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99-672Council File # � � � �R(GINAL Presented By Referred To Green Sheet # G 4 � [� \GVVV ��VI� CITY AINT UL, I SOTA Committee: Date 4a 1 WHEREAS, Citizen Service Office, Division of Code Enforcement has requested the City Council 2 to hold public hearings to consider the advisability and necessity of ordering the repair or wrecking and 3 removal of a two-story, wood frame dwelling located on properry hereinafter referred to as the "Subject 4 Property" and commonly known as 270-272 West Seventh Street. This property is legally described as 5 follows, to wit: 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 The Southeasterly'/z of Lot 1, Block 28, Rice & Irvine's Addition to St. Paul, EXCEPT the Northwesterly 35 feet of said Southeasterly'h; ALSO Lot 5, Block 28, Rice & Irvine's Addition to St. Paul. WHEREAS, based upon the records in the Ramsey County Recorder's Office and information obtained by Division of Code Enforcement on or before January 12, 1998, the following are the now known interested or responsible parties for the Subject Property: Keith McCormick, Irvine Park Association, 30 Irvine Park, St Paul, MN 55102; Betty Berg, 263 Wyoming Street East, St. Paul, MN 55107; Hyman Simes & Josephine Berg-Sunes, 419 Wildwood Avenue, Birchwood, MN 55110; David A. Berg, 711 Woodridge Drive, Mendota Heights, MN 55118-1809; Aaron Rubenstein, Heritage Preservation, 300 Lowry Professional Bldg., St. Paul, NIN 55102; Bazbara McCornuck (President), Irvine Park Association, 30 Irvine Park, St. Paul, MN 55102; American Accounts & Advisors, Inc., 3904 Cedarvale Drive, Eagan, MN 55122 WHEREAS, Division of Code Enforcement has served in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 45 of the 5aint Paul Legislative Code an ordex identified as an"Qrder to Abate Nuisance Building(s)" dated Februuy 25, 1998; and WIIEREAS, tlus order informed the then known interested or responsible parties that the structure located on the Subject Property is a nuisance building(s) pursuant to Chapter 45; and WF�REAS, this order informed the interested or responsible parties that they must repair or demolish the structure located on the Subject Property by March 27, 1998; and WF�REAS, the enforcement officer has posted a placard on the Subject Property declaring this building(s) to constitute a nuisance condition; subject to demolition; and WF�REAS, this nuisance condition has not been corrected and Division of Code Enforcement requested that the City Clerk schedule public hearings befoxe the Legislative Hearing Officer of the City Council and the Saint Paul City Council; and WHEREAS, the interested and responsible parties have been served notice in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Pau1 Legislative Code, of the time, date, place and purpose of the public hearings; and qq - G'l � 1 WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the Saint Paul City 2 Council on Tuesday, July 6, 1999 to heaz testimony and evidence, and after receiving testimony and 3 evidence, made the recommendation to approve the request to arder the interested or responsible parties to 4 make the Subject Property safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and welfare and 5 remove its blighting influence on the coxnmunity by rehabilitating this structure in accordance with all 6 applicable codes and ordinances, or in the alternative by demolishing and removing the struchue in 7 accordance with ali applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition of the structure to be 8 completed within fifteen (15) days after the date of the Council Hearing; and 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Saint Paul City Council on Wednesday, July 14, 1999 and the testimonp and evidence including the action taken by the Legislative Hearing Officer was considered by the Council; now therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that based upon the testimony and evidence presented at the above referenced public hearings, the Saint Paul City Council hereby adopts the following Findings and Order concerning the Subject Property at 270-272 West Seventh Street: That the Subject Property comprises a nuisance condition as defined in Saint Pau1 Legislative Code, Chapter 45. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. That the costs of demolition and removal of this building(s) is estimated to exceed tluee thousand dollars ($3,000.00). That there now exists and has existed multiple Housing or Building code violations at the Subject Property. That an Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) was sent to the then known responsible parties to correct the deficiencies ar to demolish and remove the building(s). That the deficiencies causing this nuisance condition have not been corrected. That Division of Code Enforcement has posted a placard on the Subject Property which declares it to be a nuisance condition subject to demolition. That this building has been routinely monitored by the Citizen Service Offices, Division of Code Enforcement, Vacant/Nuisance Buildings. 8. That the known interested parties and owners are as previously stated in this resolution and that the notification requirements of Chapter 45 have been fulfilled. ORDER The Saint Paul City Council hereby makes the following order: 1. The above referenced interested or responsibie parties shall make the Subject Properiy safe and not detximental to the public peace, health, safety and welfare and remove its blighting influence on the community by rehabilitating this structure and conecting all deficiencies as prescribed in the above referenced Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances, or in the alternative by demolishing and removing the structure in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition and removal of the structure must be completed within fifteen (15) days after the date of the Council Hearing. ORIGINAL qq-t�a 2. If the above corrective action is not completed within this period of tune the Citizen Service Office, 2 Division of Code Enforcement is hereby authorized to take whatever steps are necessary to 3 demolish and remove this structure, fill the site and charge the costs incurred against the Subject 4 Property pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. 5 b 7 8 9 10 il 12 3. In the event the building is to be demolished and removed by the City of Saint Paul, all personal property or fixtures of any kind which interfere with the demolition and removal shall be removed from the properry by the responsible parties by the end of this time period. If ali personal property is not removed, it shall be considered to be abandoned and the City of Saint Paul shall remove and dispose of such property as provided by law. 4. It is fiuther ordered, that a copy of this resolution be mailed to the owners and 'mterested parties in accordance with Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. Requested by Department of: By: � \ t R Approved by Mayor: Date+�,l(1 Z,7j �� s 1��2� Citize Service Office- Code Enforcement By: � � Form Ap ved by City Attorney B c �.� � Adopted by Council: Date �. Adoption Certified by Council Secretary Approved by Mayor for Submission to � Warren R. Bostrom 266-8439 TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE DATE INRI/�TED A431GN MUMB9tPoR GREEN SHEET �.�,��K.� � a„�.,.�. � a9. - `� �- n,o 61670 �� ROUTING �� ❑wYNaRlaE0.VICFS00. puMtlatsER'(1/LC�¢ � WWR(ORAIS6T ❑ :S (CLIP ALL L ATIONS FOR SIGNATURE) City Council to pass this resolution which will order the owner(s) to remove or repair the referenced building(s). If the owner fails to comply with the resolufion, the Citizen Service Office, Division of Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building. The subject property is located at 270-272 West Seventh Street. PLANNING COMMISSION CIB CAMMII7EE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Has this persoNfirm ever vrorked undx a contraG for th'�s department7 VE$ NO Has tl�ia P��m� aver been a city amPhY�? YES NO Ooes Uus A��Rn Doasese a shU nM nomalNP� M�Y ��R�� Y emPbYce4 YFS NO !t Mie Pe�soMfi[m a targNed vendM YES NO �lain ali ves ans�eB On seo02M Sheet aM athaC� t0 nfeen shEM This building(s) is a nuisance bualding(s) as defined in Chapter 45 and a vacant building as defined in Chapter 43 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. The owners, interested parties and responsible parties known to the Enforcement Officer were given an order to repair or remove the building at 270-272 West Seventh Street by Maroh 27, 1998, and have failed to comply with those orders. IF APPROVED I The City will elaninate a nuisance. �1UN 17 1999 �� The City will spend funds to wreck and remove this building(s). These costs will be assessed to the property, A nrxisance condition will remain unabated in the City. This building(s) will continue to blight the community. AMOUNTOFTRANSACTIONS �17,000 - �IH Nuisance Housing Abatement COET/REVENUE BUDfiETED (CIRCLE ON� YE NO ACTIVITV NUMBER 33261 . ts + n �� z 4Z. REVISED REPORT LEGISLATIVE HEARING Date: July 6, 1999 Time: 10:00 a.m. Place: Room 330 City Hall 15 West Kellogg Boulevard Gerry Strathman Legislative Hearing Officer 1. Vehicle Abatement Appeal for 1183 Arkwright Street. (Appealing letter dated 5-12-99 and Laid over from 6-1-99) Summary Abatement Appeal for 1183 Arkwright Street. (Appealing letter dated 6-7-99) Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal on the storage of vehicles and amending the compliance date on the vehicles to September 1, 1999. 2. Summary Abatements: File J9903A - Property Clean-Up during April 1999. File J9903B - Boarding-up of vacant buildings during March 1999. 537 Chazles Avenue (File J9903S) Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal and approval of the assessment. 1580 Sloan Street (File J9903A) Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal and approval of the assessment. 941 Edmund Avenue (File J9903B) Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the July 20 Legislative Hearing. 915 Chazles Avenue (File J9903A} Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the July 20 Legislative Hearing. 3. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 290 Bates Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the 6uilding. Gerry Strathman recommended First Narionwide Mortgage, the mortgagee, be given six month to complete the rehabilitarion on condition that the vacant building fee is paid, a code compliance inspection is completed, and a$2,�Q0 bond is posted by noon of July 14, 1999. �i�t- t��Z y2. LEGISLATIVE HEARING REPORT OF 7-6-99 Page 2 4. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 270 and 272 Seventh Street West. If the owner faiLs to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building. Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the resolution. The meeting was adjourned at 11:07 a.m. iiTil �q � c. � a— CITY OF SAINT PAUL HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMIVIISSION RESOLUTION FILE NUMI3ER 2si6 DATE 16 November 1995 WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission is authorized by Chapter 73 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code to review building permit applications for ea�terior alterations, new construcrion or demolition on or within designated Heritage Preservafion Sites or Heritage Preservation Dish-icts; and WHEREAS, David Berg has applied for a permit to demolish the structure located at 270 West Seventh Street within the Irvine Pazk Heritage Preservation District; and WH�REAS, the Mannheimer Goodkind House at 270 West Seventh Street is a Second Empue style double house built in 1874 and categorized as pivotal to the Irvine Park Heritage Preservation District; and WHEREAS, Section 73.06(i)(2) of the Saint Paul Legislative Code prescribes fmdings to be made by the Heritage Preservation Commission in reviewing permit applications for demolition and states: In the case of the propased demalition of a building, prior to approval of said demolition, the commission shall make written findings on the fallowing: the architectural and historical merit of the building, the effect of the demolition on surrozmding buildings, the effect of any proposed new construction on the remainder of the building (in case of partial demolition) and on surrounding buildings, and the economic value or usefulness of the building as it now exists or if altered or modified in comparison with the value or usefulness of any proposed structures designated to replace the present buiZding or buildings, and WIIEREAS, Section 73.04(5) of the Saint Paut Legislative Code states: The heritage preservation commission may recommend to the city council, after review and comment by the city planning commission, that certain property eligible for designation as a heritage preservation site be acquired by g� by negotiation or by eminent do»zain as provided for in Chapter 117 of Minnesota Statutes, and WI�REAS, Section 4410.4300. Subp. 31 Historical Places of the State of Minnesota Environmental Quality Boazd Rules states that an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EA� must be prepared before the permitting state agency or local unJt of government may issue a demolition permit for a properry listed on the National Register of Historic Places; and W73EREAS, the Saint Paul Her�tage Preservation Commission, based upon the evidence presented at its November 16, 1995 public hearing on said permit application, made the following findings of fact: 1. The applicant proposes to demolish the structure and use the site for off-street parking leased to three neazby businesses--a baz, an antique shop, and the adjacent Dairy Queen. A site plan for the pazking lot has not been submitted. The letter accompanying the demolition permit application states that it is not economically feasible to rehabilitate and reuse the structure. q9 - �� - Heritage Preservation Commission Resolurion: File #2516 Page Two 2. A December 26, 1989 memorandum from Assistant City Attorney James Hart to City Councilmembers about the 1989 demolifion appeal states that "Yhe CiTy may lawfully deny a permit for demolirion of a historic structure, unless the owner establishes that there is not ewnomic zeuse of the property in which event the City must either issue the permit or condemn the property paying just compensation." The burden of proof of lack of economic use or return falls on the property owner. Judiciai decisions have indicated, however, that governmental units cannot require owners of designated historic properties to maintain them indefinitely if their use is not economically viable. The applicant claims that he has contacted City staff about City financial assistance/subsidy for rehabilitation of the structure and has been turned down repeatedly. This claim has not been substantiated. One factor in the economic equation for reuse of the structure is the cost of the properiy. The properry has a 1995 assessed value of $38,000 ($20,4001and, $17,600 building) but the asking price, according to the applicanYs representative, is $115,000. The asking price reflects the owner's belief that off-street puking is the highest and best use of the property. 4. The Mannheimer-Goodkind House is in a seriously deteriorated condition. In the rear part of the building, there is no roof and the third floor and at least half of the second floor are gone as well, all resulting from the removal of shuctural supports. The 1990 reuse study commissioned by the City 1) recommended that the reaz part ofthe building be demolished and the front part gutted and 2) found that reuse of the sUvcture would require a lazge, presumably public, subsidy of a least $200,000 and in most cases substantially more. It does indeed appear that the structure l�as no economic use without very substanrial subsidy. The only apparent way to preserve the Mannheimer-Goodkind House would be for the City to acquire it by gift, negotiation, or eminent domain. The City could then make every effort to find a way to reuse this pivotal shucture and demolish it only as a last resort. The current owner appears to have absolutely no interest in preserving the stnxcture, but rather, seems intent on destroying it by neglect. The building was in good condition when the owner acquired it ten years ago. (The assessed value of the properry was $96,000 is 1985, dropped to $66,000 in 1989 and $38,700 in 1990, and has been $38,000 since 1991.) The City's STAR (Neighborhood Sales Tas Revita]ization) Program may to be the most likely source of funds to subsidize the shucture's rehabilitation. 6. The Mannheimer-Goodkind House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the significant houses in the Irvine Park Historic District and is categorized as pivotal to the locally designated Irvine Park Heritage Preservation District. The house was built in 1874 and is among only a handful of remaining good examples of the Second Empire style in the Twin Cities. It serves as a wonderful complement to the Alexander Ramsey House, a more ornate e�mple of this style on the same block, the only other Second Empire style house in the Irvine Park District and the most important azchitectural landmark in the district. The National Register Nomination Form for the Irvine Park Historic District states that the district is significant because, as 'bne of the last surviving original segments of the Twin Cities a`�-�� metropolitan azea, [it] is the only complete representation of residential development Heritage Preservation Commission Resolution: File #2516 Page Three from the start of white settlement in the late 1840s unfil the close of the 19th century. It contains homes built during ail major phases of economic growth in 19th cenriuy Saint Paul, without complete obliteration of previous phases, as has been done in most other major metropolitan areas. More significantly, the Irvine Pazk Historic District interprets as well as and in some aspects, better than any other Saint Paul area, the lives of the men who provided the political, economic, military, medical and religious leadership that shaped the territorial and state capitol at Saint Paul." Loss of the pivotal, highly visible, Second Empire style, historic structure at 270 West Seventh Street would harm the districYs representation of 19th century residential development and would have a significant adverse impact on the character and integriTy of the Irvine Park Heritage Preservation District. Built as a side-by-side double house by John Crrace, the structure at 270 West Seventh Sh�eet belonged to the Grace family until 1907 though they never lived there. After serving as IZamsey County sheriff, Grace made his livelihood from such real estate inveshnents. One of the first residents of the house was Jacob H. Stewart, a physician who served several terms as Saint Paul mayor. From 1877 to 1890, the house was the home of the Louis Goodkind and the Emil and Jacob Mannheimer families. The three men were partners in Goodkind and Mannheimer Bros., which was the largest dry goods store west of Chicago in the 1870s, later became Schuneman and Mannheuner, and was acquired by Dayton's in 1460. 9. The boundaries of both the local and National Register Irvine Park districts extend out to West Seven`th Street on this block because of the Mannheimer House. It is the only building in the district along West Seventh Street which is contributing to the district, and it connects the district to this highly visible major arterial street which was formerly named Fort Road and from the first years of settlement was the connecting link between Saint Paul and the territorial military fortifications at Fort Snelling. The Mannheimer-Goodkind House also connects the district to and complements the Rochat-Louise Block across the street, two Victorian buildings on West Seventh street which are representative of commercial storefront architecture of the late nineteenth century and which are National Register and locally designated historic buildings. With no other contributing buildings along West Seventh Street, there would be no justification to include the lots along West Seventh Street within the boundaries of the district if the Mannheimer-Goodkind House were demolished. 10. The Nationai Register Nomination Form for the Irvine Park Historic District, written in 1973, states that the Mannheimer House "is unchanged except for the stucco resurfacing and the rebuilt front porch, [is] now used as a boarding house, [and] is well maintained and in good condition." The building was renovated and opened as a bed and breakfast hostelry in 1981. 11. Because the Mannheimer-Goodkind House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Irvine Park Historic District, an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EA� must be prepazed in conformance with Section 4410.4300. Subp. 31. Historical Places of the State of Minnesota Environmental Quality Board Rules before the City may issue a permit for demolition of the building. An EAW has not yet been prepared. �q -(.�Y 12. The West Seventh/Chestnut Small Area Plan, adopted by the City Council in 1991 as an amendment to the land use chapter of the City's comprehensive plan, includes goals and Heritage Preservation Commission Resolution: File #2516 Page Four strategies to protect the historic character of the neighborhood, to reuse historic structures on their original sites, and to maintain an urban streetscape. The plan's historic preservation strategy #6 states: The Mannheimer-Goodkind House is a'sign�ant'structure in the National Register Irvine Park Historic District and a pivotal'structure in the Zocal Irvine Park Heritage Preservation District. All attempts should be made to find a new use for the building, and demolition should be approved only as a fnal resort. 