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09-1110Council File # 09-1110 Green Sheet # 3077796 Presented by RESOLUTION CITY OF SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA 1 WF�REAS, Department of Safety and Inspecrions has requested the City Council to 2 hold public hearings to consider the advisability and necessity of ordering the repair or wrecking 3 and removal of a two-story, masonry and wood frame church and its steeple located on property 4 hereinafter referred to as the "Subject Properiy" and commonly lrnown as 507 DALE STREET 5 NORTH. This property is legally described as follows, to wit: 6 7 SYNDICATE NO. 1 ADDITION PART OF LOTS 1 AND 2 N OF L RUN FROM PT ON E L 8 OF AND 55 12/100 FT S FROM NE COR OF SD LOT 1 TO PT ON W L OF AND 55 4/1 O 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 FT S FROM NW COR OF SD LOT 2 BLK 1 WHEREAS, based upon the records in the Ramsey County Recorder's Office and information obtained by Department of Safety and Inspections on or before June 14, 2009, the following aze the now known interested ar responsible parties for the Subject Property: Rock Of Ages Missionary Baptist Church, 507 Dale Street North, St Paul, MN 55103; Associated Bank, NA, 200 North Adams Street, Green Bay, WI 54305; Stein &Moore, PA, 332 Minnesota Street, W1650, St Paul, MN 55101; Frogtown Enh Center LLC, 501 Dale Street North, St Paul, MN 55101; Macik Davis, 586 Central Avenue W, St Paul, MN 55103; Thomas-Dale Dishict 7 Planning Council. 4VHEREAS, Deparhnent of Safety and Inspections has served in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code an order identified as an"Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s)" dated August 11, 2009; and WHEREAS, this order informed the then laiown interested or responsible parties that the structure located on the Subject Property is a nuisance building(s) pursuant to Chapter 45; and WHEREAS, this order informed the interested ar responsible parties that they must repair or demolish the structure located on the Subject Property by August 26, 2009; and WHEREAS, the enforcement officer has posted a placard on the Subject Property declaring this building(s) to constitute a nuisance condition; subject to demolition; and WHEREAS, this nuisance condition has not been corrected and Department of Safety and Inspections requested that the City Clerk schedule public hearings before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the City Council and the Saint Paul City Council; and WIIEREAS, the interested and responsible parties have been served notice in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, of the time, date, place and purpose of the public hearings; and WHEREAS, a hearing was held before the Legislative Hearing Officer of the Saint Paul City Council on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 to hear testimony and evidence, and after o9-iiio 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 64 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 receiving testimony and evidence, made the recommendation to approve the request to order the interested or responsible parties to make the Subject Property safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and welfare and remove its blighting influence on the community by rehabilitating this sh 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 rehabil3tation or demolition of the shucture to be completed within fifteen (1S7 days after the date of the Council Hearing; and WF�REAS, a hearing was held before the Saint Paul City Council on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 and the testimony 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 507 DALE STREET NORTH. That the Subject Property comprises a nuisance condition as defined in Saint Paul Legislative Code, Chapter 45. 2. 3. That the costs of demolition and removal of this building(s) is estimated to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000.00). That there now exists and has existed multiple Aousing or Building code violations at the Subject Property. 4. That an Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) was sent to the then known responsible parties to conect the deficiencies or to demolish and remove the building(s). 5. � � That the deficiencies causing this nuisance condition have not been corrected. That Department of Safety and Inspections has posted a placazd on the Subject Property which declares it to be a nuisance condition subject to demolition. That this buiiding has been routinely monitored by Department of Safety and Inspections, Vacant/Nuisance Buiidings. 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. ••� ' The Saint Paul City Council hereby makes the following order: The above referenced interested or responsible parties shall make the Subject Property safe and not detrimental to the public peace, health, safety and welfare and remove its 09-1110 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 blighting influence on the community by rehabilitating this structure and correcting 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 fdteen (15) days after the date of the Council Hearing. 2. If the above corrective action is not completed within this period of rime Department of SafeTy and Inspections is hereby authorized to take whatever steps are necessary to demolish and remove this structure, fill the site and chazge the costs incurred against the Subject Property pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. 3. In the event the building is to be demolished and removed by the City of Saint Paul, all personal property or fixtwes of any kind which interfere with the demolition and removal shall be removed from the property by the responsible parties by the end of this time period. If all 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. 