Paul Development Corporation to demo the home at 1900 Colfax. The hearing chambers were packed with community members as representatives of St. Paul Corp. made arguments that the property at 1900 Colfax was costing them thousands of dollars a year in maintenance and was "functionally obsolete". They even tried to discredit the architect of the structure in their attempt to "sod over" the property. The Lowry Hill Neighborhood turned out in force (for the 3rd time) to resist this effort and save the property from destruction. A group of community members offered to buy the property for the current market value, however; the Mr. Shafer the company owner said that the property was not for sale and eluded to the fact that as a tax payer his rights to develop the land were being infringed upon by local residents.

After over one hour of public comment on the issue, the decision was made to unanimously decline the appeal. Several commissioners had stinging comments regarding Mr. Shafer’s efforts to destroy the residence. Commissioner Remington admonished the Company for having little understanding of the community and a lack of awareness of historic values. Commissioner Goodman went even further in sighting the lack of permits pulled for the property in direct conflict with statements made about expenses for maintenance. She directed the code enforcement department to inspect the property to ensure that all improvements had been reported and that the property was in compliance. She went further in recommending a study be commissioned to create a buffer zone to lessen the impact of rental properties on the community. She reminded Mr. Shafer that the finding of this study may well restrict the R4 status of his property and eliminate his ability to have multi-unit housing at that location.

The members of the council and the members of the Lowry Hill Neighborhood are congratulated for a job well done!

MHHA Forums is now up!

Mpls Historic Homeowner Asso. — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 17:22:00 GMT

Yup, Thats right. Now we can pontificate in full view of the world.

While we still have the ability to use this blog and email to reach each other - some discussions are better posted on the new forum page so that differing points of view can be added and seen by the public. This will also eliminate some of the massive sting e-mails that have been going on.

I have added several categories for tech questions, homes for sale, and Goods and Services. Feel free to make recommendations and keep in mind that I don't know what I am doing in Cyberspace-lol.

So - get in there, sign-in, and Post away!

National Trust 11 Most Endangered Properties list

Mpls Historic Homeowner Asso. — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:48:00 GMT

MHHA to submit nomination list of Endangered Properties to the National Trust.

Nominate Properties for the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places List

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is now accepting applications for the 2009 America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Application information and guidelines are available on-line at www.preservationnation.org. Please pass this announcement on to any individuals or organizations that might be interested in applying. Completed nominations are due December 5, 2008

Contact Christina Morris of the National Trust’s Midwest Office for questions or to discuss a project that you feel would be a good candidate. Chris can be reached at 312-939-5547, ext. 37231, Email: christina_morris@nthp.org

Put you thinking caps on and submit a list of properties you would like to see added to the 11 Most Endangered Minneapolis Residential Properties. This puts a national spotlight on these homes with a much better chance of saving them. Lets get nominations in by November 25th so we can submit them in time for the deadline.

National Trusts Endangered Properties List

Please watch those vacant homes!

Mpls Historic Homeowner Asso. — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 05:13:00 GMT

3123, The historic Regan house of the Healy Block was broken into for the second time. I received a message from Connie Nompelis indicating that Peter Holly had noticed the padlocks were off of the front door. I commend Peter for this observation.

As many of us have been trying to "keep an eye" on this property, I don't think I would have even noticed. I look for doors wide open or busted off of their hinges - signs of forced entry. In this case, the doorknobs were clipped off and the Realtor's key box breached and the THREE padlocks were then of course unlocked. But to the unobservant eye, it looked orderly and not as if a violent breach had occurred. The padlocks and the Realtor's key box were nowhere to be found. The police found this very interesting as they indicate these items would usually just be tossed aside. I wonder if this was to conceal any possible finger prints? I believe this is a very knowledgeable outfit that is completely aware of the historic value of this property and the same outfit that committed the first burglary and came back for the remainder of the spoils. It is apparent that it is not a random crackhead targeting this property. The initial thieves understood the value in the historic fireplace tile even though this tile was a very bland neutral tone and did not have any significant colored, portrait, or landscape tiles. I don't believe our random crackheads would have understood the potential value of tile. This time around, they stole one stained glass window from the staircase landing and badly damaged another in attempt to remove it. And they completely hacked up some hand carved detail in the wood surrounding the windows.