13. The Planning Commission found in 1990 that City acquisition of the Mannheimer-Goodkind House was consistent with the City's comprehensive plan but inconsistent with the 1990 Capital Allocation Policy and may set an inappropriate precedent. 14. The applicant's representative has stated (at the public hearing) that the applicant believes that the Mannheimer Goodkind House is a historic structure that should be preseroed but its rehabilitation would be too expensive for him to undertake. He further stated that the owner wishes the City to acquire the property by eminent domain. NOW, TIIEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that based on the above findings and code citations, the Heritage Preservation Commission denies approval of a permit to demolish the Mannheimer Goodkind House at 270 West Seventh Street; and BE IT FURTT�R RESOLVED, that the Heritage Preservation Commission requests Planning Commission review and comment on the possibility of City acquisition of the properry; and BE TT I'INALLY RE50LVED, that the Heritage Preservation Commission requests that appropriate City departments investigate the possibility of City Council action to order the immediate stabilization of the shucture, under summary abatement, to include reinstallation of the destroyed center bearing wall and floor and roof decks, temporary roof covering, and secure boazding of the structure. MOVED BY Lunning SECONDED BY Carey IN FAVOR 11 AGAINST 0 ABSTAIN 0 Decisions of the Aeritage Preservation Commission are final, subjeM to appeal to the City Council within 14 days by anyone affected by t6e decision. This resolution does not obviate the need for meeflng appiicable building and zoning code reqnirements, and does not constitute approval for tax credits. �� i �� y CITIZIN SERVICE OFFICE F>ed Owusu, Ciry Clerk aq-��Y DIVtSION OF PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEME�*C Warren R Bosttam, PsoAram Mana,¢er t;j� �F" S�r pA� Nuisemce Bui/ding Code Enforcemen! NormColemmi,Mayar ISW.KelloggBlvdRm190 Tel: 65I-266-8440 SairaPaul,MN55102 Fax:657-266-8426 , , �" V'.:,."$.�i.,i�'v'G'!�i`t�l �f'-a..r,.,'., . \SS3tSY fr+S S PG ' . June 11, 1999 �y�;�� , � �� NOTICE OF PUELIC HEARINGS � Council President and Members of the City Council _-- '- --- __. Citizen Service Office, VacantJNuisance Buildings Enforcement Division has requested the CiTy Council schedule public heaxings ta consider a resolution ordering the repair or removal of the nuisance building(s) located at: 270-272 West Seventh Street The City Council has scheduled the date of these heazings as follows: Legislative Hearing - Tuesday, July 6, 1999 City Council Hearing - Wednesday, July 14,1999 The owners and responsible parties of record are: Name and Last Kno�vn Address Keith McCormick Irvine Park Association 30 Irvine Park St Paul, MN 55102 Interest Member of Irvine Park Assoc. Betty Berg 263 Wyoming Street East St. Paul, MN 55107 Hyman Simes & Josephine Berg-Simes 419 Wildwood Avenue Birchwood, MN 55110 Fee Owner Lien Holder Gl°I'`� 270-272 West Seventh Street June 11, 1999 Page 2 Name and Last Known Address David A. Berg 711 Woodridge Drive Mendota Heights, MN 55118-1809 Aaron Rubenstein Heritage Preservation 300 Lowry Professional Bldg. St. Paul, MN 55102 Barbara McCornuck (President) Irvine Park Association 30 Irvine Park St. Paul, MN 55102 American Accounts & Advisors, Inc. 3904 Cedarvale Drive Eagan, MN 55122 The le�ai description of this properry is: Interest Fee Owner Heritage Preservation District Interested Party Irvine Park Assoc. 3udgment Creditor The Southeasterly Yz of Lot l, Block 28, Rice & Irvine's Addition to St. Paul, EXCEPT the Northwesterly 35 feet of said Southeasterly'/; ALSO Lot 5, Block 23, Rice & Irvine's Addition to St. Paul. Division of Code Enforcement has declared this building(s} to constitute a"nuisance" as defined by Le�islative Code, Chapter 45. Division of Code Enforcement has issued an order to the then known responsible parties to eliminate this nuisance condition by conecting the deficiencies or by razing and removin� this building(s). a q-��- 270-272 West Seventh Street 7une 11, 1999 Pa�e3 Inasmuch as this Order to Abate has not been complied with the nuisance condition remains unabated, the communiTy continues to suffer the bli�hting influence of this property. It is the recommendation of the Division of Code Enforcement that the City Council pass a resolution ordering the responsible parties to eithet repau, oY demolish and remove this buildin� in a timely manner, and failing that, authorize the Division of Code Enforcement to proceed to demolition and removal, and to assess the costs incurred against the real estate as a special assessment to be collected in the same inaunet as taxes. � � �uildings Supervisor � of Code Enforcement Citizen Service Office RW:mI cc: Frank Berg, Building Inspection and Desi� Rachel Young, City Attorneys O�ce Nancy Anderson, Assistant Secretary to the Council Steve Zaccard, Fire Marshall Paul Mordorski, PED-Housing Division �� z MINUTES OF Tf� LEGISLATIVE HEARING Tuesday, July 6, 1999 Room 330 Courthouse Gerry Strathman, I,Egislative Heazing Officer The meeting was called to order at 10:02 a.m. STAFF PRESENT: Aaron Rubenstein, Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) of License, Inspections, Environmental Protection (LIEP); Chuck Votel, Code Enforcement; Guy Willits, Code Enforcement. Vehicle Abatement Appeal for 1183 Arkwri�ht Street. (Appealing letter dated 5-12-99) (Laid over from 6-1-99) Summary Abatement Appeal for 1183 Arkwright Street. (Appealing letter dated 6-7-99) Guy Willits reported this matter was laid over from June 1 for unlicensed vetricles pazked on an unapproved surface. Last week, the velucles were srill on the property. (Mr. Willits presented photographs to Gerry Strathman. Roacanne Heinrich was shown them also.) Donald Drouin Jr., owner, and Roxanne Heinrich, attorney, appeazed. Ms. Heinrich stated Mr. Drouin had a heart attack, does not have money, and is requesting additional time to remove the vehicles. Mr. Strathman asked do the vehicles have current tabs. Guy Willits responded one of them does. Mr. Drouin responded all the vehicles were registered last yeaz. He plans to repair the vekricles and sell them. He has the driveway the house came with, stated Mr. Drouin. That azea has always been used for pazking. He is trying to get a loan to build a proper driveway. Mr. Strathman stated the City ordinance is clear on this issue: vehicles cannot be stored in the exterior. If it is parked outside, it is suppose to be licensed, registered, and operational. Ms. Heinrich responded she would like to see a history for the parking surfaces because her client feels it is an approved surface. Ms. Heinrich stated a temporary fence may help. Mr. Strathman responded the fence may be more of a problem. Mr. Strathman asked how much time is needed. By the end of August, responded Mr. Drouin. Mr. Votel stated no one would be physically hanned by the caz sitting there another 30 to 45 days. Mr. Willits concurred. Gerry Strathman denied the appeal on the storage of velucles and amended the compliance date on the vehicles to September 1, 1999. MINUTES OF TI� LEGISLATIVE HEARING OF 7-6-99 Summary Abatements: File J9903A - Property Clean-Up during April 1499. File J9903B - Boarding-up of vacant buildings during March 1999. 537 Chazles Avenue (File J9903B) No one appeazed representing the properry. Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal and approval of the assessment. 1580 Sloan Avenue (File J9903A) ��, ��Z Page 2 Guy Willits reported orders were mailed on 3-5-99 to remove large amount of gazbage, tires, junk, debris, etc. The compliance date was 3-11-99. It was rechecked on 4-1-99. The work was done by the Pazks and Recreation Department on 4-2-99 at a total cost of $340. (A videotape was shown.) Ruthie 5mith, owner, and Danisa Fazley, her daughter, appeared. Ms. Fazley stated they were uncleaz why her mother received this assessment, but now they know. However, it was a closed shed. The workers had no idea what were in the bags that were removed. Gerry Strathman stated he was puzzled also why the workers were inside the gazage. It was open, responded Mr. Willits. Ms. Fazley responded it is cleaz in the videotape that the workers raised the shed door. Mr. Strathman suggested if Ms. Fazley feels that the workers did something illegal, then a report should be filed with the City Attorney's Office. However, from the video, it is clear a lazge amount of refuse was removed outside the gazage, and that is what the assessment is for. Ms. Fazley stated her mother was in the process of having debris removed &om her yazd. A dumpster was delivered to her home; however, it was removed before Ms. Smith had a chance to put all the debris in the dumpster. No one laiocked on Ms. Smith's door. She was not notified. Ms. Fazley believes the way it was done was deceptive. According to information received from Code Enforcement, Mr. Strathman stated, Ms. Smith was notified March 5. The cleanup was done in April. Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal and approval of the assessment. 941 Edmund Avenue (File J9903B) Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the July 20 Legislative Hearing per Guy Willits. ��-��Z MINUTES OF Tf� LEGISLATIVE HEARING OF 7-6-99 915 Charles Avenue (File J9903A) Page 3 Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the July 20 Legisiative Hearing at the owner's request. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 290 Bates Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building. Rolf Lindberg, attorney for First Nationwide Mortgage (3001 Metro Drive, Suite 130, Bloomington), appeazed. There was a foreclosure sale held on Mazch 5, 1999. First Nationwide Mortgage is holder of the sheriff certificate right now. They aze not the owners yet, but they haue a strong interest in the property not being demolished. Chuck Votel reported this property was condemned July 1998; it has been vacant since. The current property owners aze David and 7ulie Brooks and Ronald and Myrtle Williams. The owners have not discussed their intentions with Code Enforcement. Four summary abatement notices have been issued to cut tall grass, remove refuse, secure the dwelling, and remove snow and ice. The vacant building fees aze due. The real estate taxes aze paid. Ramsey County has estimated the market value at $52,400. The estimated cost to repair is $35,000; cost to demolish, $7,000 to $8,000. Mr. Lindberg stated he had to get pernussion to enter the building because First Nationwide Mortgage is not the owner yet. Mr. Lindberg is negotiating with the City Attorney's Office. An agreement has been signed so that First Nationwide will indemnify the City if there is a claim by the real owner. A code compliance inspection can be done this week in order for him to know the extent of the damage. Gerry Strathman recommended that First Nationwide Mortgage be given six month to complete the repairs on the building with the following conditions: a code compliance inspection is completed, vacant building fee is paid, and a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of July 14, 1999. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 270 and 272 Seventh Street West. If the owner fails to compty with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building. Dauid Berg, owner, and Cory Gilmer, representing Betty Berg, appeazed. Chuck Votel reported this properiy was originally condemned March 1992. The current property owners aze David and Betty Berg. Since 1992, the City has issued 19 summary abatement notices to secure the building, cut tall grass, and remove refuse. The real estate taYes aze paid. Ramsey County estimated the mazket value is $38,000. The estimated cost to repair this building is azound $1,000,000. The estimated cost to demolish is $20,000. This is a historic building, stated Mr. Votel. Oertel Architects was hired to look at the historical ranufica6ons of the building and what would stand in the way of the City demolishing it. There ��.��12 MINLTTES OF TI-� LEGISLATIVE HEARING OF 7-6-99 Page 4 was a reaz addition put on the building. The end of the Oertel Architects report includes the following: "My strongest recommendarion is to take acfion. Considering all the factors (i.e. history, health, safety, neighborhood) it is my opinion that the reaz addition be demolished." The report reads the front original property should be closed off and secured. From reseazch done by Code Enforesment and Oertel Arclutects, unless there is federal money used to tear the building down, the only authorization needed to remove it is from the Saint Paul Historic Preservation Office. However, if the City Council orders the building removed, that authorization is not needed. Gerry Stcathman stated the azchitecYs report reads that the rear addition should be demolished, but the Code Enforcement proposal is to demolish the entire building. Mr. Votel responded that is conect. Mr. Berg and Mr. Gilmer concurred with Mr. Votel. Aazon Rubenstein reported the building is deteriorated, particulazly the rear ha1f. The building has historic significance. It has been vacant and deteriorating for many yeazs. The owner has sought approval by the HPC and the City Council twice to demolish the building. It was denied both times. Ten days ago, the HPC recommended the City acquire the building in order to determine if there is a feasible use for it. Keith McCornuck, Irvine Pazk Association, 30 Irvine Pazk, appeazed and stated the association met last week and deternuned they do not want the building demolished. The association would like the property taken by imminent domain. Up unril 1985, the properiy was in reasonable to good condition. In the past 15 years, there has been a steady line of neglect; however, the properry is still standing and the front of the house is still square. This azea is Saint Paul's first neighborhood. Every other property in the district has been found to be redevelopable. Eleanor Gavin, 311 Walnut Street, appeazed and stated 270 Seventh Street West is a buffer into the historical district. She does not want her house to be alone facing the street. The properry in question could be a bed and breakfast. It is not to her advantage to have it go commercial. Kurt Schwichenberg, 314 Ryan Avenue, appeazed and stated he is trained as an azchitect and in business as a contractor. As such, he is the neighborhood &ont person to find a way to stabilize the building. He has had a lot of contact with Mr. Berg. The building was on the national register when the Bergs acquired it. They have done nothing but destroy it. With the condirion of the building and it being on the national register, it cannot be demolished. With that being the case, the value of the property is negative, and an acquisition by ir„minent domain would not be expensive. Gayle McEnroe, 307 Walnut Street #5, appeazed and stated she owns property in the azea and is concerned about 270 and 272 Seventh. In the six years she has been in the neighborhood, she has not seen anything done to keep the properry secured. Mr. Berg offered to sell the properry to the McEnroes. They had the idea of a bed and breakfast there. The back end of the property is bad, the roof is missing, water has been coming in, but she believes there is a use for the building. �C� �`tZ MINUTES OF THE LEGISLATIVE HEARING OF 7-6-99 Page 5 Mike DiSanto, 262 Fort Road, appeared and stated he has a business adjacent to this properry. They aze reluctaut to add more improvements to their property with 270 and 272 Seventh next to it. The building in question is not repairable and should be demolished. John DiSanto, 262 Ford Road, appeared and stated he owns 262 Seventh. They aze reluctant to eacpand with 270 and 272 Seventh next door. The DiSantos haue been passively supporting Mr. Berg's wishes to demolish the building. Mr. DiSanto is interested in being the owner for additional development of lris business. There must be a way to make this work without maintaining that property, such as some other designation of the site even though an eacpansion goes on. This has been done other places. The building in question is dangerous. He is amazed no one has been hurt. Originally he was going to redo the entire facility for corporate offices, stated Mr. Berg. A lot of money was spent on plans. The bay windows and horse shoe drive in the front was voted down by the City Council and the neighborhood. There were plans to put $750,000 into the properry, but the night the papers were signed and the properry was bought out of the bankruptcy, someone broke into the facility and removed all the antiques and the ceiling fans. The Bergs did not have insurance on it yet. His brother tried to put a magic business in there, but that got voted down by the City Council. There were various things Mr. Berg tried to do to have the building be something. Mr. Berg has done everythiug to comply with the City regulations. A lawn service takes caze of the lawn. He will board up windows one day and then will get a call the next day that the boards have been ripped off the wall. Debris is thrown around the area. He pays to get it cleaned up and has paid the City to do it when he does not get there quick enough. Had the City and the neighborhood been more lenient in their thought processes in the mid 1980's, dollars could have been put into the properiy. Mr. Strathman stated the only issue before him is the question of whether the initiative by Code Enforcement personnel to remove this property is a reasonable one. It appears the uutia6ve is reasonable. He is shuck by the last page from Oertel Architects in which is stated the following: "The original properry needs immediate attention in order to maintain its integrity. If this building is not secured sometime in the next year, repaired and sealed, the entire properly may collapse on itself, thereby solving the issue of what to do with the properry." He sees photographs of many buildings at these meetings, and this building is one of the worse, stated Mr. Strathman. Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the resolution. The meeting was adjourned at 11:07 a.m. rrn qR-G` � . .� ay �� •� o v� d �� 'N �� > � V •M � � � L � O 0 4 � � .