108 4. It is fiu•ther ordered, that a copy of this resolution be mailed to the owners and interested 104 parties in accordance with Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code. Yeas Na s Absent Bostrom Carter Hartis `/ Helgen � Lantry ,i' Stark ,/ Thune �/ � Adopted by Council: Date f0%�,�f�y Adoption Certified by Counc' Secretary BY� �! � //,>�7 _i/,`C�Sdn Appr by M or: Date � � By: Requested by Deparhnentot Safety and Inspecrions Code Enfozcement / V acanY Buildings By: Form Approved by City Attorney � Form Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council By: 09-1110 � � Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet � )epartmenUOfficelCouncil: Date Initiated: I SI -Dept.ofSaferyBinspections I P7AUG2009 ; Green Sheet NO: 3077796 ConWct Person & Phone: BOB KESSLER 266-9013 Must Be on Council Agenda by (Date): Doc. Type: RESOLUTION � Assign Number For Routing Order D' ept Of Sa{¢tp & InSp¢CpOns � 1� e t of Safe & Ins ecaons � Department D'uec�or Z ,(G7tvAttomeY I i 3 or's 06ce Mavor/Assistant 4 omcil r -----� 5 'tv Clerk Ci Clerk E-0owment Required: Y Document Contact: Contact Phone: ToWI # of Signature Pages _(Clip All Locations for Signature) City Council to pass this resolurion which will order the owner(s) to remove or repair the referenced building(s). If the owner fails to comply with the resolution, the Departrnent of Safery and Inspections is ordered to remove the building. The subject property is loca[ed at 507 DALE 5T N. Recommendations: Approve (A) or Reject (R): Personal Service Contracts Must Answer the Following Questions: Planning Commission 1. Has ihis person/firm ever worked under a contract for this department? CIB Commitlee Yes No Civil Service Commission 2. Has this person/firm ever been a city employee? Yes No 3. Does this person/flrm possess a skill not normally possessed by any current city employee? Yes No Explain all yes answers on sepaate sheet and attach to green sheet. Initiating Problem, Issues, Opportunity (Who, What, When, Where, Why): This building(s) is a nuisance building(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 au order to repair or remove the building at 507 DALE ST N by August 26, 2009, and have failed to comply with those orders. Advantages If Approved: The City wi(l eliminate a nuisance. DisadvanWges If Approved: The City will spend funds to wreck and remove this building(s). These costs will be assessed to the property, collected as a special assessment against the proper[y taxes. A nuisance condirion will remain unabated in the City. This building(s) will continue to blight the community. DisadvanWges If Not Approved: A nuisance condition will iemain unabated in the City. This building(s) will continue to blighY Yhe community. Total Amount of CostlRevenue Budgeted: Transaction: Funding source: Nuisance Housing Abatement Activity Number. 001-00257 Financial information: (F�cplain) August 27, 2009 1221 PM Page 1 09-1110 DEPARTME;JT OF SAFEN AND INSPECTIONS IU'cira,d Lipperl, Manager ajCode Enfortement CITI' OF SAINT PAIJL 375 Jackson Street., SLite 220 SainlPau; MNS510/-18D6 Christopher B. Coteman, Mayor r� August 28, 2009 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Council President and Members of the City Councit Te(ephone: 65l-266-8989 Fccsimile: 651-266-1919 Web: twrwsmnul eovldsi Depaztment of Safety and Inspections, Vacant/Nuisance Buildings Enforcement Division has requested the City Council schedule public hearings to consider a resolution ordering the repair or removal of the nuisance building(s) located af: 507 DALE ST N The City Council has scheduled fhe date of these hearings as follows: Legislative Hearing — Tuesday, September 22, 2009 City Conncil Hearing — Wednesday, October 7, 2009 The owners and responsible parties af record aze: Name and Last Known Address Rock of Ages Missionary Church 507 Dale Street North St Paul, MN 55103 AssociaEed Bank, NA 200 North Adams Street GreenBay, WI 543Q5 Stein & Moore, PA 332 Minnesata Street, W-1650 St Paul, MN 55101 Interest Fee Owner Mortgagee Foreclosure Attomey Frogtown Entrepreneur Center LLC 501 Dale Street North St Paul, MN 54103 Macik Davis 586 Central Avenue West St Paul, MN 55143 Thomas-Dale District 7 Council District7pc@yahoo.com Interested Party Ixtterested Party District Council Contact An Affirmative Aorion Equal Opportunity Employer 09-1110 507 DALE ST N August 28, 2009 page 2 The Iegal descripfion of this properiy is: SYNDICATE i�i0.1 ADDI'ITON PART OF LOTS 1 AND 2 N OF L RUN FROM PT ON E L OF AND 55 ]2/l00 FT S FROM NE COR OF SD LdT 1 TO PT ON W L OF AND 55 4(10 FI' S FROM NW COR OF SD LOT 2 BLK 1 With the following Historic Praservation information: District: _ Building Name: 5t. Matthew's Lutheran Church Inventory #: RA-SPC-0879 The Department of Safety and Inspecrions has declazed this building(s) to constitute a"nuisance" as defined by Legislative Code, Chapter 45. The Departrnent of Safety and Inspections has issued an order to the then Imown responsible parties to eliminate tlus nuisance condition by conecting the deficiencies or by razing and removing this building(s). The groperty was re-inspected on August 26, 2009. There was no compliance and fhe nuisance condition remains unabated, the community continues to suffer the blighting influence of this property. It is the recommendaHon of the Department of Safety and Inspections that the City Council pass a resolution ordering the responsihle parties W either repair, or demolish and remove ttus building in a timely manner, and failing that, authorize the Degarhuent of Safety and Inspections to proceed to demalition and removal, and to assess the casts incurred against the real estate as a special assessment to be coIlected in the saxne manner as taxes. Sincerely, Steve tY�ugner Steve Magnet Vacant Buildings Manager Department of Safety aud Inspectians SM:hl cc: Chad Staul, City Attomeys Office Mary Erickson, Assistant Secretary to the Council Cindy Cazlson, PED-Housing Division Nancy Homans, Invest St. Paul District Council — Community Organizer pubhrng60183 5/09 09-ll 10 SUMMARY FOR PUBLIC HEARING 507 Dale Street North Legislative Hearing — Tuesday, September 22, 2009 City Council — Wednesday, October 7, 2009 The building is a mulri-level, masonry/wood frame, church on a lot of 4,356 squaze feet. According to our files, it has been a vacant building since July 3Q 2008. The current property owner is Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church, per AMANDA and Ramsey County properiy records. There has been one (1) Si JMMARY ABATEMENT NOTICE since 2008. There has been no WORK ORDER(S) issued. On August 7, 2009, an inspection of the building was conducted, a list of deficiencies which constitute a nuisance condition was developed and photographs were taken. An pRDER TO ABATE A NUISANCE BUILDING was posted on August 11, 2009 with a compliance date of August 26, 2009. As of this date this property remains in a condition which comprises a nuisance as defined by the legislative code. The Vacant Building registration fees are paid. (2008-2009 was assessed; 2009-2010 was assessed o� 9-3-09) Taxation has placed an estimated mazket value of $44,000 on the land and $57Q600 on the building. As of December 10, 2008, a Team Inspection has been completed. As of September 17, 2009, the $5,000.00 performance bond has not been posted. Real Estate taxes aze delinquent for the l half of 2009 in the amount of $821.73. Code Enforcement Officers estimate the cost to repair this structure is $250,000 to $304,000. The estimated cost to Demolish is $50,000 to $60,000. DSI, Division of Code Enforcement Resolution submitted for consideration orders the property owner to repair or remove this sriucture within fifteen (15) days, if not the resolurion authorizes the Division of Code Enforcement to demolish and assess the costs to the property, Tax and Property Look Up Infonnation - Quick Info Page 1 of 2 09-1110 Tax & Property Look Up Information - Quick Info Hcme � �%_r.