Peter and I decided we would keep watch until someone came to secure the building as the original bannister and newel post remained inside. Of course we got curious and began looking through the building when we heard padlocks being clipped on from the outside. We scared the shit out of the guy from the bank when we shone our flashlights out the window and were pounding on the door yelling that we had been locked in the building! The officer who initially responded indicated there would be a police board up tomorrow morning. He also seemed very annoyed that this is the THIRD board up of this building and asked why this was happening. My understanding is that the bank or the listing agent has removed boards in the past. The officer blamed this for the repeated breaches and thefts of the property and fumed over the cost to the public in terms of the boards and labor for three boardings of one building with no substantial change in ownership or condition. I don't know what the answer here is. The most diligent neighborhood activist, David Piehl lives immediately next door. I take walks and check this building at minimum once a day, if not twice, Peter is constantly outdoors on this block as he is working on the construction of Connie's new from porch, and of course Connie and Yanni watch like a hawk as well. And still this keeps happening - during daylight hours!

As I said, I don't know what the answer is - but I don't imagine any more intensive level of watching is even realistic as it keep happening already under intense watch. This building simply needs to be occupied. I am so worried for the staircase banister. It is in wonderful condition and of course has been seen by these bastards. And they have proved that they will come back. Please, everyone, keep as close a watch as we can until the Regan house has a new owner. And cross your fingers that it doesn't end up in slum lord hands (actually - I DARE a slumlord to touch that property - we will be on them for anything and everything like flies on shit!)

Please keep a careful eye on those homes around you. It is unfortunate that the banks who own these properties don't do a better job of securing and monitoring these vacant properties. Ultimately it is the responsible homeowners in the communities who will suffer as these homes are less able to attract good neighbors.

It may seem premature to call the police if you see activity around these homes.. but an ounce prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Welcome to the Minneapolis Historic Homeowner Association Web Site Blog.

Mpls Historic Homeowner Asso. — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 22:35:27 GMT

Welcome to our Blog everybody. I am really new to this so I need some help to get the ball rolling. Please throw some comments in here so we can work out any potential bugs in the system. Once we get active with this we can use it to communicate on projects and current events. If anyone has any problems accessing the page throw me an email at 1915bung@gmail.com so we can correct those issues.

What does everyone think of the web site so far? I have been adding new content daily so check it often. Let me know if anyone would like anything added or changed. Please check back soon for new entries.

In our Home page I inserted a video with a little info about the groups purpose and goals. Not being a great techy it needs a little work to refine it - But I love the song! By the way if it gets a little annoying (or your just into Rap ) right click your mouse and you can stop it.

About Us page is pretty self explanatory. Again give me feedback on it's content.

The link section was fun to add to. Unfortunately there are far too many resources than we could list, but I tried to get some sites that have some great links that include in their content. I have include the National Park Services Preservation Briefs link which is a wonderful resource. The DYI section includes some really good tutorials concerning home repair. In additional, an inquiry form for new members or anyone who has questions about the group is also included. This goes to my email and I will be glad to I will introduce myself and the group or answer any general question you may have.

Projects and Services is yet to be developed but coming "soon".

Neighborhoods will be a very useful tool. I have linked it to the MPLS database and it has a lot of information about the various areas historic of the city. A future update will be links to all the local Preservation and Neighborhood groups on the web and perhaps some of the more active community organizations in our neighborhoods.

Then we have the Tabs up above. You have made it to the blog page so... Post something-lol.

The Social Tab has the ability to track blog casts for various news organizations and groups. I am sure we will be using that in the future to broadcast some of our clips. Take a look at face book also. I find it a little quirky - but it seems to be a great resource to make like connections with other preservationists in Minneapolis.

The Photo's Tab has amble space to post your favorite images. I have a Endangered Home folder and will be posting a "Member Homes" file very soon.

All in All a great tool set !