� � a�, -G "1 a- CITY OF SAINT PAUL HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION RESOLUTION FILE NUMBER 99-3 DATE 8 July 1999 WEiEREAS, the Mannheimer Goodkind House at 270 West Seventh Street is a three-story, brick, double house constructed in 1874 in the Second Empire style; and WHEREAS, the Mannheimer Goodkind House is vacant and deteriorated and will be demolished if the City Council approves abatement orders following a public hearing scheduled for July 14, 1999; and WHEREAS, the Mannheimer Goodkind House is categorized as plvotal to the character of the local Itvine Pazk Heritage Preservation District, is categorized as contributing to the character of the Irvine Pazk National Register Historic District, and is among only a handful of remaining good examples of the Second Empire style in the Twin Cities; and WHEREAS, the Heritage Preservation Commission has twice denied approval of the cunent owners' requests to demolish the building, which decisions were appealed to the CiTy Council and the Council upheld the HPC decisions (in 1989-90 and 1995-96); and WHEREAS, the building has been essentially vacant since purchased by the current owners in 1985, at which time the building was in sound condition; and during this time the building has been allowed to become sia ificantly deteriorated; and WAEREAS, although numerous parties have expressed 'anterest in the building over the years, it appeazs that any sale of the property and rehabilitation and reuse of the building has been impeded by an asking price approximately three times the assessed value of the property; and WHEREAS, the West Seventh/Chestnut Small Area Plan, adopted by the City Council in 1991 as an amendment to the land use chapter of the City's comprehensive plan, inciudes goals and strategies to protect the historic character of the neighborhood, to reuse historic structures on their original sites, and to maintain an urban streetscape. The plan's historic preservation strategy #6 states that "The Mannheimer-Goodkind House is a'significanY structure in the National Register Irvine Pazk Historic District and a'pivotal' structure in the local Irvine Pazk Aeritage Preservation District. All attempts shouid be made to find a new use for the building, and demolition should be approved only as a£mal resort"; and WHEREAS, Chapter 73, Heritage Preservation Commission, of the Saint Paul Legislative Code states that its purposes aze to: 1) safeguard the heritage of the City of 5aint Paul by preserving sites and structures which reflect elements of the city's cultural, social, economic, politicai or architectural history; 2) protect and enhance the City of Saint Paul's attraction to residents, tourists and visitors, and serve as a support and stimulus to business and industry; 3) enhance the visual and aesthetic character, diversity and interest of the Ciry of Saint Paul; 4) foster civic pride in the beauty and notable accomplishments of the past; and 5) promote the use and preservation of historic sites and structures for the education and general welfare of the people of the City of Saint Paul; and WHEREAS, Sec.73.04(1) of the Legisiative Code states, in part, that the HPC "shail serve as an advisory body to the mayor and city council on municipal heritage preservation matters;" and WFIEREAS, Sec.73.04 of the Legislative Code, Powers and duties of the commission, Subsection 5, states: Heritage Preservation Commission Resolution #99-3 Page Two "E»unent domain. The heritage preservation commission may recoznmend to the city council, after review and comment by the city planning commission, that certain property eligible for designation as a heritage preservarion site be acquired by gift, by negotiation or by eminent domain as provided for in Chapter 117 of Minnesota Statutes"; and WHEREAS, HPC Resolution #2516 denied approval of a demolirion permit for the Mannheimer Goodkind House in 1995 and fmding #5 in that resolution stated the following: The only appazent way to preserve the Mannheimer-Goodkind House would be for the City to acquire it by gift, negotiation, or eminent domain. The City could then make every effort to fmd a way to reuse this pivotal structure and demolish it only as a last resort. The cunent owner appears to have absolutely no interest in preserving the structure, but rather, seems intent on destroying it by neglect. The buitding was in good condition when the owner acquired it ten years ago. (The assessed value of the property was $96,000 is 1985, dropped to $66,000 in 1989 and $38,700 in 1990, and has been $38,000 since 1991.) The City's STAR (Neighborhood Sales Tax Revitalization) Progam may to be the most likely source of funds to subsidize the structure's rehabilitation; and WHEREAS, the Heritage Preservation Commission believes that the finding cited above still holds true today; and WHEREAS, the Heritage Preservation Commission, following review of a 1990 reuse study for the building commissioned by the City, recoiumended that the City acquire the property, and the HPC essentially recommended the sazne thing in 1995 by asking the Planning Commission to review and comment on such action and by making the fmding cited above; NOW, THEREFORE, BE TT RESOLVED that the Saint Paul Heritage Preservafion Commission recommends that the City acquire by gift, negotiation, or eminent domain the Mannheimer Goodkind House at 270 West Seventh Street as the only potential way to preserve this pivotal historic structure, the intent being not lona term City ownership but rather for the City to try to find a new owner or developer to rehabilitate at least the originai, front portion of the structure; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Heritage Preservation Commission requests the Planning Commission to review and comment on City acquisition of the property, with the Pianning Commission's findings to be further reviewed by the Heritage Preservation Commission, and requests that PED/fiRP, conduct an analysis to estimate the costs of acquisition and rehabilitation; and BE TC FPi TALLY RESOLVED that the Heritage Preseroation Commission urges the City to proceed immediately with whatever summary abatement is necessary to stabilize the bailding and address the prunary healtti/safety issues. MOVED BY Younkin SECONDED BY Murphy IN FAVOR AGAINST ABSTAIIV � � �� ` �� .,_^ . ,,.... ..-ce.�-- -.. --^ cca,.a ' ._ � � � _ �� , y � o ; � � -„ `, � .7. �\ v � i �. �� , � � k ..,..,..- .. <,.. . ;� � ,� � �i r ,�^, • � ,. 4�� ¢ h � � �� << ti r�� r '4i,! � f �) ; �o , �� , �I� ° �, � � \� �. .. �V I � � ' � �;, �. ..��±�I�II \ ?'�`.. ` •' ..., '.,... . ` � .. .. -;... . �� ,. . , .-. . �. � �. . �`� ��' � S . . � \ `� � '�. \ �` � ',� � � � . it � • � �� .. , \ � . � \ � � a ._ ` � ! � � \\` ,' � � F \ 1 � `@ , �._. � ` �q�� t� ! �� r., � "s.�._ ' �. _ .. . , .. .,. � �. � � �. " �.i; , . � _ ._. _� . . _ . __ :-_ v. ' .... , � _ - .� �. .. - � -' ' .. ` . . � _•.a.- `�-�.�_ ... i � �' .. .. � / ��.5`t" _ � � .. . " � �I - -....� ' 1'- =� � '`' '" ' _> °� � ` ''�",�' . �'�:'� ��'� '-.�\ !�r �- -!�„, x , ' , � ��, / .: (Y� a. � ,'� i. - � i � � � � �� a\ \\ ., \�. �� „ •`` � � �� 9: .�� .� � � _. � � �` , ; - � ,> � k . �.:: ;, �� !. .. ' r .,-. -. .. , � i: �- " ; � �,;, ,.�� ..�, . J I \ { q r f! � r � � � a -` �v`. � i a' t ', M1�t� .� ;� . ... . fb�.: . _.. . ` .,., a'.. 'C i ( � �THE HISTORIC IRVINE PARK ASSOCIATION� July 2, 1996 Re: Historic Mannheimer House To Whom It Concerns: a q.G� 2- That seems a strange introduction, because the unfortunate position we aIl find ourselves in is that this historic structure has not concemed more persons unril no�v. On behalf of the Historic Trvine Pazk Associarion, there aze several points that must become part of the public record in the discussion on the disposition of the remains of this building. First, the Historic Irvine Park Associarion strongly encourages the City of St. Paul to exercise its right of eminent domain over this historic properry. This is appropriate and, some would argue, necessary, since the current owner of this building has evidenced flagrant disregard for the public resource placed in his care. The willful destrucrion of the property is the most serious violation of the codes intended to protect this historic district. Continued control by the present owner of the site should not be allowed. Beyond the deshuction of an historic building, simple responsible property ownership should have dictated some protective bamer to limit danger to local children. The persistent failure to aclrnowledge this responsibility borders on criminal negligence. Finally, even without the presence of the building, the lot continues to be part of a National Historic District. The properiy affects the state's premier historic site, the Alexander Ramsey House. Confinued obligations to develop the property on West Seventh in sympathy with the historic district guidelines will remain, an obligation there is no evidence the current owner is capable of keeping. The Historic Irvine Park Association recognizes that the abuse of this property has been so extreme as to potentially renter its restoration economically infeasible. However, an impartial evaluation of this prospect has never been possible under the current owner's criteria for sale. Further, in the event any party will take responsibiliry for demolishing the balance of this structure, the Association must insist that the full rigorof compliance with procedures in the demolition of historic property be exercised. This should include the documentarion of what is being removed as well as archaeological explorations, not only of the balance of the stnicture, but also of the lot itself. This building was moved on this lot (from street frontage to the rear of the lot), and both the original foundation site and the current foundation site should be excavated and documented. We believe that this demolition would not have been necessitated but for the actions of the current owner, and that the cost of this documentarion and research, rightly part of the cost of demolition of a historic property, should also be assessed to the current owner. We deeply regret the tragic flaws in our preservation system that have led to the loss of this building. We strongly encourage decisive, protective acrion of the Ciry's historic resources from this point forward, both through appropriate actions with regazd to this proper[y, as well as changes in the process for dealing with such properties in the future. �� ItC�r�� . ��te.a.��'t� �.__, � � _ ��a- 14 July, 1999 Good evening! My name is John DiSanto. I represent my family, we oum and operate Fort Road Florist. Which is located at 262 West 7�' Street, next door to the Ma.unheimer Building. Eight years ago three corners of the intersection of Chestnut and West 7`�' Street were vacant. My family purchased one of those properties at a time when the area was at it's worst. The first year we were there we had people sleeping out front on the sidewalk., We remodeled the building and started a business, a business that has continually given back to the community. Today the neighborhood is flourishing and the three once vacant properties are occupied by successful growing enterprises. My family has a plan to further improve our building and grow our business. We are very reluctant to do so because of the condition of the Mannheimer building. The building has been deemed unsafe and we are very concerned for our customers and tenants. The building is infested with raccoons and is an unsightly eyesore. The effects of any improvements we make will be minimized because of the detrimental appearance and condition of the Mannheimer building. In eight years not one single workable proposal has been made for this property. There has to be a limit as to how long my family and the neighbarhood must endure this building. Pm asking you now to finally put this problem property issue to rest and follow the recommendations of the City's Hearing Officer. It's now time to act far the betterment of the community and allow for the demolition of this building. Thank You `�__ �=� "'°� � , `L� ' � ' l � ohn D. Di Santo 62 Fort Road �t. Paul , MN. 55102 651 222 1460 �� /, � � � � G O v �' t1. � � G�`< � ..C+Ob K C�G µ N p � < (�u � � � 7 n G �S G ^ n`G� v+ .^� �' � O '��' ro � .C ,��, � �� ' (� n O N � O .^�• N A O �.��s.fl �-h � O N C W y. � M �" � ' "� N N N � � �' 'L3 � � ~ � � A � o ,�� ' O m �` � � � � f� O � � n � C.m � yyy� r � � y O .s � y. � N ' N .+ �'�' � � ? F � �aF � N � 3 'S�" N O V v+ `. R' � � m�°m � 0 � ° w ° c. x �� o . =£ p �,o �� m � o c � N d S � � �" o � � tr� � n � � ~ O � K � 7 \ � � � � @ �\ IV � � N � � � m � f ♦ � � �� .`5 � � ��R "C (p V �� _ � 7�'�O �� p R p1 � � tlt � N m O C �THE HISTORIC IRVINE PARK ASSOCIATION� July 2, 1996 Re: Historic Mannheimer House To Whom It Concerns: �q,G�Y That seems a strange introducfion, because the unfor[unate position we all find ourselves in is that this historic shucture has not concemed more persons until now. On behalf of the Historic Irvine Park Associarion, there are several points that must become part of the public record in the discussion on the disposirion of the remains of this building. First, the Historic Irvine Park Association strongly encourages the City of St. Paul to exercise its right of eminent domain over this historic property. This is appropriate and, some would argue, necessary, since the current owner of this building has evidenced flagrant disregard for the public resource placed in his care. The willful destruction of the property is the most serious violation of the codes intended to protect this historic district. Continued control by the present owner of the site should not be allowed. Beyond the destruction of an historic building, simple responsible property ownership should have dictated some protective barrier to limit danger to local children. The persistent failure to acknowledge this responsibility borders on criminal negligence. Finally, even without the presence of the building, the lot continues to be part of a National Historic District. The property affects the state's premier historic site, the Alexander Ramsey House. Continued obligations to develop the property on West Seventh in sympathy with the historic district guidelines will remain, an obligarion there is no evidence the current owner is capable of keeping. The Historic Irvine Park Association recognizes that the abuse of this property has been so extreme as to potenrially renter its restorafion economically infeasible. However, an impartial evaluation of this prospect has never been possible under the current owner's criteria for sale. Further, in the event any party will take responsibility for demolishing the balance of this structure, the Association must insist that the full rigor of compliance with procedures in the demolition of historic property be exercised. This should include the documentation of what is being removed as well as archaeological explorations, not only of the balance of the structure, but also of the lot itself. This building was moved on this lot (from street frontage to the rear of the lot), and both the original foundarion site and the current foundation site should be excavated and documented. We believe that this demolirion would not have been necessitated but for the actions of the current owner, and that the cost of this documentarion and research, rightly part of the cost of demolirion of a historic property, should also be assessed to the current owner. We deeply regret the tragic flaws in our preservarion system that have led to the loss of this building. We strongly encourage decisive, protective acrion of the City's historic resources from this point forward, both through appropriate actions with regard to this property, as well as changes in the process for dealing with such properties in the future, ��.�-� ��'r`lC�`J�itr.t� �/ ��%��`"�� From: Aaron Rubenstein To: STPAUL.apigate.Council, Admin.Mayor.kimberly, PEDD... Date: 7/13/99 3:16pm Subject: HPC resolution re: 270 W. 7th St. a q " G � y I have attached a resolution, conceming the historic Mannheimer Goodkind House at 270 W. Seventh St., that the Heritage Preservation Commission voted 7-0 to approve on July 8, 1999. A City Council public hearing to consider orders to repair or remove the building within 15 days is scheduled for tomorrow (agenda item #42). The three "resolved" Gauses at the end of the HPC's resolution do the following: 1. recommend that the City acquire the property "as the only potential way to preserve this pivotal historic structure, the intent being not long-term City ownership but rather for the City to try to find a new owner or developer to rehabilitate at least the original, front portion of the structure"; 2. request the Planning Commission to review and comment on City acquisition of the property and request that PEDMRA conduct an anaiysis to estimate the costs of acquisition and rehabilitation; and 3. urge the City to proceed immediately with whatever summary abatement is necessary to stabilize the building and address the primary health/safety issues. The HPC voted on June 24th to recommend these actions and voted to approve the formal resolution on July Sth. I delayed distribution of the resolution due to consultation with the City Attorney's office. Council File # � � � �R(GINAL Presented By Referred To Green Sheet # G 4 � [� \GVVV ��VI� CITY AINT UL, I SOTA Committee: Date 4a 1 WHEREAS, Citizen Service Office, Division of Code Enforcement has requested the City Council 2 to hold public hearings to consider the advisability and necessity of ordering the repair or wrecking and 3 removal of a two-story, wood frame dwelling located on properry hereinafter referred to as the "Subject 4 Property" and commonly known as 270-272 West Seventh Street. This property is legally described as 5 follows, to wit: 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 The Southeasterly'/z of Lot 1, Block 28, Rice & Irvine's Addition to St. Paul, EXCEPT the Northwesterly 35 feet of said Southeasterly'h; ALSO Lot 5, Block 28, Rice & Irvine's Addition to St. Paul. WHEREAS, based upon the records in the Ramsey County Recorder's Office and information obtained by Division of Code Enforcement on or before January 12, 1998, the following are the now known interested or responsible parties for the Subject Property: Keith McCormick, Irvine Park Association, 30 Irvine Park, St Paul, MN 55102; Betty Berg, 263 Wyoming Street East, St. Paul, MN 55107; Hyman Simes & Josephine Berg-Sunes, 419 Wildwood Avenue, Birchwood, MN 55110; David A. Berg, 711 Woodridge Drive, Mendota Heights, MN 55118-1809; Aaron Rubenstein, Heritage Preservation, 300 Lowry Professional Bldg., St. Paul, NIN 55102; Bazbara McCornuck (President), Irvine Park Association, 30 Irvine Park, St. Paul, MN 55102; American Accounts & Advisors, Inc., 3904 Cedarvale Drive, Eagan, MN 55122 WHEREAS, Division of Code Enforcement has served in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 45 of the 5aint Paul Legislative Code an ordex identified as an"Qrder to Abate Nuisance Building(s)" dated Februuy 25, 1998; and WIIEREAS, tlus order informed the then known interested or responsible parties that the structure located on the Subject Property is a nuisance building(s) pursuant to Chapter 45; and WF�REAS, this order informed the interested or responsible parties that they must repair or demolish the structure located on the Subject Property by March 27, 1998; and WF�REAS, the enforcement officer has posted a placard on the Subject Property declaring this building(s) to constitute a nuisance condition; subject to demolition; and WF�REAS, this nuisance condition has not been corrected and Division of Code Enforcement requested that the City Clerk schedule public hearings befoxe the Legislative Hearing Officer of the City Council and the Saint Paul City Council; and WHEREAS, the interested and responsible parties have been served notice in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Pau1 Legislative Code, of the time, date, place and purpose of the public hearings; and qq - G'l � 1 WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the Saint Paul City 2 Council on Tuesday, July 6, 1999 to heaz testimony and evidence, and after receiving testimony and 3 evidence, made the recommendation to approve the request to arder the interested or responsible parties to 4 make the Subject Property safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and welfare and 5 remove its blighting influence on the coxnmunity by rehabilitating this structure in accordance with all 6 applicable codes and ordinances, or in the alternative by demolishing and removing the struchue in 7 accordance with ali applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition of the structure to be 8 completed within fifteen (15) days after the date of the Council Hearing; and 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Saint Paul City Council on Wednesday, July 14, 1999 and the testimonp and evidence including the action taken by the Legislative Hearing Officer was considered by the Council; now therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that based upon the testimony and evidence presented at the above referenced public hearings, the Saint Paul City Council hereby adopts the following Findings and Order concerning the Subject Property at 270-272 West Seventh Street: That the Subject Property comprises a nuisance condition as defined in Saint Pau1 Legislative Code, Chapter 45. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. That the costs of demolition and removal of this building(s) is estimated to exceed tluee thousand dollars ($3,000.00). That there now exists and has existed multiple Housing or Building code violations at the Subject Property. That an Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) was sent to the then known responsible parties to correct the deficiencies ar to demolish and remove the building(s). That the deficiencies causing this nuisance condition have not been corrected. That Division of Code Enforcement has posted a placard on the Subject Property which declares it to be a nuisance condition subject to demolition. That this building has been routinely monitored by the Citizen Service Offices, Division of Code Enforcement, Vacant/Nuisance Buildings. 8. That the known interested parties and owners are as previously stated in this resolution and that the notification requirements of Chapter 45 have been fulfilled. ORDER The Saint Paul City Council hereby makes the following order: 1. The above referenced interested or responsibie parties shall make the Subject Properiy safe and not detximental to the public peace, health, safety and welfare and remove its blighting influence on the community by rehabilitating this structure and conecting all deficiencies as prescribed in the above referenced Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances, or in the alternative by demolishing and removing the structure in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition and removal of the structure must be completed within fifteen (15) days after the date of the Council Hearing. ORIGINAL qq-t�a 2. If the above corrective action is not completed within this period of tune the Citizen Service Office, 2 Division of Code Enforcement is hereby authorized to take whatever steps are necessary to 3 demolish and remove this structure, fill the site and charge the costs incurred against the Subject 4 Property pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. 5 b 7 8 9 10 il 12 3. In the event the building is to be demolished and removed by the City of Saint Paul, all personal property or fixtures of any kind which interfere with the demolition and removal shall be removed from the properry by the responsible parties by the end of this time period. If ali personal property is not removed, it shall be considered to be abandoned and the City of Saint Paul shall remove and dispose of such property as provided by law. 4. It is fiuther ordered, that a copy of this resolution be mailed to the owners and 'mterested parties in accordance with Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. Requested by Department of: By: � \ t R Approved by Mayor: Date+�,l(1 Z,7j �� s 1��2� Citize Service Office- Code Enforcement By: � � Form Ap ved by City Attorney B c �.