�otmation � � Pro�_e_rtr ioofc Up l4 Record Loc�k UP_ l I CcntGct �s IVcY: �r'J;+CYt� `�2�!"C�l Back :o Search Resuits Qwck Info Pi�operty Infor!-at�on TaxpayP+_ IV�me_and Adt1Y2S5 V�I:iP.i!;i�rmatfQr '1��1itE: E�siSCOC'y' Strtic;ture J�script:�n S�{s Informatiori Speci a l_ Ass'assrren Es I'a €?ay�ner;t Lr�tarrnai�on }�rcperty ;�ax 4�a�;+rn��it i-;:story 2�t39 Payment_ S�ubs 20�9_Prape;ty 7ax Stat�ment 2{3�39_V�(ta2 Nctica 20 �8_ Prc�_�ertv T?x- S��te!Y�2n�Va�ue Not;ce 2DQ7_ �rcperty' Tnx Staten N^,i _c2 7�Ob F?ro�,erty Tax St��tem�nt/Vr��° U�tice > Quick Information Go to �-Pay ('JS_oa{�?c_ Cro.�ser heyu��ernents) Property Identification 35.29.23.14.0206 Number (PIN) Property Address 507 Dale St N St. Paul 55103-1914 Assessment Date 01-02-2008 01-02-2009 Tax Payable Year Total Estimated Market Value Total Taxable Market Value Total Estimated Land Value Total Estimated Building Value Total Property Tax + Speciai Assessments Property Class Description 2009 $614,600 $44,000 $570,600 $1,481 Exempt Year Built 1913 # of Stories 1.00 Finished SQ Feet 7008 Foundation Size 2010 $614,600 $44,000 $570,600 Exem pt � _, _ Plat or Section / Syndicate No. 1 Addition Township / Range Legal Description Part Of Lots 1 And 2 N Of L Run From Pt To determine whether your On E L Of And 55 12/l0o Ft 5 From Ne property is Cor Of Sd Lot 1 To Pt On W L Of And 55 Abstract or Torrens, call (651) 4Jlo Ft S From Nw Cor Of Sd Lot 2 B1k 1 266-2000 Most Recent Qualified Sale Most Recent Qualified Price http:�{reinfo.co.ramsey.mn.uslpublicicharacteristiclParcel.aspx?scrn=Quick&pin=352923140206&ent 9i]712009 DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY AND INSP�lO R�chard Lippert, Manager of Code Enforcement CITY OF SAINT PAUL Christopher B. Coleman, Mayor 375Jackson Street., Suife 220 Saint Paul, MN55101-I806 Tel ephone: 651-266-8989 Facsimi[e: 65l-266-1919 Web: wwwsmaul.eov/dsi August 11, 2009 Rock Of Ages Missionary Baptist Church 507 Dale Street North St Paul MN 55103-1914 Stein & Moore, PA 332 Minnesota Street, #W-1650 St Paul, MN 55101 Macik Davis 586 Central Avenue West St Paul, MN 55103 Associated Bank, NA 200 North Adams Street Green Bay, WI 54305 Frogtown Entrepreneur Center LLC 501 Dale Street North St Paul, NIN 55103 Order to Abate Nuisance Building(s) Dear Sir or Madam: The VacantJNuisance Buildings Unit, Department of the Department of Safety and Iuspections, Division of Code Enforcement, hereby declares the premises located at: 507 DALE STREET NORTH With the following Historic Preservation inforxnation: District: _ Building Name: St. Matthew's Lutheran Church Inventory #: RA-SPC-0879 and legally described as follows, to wit: SYNDICATE NO. 1 ADDITION PART OF LOTS 1 t1ND 2 N OF L RUN FROM PT ON E L OF AND 55 12/100 FT S FROM NE COR OF SD LOT 1 TO PT ON W L OF AND 55 4/10 FT S FROM NW COR OF SD LOT 2 BLK 1 to comprise a nuisance condition in violation of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, Chapter 45.02, and subject to demolition under authority of Chapter 45.11. On August 07, 2009, a Building Deficiency Inspection Report was compiled and the following conditions were observed. AA-ADA-EEO Employer This list of deficiencies is not necessarily all the deficiencies present at this fime. This buildi�s� �s subject to the restrictions of Saint Paul Ordinance Chapter 33.03 and shall not again be used for occupancy until such time as a Cerrificate of Compliance or a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued. All repairs must be in accordance with appropriate codes. Changes or additions to the electrical system, mechanical system, or the plumbing system may necessitate updating or upgrading the systems involved. This is a two-story, masonry and wood frame church and its steeple. Deficiency list fox 507 Dale St N The advanced deteriorated conditions in the masonry exterior wa11s and in the wood framing of the interior wails throughout the building resulting in the possibility of an imminent collapse make it a danger to the public. Citv en�ineer's renort Purpose of visit: My site visit was performed on August 5, 2009. The purpose of my visit was to observe for myself the reported deterioration of the building's structure, report my findings, state my opinion as to the severity of the deterioration, and recommend a course of acrion clearly indicating level of urgency. This was my first visit to this site. Procedures: I was accompanied by Dave Tank, DSI area building inspector, and by Joe Ehrlich, DSI senior building inspector. We walked the entire perimeter of the building's exterior and were given access to the basement and main level of the building's interior. We consulted with Lillie Sanders-Brown, a church representative. Ms. Sanders-Br own did not accompany us on our walk-thru but rather stayed in her office in the building next door to the Church. We �erformed only visual observations. No measurements were taken. No drawings were available, but Ms. Sanders-Brown showed us two nearly identical work proposals prepared by the same restoration contractor, one dated 1997 and the other 2005, for work that had never been performed. There was no evidence of a structural engineer's input in what she showed us. Background InTormation: Ms. Sanders-Brown indicated that the church buildang may have been originally a wood cladded building with brick veneer being added later, and she indicated that fire damage may haue been addressed at that same tune. She was not with the Church at that time, however. A structural engineer's report (Ulteig, Jason S. Hanlon, P.E.) of the condition of the building's structure, dated April 10, 2009, with recommendations and statements as to urgency, had been provided to DSI prior to this visit. The Ulteig report had been provided to DSI following a written order from Mr. Tank that the owner "submit to our office a proposal for the repair of this building, and an approximafe start date". The Ulteig report that was provided is not a proposal for repair, but rather a condition survey with recommendations. The following is directly quoted from the Ulfeig report: This (the south) wall was measured to be out-of-pZumb approximately 7-inches over its height. This (the north) wall was measured to be out-of-plumb approximately 3-inches over its height. 