� � Adopted by Council: Date �. Adoption Certified by Council Secretary Approved by Mayor for Submission to � Warren R. Bostrom 266-8439 TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE DATE INRI/�TED A431GN MUMB9tPoR GREEN SHEET �.�,��K.� � a„�.,.�. � a9. - `� �- n,o 61670 �� ROUTING �� ❑wYNaRlaE0.VICFS00. puMtlatsER'(1/LC�¢ � WWR(ORAIS6T ❑ :S (CLIP ALL L ATIONS FOR SIGNATURE) City Council to pass this resolution which will order the owner(s) to remove or repair the referenced building(s). If the owner fails to comply with the resolufion, the Citizen Service Office, Division of Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building. The subject property is located at 270-272 West Seventh Street. PLANNING COMMISSION CIB CAMMII7EE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Has this persoNfirm ever vrorked undx a contraG for th'�s department7 VE$ NO Has tl�ia P��m� aver been a city amPhY�? YES NO Ooes Uus A��Rn Doasese a shU nM nomalNP� M�Y ��R�� Y emPbYce4 YFS NO !t Mie Pe�soMfi[m a targNed vendM YES NO �lain ali ves ans�eB On seo02M Sheet aM athaC� t0 nfeen shEM This building(s) is a nuisance bualding(s) as defined in Chapter 45 and a vacant building as defined in Chapter 43 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. The owners, interested parties and responsible parties known to the Enforcement Officer were given an order to repair or remove the building at 270-272 West Seventh Street by Maroh 27, 1998, and have failed to comply with those orders. IF APPROVED I The City will elaninate a nuisance. �1UN 17 1999 �� The City will spend funds to wreck and remove this building(s). These costs will be assessed to the property, A nrxisance condition will remain unabated in the City. This building(s) will continue to blight the community. AMOUNTOFTRANSACTIONS �17,000 - �IH Nuisance Housing Abatement COET/REVENUE BUDfiETED (CIRCLE ON� YE NO ACTIVITV NUMBER 33261 . ts + n �� z 4Z. REVISED REPORT LEGISLATIVE HEARING Date: July 6, 1999 Time: 10:00 a.m. Place: Room 330 City Hall 15 West Kellogg Boulevard Gerry Strathman Legislative Hearing Officer 1. Vehicle Abatement Appeal for 1183 Arkwright Street. (Appealing letter dated 5-12-99 and Laid over from 6-1-99) Summary Abatement Appeal for 1183 Arkwright Street. (Appealing letter dated 6-7-99) Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal on the storage of vehicles and amending the compliance date on the vehicles to September 1, 1999. 2. Summary Abatements: File J9903A - Property Clean-Up during April 1999. File J9903B - Boarding-up of vacant buildings during March 1999. 537 Chazles Avenue (File J9903S) Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal and approval of the assessment. 1580 Sloan Street (File J9903A) Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal and approval of the assessment. 941 Edmund Avenue (File J9903B) Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the July 20 Legislative Hearing. 915 Chazles Avenue (File J9903A} Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the July 20 Legislative Hearing. 3. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 290 Bates Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the 6uilding. Gerry Strathman recommended First Narionwide Mortgage, the mortgagee, be given six month to complete the rehabilitarion on condition that the vacant building fee is paid, a code compliance inspection is completed, and a$2,�Q0 bond is posted by noon of July 14, 1999. �i�t- t��Z y2. LEGISLATIVE HEARING REPORT OF 7-6-99 Page 2 4. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 270 and 272 Seventh Street West. If the owner faiLs to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building. Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the resolution. The meeting was adjourned at 11:07 a.m. iiTil �q � c. � a— CITY OF SAINT PAUL HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMIVIISSION RESOLUTION FILE NUMI3ER 2si6 DATE 16 November 1995 WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission is authorized by Chapter 73 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code to review building permit applications for ea�terior alterations, new construcrion or demolition on or within designated Heritage Preservafion Sites or Heritage Preservation Dish-icts; and WHEREAS, David Berg has applied for a permit to demolish the structure located at 270 West Seventh Street within the Irvine Pazk Heritage Preservation District; and WH�REAS, the Mannheimer Goodkind House at 270 West Seventh Street is a Second Empue style double house built in 1874 and categorized as pivotal to the Irvine Park Heritage Preservation District; and WHEREAS, Section 73.06(i)(2) of the Saint Paul Legislative Code prescribes fmdings to be made by the Heritage Preservation Commission in reviewing permit applications for demolition and states: In the case of the propased demalition of a building, prior to approval of said demolition, the commission shall make written findings on the fallowing: the architectural and historical merit of the building, the effect of the demolition on surrozmding buildings, the effect of any proposed new construction on the remainder of the building (in case of partial demolition) and on surrounding buildings, and the economic value or usefulness of the building as it now exists or if altered or modified in comparison with the value or usefulness of any proposed structures designated to replace the present buiZding or buildings, and WIIEREAS, Section 73.04(5) of the Saint Paut Legislative Code states: The heritage preservation commission may recommend to the city council, after review and comment by the city planning commission, that certain property eligible for designation as a heritage preservation site be acquired by g� by negotiation or by eminent do»zain as provided for in Chapter 117 of Minnesota Statutes, and WI�REAS, Section 4410.4300. Subp. 31 Historical Places of the State of Minnesota Environmental Quality Boazd Rules states that an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EA� must be prepared before the permitting state agency or local unJt of government may issue a demolition permit for a properry listed on the National Register of Historic Places; and W73EREAS, the Saint Paul Her�tage Preservation Commission, based upon the evidence presented at its November 16, 1995 public hearing on said permit application, made the following findings of fact: 1. The applicant proposes to demolish the structure and use the site for off-street parking leased to three neazby businesses--a baz, an antique shop, and the adjacent Dairy Queen. A site plan for the pazking lot has not been submitted. The letter accompanying the demolition permit application states that it is not economically feasible to rehabilitate and reuse the structure. q9 - �� - Heritage Preservation Commission Resolurion: File #2516 Page Two 2. A December 26, 1989 memorandum from Assistant City Attorney James Hart to City Councilmembers about the 1989 demolifion appeal states that "Yhe CiTy may lawfully deny a permit for demolirion of a historic structure, unless the owner establishes that there is not ewnomic zeuse of the property in which event the City must either issue the permit or condemn the property paying just compensation." The burden of proof of lack of economic use or return falls on the property owner. Judiciai decisions have indicated, however, that governmental units cannot require owners of designated historic properties to maintain them indefinitely if their use is not economically viable. The applicant claims that he has contacted City staff about City financial assistance/subsidy for rehabilitation of the structure and has been turned down repeatedly. This claim has not been substantiated. One factor in the economic equation for reuse of the structure is the cost of the properiy. The properry has a 1995 assessed value of $38,000 ($20,4001and, $17,600 building) but the asking price, according to the applicanYs representative, is $115,000. The asking price reflects the owner's belief that off-street puking is the highest and best use of the property. 4. The Mannheimer-Goodkind House is in a seriously deteriorated condition. In the rear part of the building, there is no roof and the third floor and at least half of the second floor are gone as well, all resulting from the removal of shuctural supports. The 1990 reuse study commissioned by the City 1) recommended that the reaz part ofthe building be demolished and the front part gutted and 2) found that reuse of the sUvcture would require a lazge, presumably public, subsidy of a least $200,000 and in most cases substantially more. It does indeed appear that the structure l�as no economic use without very substanrial subsidy. The only apparent way to preserve the Mannheimer-Goodkind House would be for the City to acquire it by gift, negotiation, or eminent domain. The City could then make every effort to find a way to reuse this pivotal shucture and demolish it only as a last resort. The current owner appears to have absolutely no interest in preserving the stnxcture, but rather, seems intent on destroying it by neglect. The building was in good condition when the owner acquired it ten years ago. (The assessed value of the properry was $96,000 is 1985, dropped to $66,000 in 1989 and $38,700 in 1990, and has been $38,000 since 1991.) The City's STAR (Neighborhood Sales Tas Revita]ization) Program may to be the most likely source of funds to subsidize the shucture's rehabilitation. 6. The Mannheimer-Goodkind House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the significant houses in the Irvine Park Historic District and is categorized as pivotal to the locally designated Irvine Park Heritage Preservation District. The house was built in 1874 and is among only a handful of remaining good examples of the Second Empire style in the Twin Cities. It serves as a wonderful complement to the Alexander Ramsey House, a more ornate e�mple of this style on the same block, the only other Second Empire style house in the Irvine Park District and the most important azchitectural landmark in the district. The National Register Nomination Form for the Irvine Park Historic District states that the district is significant because, as 'bne of the last surviving original segments of the Twin Cities a`�-�� metropolitan azea, [it] is the only complete representation of residential development Heritage Preservation Commission Resolution: File #2516 Page Three from the start of white settlement in the late 1840s unfil the close of the 19th century. It contains homes built during ail major phases of economic growth in 19th cenriuy Saint Paul, without complete obliteration of previous phases, as has been done in most other major metropolitan areas. More significantly, the Irvine Pazk Historic District interprets as well as and in some aspects, better than any other Saint Paul area, the lives of the men who provided the political, economic, military, medical and religious leadership that shaped the territorial and state capitol at Saint Paul." Loss of the pivotal, highly visible, Second Empire style, historic structure at 270 West Seventh Street would harm the districYs representation of 19th century residential development and would have a significant adverse impact on the character and integriTy of the Irvine Park Heritage Preservation District. Built as a side-by-side double house by John Crrace, the structure at 270 West Seventh Sh�eet belonged to the Grace family until 1907 though they never lived there. After serving as IZamsey County sheriff, Grace made his livelihood from such real estate inveshnents. One of the first residents of the house was Jacob H. Stewart, a physician who served several terms as Saint Paul mayor. From 1877 to 1890, the house was the home of the Louis Goodkind and the Emil and Jacob Mannheimer families. The three men were partners in Goodkind and Mannheimer Bros., which was the largest dry goods store west of Chicago in the 1870s, later became Schuneman and Mannheuner, and was acquired by Dayton's in 1460. 9. The boundaries of both the local and National Register Irvine Park districts extend out to West Seven`th Street on this block because of the Mannheimer House. It is the only building in the district along West Seventh Street which is contributing to the district, and it connects the district to this highly visible major arterial street which was formerly named Fort Road and from the first years of settlement was the connecting link between Saint Paul and the territorial military fortifications at Fort Snelling. The Mannheimer-Goodkind House also connects the district to and complements the Rochat-Louise Block across the street, two Victorian buildings on West Seventh street which are representative of commercial storefront architecture of the late nineteenth century and which are National Register and locally designated historic buildings. With no other contributing buildings along West Seventh Street, there would be no justification to include the lots along West Seventh Street within the boundaries of the district if the Mannheimer-Goodkind House were demolished. 10. The Nationai Register Nomination Form for the Irvine Park Historic District, written in 1973, states that the Mannheimer House "is unchanged except for the stucco resurfacing and the rebuilt front porch, [is] now used as a boarding house, [and] is well maintained and in good condition." The building was renovated and opened as a bed and breakfast hostelry in 1981. 11. Because the Mannheimer-Goodkind House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Irvine Park Historic District, an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EA� must be prepazed in conformance with Section 4410.4300. Subp. 31. Historical Places of the State of Minnesota Environmental Quality Board Rules before the City may issue a permit for demolition of the building. An EAW has not yet been prepared. �q -(.�Y 12. The West Seventh/Chestnut Small Area Plan, adopted by the City Council in 1991 as an amendment to the land use chapter of the City's comprehensive plan, includes goals and Heritage Preservation Commission Resolution: File #2516 Page Four strategies to protect the historic character of the neighborhood, to reuse historic structures on their original sites, and to maintain an urban streetscape. The plan's historic preservation strategy #6 states: The Mannheimer-Goodkind House is a'sign�ant'structure in the National Register Irvine Park Historic District and a pivotal'structure in the Zocal Irvine Park Heritage Preservation District. All attempts should be made to find a new use for the building, and demolition should be approved only as a fnal resort. 13. The Planning Commission found in 1990 that City acquisition of the Mannheimer-Goodkind House was consistent with the City's comprehensive plan but inconsistent with the 1990 Capital Allocation Policy and may set an inappropriate precedent. 14. The applicant's representative has stated (at the public hearing) that the applicant believes that the Mannheimer Goodkind House is a historic structure that should be preseroed but its rehabilitation would be too expensive for him to undertake. He further stated that the owner wishes the City to acquire the property by eminent domain. NOW, TIIEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that based on the above findings and code citations, the Heritage Preservation Commission denies approval of a permit to demolish the Mannheimer Goodkind House at 270 West Seventh Street; and BE IT FURTT�R RESOLVED, that the Heritage Preservation Commission requests Planning Commission review and comment on the possibility of City acquisition of the properry; and BE TT I'INALLY RE50LVED, that the Heritage Preservation Commission requests that appropriate City departments investigate the possibility of City Council action to order the immediate stabilization of the shucture, under summary abatement, to include reinstallation of the destroyed center bearing wall and floor and roof decks, temporary roof covering, and secure boazding of the structure. MOVED BY Lunning SECONDED BY Carey IN FAVOR 11 AGAINST 0 ABSTAIN 0 Decisions of the Aeritage Preservation Commission are final, subjeM to appeal to the City Council within 14 days by anyone affected by t6e decision. This resolution does not obviate the need for meeflng appiicable building and zoning code reqnirements, and does not constitute approval for tax credits. �� i �� y CITIZIN SERVICE OFFICE F>ed Owusu, Ciry Clerk aq-��Y DIVtSION OF PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEME�*C Warren R Bosttam, PsoAram Mana,¢er t;j� �F" S�r pA� Nuisemce Bui/ding Code Enforcemen! NormColemmi,Mayar ISW.KelloggBlvdRm190 Tel: 65I-266-8440 SairaPaul,MN55102 Fax:657-266-8426 , , �" V'.:,."$.�i.,i�'v'G'!�i`t�l �f'-a..r,.,'., . \SS3tSY fr+S S PG ' . June 11, 1999 �y�;�� , � �� NOTICE OF PUELIC HEARINGS � Council President and Members of the City Council _-- '- --- __. Citizen Service Office, VacantJNuisance Buildings Enforcement Division has requested the CiTy Council schedule public heaxings ta consider a resolution ordering the repair or removal of the nuisance building(s) located at: 270-272 West Seventh Street The City Council has scheduled the date of these heazings as follows: Legislative Hearing - Tuesday, July 6, 1999 City Council Hearing - Wednesday, July 14,1999 The owners and responsible parties of record are: Name and Last Kno�vn Address Keith McCormick Irvine Park Association 30 Irvine Park St Paul, MN 55102 Interest Member of Irvine Park Assoc. Betty Berg 263 Wyoming Street East St. Paul, MN 55107 Hyman Simes & Josephine Berg-Simes 419 Wildwood Avenue Birchwood, MN 55110 Fee Owner Lien Holder Gl°I'`� 270-272 West Seventh Street June 11, 1999 Page 2 Name and Last Known Address David A. Berg 711 Woodridge Drive Mendota Heights, MN 55118-1809 Aaron Rubenstein Heritage Preservation 300 Lowry Professional Bldg. St. Paul, MN 55102 Barbara McCornuck (President) Irvine Park Association 30 Irvine Park St. Paul, MN 55102 American Accounts & Advisors, Inc. 3904 Cedarvale Drive Eagan, MN 55122 The le�ai description of this properry is: Interest Fee Owner Heritage Preservation District Interested Party Irvine Park Assoc. 3udgment Creditor The Southeasterly Yz of Lot l, Block 28, Rice & Irvine's Addition to St. Paul, EXCEPT the Northwesterly 35 feet of said Southeasterly'/; ALSO Lot 5, Block 23, Rice & Irvine's Addition to St. Paul. Division of Code Enforcement has declared this building(s} to constitute a"nuisance" as defined by Le�islative Code, Chapter 45. Division of Code Enforcement has issued an order to the then known responsible parties to eliminate this nuisance condition by conecting the deficiencies or by razing and removin� this building(s). a q-��- 270-272 West Seventh Street 7une 11, 1999 Pa�e3 Inasmuch as this Order to Abate has not been complied with the nuisance condition remains unabated, the communiTy continues to suffer the bli�hting influence of this property. It is the recommendation of the Division of Code Enforcement that the City Council pass a resolution ordering the responsible parties to eithet repau, oY demolish and remove this buildin� in a timely manner, and failing that, authorize the Division of Code Enforcement to proceed to demolition and removal, and to assess the costs incurred against the real estate as a special assessment to be collected in the same inaunet as taxes. � � �uildings Supervisor � of Code Enforcement Citizen Service Office RW:mI cc: Frank Berg, Building Inspection and Desi� Rachel Young, City Attorneys O�ce Nancy Anderson, Assistant Secretary to the Council Steve Zaccard, Fire Marshall Paul Mordorski, PED-Housing Division �� z MINUTES OF Tf� LEGISLATIVE HEARING Tuesday, July 6, 1999 Room 330 Courthouse Gerry Strathman, I,Egislative Heazing Officer The meeting was called to order at 10:02 a.m. STAFF PRESENT: Aaron Rubenstein, Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) of License, Inspections, Environmental Protection (LIEP); Chuck Votel, Code Enforcement; Guy Willits, Code Enforcement. Vehicle Abatement Appeal for 1183 Arkwri�ht Street. (Appealing letter dated 5-12-99) (Laid over from 6-1-99) Summary Abatement Appeal for 1183 Arkwright Street. (Appealing letter dated 6-7-99) Guy Willits reported this matter was laid over from June 1 for unlicensed vetricles pazked on an unapproved surface. Last week, the velucles were srill on the property. (Mr. Willits presented photographs to Gerry Strathman. Roacanne Heinrich was shown them also.) Donald Drouin Jr., owner, and Roxanne Heinrich, attorney, appeazed. Ms. Heinrich stated Mr. Drouin had a heart attack, does not have money, and is requesting additional time to remove the vehicles. Mr. Strathman asked do the vehicles have current tabs. Guy Willits responded one of them does. Mr. Drouin responded all the vehicles were registered last yeaz. He plans to repair the vekricles and sell them. He has the driveway the house came with, stated Mr. Drouin. That azea has always been used for pazking. He is trying to get a loan to build a proper driveway. Mr. Strathman stated the City ordinance is clear on this issue: vehicles cannot be stored in the exterior. If it is parked outside, it is suppose to be licensed, registered, and operational. Ms. Heinrich responded she would like to see a history for the parking surfaces because her client feels it is an approved surface. Ms. Heinrich stated a temporary fence may help. Mr. Strathman responded the fence may be more of a problem. Mr. Strathman asked how much time is needed. By the end of August, responded Mr. Drouin. Mr. Votel stated no one would be physically hanned by the caz sitting there another 30 to 45 days. Mr. Willits concurred. Gerry Strathman denied the appeal on the storage of velucles and amended the compliance date on the vehicles to September 1, 1999. MINUTES OF TI� LEGISLATIVE HEARING OF 7-6-99 Summary Abatements: File J9903A - Property Clean-Up during April 1499. File J9903B - Boarding-up of vacant buildings during March 1999. 537 Chazles Avenue (File J9903B) No one appeazed representing the properry. Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal and approval of the assessment. 1580 Sloan Avenue (File J9903A) ��, ��Z Page 2 Guy Willits reported orders were mailed on 3-5-99 to remove large amount of gazbage, tires, junk, debris, etc. The compliance date was 3-11-99. It was rechecked on 4-1-99. The work was done by the Pazks and Recreation Department on 4-2-99 at a total cost of $340. (A videotape was shown.) Ruthie 5mith, owner, and Danisa Fazley, her daughter, appeared. Ms. Fazley stated they were uncleaz why her mother received this assessment, but now they know. However, it was a closed shed. The workers had no idea what were in the bags that were removed. Gerry Strathman stated he was puzzled also why the workers were inside the gazage. It was open, responded Mr. Willits. Ms. Fazley responded it is cleaz in the videotape that the workers raised the shed door. Mr. Strathman suggested if Ms. Fazley feels that the workers did something illegal, then a report should be filed with the City Attorney's Office. However, from the video, it is clear a lazge amount of refuse was removed outside the gazage, and that is what the assessment is for. Ms. Fazley stated her mother was in the process of having debris removed &om her yazd. A dumpster was delivered to her home; however, it was removed before Ms. Smith had a chance to put all the debris in the dumpster. No one laiocked on Ms. Smith's door. She was not notified. Ms. Fazley believes the way it was done was deceptive. According to information received from Code Enforcement, Mr. Strathman stated, Ms. Smith was notified March 5. The cleanup was done in April. Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal and approval of the assessment. 941 Edmund Avenue (File J9903B) Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the July 20 Legislative Hearing per Guy Willits. ��-��Z MINUTES OF Tf� LEGISLATIVE HEARING OF 7-6-99 915 Charles Avenue (File J9903A) Page 3 Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the July 20 Legisiative Hearing at the owner's request. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 290 Bates Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building. Rolf Lindberg, attorney for First Nationwide Mortgage (3001 Metro Drive, Suite 130, Bloomington), appeazed. There was a foreclosure sale held on Mazch 5, 1999. First Nationwide Mortgage is holder of the sheriff certificate right now. They aze not the owners yet, but they haue a strong interest in the property not being demolished. Chuck Votel reported this property was condemned July 1998; it has been vacant since. The current property owners aze David and 7ulie Brooks and Ronald and Myrtle Williams. The owners have not discussed their intentions with Code Enforcement. Four summary abatement notices have been issued to cut tall grass, remove refuse, secure the dwelling, and remove snow and ice. The vacant building fees aze due. The real estate taxes aze paid. Ramsey County has estimated the market value at $52,400. The estimated cost to repair is $35,000; cost to demolish, $7,000 to $8,000. Mr. Lindberg stated he had to get pernussion to enter the building because First Nationwide Mortgage is not the owner yet. Mr. Lindberg is negotiating with the City Attorney's Office. An agreement has been signed so that First Nationwide will indemnify the City if there is a claim by the real owner. A code compliance inspection can be done this week in order for him to know the extent of the damage. Gerry Strathman recommended that First Nationwide Mortgage be given six month to complete the repairs on the building with the following conditions: a code compliance inspection is completed, vacant building fee is paid, and a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of July 14, 1999. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 270 and 272 Seventh Street West. If the owner fails to compty with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building. Dauid Berg, owner, and Cory Gilmer, representing Betty Berg, appeazed. Chuck Votel reported this properiy was originally condemned March 1992. The current property owners aze David and Betty Berg. Since 1992, the City has issued 19 summary abatement notices to secure the building, cut tall grass, and remove refuse. The real estate taYes aze paid. Ramsey County estimated the mazket value is $38,000. The estimated cost to repair this building is azound $1,000,000. The estimated cost to demolish is $20,000. This is a historic building, stated Mr. Votel. Oertel Architects was hired to look at the historical ranufica6ons of the building and what would stand in the way of the City demolishing it. There ��.��12 MINLTTES OF TI-� LEGISLATIVE HEARING OF 7-6-99 Page 4 was a reaz addition put on the building. The end of the Oertel Architects report includes the following: "My strongest recommendarion is to take acfion. Considering all the factors (i.e. history, health, safety, neighborhood) it is my opinion that the reaz addition be demolished." The report reads the front original property should be closed off and secured. From reseazch done by Code Enforesment and Oertel Arclutects, unless there is federal money used to tear the building down, the only authorization needed to remove it is from the Saint Paul Historic Preservation Office. However, if the City Council orders the building removed, that authorization is not needed. Gerry Stcathman stated the azchitecYs report reads that the rear addition should be demolished, but the Code Enforcement proposal is to demolish the entire building. Mr. Votel responded that is conect. Mr. Berg and Mr. Gilmer concurred with Mr. Votel. Aazon Rubenstein reported the building is deteriorated, particulazly the rear ha1f. The building has historic significance. It has been vacant and deteriorating for many yeazs. The owner has sought approval by the HPC and the City Council twice to demolish the building. It was denied both times. Ten days ago, the HPC recommended the City acquire the building in order to determine if there is a feasible use for it. Keith McCornuck, Irvine Pazk Association, 30 Irvine Pazk, appeazed and stated the association met last week and deternuned they do not want the building demolished. The association would like the property taken by imminent domain. Up unril 1985, the properiy was in reasonable to good condition. In the past 15 years, there has been a steady line of neglect; however, the properry is still standing and the front of the house is still square. This azea is Saint Paul's first neighborhood. Every other property in the district has been found to be redevelopable. Eleanor Gavin, 311 Walnut Street, appeazed and stated 270 Seventh Street West is a buffer into the historical district. She does not want her house to be alone facing the street. The properry in question could be a bed and breakfast. It is not to her advantage to have it go commercial. Kurt Schwichenberg, 314 Ryan Avenue, appeazed and stated he is trained as an azchitect and in business as a contractor. As such, he is the neighborhood &ont person to find a way to stabilize the building. He has had a lot of contact with Mr. Berg. The building was on the national register when the Bergs acquired it. They have done nothing but destroy it. With the condirion of the building and it being on the national register, it cannot be demolished. With that being the case, the value of the property is negative, and an acquisition by ir„minent domain would not be expensive. Gayle McEnroe, 307 Walnut Street #5, appeazed and stated she owns property in the azea and is concerned about 270 and 272 Seventh. In the six years she has been in the neighborhood, she has not seen anything done to keep the properry secured. Mr. Berg offered to sell the properry to the McEnroes. They had the idea of a bed and breakfast there. The back end of the property is bad, the roof is missing, water has been coming in, but she believes there is a use for the building. �C� �`tZ MINUTES OF THE LEGISLATIVE HEARING OF 7-6-99 Page 5 Mike DiSanto, 262 Fort Road, appeared and stated he has a business adjacent to this properry. They aze reluctaut to add more improvements to their property with 270 and 272 Seventh next to it. The building in question is not repairable and should be demolished. John DiSanto, 262 Ford Road, appeared and stated he owns 262 Seventh. They aze reluctant to eacpand with 270 and 272 Seventh next door. The DiSantos haue been passively supporting Mr. Berg's wishes to demolish the building. Mr. DiSanto is interested in being the owner for additional development of lris business. There must be a way to make this work without maintaining that property, such as some other designation of the site even though an eacpansion goes on. This has been done other places. The building in question is dangerous. He is amazed no one has been hurt. Originally he was going to redo the entire facility for corporate offices, stated Mr. Berg. A lot of money was spent on plans. The bay windows and horse shoe drive in the front was voted down by the City Council and the neighborhood. There were plans to put $750,000 into the properry, but the night the papers were signed and the properry was bought out of the bankruptcy, someone broke into the facility and removed all the antiques and the ceiling fans. The Bergs did not have insurance on it yet. His brother tried to put a magic business in there, but that got voted down by the City Council. There were various things Mr. Berg tried to do to have the building be something. Mr. Berg has done everythiug to comply with the City regulations. A lawn service takes caze of the lawn. He will board up windows one day and then will get a call the next day that the boards have been ripped off the wall. Debris is thrown around the area. He pays to get it cleaned up and has paid the City to do it when he does not get there quick enough. Had the City and the neighborhood been more lenient in their thought processes in the mid 1980's, dollars could have been put into the properiy. Mr. Strathman stated the only issue before him is the question of whether the initiative by Code Enforcement personnel to remove this property is a reasonable one. It appears the uutia6ve is reasonable. He is shuck by the last page from Oertel Architects in which is stated the following: "The original properry needs immediate attention in order to maintain its integrity. If this building is not secured sometime in the next year, repaired and sealed, the entire properly may collapse on itself, thereby solving the issue of what to do with the properry." He sees photographs of many buildings at these meetings, and this building is one of the worse, stated Mr. Strathman. Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the resolution. The meeting was adjourned at 11:07 a.m. rrn qR-G` � . .� ay �� •� o v� d �� 'N �� > � V •M � � � L � O 0 4 � � .� � a�, -G "1 a- CITY OF SAINT PAUL HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION RESOLUTION FILE NUMBER 99-3 DATE 8 July 1999 WEiEREAS, the Mannheimer Goodkind House at 270 West Seventh Street is a three-story, brick, double house constructed in 1874 in the Second Empire style; and WHEREAS, the Mannheimer Goodkind House is vacant and deteriorated and will be demolished if the City Council approves abatement orders following a public hearing scheduled for July 14, 1999; and WHEREAS, the Mannheimer Goodkind House is categorized as plvotal to the character of the local Itvine Pazk Heritage Preservation District, is categorized as contributing to the character of the Irvine Pazk National Register Historic District, and is among only a handful of remaining good examples of the Second Empire style in the Twin Cities; and WHEREAS, the Heritage Preservation Commission has twice denied approval of the cunent owners' requests to demolish the building, which decisions were appealed to the CiTy Council and the Council upheld the HPC decisions (in 1989-90 and 1995-96); and WHEREAS, the building has been essentially vacant since purchased by the current owners in 1985, at which time the building was in sound condition; and during this time the building has been allowed to become sia ificantly deteriorated; and WAEREAS, although numerous parties have expressed 'anterest in the building over the years, it appeazs that any sale of the property and rehabilitation and reuse of the building has been impeded by an asking price approximately three times the assessed value of the property; and WHEREAS, the West Seventh/Chestnut Small Area Plan, adopted by the City Council in 1991 as an amendment to the land use chapter of the City's comprehensive plan, inciudes goals and strategies to protect the historic character of the neighborhood, to reuse historic structures on their original sites, and to maintain an urban streetscape. The plan's historic preservation strategy #6 states that "The Mannheimer-Goodkind House is a'significanY structure in the National Register Irvine Pazk Historic District and a'pivotal' structure in the local Irvine Pazk Aeritage Preservation District. All attempts shouid be made to find a new use for the building, and demolition should be approved only as a£mal resort"; and WHEREAS, Chapter 73, Heritage Preservation Commission, of the Saint Paul Legislative Code states that its purposes aze to: 1) safeguard the heritage of the City of 5aint Paul by preserving sites and structures which reflect elements of the city's cultural, social, economic, politicai or architectural history; 2) protect and enhance the City of Saint Paul's attraction to residents, tourists and visitors, and serve as a support and stimulus to business and industry; 3) enhance the visual and aesthetic character, diversity and interest of the Ciry of Saint Paul; 4) foster civic pride in the beauty and notable accomplishments of the past; and 5) promote the use and preservation of historic sites and structures for the education and general welfare of the people of the City of Saint Paul; and WHEREAS, Sec.73.04(1) of the Legisiative Code states, in part, that the HPC "shail serve as an advisory body to the mayor and city council on municipal heritage preservation matters;" and WFIEREAS, Sec.73.04 of the Legislative Code, Powers and duties of the commission, Subsection 5, states: Heritage Preservation Commission Resolution #99-3 Page Two "E»unent domain. The heritage preservation commission may recoznmend to the city council, after review and comment by the city planning commission, that certain property eligible for designation as a heritage preservarion site be acquired by gift, by negotiation or by eminent domain as provided for in Chapter 117 of Minnesota Statutes"; and WHEREAS, HPC Resolution #2516 denied approval of a demolirion permit for the Mannheimer Goodkind House in 1995 and fmding #5 in that resolution stated the following: The only appazent way to preserve the Mannheimer-Goodkind House would be for the City to acquire it by gift, negotiation, or eminent domain. The City could then make every effort to fmd a way to reuse this pivotal structure and demolish it only as a last resort. The cunent owner appears to have absolutely no interest in preserving the structure, but rather, seems intent on destroying it by neglect. The buitding was in good condition when the owner acquired it ten years ago. (The assessed value of the property was $96,000 is 1985, dropped to $66,000 in 1989 and $38,700 in 1990, and has been $38,000 since 1991.) The City's STAR (Neighborhood Sales Tax Revitalization) Progam may to be the most likely source of funds to subsidize the structure's rehabilitation; and WHEREAS, the Heritage Preservation Commission believes that the finding cited above still holds true today; and WHEREAS, the Heritage Preservation Commission, following review of a 1990 reuse study for the building commissioned by the City, recoiumended that the City acquire the property, and the HPC essentially recommended the sazne thing in 1995 by asking the Planning Commission to review and comment on such action and by making the fmding cited above; NOW, THEREFORE, BE TT RESOLVED that the Saint Paul Heritage Preservafion Commission recommends that the City acquire by gift, negotiation, or eminent domain the Mannheimer Goodkind House at 270 West Seventh Street as the only potential way to preserve this pivotal historic structure, the intent being not lona term City ownership but rather for the City to try to find a new owner or developer to rehabilitate at least the originai, front portion of the structure; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Heritage Preservation Commission requests the Planning Commission to review and comment on City acquisition of the property, with the Pianning Commission's findings to be further reviewed by the Heritage Preservation Commission, and requests that PED/fiRP, conduct an analysis to estimate the costs of acquisition and rehabilitation; and BE TC FPi TALLY RESOLVED that the Heritage Preseroation Commission urges the City to proceed immediately with whatever summary abatement is necessary to stabilize the bailding and address the prunary healtti/safety issues. MOVED BY Younkin SECONDED BY Murphy IN FAVOR AGAINST ABSTAIIV � � �� ` �� .,_^ . ,,.... ..-ce.�-- -.. --^ cca,.a ' ._ � � � _ �� , y � o ; � � -„ `, � .7. �\ v � i �. �� , � � k ..,..,..- .. <,.. . ;� � ,� � �i r ,�^, • � ,. 4�� ¢ h � � �� << ti r�� r '4i,! � f �) ; �o , �� , �I� ° �, � � \� �. .. �V I � � ' � �;, �. ..��±�I�II \ ?'�`.. ` •' ..., '.,... . ` � .. .. -;... . �� ,. . , .-. . �. � �. . �`� ��' � S . . � \ `� � '�. \ �` � ',� � � � . it � • � �� .. , \ � . � \ � � a ._ ` � ! � � \\` ,' � � F \ 1 � `@ , �._. � ` �q�� t� ! �� r., � "s.�._ ' �. _ .. . , .. .,. � �. � � �. " �.i; , . � _ ._. _� . . _ . __ :-_ v. ' .... , � _ - .� �. .. - � -' ' .. ` . . � _•.a.- `�-�.�_ ... i � �' .. .. � / ��.5`t" _ � � .. . " � �I - -....� ' 1'- =� � '`' '" ' _> °� � ` ''�",�' . �'�:'� ��'� '-.�\ !�r �- -!�„, x , ' , � ��, / .: (Y� a. � ,'� i. - � i � � � � �� a\ \\ ., \�. �� „ •`` � � �� 9: .�� .� � � _. � � �` , ; - � ,> � k . �.:: ;, �� !. .. ' r .,-. -. .. , � i: �- " ; � �,;, ,.�� ..�, . J I \ { q r f! � r � � � a -` �v`. � i a' t ', M1�t� .� ;� . ... . fb�.: . _.. . ` .,., a'.. 'C i ( � �THE HISTORIC IRVINE PARK ASSOCIATION� July 2, 1996 Re: Historic Mannheimer House To Whom It Concerns: a q.G� 2- That seems a strange introduction, because the unfortunate position we aIl find ourselves in is that this historic structure has not concemed more persons unril no�v. On behalf of the Historic Trvine Pazk Associarion, there aze several points that must become part of the public record in the discussion on the disposition of the remains of this building. First, the Historic Irvine Park Associarion strongly encourages the City of St. Paul to exercise its right of eminent domain over this historic properry. This is appropriate and, some would argue, necessary, since the current owner of this building has evidenced flagrant disregard for the public resource placed in his care. The willful destrucrion of the property is the most serious violation of the codes intended to protect this historic district. Continued control by the present owner of the site should not be allowed. Beyond the deshuction of an historic building, simple responsible property ownership should have dictated some protective bamer to limit danger to local children. The persistent failure to aclrnowledge this responsibility borders on criminal negligence. Finally, even without the presence of the building, the lot continues to be part of a National Historic District. The properiy affects the state's premier historic site, the Alexander Ramsey House. Confinued obligations to develop the property on West Seventh in sympathy with the historic district guidelines will remain, an obligation there is no evidence the current owner is capable of keeping. The Historic Irvine Park Association recognizes that the abuse of this property has been so extreme as to potentially renter its restoration economically infeasible. However, an impartial evaluation of this prospect has never been possible under the current owner's criteria for sale. Further, in the event any party will take responsibiliry for demolishing the balance of this structure, the Association must insist that the full rigorof compliance with procedures in the demolition of historic property be exercised. This should include the documentarion of what is being removed as well as archaeological explorations, not only of the balance of the stnicture, but also of the lot itself. This building was moved on this lot (from street frontage to the rear of the lot), and both the original foundation site and the current foundation site should be excavated and documented. We believe that this demolition would not have been necessitated but for the actions of the current owner, and that the cost of this documentarion and research, rightly part of the cost of demolition of a historic property, should also be assessed to the current owner. We deeply regret the tragic flaws in our preservation system that have led to the loss of this building. We strongly encourage decisive, protective acrion of the Ciry's historic resources from this point forward, both through appropriate actions with regazd to this proper[y, as well as changes in the process for dealing with such properties in the future. �� ItC�r�� . ��te.a.