09-1110 The overall structural stability and soundness of the above grade construction appears to be in very poor condition and cannot be left in its current condition. The out of plumb condition of the walls along with the noted rotting and deterloration of the studs creates a potentially unstable and unsafe condition. The most sigrci items are the framing condit{ons and rot noticed in the above grade exterior wa11s. These walls cannot be left in their current condition. .. there is signifzcant concern with the bearing condition of the main roof beam on the north wa11 where the pop-out plaster was found and in line with the exterior downspout. .. if this condition is left unattended for an extended period of time, this bearing point may fail causing the roof to collapse at this location. The Uiteig report must be read in its entirety, however, to assure that pulling out these quotes has not changedtheintended meaning. Observations: Let it be stated that I agree with the reported observations of the Ulteig report. From outside the out-of-plumbness of the north and south exterior walls was not re-measured, but was easily observed. Sepazation between the brick and the wood back-up was appaa at many locations, but especially at deteriorated window frames. At one location the separation disclosed what appeared to be old lap siding. From inside the out-of-plumbness was not re-measured, but could again be observed. Where plaster had cracked and fallen off we could observe wood framing that had rotted to where there were gaps where the wood was literally no longer there. At one point, directly under the bearing point of a roof beam, there wasn't any indication of wood remaining. While positioning myself to observe this condition water was dripping on my glasses. It was a clear, sunny day at the time. From inside distress in the form of separation was observed at bearing points of the roof beams. At azeas of gaps in decayed wood what appeared to be the back side of wood, lap siding was observed. At these same locations what appeazed to be the back-sic3e of exterior, decarative cap block within what from outside the building looks like pilasters was obseroed. Engineering opinion: Several things are coming together that leave me with a very uncomfortable feeling as to the structural integrity of this building. First, beaz in mind that the IJlteig report is from four months prior to my observations. As reported a few paragraphs back, water was dripping within some of the opened-up areas of the wa11s. Thus, deterioration of the wood has gotten worse since April and will conrinue to get worse. What is viewed from the outside to be brick pilasters appear from the inside to not be brick pilasters at all, but a veneer configured in the shape of a pilaster. The primary roof support appears to be the wood framing. AA-ADA-EEO Employer 09-1110 This makes sense in that from inside the building the brick beriveen what looks like pilasters from the outside the building definitely appears to be a veneer, and to say we have brick pilasters integral with a brick veneer is inconsistent. Wood, by its nature, gives warniug before failure, but rotted wood does not. When it fails, it fails suddenly. In this building the wood framing at some very critical locations has rotted to where it is not providing any support. Thanks to principles of physics a structure will redistribute loads every way possible before collapsing, collapsing only when it no longer can find a load path to the foundation. From what I was able to observe at this building, however, I am shunped as to what is holding up this roof. Perhaps at some locations it is the brick veneer. Given what I was able to observe as well as what we can read in the Ulteig report, and until I have other, hopefully more posifive information upon which to make an engineering judgment, I have no choice but to say that failure of this building in the form of collapse is imminent. Recommendations: I recommend that the owner be given two options: The first option is to require that the owner retains a demolition contractor to dismantle the building down to the foundation. This would need to be performed under permit by a contractar experienced in dismantling as opposed to demolishing. Dismantling implies a careful and calculated approach so that removal of certain portions does not result in losing control of the stability of other portions. Demolishing implies more the traditional iron ball approach. The second option is to require that the owner retains a contractor to begin dismantling but more as exploratory and under the close watch of a structural engineer. The intent would be to uncover what either Ulteig or I either failed Co observe or could not observe and let's say "prove us wrong". We would need to require that for the removal of any materials, no matter how small an area, and even if only for exploratory purposes, the work be under permit. A condition of the permit would be that the engineer be on site until the stabiliry of the structure can be justified. At that point the owner could propose to DSI a revised and updated work plan based on the recommendations of the engineer. Additional deficiencies August 7, 2009 LILI' ROCK OF AGES MISSIONARY BAPTIST CTICJRCH 547 DALE ST N ST PAiJL MN 55103 507 DALE ST N Re£ # 12292 Dear Property Representative: Your building was inspected on August 7, 2009. The building was found to be unsafe, unfit for human habitation, a public nuisance, a hazard to the public welfaze or otherwise dangerous to human life. A Condemnation Placazd has been posted on the building. August 11, 2009 507 DALE ST N page 8 Order: Remove the dangerous shucture or repair it to code 09-1110 As owner, agent or responsible party, you are hereby notified that if these deficiencies and the resulting nuisance condition is not conected by August 26, 2009 the Depariment of Safety and Inspections, Division of Code Enforcement, will begin a substantial abatement process to demolish and remove the building(s). The costs of this action, including administrative costs and demolition costs will be assessed against the property tases as a special assessment in accordance with law. As first remedial acfion, a Code Compliance Inspection Report must be obtained from the Building Inspection and Design Section, 375 Jackson Street, Suite 220, (651)266-8989. This inspection will identify specific defects, necessary repairs and legal requirements to conect this nuisance condition. If this building is located in a historic district or site (noted above, just below the property address) then you must contact Heritage Preservation (FIPC) staff to discuss your proposai for the repairs required by this order and compliance with preservation guidelines. Copies of the guidelines and design review application and forms are auailable from the Deparhnent of Safety and Inspections web site (see letterhead) and from the HPC staff. No permits will be issued without HPC review and approval. HPC staff also can be reached by calling 651-266-9078. As an owner or responsible party, you are required by law to provide full and complete disclosure of this "Order to Abate" to all interested parties, all present or subsequent renters and any subsequent owners. The property shall not be sold, transferred or conveyed in any manner until the Nuisance Conditions have been abated and the Certificate of Code Compliance or Certificate of Occupancy has been issued. The En�orcement Officer is required by law to post a placard on this property which declares it to be a"nuisance condition", subject to demolirion and removal by the City. This placard shall not be removed without the written authority of the Department of Safety and Inspections, Division of Code Enforcement. The deparhnent is further required to file a c,opy of this "Order to Abate" with the City Clerk's Office. If corrective action is not taken within the time specified in this order, the Enforcement Officer will notify the City Council that abatement action is necessary. The City Clerk will then schedule dates for Public Hearings befoze the City Council at which rime testimony wiIl be heard from interested parties. After this hearing the City Council will adopt a resolution stating what action if any, it deems appropriate. If the resolution calls for abatement acrion the Council may either order the City to take the abatement action or fix a time within which this nuisance must be abated in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 33 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code and provide that if corrective action is not taken within the specified time, the City shall abate this nuisance. The costs of tlus August 11, 2009 507 DALE ST N page 9 09-1110 action, including admuustrative costs will be assessed against the property as a special assessment in accordance with law. If you have any quesrions or request additional information please contact Dennis Senty between the hours of 8:00 and 930 a.m. at 651-266-1930, or you may leave a voice mail message. Sincerely, Steve Magner Vacant Buildings Program Manager Division of Code Enforcement cc: Mary Erickson - Council Research Cindy Carlson - PED Housing Amy Spong — Heritage Preservation ota60135 5/09 August 11, 2�a9 507 DALE ST N page 5 The following deficiency list must be completed immediately or the building vacated. A reinspection will be made on or after August 17, 2009. 09-1110 CONDENINATION OF THE BUII,DI[JG REVOKES THE F1RE CERTIF'ICATE OF OCCUPANCY. Failure to complete the conections may result in a criminal citation. The Saint Paul Legislative Code requires that no building be occupied without a Fire Certificate of Occupancy. DEFICIENCY LIST 1. Basement - MSFC 906.1, MN Stat. 299F.361 - Provide approved fire extinguishers in accordance with the following types, sizes and locations.-Provide minimum 2Al OBC fire extinguishers spaced not more than 75 feet travel distance from any point in the building to an extinguisher. They must be permanently mounted between 3 and 5 feet high in readily visible and easily accessible locations. 2. Basement - MSFC 315.2.5 - Remove the fuel buming equipment from the building.-gas cans and lighter fluid 3. Basement Freezer - MSFC 605.5 - Discontinue use of extension cords used in lieu of permanent wiring. 4. Basement Rear - MSFC 1010.5 - Provide and maintain an approved emergency lighting system. 5. Building Utiliries - SPLC 34.14 (2), 3434 (5) - Provide an approved electrical and gas service adequate to meet the buildings needs. This work may require a permit(s), call DSI at (651) 266-9040.-Restore the service. 6. ELECTRICAL - BASEMENT - MSFC 605.6 - Provide electrical cover plates to all outlets, switches and junction boxes where missing. 7. ELECTRICAL - BASEMENT - MSFC 6051 - Repair or replace damaged electrical appliance wiring. This work may require a permit(s). Call DSI at (651) 266-9090. 8. ELECTRICAL - GENERAL - MSFC 605.6 - Provide electrical cover plates to all outlets, switches and junction boxes where missing. 9. ELECTRTCAL - GENERAL - MSFC 605.6 - Provide all openings in junction boxes to be sealed. 10. ELECTRICAL - GENERAL - SPLC 34.14 (2), 3434 (5) - Provide an approved electrical service adequate to meet the buildings needs. This work may require a pernut(s), call DSI aY (651) 266-9090.-POWER WAS SHUT OFF TO BUILDING WHEN INSPECTION WAS MADE. August 11, 2009 507 DALE ST N page 6 09-1110 11. ELECTRICAL - GENERAL, - NEC 210-3 - Provide for the electrical branch circuit to be rated in accordance with the masimum permitted over current device.-verify that fuse / circuit breaker amperage matches wire size in all electrical panels. 12. ELECTRICAL - GENERAL - NEC 250-2 (a) (b) - Provide for the elech-ical system and equipment to be grounded.-Examine gounding to the building. Provide as needed per code. 13. ELECTRICAL - GENERAL - SPLC 34.12 (2), 3435 (1) - Repair and maintain all required and supplied equipment in an operative and safe condirion.-Provide power to all electrical equipment, receptacles, switches. Repair or rewire per code. Test all receptacles for correct polarity and grounding. Provide Illimination to all light fixtures. Repair or provide as needed. 14. ELECTRICAL - GENERAL - MSFC 605.1- All light fixtures shall be maintained with protective globes if originally equipped. 15. MECHANICAL / FORCED AIR FiJftNACE - SPLC 3411 (6), 3434 (3) - Provide service of heating facility by a licensed contractor which must include a carbon monoxide test. Submit a completed copy of the Saint Paul Fire Marshal's Existing Fuel Burning Equipment Safety Test Report to this office. 16. MECHANICAL / GRAVITY FIJRNACE - SPLC 34.11 (6), 34.34 (3) - Provide service of heafing facility by a licensed contractor which must include a carbon monoxide test. Submit a completed copy of the Saint Paul Fire Marshal's Existing Fuel Burning Equipment Safety Test Report to this office.-If furnace is abandoned, all gas piping, electrical service and vent piping must be disconnected from furnace. 17. Main Doors - MSFC 1010.1, 1003.3.1.8 - Post a sign stating'THIS DOOR MIJST REMAIN LJNLOCKED WHEN BUILDING IS OCCUPIED` at main exits with interior key locks. The minimum stroke of the letter must be 1 inch with a contrasting background. 18. Plumbing - Baptismal Tub - MPC 4715326. Fixture: Provide air cap on fill line to hxb and remove any rusted pipe. Also provide atmospheric vacuum breaker. 19. Plumbing - Gas Piping - MPC 4715326 Gas Piping. Replace conoded piping. 