��'t� �.__, � � _ ��a- 14 July, 1999 Good evening! My name is John DiSanto. I represent my family, we oum and operate Fort Road Florist. Which is located at 262 West 7�' Street, next door to the Ma.unheimer Building. Eight years ago three corners of the intersection of Chestnut and West 7`�' Street were vacant. My family purchased one of those properties at a time when the area was at it's worst. The first year we were there we had people sleeping out front on the sidewalk., We remodeled the building and started a business, a business that has continually given back to the community. Today the neighborhood is flourishing and the three once vacant properties are occupied by successful growing enterprises. My family has a plan to further improve our building and grow our business. We are very reluctant to do so because of the condition of the Mannheimer building. The building has been deemed unsafe and we are very concerned for our customers and tenants. The building is infested with raccoons and is an unsightly eyesore. The effects of any improvements we make will be minimized because of the detrimental appearance and condition of the Mannheimer building. In eight years not one single workable proposal has been made for this property. There has to be a limit as to how long my family and the neighbarhood must endure this building. Pm asking you now to finally put this problem property issue to rest and follow the recommendations of the City's Hearing Officer. It's now time to act far the betterment of the community and allow for the demolition of this building. Thank You `�__ �=� "'°� � , `L� ' � ' l � ohn D. Di Santo 62 Fort Road �t. Paul , MN. 55102 651 222 1460 �� /, � � � � G O v �' t1. � � G�`< � ..C+Ob K C�G µ N p � < (�u � � � 7 n G �S G ^ n`G� v+ .^� �' � O '��' ro � .C ,��, � �� ' (� n O N � O .^�• N A O �.��s.fl �-h � O N C W y. � M �" � ' "� N N N � � �' 'L3 � � ~ � � A � o ,�� ' O m �` � � � � f� O � � n � C.m � yyy� r � � y O .s � y. � N ' N .+ �'�' � � ? F � �aF � N � 3 'S�" N O V v+ `. R' � � m�°m � 0 � ° w ° c. x �� o . =£ p �,o �� m � o c � N d S � � �" o � � tr� � n � � ~ O � K � 7 \ � � � � @ �\ IV � � N � � � m � f ♦ � � �� .`5 � � ��R "C (p V �� _ � 7�'�O �� p R p1 � � tlt � N m O C �THE HISTORIC IRVINE PARK ASSOCIATION� July 2, 1996 Re: Historic Mannheimer House To Whom It Concerns: �q,G�Y That seems a strange introducfion, because the unfor[unate position we all find ourselves in is that this historic shucture has not concemed more persons until now. On behalf of the Historic Irvine Park Associarion, there are several points that must become part of the public record in the discussion on the disposirion of the remains of this building. First, the Historic Irvine Park Association strongly encourages the City of St. Paul to exercise its right of eminent domain over this historic property. This is appropriate and, some would argue, necessary, since the current owner of this building has evidenced flagrant disregard for the public resource placed in his care. The willful destruction of the property is the most serious violation of the codes intended to protect this historic district. Continued control by the present owner of the site should not be allowed. Beyond the destruction of an historic building, simple responsible property ownership should have dictated some protective barrier to limit danger to local children. The persistent failure to acknowledge this responsibility borders on criminal negligence. Finally, even without the presence of the building, the lot continues to be part of a National Historic District. The property affects the state's premier historic site, the Alexander Ramsey House. Continued obligations to develop the property on West Seventh in sympathy with the historic district guidelines will remain, an obligarion there is no evidence the current owner is capable of keeping. The Historic Irvine Park Association recognizes that the abuse of this property has been so extreme as to potenrially renter its restorafion economically infeasible. However, an impartial evaluation of this prospect has never been possible under the current owner's criteria for sale. Further, in the event any party will take responsibility for demolishing the balance of this structure, the Association must insist that the full rigor of compliance with procedures in the demolition of historic property be exercised. This should include the documentation of what is being removed as well as archaeological explorations, not only of the balance of the structure, but also of the lot itself. This building was moved on this lot (from street frontage to the rear of the lot), and both the original foundarion site and the current foundation site should be excavated and documented. We believe that this demolirion would not have been necessitated but for the actions of the current owner, and that the cost of this documentarion and research, rightly part of the cost of demolirion of a historic property, should also be assessed to the current owner. We deeply regret the tragic flaws in our preservarion system that have led to the loss of this building. We strongly encourage decisive, protective acrion of the City's historic resources from this point forward, both through appropriate actions with regard to this property, as well as changes in the process for dealing with such properties in the future, ��.�-� ��'r`lC�`J�itr.t� �/ ��%��`"�� From: Aaron Rubenstein To: STPAUL.apigate.Council, Admin.Mayor.kimberly, PEDD... Date: 7/13/99 3:16pm Subject: HPC resolution re: 270 W. 7th St. a q " G � y I have attached a resolution, conceming the historic Mannheimer Goodkind House at 270 W. Seventh St., that the Heritage Preservation Commission voted 7-0 to approve on July 8, 1999. A City Council public hearing to consider orders to repair or remove the building within 15 days is scheduled for tomorrow (agenda item #42). The three "resolved" Gauses at the end of the HPC's resolution do the following: 1. recommend that the City acquire the property "as the only potential way to preserve this pivotal historic structure, the intent being not long-term City ownership but rather for the City to try to find a new owner or developer to rehabilitate at least the original, front portion of the structure"; 2. request the Planning Commission to review and comment on City acquisition of the property and request that PEDMRA conduct an anaiysis to estimate the costs of acquisition and rehabilitation; and 3. urge the City to proceed immediately with whatever summary abatement is necessary to stabilize the building and address the primary health/safety issues. The HPC voted on June 24th to recommend these actions and voted to approve the formal resolution on July Sth. I delayed distribution of the resolution due to consultation with the City Attorney's office. Council File # � � � �R(GINAL Presented By Referred To Green Sheet # G 4 � [� \GVVV ��VI� CITY AINT UL, I SOTA Committee: Date 4a 1 WHEREAS, Citizen Service Office, Division of Code Enforcement has requested the City Council 2 to hold public hearings to consider the advisability and necessity of ordering the repair or wrecking and 3 removal of a two-story, wood frame dwelling located on properry hereinafter referred to as the "Subject 4 Property" and commonly known as 270-272 West Seventh Street. This property is legally described as 5 follows, to wit: 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 The Southeasterly'/z of Lot 1, Block 28, Rice & Irvine's Addition to St. Paul, EXCEPT the Northwesterly 35 feet of said Southeasterly'h; ALSO Lot 5, Block 28, Rice & Irvine's Addition to St. Paul. WHEREAS, based upon the records in the Ramsey County Recorder's Office and information obtained by Division of Code Enforcement on or before January 12, 1998, the following are the now known interested or responsible parties for the Subject Property: Keith McCormick, Irvine Park Association, 30 Irvine Park, St Paul, MN 55102; Betty Berg, 263 Wyoming Street East, St. Paul, MN 55107; Hyman Simes & Josephine Berg-Sunes, 419 Wildwood Avenue, Birchwood, MN 55110; David A. Berg, 711 Woodridge Drive, Mendota Heights, MN 55118-1809; Aaron Rubenstein, Heritage Preservation, 300 Lowry Professional Bldg., St. Paul, NIN 55102; Bazbara McCornuck (President), Irvine Park Association, 30 Irvine Park, St. Paul, MN 55102; American Accounts & Advisors, Inc., 3904 Cedarvale Drive, Eagan, MN 55122 WHEREAS, Division of Code Enforcement has served in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 45 of the 5aint Paul Legislative Code an ordex identified as an"Qrder to Abate Nuisance Building(s)" dated Februuy 25, 1998; and WIIEREAS, tlus order informed the then known interested or responsible parties that the structure located on the Subject Property is a nuisance building(s) pursuant to Chapter 45; and WF�REAS, this order informed the interested or responsible parties that they must repair or demolish the structure located on the Subject Property by March 27, 1998; and WF�REAS, the enforcement officer has posted a placard on the Subject Property declaring this building(s) to constitute a nuisance condition; subject to demolition; and WF�REAS, this nuisance condition has not been corrected and Division of Code Enforcement requested that the City Clerk schedule public hearings befoxe the Legislative Hearing Officer of the City Council and the Saint Paul City Council; and WHEREAS, the interested and responsible parties have been served notice in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Pau1 Legislative Code, of the time, date, place and purpose of the public hearings; and qq - G'l � 1 WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the Saint Paul City 2 Council on Tuesday, July 6, 1999 to heaz testimony and evidence, and after receiving testimony and 3 evidence, made the recommendation to approve the request to arder the interested or responsible parties to 4 make the Subject Property safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and welfare and 5 remove its blighting influence on the coxnmunity by rehabilitating this structure in accordance with all 6 applicable codes and ordinances, or in the alternative by demolishing and removing the struchue in 7 accordance with ali applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition of the structure to be 8 completed within fifteen (15) days after the date of the Council Hearing; and 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Saint Paul City Council on Wednesday, July 14, 1999 and the testimonp and evidence including the action taken by the Legislative Hearing Officer was considered by the Council; now therefore BE IT RESOLVED, that based upon the testimony and evidence presented at the above referenced public hearings, the Saint Paul City Council hereby adopts the following Findings and Order concerning the Subject Property at 270-272 West Seventh Street: That the Subject Property comprises a nuisance condition as defined in Saint Pau1 Legislative Code, Chapter 45. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. That the costs of demolition and removal of this building(s) is estimated to exceed tluee thousand dollars ($3,000.00). That there now exists and has existed multiple Housing or Building code violations at the Subject Property. That an Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) was sent to the then known responsible parties to correct the deficiencies ar to demolish and remove the building(s). That the deficiencies causing this nuisance condition have not been corrected. That Division of Code Enforcement has posted a placard on the Subject Property which declares it to be a nuisance condition subject to demolition. That this building has been routinely monitored by the Citizen Service Offices, Division of Code Enforcement, Vacant/Nuisance Buildings. 8. That the known interested parties and owners are as previously stated in this resolution and that the notification requirements of Chapter 45 have been fulfilled. ORDER The Saint Paul City Council hereby makes the following order: 1. The above referenced interested or responsibie parties shall make the Subject Properiy safe and not detximental to the public peace, health, safety and welfare and remove its blighting influence on the community by rehabilitating this structure and conecting all deficiencies as prescribed in the above referenced Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances, or in the alternative by demolishing and removing the structure in accordance with all applicable codes and ordinances. The rehabilitation or demolition and removal of the structure must be completed within fifteen (15) days after the date of the Council Hearing. ORIGINAL qq-t�a 2. If the above corrective action is not completed within this period of tune the Citizen Service Office, 2 Division of Code Enforcement is hereby authorized to take whatever steps are necessary to 3 demolish and remove this structure, fill the site and charge the costs incurred against the Subject 4 Property pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. 5 b 7 8 9 10 il 12 3. In the event the building is to be demolished and removed by the City of Saint Paul, all personal property or fixtures of any kind which interfere with the demolition and removal shall be removed from the properry by the responsible parties by the end of this time period. If ali personal property is not removed, it shall be considered to be abandoned and the City of Saint Paul shall remove and dispose of such property as provided by law. 4. It is fiuther ordered, that a copy of this resolution be mailed to the owners and 'mterested parties in accordance with Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. Requested by Department of: By: � \ t R Approved by Mayor: Date+�,l(1 Z,7j �� s 1��2� Citize Service Office- Code Enforcement By: � � Form Ap ved by City Attorney B c �.� � Adopted by Council: Date �. Adoption Certified by Council Secretary Approved by Mayor for Submission to � Warren R. Bostrom 266-8439 TOTAL # OF SIGNATURE DATE INRI/�TED A431GN MUMB9tPoR GREEN SHEET �.�,��K.� � a„�.,.�. � a9. - `� �- n,o 61670 �� ROUTING �� ❑wYNaRlaE0.VICFS00. puMtlatsER'(1/LC�¢ � WWR(ORAIS6T ❑ :S (CLIP ALL L ATIONS FOR SIGNATURE) City Council to pass this resolution which will order the owner(s) to remove or repair the referenced building(s). If the owner fails to comply with the resolufion, the Citizen Service Office, Division of Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building. The subject property is located at 270-272 West Seventh Street. PLANNING COMMISSION CIB CAMMII7EE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Has this persoNfirm ever vrorked undx a contraG for th'�s department7 VE$ NO Has tl�ia P��m� aver been a city amPhY�? YES NO Ooes Uus A��Rn Doasese a shU nM nomalNP� M�Y ��R�� Y emPbYce4 YFS NO !t Mie Pe�soMfi[m a targNed vendM YES NO �lain ali ves ans�eB On seo02M Sheet aM athaC� t0 nfeen shEM This building(s) is a nuisance bualding(s) as defined in Chapter 45 and a vacant building as defined in Chapter 43 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. The owners, interested parties and responsible parties known to the Enforcement Officer were given an order to repair or remove the building at 270-272 West Seventh Street by Maroh 27, 1998, and have failed to comply with those orders. IF APPROVED I The City will elaninate a nuisance. �1UN 17 1999 �� The City will spend funds to wreck and remove this building(s). These costs will be assessed to the property, A nrxisance condition will remain unabated in the City. This building(s) will continue to blight the community. AMOUNTOFTRANSACTIONS �17,000 - �IH Nuisance Housing Abatement COET/REVENUE BUDfiETED (CIRCLE ON� YE NO ACTIVITV NUMBER 33261 . ts + n �� z 4Z. REVISED REPORT LEGISLATIVE HEARING Date: July 6, 1999 Time: 10:00 a.m. Place: Room 330 City Hall 15 West Kellogg Boulevard Gerry Strathman Legislative Hearing Officer 1. Vehicle Abatement Appeal for 1183 Arkwright Street. (Appealing letter dated 5-12-99 and Laid over from 6-1-99) Summary Abatement Appeal for 1183 Arkwright Street. (Appealing letter dated 6-7-99) Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal on the storage of vehicles and amending the compliance date on the vehicles to September 1, 1999. 2. Summary Abatements: File J9903A - Property Clean-Up during April 1999. File J9903B - Boarding-up of vacant buildings during March 1999. 537 Chazles Avenue (File J9903S) Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal and approval of the assessment. 1580 Sloan Street (File J9903A) Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal and approval of the assessment. 941 Edmund Avenue (File J9903B) Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the July 20 Legislative Hearing. 915 Chazles Avenue (File J9903A} Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the July 20 Legislative Hearing. 3. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 290 Bates Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the 6uilding. Gerry Strathman recommended First Narionwide Mortgage, the mortgagee, be given six month to complete the rehabilitarion on condition that the vacant building fee is paid, a code compliance inspection is completed, and a$2,�Q0 bond is posted by noon of July 14, 1999. �i�t- t��Z y2. LEGISLATIVE HEARING REPORT OF 7-6-99 Page 2 4. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 270 and 272 Seventh Street West. If the owner faiLs to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building. Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the resolution. The meeting was adjourned at 11:07 a.m. iiTil �q � c. � a— CITY OF SAINT PAUL HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMIVIISSION RESOLUTION FILE NUMI3ER 2si6 DATE 16 November 1995 WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission is authorized by Chapter 73 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code to review building permit applications for ea�terior alterations, new construcrion or demolition on or within designated Heritage Preservafion Sites or Heritage Preservation Dish-icts; and WHEREAS, David Berg has applied for a permit to demolish the structure located at 270 West Seventh Street within the Irvine Pazk Heritage Preservation District; and WH�REAS, the Mannheimer Goodkind House at 270 West Seventh Street is a Second Empue style double house built in 1874 and categorized as pivotal to the Irvine Park Heritage Preservation District; and WHEREAS, Section 73.06(i)(2) of the Saint Paul Legislative Code prescribes fmdings to be made by the Heritage Preservation Commission in reviewing permit applications for demolition and states: In the case of the propased demalition of a building, prior to approval of said demolition, the commission shall make written findings on the fallowing: the architectural and historical merit of the building, the effect of the demolition on surrozmding buildings, the effect of any proposed new construction on the remainder of the building (in case of partial demolition) and on surrounding buildings, and the economic value or usefulness of the building as it now exists or if altered or modified in comparison with the value or usefulness of any proposed structures designated to replace the present buiZding or buildings, and WIIEREAS, Section 73.04(5) of the Saint Paut Legislative Code states: The heritage preservation commission may recommend to the city council, after review and comment by the city planning commission, that certain property eligible for designation as a heritage preservation site be acquired by g� by negotiation or by eminent do»zain as provided for in Chapter 117 of Minnesota Statutes, and WI�REAS, Section 4410.4300. Subp. 31 Historical Places of the State of Minnesota Environmental Quality Boazd Rules states that an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EA� must be prepared before the permitting state agency or local unJt of government may issue a demolition permit for a properry listed on the National Register of Historic Places; and W73EREAS, the Saint Paul Her�tage Preservation Commission, based upon the evidence presented at its November 16, 1995 public hearing on said permit application, made the following findings of fact: 1. The applicant proposes to demolish the structure and use the site for off-street parking leased to three neazby businesses--a baz, an antique shop, and the adjacent Dairy Queen. A site plan for the pazking lot has not been submitted. The letter accompanying the demolition permit application states that it is not economically feasible to rehabilitate and reuse the structure. q9 - �� - Heritage Preservation Commission Resolurion: File #2516 Page Two 2. A December 26, 1989 memorandum from Assistant City Attorney James Hart to City Councilmembers about the 1989 demolifion appeal states that "Yhe CiTy may lawfully deny a permit for demolirion of a historic structure, unless the owner establishes that there is not ewnomic zeuse of the property in which event the City must either issue the permit or condemn the property paying just compensation." The burden of proof of lack of economic use or return falls on the property owner. Judiciai decisions have indicated, however, that governmental units cannot require owners of designated historic properties to maintain them indefinitely if their use is not economically viable. The applicant claims that he has contacted City staff about City financial assistance/subsidy for rehabilitation of the structure and has been turned down repeatedly. This claim has not been substantiated. One factor in the economic equation for reuse of the structure is the cost of the properiy. The properry has a 1995 assessed value of $38,000 ($20,4001and, $17,600 building) but the asking price, according to the applicanYs representative, is $115,000. The asking price reflects the owner's belief that off-street puking is the highest and best use of the property. 