20. Plumbing - Men's Bathroom - MPC 4715.326 Fixture: Men's bafhroom fixture is broken or parts missing. Reset water closets urinal waste and water is inconect and the urinal is invented. 21. Plumbing - Rain leader - MPC 4715326. Rain leader(s). Properly plug or cap off rain leaders. 22. Pluxnbing - Soil & Waste Piping - NIPC 4715.326. Soil and Waste Piping. No front sewer cleanout; no soil stack base cleanout. Unplugged or open piping; back pitched piping and improper connections, transitions, fitting or pipe usage. August I 1, 2009 507 DALE ST N page 7 09-1110 23. Plutnbing - Water Heater - MN Plumbing Code 4715 Chap 326. Verify water heater functions correctly. 24. Plumbing - Water Meter - MPC 4715326 Abandon under� lead water service and run new 1 inch water supply over head. 25. Plumbing - Water Piping - NII'C 4715326 Water Piping. Repair or replace ail conoded, broken or leaking piping, improper fittings ar usage, boiler fill water line requires backflow assembly or device and provide water piping to all fixtures and appliances. 26. Plumbing - Women's Bathroom - MPC 4715326 Fixture: Women's bathroom the water piping is incorrect, fixture is broken or parts are missing. 27. Sanchxary - SPLC 34.10 (7), 3433 (6) - Repair and maintain the walls in an approved manner. 28. Sanctuary - SPLC 34.10 (7), 3433 (6) - Repair and maintain the ceiling in an approved manner. 29. Sanctuary Emergency Exit - MSFC 1010.1, 10033.1.2 - Exit doors must swing in the direction of travel. Change the swing of the door. LfZI] Sanctuary Swing Doors - MSFC 703 - The door must not be obstructed or impaired from its proper operation at any time.-doors do not open properly and easily 31. Through out - MSFC 1010.3 - Provide and maintain approved external or internal lighting of the exit sign.-Provide emergency lighting at all exits that do not currenfly have emergency lighting at. 32. Window Area - SPLC 34.09 (1) b,c, 34.32 (1) b,c - Provide and maintain all exterior wails free from holes and deteriorarion. All wood exterior unprotected surfaces must be painted or protected from the elements and maintained in a professional manner free from chipped or peeling paint. 33. Window Area - SPLC 34.23, MSFC I 10.1 - This occupancy is condexnned as unsafe or dangerous. This occupancy must not be used until re-inspected and approved by this office. 34. MBC ll5.1 Conditions. Contact structural engineer Frank Berg at Department of Safety and Inspections City of St Pau1651-266-9072 regarding unsafe and deteriorating structural. 35. SPLC 34.23, MSFC 110.1 - This occupancy is condemned as unsafe or dangerous. This occupancy must not be used until re-inspected and approved by this office. You have the right to appeal these arders to the Legislative Hearing Officer. Applications for appeals may be obtained at the City Clerks Office, Room 310 - City Hall (651-266-8688), 15 Kellogg Boulevard West, and must be f led within 10 days of the date of the original orders. z H � a A r 0 � � � .� � x .� � .� a � .� � x � 0 U r Y , V �►a W o 0 0 0 0 09- 110 E.�� ; � � ; ��A o 0 0 o m �z ° � ��-a � � � az,a�r� � ��a � � � a � � � �� ma�� a��o�� o��o�! * o��o� a �o7c � F" A °' � °` a Q' o� °` o� � a P. W A O�W �U a�a .a W U o�z � �a� �.p a � N � d Q- H� � � �� — ��a �� N�' � � � � � � v � 6 - E-� �l F � � `�'— � �i w � w � "� ' �— j� "�j�. °��. � � � � __� � , � — N - �z � � �� a w � o � '� �' ( j U �O a�i o �' W �, �� U .S�y �+ V Y O Y � F�t � � O Y z w �� "' "' C/� O M N ti U f•y p„i v� O O Z ' v� h �.�'.. � s�. �� p P� z C• � � E� z,� � v� v� sa� �n y�n � � 4 -�" � � � � �" s � . :d �' � °' v' � �' Q A W d a �' i s °�. 0.1�� o o � y ,v,� �� za � �� aa � �� W °"� Q �� Q �. 0 0�� z� °�� `�� x°�� a� a � � ro Q� �� X' �, o a� • c �, a °A a , ' o r ,, � E �°.�� c v�c w°v� ,�"v E—�Q 0 � � O a o9-iiio CITY OF SAtNT PAUL DEPARTMENTALMEMORANDUM Site Visit Report Date: August 6, 2009 To: Dick Lippert Deputy Director Jim Bloom Building Official From: Frank Berg, P.E. Staff Structural Engineer Re: SQ7 Dale Street North Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church Purpose of visit: My site visit was performed on August 5, 2009. The purpose of my visit was to observe for myself the reported deterioration of the building's structure, report my findings, state my opinion as to the severity of the deteriorarion, and recommend a course of acfion clearly indicating level of urgency. This was my first visit to this site. Procedures: I was accompanied by Dave Tank, DSI azea building inspector, and by 7oe Ehrlich, DSI senior building inspector. We walked the entire perimeter of the building's exterior and were given access to the basement and main level of the building's interior. W e consulted with Lillie Sanders-Brown, a church tepresentarive. Ms. 5anders-Brown did not accompany us on our walk-thru but rather stayed in her office in the building next door to the Church. We performed only visual obsezvarions. No measurements were taken. No drawings were available, but Ms. Sanders-Brown showed us two nearly identical workproposals prepared by the same restorarion contractor, one dated 1997 and the other 2005, for work that had never been performed. There was no evidence of a structural engineer's input in what she showed us. 09-1110 gackground Information: Ms. Sanders-Brown indicated that the church building may have been originally a wood cladded building with brick veneer being added later, and she indicated that fire datnage may have been addressed at that same time. She was not with tfie Church at that time, however. A structural engineer's report (LTlteig, Jason S. Hanlon, P.E.) of the condition of the buiiding's structure, dated April 10, 2009, with recommendations and statements as to urgency, had been provided to DSI prior to this visit. The Ulteig report had been provided to DSI following a written order &om Mr. Tank that the owner "submit to our office a proposal for the repair of this building, and an approximate start date". The Ulteig report that was provided is not a proposal for repair, but rather a condition survey with recommendations. The following is directly quoted from the Ulteig report: This (the south) wall was measured to be out-of-plumb approzimately 7-inches over its height. This (the north) wall was measured to be out-of-plumb approximately 3-inches over its height. The overall structural stability and soundness of the above grade constf-uction appears to be in verypoor condition and cannot be left in its current condition. The out ofpZumb condition ofthe walls along with the noted ratting and deterioration of the studs creates a potentially unstable and unsafe condition. The most signifzcant items are the framing conditions and rot noticed in the abovegrade exterior walls. These walls cannot be left in their current condition. .. there is signifzcant concern with the bearing condition of the main roof beam on the north wall where the pop-out pl¢ster was found and in line with the ezterior downspout. .. if this conditian is left unattended for an eztended period of time, this bearingpoint may fail causing the roof to collapse at this location. The Ulteig report must be read in its entirety, however, to assure that pulling out these quotes has not changed the intended meaning. Observations: Let it be stated that I agree with the reported observations of the IJlteig report. From outside the out-of-plumbness of the north and south exterior walls was not re-measured, but was easily obseroed. Sepazarion between the brick and the wood back-up was apparent at many locations, but especially at deteriorated window frames. At one locafion the separarion disclosed what appeared to be old lap siding. 09-1110 From inside the out-of-plumbness was not r�measured, but could again be observed. Where plaster had cracked and fallen off we could observe wood framing that had rotted to where there were gaps where the wood was literally no longer there. At one point, directly under the bearing point of a roof beam, there wasn't any indication of wood remainiug. While posirioning myself to observe this condition water was dripping on my glasses. It was a clear, sunny day at the t'sme. From inside distress in the form of sepazarion was observed at bearing points of the roof beams. At azeas ofgaps in decayed wood what appeared to be the back side of wood, lap siding was observed. At these same locations what appeazed to be the back-side of exterior, decorarive cap Block within what from outside the building looks like pilasters was observed. Engineering opinion: Several tlungs aze coming together that leave me with a very uncomfortable feeling as to the structural integrity of this building. First, beaz in mind that the Ulteig report is from four months prior to my observarions. As reported a few pazagraphs back, water was dripping within some of the opened-up azeas of the walls. Thus, deterioration of the wood has gotten worse since April and will con6nue to get worse. What is viewed from the outside to be brick pilasters appear from the inside to not be brick pilasters at all, but a veneer configured in the shape of a pilaster. The primary roof support appears to be the woad framing. This makes sense in that from inside the building the brick between what looks like pilasters from the outside the building definitely appears to be a veneer, and to say we have brick pilasters integral with a brick veneer is inconsistent. Wood, by its nature, gives waming before failure, but rotted wood does not. When it fails, it fails suddenly. In this building the wood framing at some very critical locarions has rotted to where it is not providing any support. Thanks to principles of physics a structure will redistribute loads every way possible before collapsing, collapsing only when it no longer can find a load path to the foundation. �rom what I was able to observe at this building, however, I am shunped as to what is hoiding up this roof. Perhaps at some loca6ons it is the brick veneer. Given what I was able to observe as well as what we can read in the IRteig report, and unfil I have other, hopefully more positive information upan which to make an engineering judgment, I have no choice but to say that failure of this building in the form of collapse is imminent. Recommendations: I recommend that the owner be given two options: The first option is to require that the owner retains a demo]ition contractor to dismantle the building down to the foundation. This would need to be performed under permit by a contractor experienced in dismantling as opposed to demolishing. Dismantling implies a cazeful and calculated approach so that removal of certain portions does not result in losing control of the stability of other portions. Demolishing implies more the tradifional iron ball approach. 09-1110 The second option is to require that the owner retains a conhactor to begin dismantling but more as exploratory and under the close watch of a structural engineer. The intent would be to uncover what either Ulteig or T either failed to observe or could not observe and leYs say "prove us wrong". We would need to require that for the removal of any materials, no matter how small an azea, and even if only for expioratory purposes, the work be under permit. A condirion ofthe permit would be that the engineer be on site unril the stability of the structure can be justified. At that point the owner could propose to DSI a revised and updated work plan based on the recommendarions of the engineer. SEP-22-2009 16�a5 From�CITY OF ST PRUL-DSZ 6512669124 fif'(�n20-�0 07:50p FR GM:I-�RRT TD HEqRT 6512981915 To:6512668574 P.2'8 70:2569099 P,2 09-1110 szos e. r��. xoaa Sutte 3Qa M9nne3polis� MN 55421 �.�7G3-573-ZSQD F�a 763-57t-'ItbB YAYW.UICCig.CWn .4pri1 S0, 2009 Rack of Ages Church Attn: LillieSanders-Brown 5�1 Dale St. N, 5uite 202 St. Paul, MN 55103 Re: Huilding Assessment Rock of Ages Church 507 Dale St. N St. Paul, MN ITlteig i'roject No. 69.00752 1 herehy certify that this plan, �peciHcation oc repmt was prepared by me or undet my d'uect aupervision and that T am a dnly licensed professional engineer under the i s of the State o� Minnesofa. Jnsoti H}�n1an �ate= �{ l MinnesoW ILegistiati n l�io. 41941 To Whom it May Concem_ The purpose of this letter is tu report the findings of a visual obsecvation cunducted on Apri13, 20p9 of the building Iocated at 507 Dale St, N, nn St. Paul, MN, �L �l � u :_t . It is our opinion the current shvcmraT stability and adequacy oE the existing building is in poor zondi�ion and requires significanr carzecfive measures to comply wath current Code reqwrements. The most significant iterns are the framing conditions and rot noticed 'm ttie above grade exterioi walls. These walls requ.ire replacement and cannor be leR in theix current condition. Please cal! with any que5tions or toacerns, Smceretg, UTteig �CX�—� son S, Hanlon, PE, SE SEP-22-2009 16:05 From�CITY OF ST PAUL-DSI 6512669124 f�R=20-2009 07=50A FROM:HERR��x7 HERRT GSS298S915 Rock of Ages Church Ulteig T'roject No. ¢g,00752 Apri(10, 2049 Page 2 �ACKGROUNI7 AND ASSIGNMENT To:6512668574 Ta:26b9099 P.3�8 P. 3 09-1110 It was reported that approximately two years ago the water proofing and drainage along the north and south side of the rcw£ showed signs of ]eaking. The condition was aot addressed and as a resu[t the condition oF the roof worsened introducing signiEicant leakage inm the wa71 cavities resulting in damage visible from the interior of the