4. The Mannheimer-Goodkind House is in a seriously deteriorated condition. In the rear part of the building, there is no roof and the third floor and at least half of the second floor are gone as well, all resulting from the removal of shuctural supports. The 1990 reuse study commissioned by the City 1) recommended that the reaz part ofthe building be demolished and the front part gutted and 2) found that reuse of the sUvcture would require a lazge, presumably public, subsidy of a least $200,000 and in most cases substantially more. It does indeed appear that the structure l�as no economic use without very substanrial subsidy. The only apparent way to preserve the Mannheimer-Goodkind House would be for the City to acquire it by gift, negotiation, or eminent domain. The City could then make every effort to find a way to reuse this pivotal shucture and demolish it only as a last resort. The current owner appears to have absolutely no interest in preserving the stnxcture, but rather, seems intent on destroying it by neglect. The building was in good condition when the owner acquired it ten years ago. (The assessed value of the properry was $96,000 is 1985, dropped to $66,000 in 1989 and $38,700 in 1990, and has been $38,000 since 1991.) The City's STAR (Neighborhood Sales Tas Revita]ization) Program may to be the most likely source of funds to subsidize the shucture's rehabilitation. 6. The Mannheimer-Goodkind House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the significant houses in the Irvine Park Historic District and is categorized as pivotal to the locally designated Irvine Park Heritage Preservation District. The house was built in 1874 and is among only a handful of remaining good examples of the Second Empire style in the Twin Cities. It serves as a wonderful complement to the Alexander Ramsey House, a more ornate e�mple of this style on the same block, the only other Second Empire style house in the Irvine Park District and the most important azchitectural landmark in the district. The National Register Nomination Form for the Irvine Park Historic District states that the district is significant because, as 'bne of the last surviving original segments of the Twin Cities a`�-�� metropolitan azea, [it] is the only complete representation of residential development Heritage Preservation Commission Resolution: File #2516 Page Three from the start of white settlement in the late 1840s unfil the close of the 19th century. It contains homes built during ail major phases of economic growth in 19th cenriuy Saint Paul, without complete obliteration of previous phases, as has been done in most other major metropolitan areas. More significantly, the Irvine Pazk Historic District interprets as well as and in some aspects, better than any other Saint Paul area, the lives of the men who provided the political, economic, military, medical and religious leadership that shaped the territorial and state capitol at Saint Paul." Loss of the pivotal, highly visible, Second Empire style, historic structure at 270 West Seventh Street would harm the districYs representation of 19th century residential development and would have a significant adverse impact on the character and integriTy of the Irvine Park Heritage Preservation District. Built as a side-by-side double house by John Crrace, the structure at 270 West Seventh Sh�eet belonged to the Grace family until 1907 though they never lived there. After serving as IZamsey County sheriff, Grace made his livelihood from such real estate inveshnents. One of the first residents of the house was Jacob H. Stewart, a physician who served several terms as Saint Paul mayor. From 1877 to 1890, the house was the home of the Louis Goodkind and the Emil and Jacob Mannheimer families. The three men were partners in Goodkind and Mannheimer Bros., which was the largest dry goods store west of Chicago in the 1870s, later became Schuneman and Mannheuner, and was acquired by Dayton's in 1460. 9. The boundaries of both the local and National Register Irvine Park districts extend out to West Seven`th Street on this block because of the Mannheimer House. It is the only building in the district along West Seventh Street which is contributing to the district, and it connects the district to this highly visible major arterial street which was formerly named Fort Road and from the first years of settlement was the connecting link between Saint Paul and the territorial military fortifications at Fort Snelling. The Mannheimer-Goodkind House also connects the district to and complements the Rochat-Louise Block across the street, two Victorian buildings on West Seventh street which are representative of commercial storefront architecture of the late nineteenth century and which are National Register and locally designated historic buildings. With no other contributing buildings along West Seventh Street, there would be no justification to include the lots along West Seventh Street within the boundaries of the district if the Mannheimer-Goodkind House were demolished. 10. The Nationai Register Nomination Form for the Irvine Park Historic District, written in 1973, states that the Mannheimer House "is unchanged except for the stucco resurfacing and the rebuilt front porch, [is] now used as a boarding house, [and] is well maintained and in good condition." The building was renovated and opened as a bed and breakfast hostelry in 1981. 11. Because the Mannheimer-Goodkind House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Irvine Park Historic District, an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EA� must be prepazed in conformance with Section 4410.4300. Subp. 31. Historical Places of the State of Minnesota Environmental Quality Board Rules before the City may issue a permit for demolition of the building. An EAW has not yet been prepared. �q -(.�Y 12. The West Seventh/Chestnut Small Area Plan, adopted by the City Council in 1991 as an amendment to the land use chapter of the City's comprehensive plan, includes goals and Heritage Preservation Commission Resolution: File #2516 Page Four strategies to protect the historic character of the neighborhood, to reuse historic structures on their original sites, and to maintain an urban streetscape. The plan's historic preservation strategy #6 states: The Mannheimer-Goodkind House is a'sign�ant'structure in the National Register Irvine Park Historic District and a pivotal'structure in the Zocal Irvine Park Heritage Preservation District. All attempts should be made to find a new use for the building, and demolition should be approved only as a fnal resort. 13. The Planning Commission found in 1990 that City acquisition of the Mannheimer-Goodkind House was consistent with the City's comprehensive plan but inconsistent with the 1990 Capital Allocation Policy and may set an inappropriate precedent. 14. The applicant's representative has stated (at the public hearing) that the applicant believes that the Mannheimer Goodkind House is a historic structure that should be preseroed but its rehabilitation would be too expensive for him to undertake. He further stated that the owner wishes the City to acquire the property by eminent domain. NOW, TIIEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that based on the above findings and code citations, the Heritage Preservation Commission denies approval of a permit to demolish the Mannheimer Goodkind House at 270 West Seventh Street; and BE IT FURTT�R RESOLVED, that the Heritage Preservation Commission requests Planning Commission review and comment on the possibility of City acquisition of the properry; and BE TT I'INALLY RE50LVED, that the Heritage Preservation Commission requests that appropriate City departments investigate the possibility of City Council action to order the immediate stabilization of the shucture, under summary abatement, to include reinstallation of the destroyed center bearing wall and floor and roof decks, temporary roof covering, and secure boazding of the structure. MOVED BY Lunning SECONDED BY Carey IN FAVOR 11 AGAINST 0 ABSTAIN 0 Decisions of the Aeritage Preservation Commission are final, subjeM to appeal to the City Council within 14 days by anyone affected by t6e decision. This resolution does not obviate the need for meeflng appiicable building and zoning code reqnirements, and does not constitute approval for tax credits. �� i �� y CITIZIN SERVICE OFFICE F>ed Owusu, Ciry Clerk aq-��Y DIVtSION OF PROPERTY CODE ENFORCEME�*C Warren R Bosttam, PsoAram Mana,¢er t;j� �F" S�r pA� Nuisemce Bui/ding Code Enforcemen! NormColemmi,Mayar ISW.KelloggBlvdRm190 Tel: 65I-266-8440 SairaPaul,MN55102 Fax:657-266-8426 , , �" V'.:,."$.�i.,i�'v'G'!�i`t�l �f'-a..r,.,'., . \SS3tSY fr+S S PG ' . June 11, 1999 �y�;�� , � �� NOTICE OF PUELIC HEARINGS � Council President and Members of the City Council _-- '- --- __. Citizen Service Office, VacantJNuisance Buildings Enforcement Division has requested the CiTy Council schedule public heaxings ta consider a resolution ordering the repair or removal of the nuisance building(s) located at: 270-272 West Seventh Street The City Council has scheduled the date of these heazings as follows: Legislative Hearing - Tuesday, July 6, 1999 City Council Hearing - Wednesday, July 14,1999 The owners and responsible parties of record are: Name and Last Kno�vn Address Keith McCormick Irvine Park Association 30 Irvine Park St Paul, MN 55102 Interest Member of Irvine Park Assoc. Betty Berg 263 Wyoming Street East St. Paul, MN 55107 Hyman Simes & Josephine Berg-Simes 419 Wildwood Avenue Birchwood, MN 55110 Fee Owner Lien Holder Gl°I'`� 270-272 West Seventh Street June 11, 1999 Page 2 Name and Last Known Address David A. Berg 711 Woodridge Drive Mendota Heights, MN 55118-1809 Aaron Rubenstein Heritage Preservation 300 Lowry Professional Bldg. St. Paul, MN 55102 Barbara McCornuck (President) Irvine Park Association 30 Irvine Park St. Paul, MN 55102 American Accounts & Advisors, Inc. 3904 Cedarvale Drive Eagan, MN 55122 The le�ai description of this properry is: Interest Fee Owner Heritage Preservation District Interested Party Irvine Park Assoc. 3udgment Creditor The Southeasterly Yz of Lot l, Block 28, Rice & Irvine's Addition to St. Paul, EXCEPT the Northwesterly 35 feet of said Southeasterly'/; ALSO Lot 5, Block 23, Rice & Irvine's Addition to St. Paul. Division of Code Enforcement has declared this building(s} to constitute a"nuisance" as defined by Le�islative Code, Chapter 45. Division of Code Enforcement has issued an order to the then known responsible parties to eliminate this nuisance condition by conecting the deficiencies or by razing and removin� this building(s). a q-��- 270-272 West Seventh Street 7une 11, 1999 Pa�e3 Inasmuch as this Order to Abate has not been complied with the nuisance condition remains unabated, the communiTy continues to suffer the bli�hting influence of this property. It is the recommendation of the Division of Code Enforcement that the City Council pass a resolution ordering the responsible parties to eithet repau, oY demolish and remove this buildin� in a timely manner, and failing that, authorize the Division of Code Enforcement to proceed to demolition and removal, and to assess the costs incurred against the real estate as a special assessment to be collected in the same inaunet as taxes. � � �uildings Supervisor � of Code Enforcement Citizen Service Office RW:mI cc: Frank Berg, Building Inspection and Desi� Rachel Young, City Attorneys O�ce Nancy Anderson, Assistant Secretary to the Council Steve Zaccard, Fire Marshall Paul Mordorski, PED-Housing Division �� z MINUTES OF Tf� LEGISLATIVE HEARING Tuesday, July 6, 1999 Room 330 Courthouse Gerry Strathman, I,Egislative Heazing Officer The meeting was called to order at 10:02 a.m. STAFF PRESENT: Aaron Rubenstein, Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) of License, Inspections, Environmental Protection (LIEP); Chuck Votel, Code Enforcement; Guy Willits, Code Enforcement. Vehicle Abatement Appeal for 1183 Arkwri�ht Street. (Appealing letter dated 5-12-99) (Laid over from 6-1-99) Summary Abatement Appeal for 1183 Arkwright Street. (Appealing letter dated 6-7-99) Guy Willits reported this matter was laid over from June 1 for unlicensed vetricles pazked on an unapproved surface. Last week, the velucles were srill on the property. (Mr. Willits presented photographs to Gerry Strathman. Roacanne Heinrich was shown them also.) Donald Drouin Jr., owner, and Roxanne Heinrich, attorney, appeazed. Ms. Heinrich stated Mr. Drouin had a heart attack, does not have money, and is requesting additional time to remove the vehicles. Mr. Strathman asked do the vehicles have current tabs. Guy Willits responded one of them does. Mr. Drouin responded all the vehicles were registered last yeaz. He plans to repair the vekricles and sell them. He has the driveway the house came with, stated Mr. Drouin. That azea has always been used for pazking. He is trying to get a loan to build a proper driveway. Mr. Strathman stated the City ordinance is clear on this issue: vehicles cannot be stored in the exterior. If it is parked outside, it is suppose to be licensed, registered, and operational. Ms. Heinrich responded she would like to see a history for the parking surfaces because her client feels it is an approved surface. Ms. Heinrich stated a temporary fence may help. Mr. Strathman responded the fence may be more of a problem. Mr. Strathman asked how much time is needed. By the end of August, responded Mr. Drouin. Mr. Votel stated no one would be physically hanned by the caz sitting there another 30 to 45 days. Mr. Willits concurred. Gerry Strathman denied the appeal on the storage of velucles and amended the compliance date on the vehicles to September 1, 1999. MINUTES OF TI� LEGISLATIVE HEARING OF 7-6-99 Summary Abatements: File J9903A - Property Clean-Up during April 1499. File J9903B - Boarding-up of vacant buildings during March 1999. 537 Chazles Avenue (File J9903B) No one appeazed representing the properry. Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal and approval of the assessment. 1580 Sloan Avenue (File J9903A) ��, ��Z Page 2 Guy Willits reported orders were mailed on 3-5-99 to remove large amount of gazbage, tires, junk, debris, etc. The compliance date was 3-11-99. It was rechecked on 4-1-99. The work was done by the Pazks and Recreation Department on 4-2-99 at a total cost of $340. (A videotape was shown.) Ruthie 5mith, owner, and Danisa Fazley, her daughter, appeared. Ms. Fazley stated they were uncleaz why her mother received this assessment, but now they know. However, it was a closed shed. The workers had no idea what were in the bags that were removed. Gerry Strathman stated he was puzzled also why the workers were inside the gazage. It was open, responded Mr. Willits. Ms. Fazley responded it is cleaz in the videotape that the workers raised the shed door. Mr. Strathman suggested if Ms. Fazley feels that the workers did something illegal, then a report should be filed with the City Attorney's Office. However, from the video, it is clear a lazge amount of refuse was removed outside the gazage, and that is what the assessment is for. Ms. Fazley stated her mother was in the process of having debris removed &om her yazd. A dumpster was delivered to her home; however, it was removed before Ms. Smith had a chance to put all the debris in the dumpster. No one laiocked on Ms. Smith's door. She was not notified. Ms. Fazley believes the way it was done was deceptive. According to information received from Code Enforcement, Mr. Strathman stated, Ms. Smith was notified March 5. The cleanup was done in April. Gerry Strathman recommended denying the appeal and approval of the assessment. 941 Edmund Avenue (File J9903B) Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the July 20 Legislative Hearing per Guy Willits. ��-��Z MINUTES OF Tf� LEGISLATIVE HEARING OF 7-6-99 915 Charles Avenue (File J9903A) Page 3 Gerry Strathman recommended laying over to the July 20 Legisiative Hearing at the owner's request. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 290 Bates Avenue. If the owner fails to comply with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building. Rolf Lindberg, attorney for First Nationwide Mortgage (3001 Metro Drive, Suite 130, Bloomington), appeazed. There was a foreclosure sale held on Mazch 5, 1999. First Nationwide Mortgage is holder of the sheriff certificate right now. They aze not the owners yet, but they haue a strong interest in the property not being demolished. Chuck Votel reported this property was condemned July 1998; it has been vacant since. The current property owners aze David and 7ulie Brooks and Ronald and Myrtle Williams. The owners have not discussed their intentions with Code Enforcement. Four summary abatement notices have been issued to cut tall grass, remove refuse, secure the dwelling, and remove snow and ice. The vacant building fees aze due. The real estate taxes aze paid. Ramsey County has estimated the market value at $52,400. The estimated cost to repair is $35,000; cost to demolish, $7,000 to $8,000. Mr. Lindberg stated he had to get pernussion to enter the building because First Nationwide Mortgage is not the owner yet. Mr. Lindberg is negotiating with the City Attorney's Office. An agreement has been signed so that First Nationwide will indemnify the City if there is a claim by the real owner. A code compliance inspection can be done this week in order for him to know the extent of the damage. Gerry Strathman recommended that First Nationwide Mortgage be given six month to complete the repairs on the building with the following conditions: a code compliance inspection is completed, vacant building fee is paid, and a$2,000 bond is posted by noon of July 14, 1999. Resolution ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 270 and 272 Seventh Street West. If the owner fails to compty with the order, Code Enforcement is ordered to remove the building. Dauid Berg, owner, and Cory Gilmer, representing Betty Berg, appeazed. Chuck Votel reported this properiy was originally condemned March 1992. The current property owners aze David and Betty Berg. Since 1992, the City has issued 19 summary abatement notices to secure the building, cut tall grass, and remove refuse. The real estate taYes aze paid. Ramsey County estimated the mazket value is $38,000. The estimated cost to repair this building is azound $1,000,000. The estimated cost to demolish is $20,000. This is a historic building, stated Mr. Votel. Oertel Architects was hired to look at the historical ranufica6ons of the building and what would stand in the way of the City demolishing it. There ��.��12 MINLTTES OF TI-� LEGISLATIVE HEARING OF 7-6-99 Page 4 was a reaz addition put on the building. The end of the Oertel Architects report includes the following: "My strongest recommendarion is to take acfion. Considering all the factors (i.e. history, health, safety, neighborhood) it is my opinion that the reaz addition be demolished." The report reads the front original property should be closed off and secured. From reseazch done by Code Enforesment and Oertel Arclutects, unless there is federal money used to tear the building down, the only authorization needed to remove it is from the Saint Paul Historic Preservation Office. However, if the City Council orders the building removed, that authorization is not needed. Gerry Stcathman stated the azchitecYs report reads that the rear addition should be demolished, but the Code Enforcement proposal is to demolish the entire building. Mr. Votel responded that is conect. Mr. Berg and Mr. Gilmer concurred with Mr. Votel. Aazon Rubenstein reported the building is deteriorated, particulazly the rear ha1f. The building has historic significance. It has been vacant and deteriorating for many yeazs. The owner has sought approval by the HPC and the City Council twice to demolish the building. It was denied both times. Ten days ago, the HPC recommended the City acquire the building in order to determine if there is a feasible use for it. Keith McCornuck, Irvine Pazk Association, 30 Irvine Pazk, appeazed and stated the association met last week and deternuned they do not want the building demolished. The association would like the property taken by imminent domain. Up unril 1985, the properiy was in reasonable to good condition. In the past 15 years, there has been a steady line of neglect; however, the properry is still standing and the front of the house is still square. This azea is Saint Paul's first neighborhood. Every other property in the district has been found to be redevelopable. Eleanor Gavin, 311 Walnut Street, appeazed and stated 270 Seventh Street West is a buffer into the historical district. She does not want her house to be alone facing the street. The properry in question could be a bed and breakfast. It is not to her advantage to have it go commercial. Kurt Schwichenberg, 314 Ryan Avenue, appeazed and stated he is trained as an azchitect and in business as a contractor. As such, he is the neighborhood &ont person to find a way to stabilize the building. He has had a lot of contact with Mr. Berg. The building was on the national register when the Bergs acquired it. They have done nothing but destroy it. With the condirion of the building and it being on the national register, it cannot be demolished. With that being the case, the value of the property is negative, and an acquisition by ir„minent domain would not be expensive. Gayle McEnroe, 307 Walnut Street #5, appeazed and stated she owns property in the azea and is concerned about 270 and 272 Seventh. In the six years she has been in the neighborhood, she has not seen anything done to keep the properry secured. Mr. Berg offered to sell the properry to the McEnroes. They had the idea of a bed and breakfast there. The back end of the property is bad, the roof is missing, water has been coming in, but she believes there is a use for the building. �C� �`tZ MINUTES OF THE LEGISLATIVE HEARING OF 7-6-99 Page 5 Mike DiSanto, 262 Fort Road, appeared and stated he has a business adjacent to this properry. They aze reluctaut to add more improvements to their property with 270 and 272 Seventh next to it. The building in question is not repairable and should be demolished. John DiSanto, 262 Ford Road, appeared and stated he owns 262 Seventh. They aze reluctant to eacpand with 270 and 272 Seventh next door. The DiSantos haue been passively supporting Mr. Berg's wishes to demolish the building. Mr. DiSanto is interested in being the owner for additional development of lris business. There must be a way to make this work without maintaining that property, such as some other designation of the site even though an eacpansion goes on. This has been done other places. The building in question is dangerous. He is amazed no one has been hurt. Originally he was going to redo the entire facility for corporate offices, stated Mr. Berg. A lot of money was spent on plans. The bay windows and horse shoe drive in the front was voted down by the City Council and the neighborhood. There were plans to put $750,000 into the properry, but the night the papers were signed and the properry was bought out of the bankruptcy, someone broke into the facility and removed all the antiques and the ceiling fans. The Bergs did not have insurance on it yet. His brother tried to put a magic business in there, but that got voted down by the City Council. There were various things Mr. Berg tried to do to have the building be something. Mr. Berg has done everythiug to comply with the City regulations. A lawn service takes caze of the lawn. He will board up windows one day and then will get a call the next day that the boards have been ripped off the wall. Debris is thrown around the area. He pays to get it cleaned up and has paid the City to do it when he does not get there quick enough. Had the City and the neighborhood been more lenient in their thought processes in the mid 1980's, dollars could have been put into the properiy. Mr. Strathman stated the only issue before him is the question of whether the initiative by Code Enforcement personnel to remove this property is a reasonable one. It appears the uutia6ve is reasonable. He is shuck by the last page from Oertel Architects in which is stated the following: "The original properry needs immediate attention in order to maintain its integrity. If this building is not secured sometime in the next year, repaired and sealed, the entire properly may collapse on itself, thereby solving the issue of what to do with the properry." He sees photographs of many buildings at these meetings, and this building is one of the worse, stated Mr. Strathman. Gerry Strathman recommended approval of the resolution. The meeting was adjourned at 11:07 a.m. rrn qR-G` � . .� ay �� •� o v� d �� 'N �� > � V •M � � � L � O 0 4 � � .� � a�, -G "1 a- CITY OF SAINT PAUL HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION RESOLUTION FILE NUMBER 99-3 DATE 8 July 1999 WEiEREAS, the Mannheimer Goodkind House at 270 West Seventh Street is a three-story, brick, double house constructed in 1874 in the Second Empire style; and WHEREAS, the Mannheimer Goodkind House is vacant and deteriorated and will be demolished if the City Council approves abatement orders following a public hearing scheduled for July 14, 1999; and WHEREAS, the Mannheimer Goodkind House is categorized as plvotal to the character of the local Itvine Pazk Heritage Preservation District, is categorized as contributing to the character of the Irvine Pazk National Register Historic District, and is among only a handful of remaining good examples of the Second Empire style in the Twin Cities; and WHEREAS, the Heritage Preservation Commission has twice denied approval of the cunent owners' requests to demolish the building, which decisions were appealed to the CiTy Council and the Council upheld the HPC decisions (in 1989-90 and 1995-96); and WHEREAS, the building has been essentially vacant since purchased by the current owners in 1985, at which time the building was in sound condition; and during this time the building has been allowed to become sia ificantly deteriorated; and WAEREAS, although numerous parties have expressed 'anterest in the building over the years, it appeazs that any sale of the property and rehabilitation and reuse of the building has been impeded by an asking price approximately three times the assessed value of the property; and WHEREAS, the West Seventh/Chestnut Small Area Plan, adopted by the City Council in 1991 as an amendment to the land use chapter of the City's comprehensive plan, inciudes goals and strategies to protect the historic character of the neighborhood, to reuse historic structures on their original sites, and to maintain an urban streetscape. The plan's historic preservation strategy #6 states that "The Mannheimer-Goodkind House is a'significanY structure in the National Register Irvine Pazk Historic District and a'pivotal' structure in the local Irvine Pazk Aeritage Preservation District. All attempts shouid be made to find a new use for the building, and demolition should be approved only as a£mal resort"; and WHEREAS, Chapter 73, Heritage Preservation Commission, of the Saint Paul Legislative Code states that its purposes aze to: 1) safeguard the heritage of the City of 5aint Paul by preserving sites and structures which reflect elements of the city's cultural, social, economic, politicai or architectural history; 2) protect and enhance the City of Saint Paul's attraction to residents, tourists and visitors, and serve as a support and stimulus to business and industry; 3) enhance the visual and aesthetic character, diversity and interest of the Ciry of Saint Paul; 4) foster civic pride in the beauty and notable accomplishments of the past; and 5) promote the use and preservation of historic sites and structures for the education and general welfare of the people of the City of Saint Paul; and WHEREAS, Sec.73.04(1) of the Legisiative Code states, in part, that the HPC "shail serve as an advisory body to the mayor and city council on municipal heritage preservation matters;" and WFIEREAS, Sec.73.04 of the Legislative Code, Powers and duties of the commission, Subsection 5, states: Heritage Preservation Commission Resolution #99-3 Page Two "E»unent domain. The heritage preservation commission may recoznmend to the city council, after review and comment by the city planning commission, that certain property eligible for designation as a heritage preservarion site be acquired by gift, by negotiation or by eminent domain as provided for in Chapter 117 of Minnesota Statutes"; and WHEREAS, HPC Resolution #2516 denied approval of a demolirion permit for the Mannheimer Goodkind House in 1995 and fmding #5 in that resolution stated the following: The only appazent way to preserve the Mannheimer-Goodkind House would be for the City to acquire it by gift, negotiation, or eminent domain. The City could then make every effort to fmd a way to reuse this pivotal structure and demolish it only as a last resort. The cunent owner appears to have absolutely no interest in preserving the structure, but rather, seems intent on destroying it by neglect. The buitding was in good condition when the owner acquired it ten years ago. (The assessed value of the property was $96,000 is 1985, dropped to $66,000 in 1989 and $38,700 in 1990, and has been $38,000 since 1991.) The City's STAR (Neighborhood Sales Tax Revitalization) Progam may to be the most likely source of funds to subsidize the structure's rehabilitation; and WHEREAS, the Heritage Preservation Commission believes that the finding cited above still holds true today; and WHEREAS, the Heritage Preservation Commission, following review of a 1990 reuse study for the building commissioned by the City, recoiumended that the City acquire the property, and the HPC essentially recommended the sazne thing in 1995 by asking the Planning Commission to review and comment on such action and by making the fmding cited above; NOW, THEREFORE, BE TT RESOLVED that the Saint Paul Heritage Preservafion Commission recommends that the City acquire by gift, negotiation, or eminent domain the Mannheimer Goodkind House at 270 West Seventh Street as the only potential way to preserve this pivotal historic structure, the intent being not lona term City ownership but rather for the City to try to find a new owner or developer to rehabilitate at least the originai, front portion of the structure; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Heritage Preservation Commission requests the Planning Commission to review and comment on City acquisition of the property, with the Pianning Commission's findings to be further reviewed by the Heritage Preservation Commission, and requests that PED/fiRP, conduct an analysis to estimate the costs of acquisition and rehabilitation; and BE TC FPi TALLY RESOLVED that the Heritage Preseroation Commission urges the City to proceed immediately with whatever summary abatement is necessary to stabilize the bailding and address the prunary healtti/safety issues. MOVED BY Younkin SECONDED BY Murphy IN FAVOR AGAINST ABSTAIIV � � �� ` �� .,_^ . ,,.... ..-ce.�-- -.. --^ cca,.a ' ._ � � � _ �� , y � o ; � � -„ `, � .7. �\ v � i �. �� , � � k ..,..,..- .. <,.. . ;� � ,� � �i r ,�^, • � ,. 4�� ¢ h � � �� << ti r�� r '4i,! � f �) ; �o , �� , �I� ° �, � � \� �. .. �V I � � ' � �;, �. ..��±�I�II \ ?'�`.. ` •' ..., '.,... . ` � .. .. -;... . �� ,. . , .-. . �. � �. . �`� ��' � S . . � \ `� � '�. \ �` � ',� � � � . it � • � �� .. , \ � . � \ � � a ._ ` � ! � � \\` ,' � � F \ 1 � `@ , �._. � ` �q�� t� ! �� r., � "s.�._ ' �. _ .. . , .. .,. � �. � � �. " �.i; , . � _ ._. _� . . _ . __ :-_ v. ' .... , � _ - .� �. .. - � -' ' .. ` . . � _•.a.- `�-�.�_ ... i � �' .. .. � / ��.5`t" _ � � .. . " � �I - -....� ' 1'- =� � '`' '" ' _> °� � ` ''�",�' . �'�:'� ��'� '-.�\ !�r �- -!�„, x , ' , � ��, / .: (Y� a. � ,'� i. - � i � � � � �� a\ \\ ., \�. �� „ •`` � � �� 9: .�� .� � � _. � � �` , ; - � ,> � k . �.:: ;, �� !. .. ' r .,-. -. .. , � i: �- " ; � �,;, ,.�� ..�, . J I \ { q r f! � r � � � a -` �v`. � i a' t ', M1�t� .� ;� . ... . fb�.: . _.. . ` .,., a'.. 'C i ( � �THE HISTORIC IRVINE PARK ASSOCIATION� July 2, 1996 Re: Historic Mannheimer House To Whom It Concerns: a q.G� 2- That seems a strange introduction, because the unfortunate position we aIl find ourselves in is that this historic structure has not concemed more persons unril no�v. On behalf of the Historic Trvine Pazk Associarion, there aze several points that must become part of the public record in the discussion on the disposition of the remains of this building. First, the Historic Irvine Park Associarion strongly encourages the City of St. Paul to exercise its right of eminent domain over this historic properry. This is appropriate and, some would argue, necessary, since the current owner of this building has evidenced flagrant disregard for the public resource placed in his care. The willful destrucrion of the property is the most serious violation of the codes intended to protect this historic district. Continued control by the present owner of the site should not be allowed. Beyond the deshuction of an historic building, simple responsible property ownership should have dictated some protective bamer to limit danger to local children. The persistent failure to aclrnowledge this responsibility borders on criminal negligence. Finally, even without the presence of the building, the lot continues to be part of a National Historic District. The properiy affects the state's premier historic site, the Alexander Ramsey House. Confinued obligations to develop the property on West Seventh in sympathy with the historic district guidelines will remain, an obligation there is no evidence the current owner is capable of keeping. The Historic Irvine Park Association recognizes that the abuse of this property has been so extreme as to potentially renter its restoration economically infeasible. However, an impartial evaluation of this prospect has never been possible under the current owner's criteria for sale. Further, in the event any party will take responsibiliry for demolishing the balance of this structure, the Association must insist that the full rigorof compliance with procedures in the demolition of historic property be exercised. This should include the documentarion of what is being removed as well as archaeological explorations, not only of the balance of the stnicture, but also of the lot itself. This building was moved on this lot (from street frontage to the rear of the lot), and both the original foundation site and the current foundation site should be excavated and documented. We believe that this demolition would not have been necessitated but for the actions of the current owner, and that the cost of this documentarion and research, rightly part of the cost of demolition of a historic property, should also be assessed to the current owner. We deeply regret the tragic flaws in our preservation system that have led to the loss of this building. We strongly encourage decisive, protective acrion of the Ciry's historic resources from this point forward, both through appropriate actions with regazd to this proper[y, as well as changes in the process for dealing with such properties in the future. �� ItC�r�� . ��te.a.��'t� �.__, � � _ ��a- 14 July, 1999 Good evening! My name is John DiSanto. I represent my family, we oum and operate Fort Road Florist. Which is located at 262 West 7�' Street, next door to the Ma.unheimer Building. Eight years ago three corners of the intersection of Chestnut and West 7`�' Street were vacant. My family purchased one of those properties at a time when the area was at it's worst. The first year we were there we had people sleeping out front on the sidewalk., We remodeled the building and started a business, a business that has continually given back to the community. Today the neighborhood is flourishing and the three once vacant properties are occupied by successful growing enterprises. My family has a plan to further improve our building and grow our business. We are very reluctant to do so because of the condition of the Mannheimer building. The building has been deemed unsafe and we are very concerned for our customers and tenants. The building is infested with raccoons and is an unsightly eyesore. The effects of any improvements we make will be minimized because of the detrimental appearance and condition of the Mannheimer building. In eight years not one single workable proposal has been made for this property. There has to be a limit as to how long my family and the neighbarhood must endure this building. Pm asking you now to finally put this problem property issue to rest and follow the recommendations of the City's Hearing Officer. It's now time to act far the betterment of the community and allow for the demolition of this building. Thank You `�__ �=� "'°� � , `L� ' � ' l � ohn D. Di Santo 62 Fort Road �t. Paul , MN. 55102 651 222 1460 �� /, � � � � G O v �' t1. � � G�`< � ..C+Ob K C�G µ N p � < (�u � � � 7 n G �S G ^ n`G� v+ .^� �' � O '��' ro � .C ,��, � �� ' (� n O N � O .^�• N A O �.��s.fl �-h � O N C W y. � M �" � ' "� N N N � � �' 'L3 � � ~ � � A � o ,�� ' O m �` � � � � f� O � � n � C.m � yyy� r � � y O .s � y. � N ' N .+ �'�' � � ? F � �aF � N � 3 'S�" N O V v+ `. R' � � m�°m � 0 � ° w ° c. x �� o . =£ p �,o �� m � o c � N d S � � �" o � � tr� � n � � ~ O � K � 7 \ � � � � @ �\ IV � � N � � � m � f ♦ � � �� .`5 � � ��R "C (p V �� _ � 7�'�O �� p R p1 � � tlt � N m O C �THE HISTORIC IRVINE PARK ASSOCIATION� July 2, 1996 Re: Historic Mannheimer House To Whom It Concerns: �q,G�Y That seems a strange introducfion, because the unfor[unate position we all find ourselves in is that this historic shucture has not concemed more persons until now. On behalf of the Historic Irvine Park Associarion, there are several points that must become part of the public record in the discussion on the disposirion of the remains of this building. First, the Historic Irvine Park Association strongly encourages the City of St. Paul to exercise its right of eminent domain over this historic property. This is appropriate and, some would argue, necessary, since the current owner of this building has evidenced flagrant disregard for the public resource placed in his care. The willful destruction of the property is the most serious violation of the codes intended to protect this historic district. Continued control by the present owner of the site should not be allowed. Beyond the destruction of an historic building, simple responsible property ownership should have dictated some protective barrier to limit danger to local children. The persistent failure to acknowledge this responsibility borders on criminal negligence. Finally, even without the presence of the building, the lot continues to be part of a National Historic District. The property affects the state's premier historic site, the Alexander Ramsey House. Continued obligations to develop the property on West Seventh in sympathy with the historic district guidelines will remain, an obligarion there is no evidence the current owner is capable of keeping. The Historic Irvine Park Association recognizes that the abuse of this property has been so extreme as to potenrially renter its restorafion economically infeasible. However, an impartial evaluation of this prospect has never been possible under the current owner's criteria for sale. Further, in the event any party will take responsibility for demolishing the balance of this structure, the Association must insist that the full rigor of compliance with procedures in the demolition of historic property be exercised. This should include the documentation of what is being removed as well as archaeological explorations, not only of the balance of the structure, but also of the lot itself. This building was moved on this lot (from street frontage to the rear of the lot), and both the original foundarion site and the current foundation site should be excavated and documented. We believe that this demolirion would not have been necessitated but for the actions of the current owner, and that the cost of this documentarion and research, rightly part of the cost of demolirion of a historic property, should also be assessed to the current owner. We deeply regret the tragic flaws in our preservarion system that have led to the loss of this building. We strongly encourage decisive, protective acrion of the City's historic resources from this point forward, both through appropriate actions with regard to this property, as well as changes in the process for dealing with such properties in the future, ��.�-� ��'r`lC�`J�itr.t� �/ ��%��`"�� From: Aaron Rubenstein To: STPAUL.apigate.Council, Admin.Mayor.kimberly, PEDD... Date: 7/13/99 3:16pm Subject: HPC resolution re: 270 W. 7th St. a q " G � y I have attached a resolution, conceming the historic Mannheimer Goodkind House at 270 W. Seventh St., that the Heritage Preservation Commission voted 7-0 to approve on July 8, 1999. A City Council public hearing to consider orders to repair or remove the building within 15 days is scheduled for tomorrow (agenda item #42). The three "resolved" Gauses at the end of the HPC's resolution do the following: 1. recommend that the City acquire the property "as the only potential way to preserve this pivotal historic structure, the intent being not long-term City ownership but rather for the City to try to find a new owner or developer to rehabilitate at least the original, front portion of the structure"; 2. request the Planning Commission to review and comment on City acquisition of the property and request that PEDMRA conduct an anaiysis to estimate the costs of acquisition and rehabilitation; and 3. urge the City to proceed immediately with whatever summary abatement is necessary to stabilize the building and address the primary health/safety issues. The HPC voted on June 24th to recommend these actions and voted to approve the formal resolution on July Sth. I delayed distribution of the resolution due to consultation with the City Attorney's office.