bu9lding, The City has required the Chiuch #o obtaizt an assessment report o£ Hie existing structure oufiuming the building's curmnt ��undiHon and what necessary steps are needed to repair and improve its overaIl structural5tabi2ity. DESCRIPTION The buiiding is a single stnry, church stxuctur.e constructed i.n the lnte 1890'b or early 1900's, The building has a mezzanine level over the hont poxrion of the main level and a ful! basernent undez the entire stxucture. The above grade construction �onsists of wood framing with fuli height exterior bnck veneer. Tkie below �x9de constructioxi was not visible at the time of the site visit due to the presence of finished uti�Peria7 in the basement level. F3owtver, frnm the exterior, it appears that the foundation wa31s exere consEructed wiCh dry�tacked rock cvalls. '[1ze buiLcting is attached to an adjacent building located Eo the sout}+ through a single corxidor access structure, 7:here were no construction dac�unents available to review at the time of the assessment. QBSEItVATIONS The scope of work was prunazity directed towards commenting on the structuzal integrity of the build'mg. A review of Ehe mechanical systems and electrical �vas not compLeted. The following items are noted: 1. TEie #ront of the building #aces east Eor reference in this report, 2. The buiJding is approximately 44-feet wide and 9d-feet ]ang. 3. �e extezinr oE khe building has a brick veneer aiound the entire perimeter. It appears the brlck is a single-wythe with a wood stud back-up wall. No sigttificant cracking was observed in the mortar of the brick alor� the exterior of the buxlding. 4. 11ie north and south walls of the buiiding are visibly teaning �nt away [rom the interior ot [he structure. 5, Thete is some effcrvescertt scai:vng an the brlck under the downspout un the north side of the building. SEP-22-2009 16:a5 From:CITY �F ST PRUL-DSI APR-20-2909 07:SiA FROM:HE�2T 70 HERRT Rock of Ages Church UlteigProject No. D9.00752 April J.O,?A09 Fage 3 6512669124 To:6512668574 P.4�8 6512921915_.,. T0:2665a99 P.9 �9-1110 6. Thgre axe seven brick pilasfers atomg the north and south walJs of the builcting. 'lhe pilaster spacing Tanges From l0'-5` to 1?'-D' along the Iength o£ the wall. These pilasters taper towards the top and d� not fulty extend to the mp nf ttte exterior wa]Ls. The pilasters pmtrude I2-'u�ches out trom the wall an�{ are 16" w9de for the ma}ority af their he ight. 7. The front concrete stoop steps have detexiorated signifieantly. 8. The flashing and/or seaiant asound several of the stain glass windows along the south side have deYerioratei3 allowing t]te intetior ro be exposed to the elements aY these IocaUons. Birds arenestixig in a�vuple of these deteriaratect areas, (Picture #1) 9. 'I'E.er.e is a befl towec at the front oE the huilding. 'fhe exYeriur conditipxl appeare sound, however the mkerior side of the tower was not observed. 10. 7'he main Floor of the structure slopes down trom the east to the west. Hosvever, this was how thc structure was originafly built for the "skadium" seafing ut thc main congcegatior area. 11, Tlie mam Qoor finished floor elevation is appzaximately 5-f�et above the eacterior grade arou�nd the buiiding. 12. The intet�ior space of the maizi floot is open with no mtezioc ]oad bearing wal)s or calumns. 13. Based or� the visual observations, it appears the roof fram.ing is constructed with main ropf. members (built up trusses, main beam rafters, etc.) spanning thc 40-foot width of the building aligni.ng with the brick piIasters as noted a)ong thc exterior of khe building. 74. The roof is gable style and createc a vauited condition in the main copgregation area. 'Che c�iling clear height is appioximateiy 18'-6" ak the north and south walls and is appraximately 25-Eeet at the center of the space, 15. It is assvmed theze are wood pu�lins spanning be[ween Yhe main roof inembers to support the roof deck 16. 'The wall studs that wexe exposed were measured fo ba 2x6 studs spaced at 16-inches, 17. There is one stain glass window Tocated behveen every exterior brick p�7aster. 1S. There is significant cracking and damage throughout the main Floor space as fallows: a. Along the west wall there are lacge diagonal ¢acks in the plaster. b. On flie south wa11, there zs signific�nt cracking throughout and a targe pnp-out area of plaster where warer bvilt up in the wall, froze and expanded. This wall was zneasured ta be out-of-plumb approximafely 7-inehes over its height. (Picture a3? c• On the north wali, there is signi6cant cracking throughout and a large pop-out area was also loeated nn this wait. This pop-out is 7ocated in line with the exterior dawnspout and is under one of the main roof inember bearing poi,nts. This wall was measured to be out-of-plwnb approximately 3-inches over its height. {Picture #2) d. At both pog-out areas, the wood studs are visible and sig�iFicantroKing is observed. e. 3here are cracks along fl,e finish af the main roof beams, xt could noY be determined iE the cracks were the result of s�uctural distress or expansionJcontraclion of the materiaLs. f. Thexe is significant cracicmg i,n the plaster at the bearing point of one of the roof beams. 7'his occurs abave the poprout area on the north wall and in line wirh the exterior downspout location. (Picture #�4) 19. No insvlaeion was observed in t2ie extertox wall cavities of [he main level. SEP-22-2009 16:05 From:CITY OF ST PRUL-DSI APR 07:53ft FRCPi: F�HRT -TO HEART Rorlc of Agcc Chur�h Ulteig Project No, fl9,OD752 Apri3 10, 2009 Page 4 09-1110 Z0. The basement area of the strucLvre is finished and .none of tlie foundation walls or main floor framing was exposed for zeview. I�owever, based on visual obsezvations it agpears the majority oE the basement is in sound mndieon with no indication of significant distress. TEiere is some water clunage ta the finish materia[ on the north Eoundation watl This conditian is7ocated under the v,�ter damage noticed on the main Ievel. y!1 1� • ' • �1 • • � � �1 ZI. A structurai review of the building was completed and the following ibcros are noted: a. The overall structural stability and soundness of the a6ove grade conytruction appears to be in very poor rnndition and cannat be left in its current condition. 'Che out-of-plumb crondition of the walls along with the noted rotang and deteriorAtion of the studs creates a potenflally unstable and unsafe candition. Although stud deterioration was noted in two areas, Yt can be Assumed that ather areas may be severe or in the eady sEages of rot. b. Uased on the fu�ind cotiditions, the Zx6 shtds would nut meet the curre�t Cvde even zf m�ood condition. The height of the wall exceeds that wliich is allowed for 2xG'a spaced at 16-inches on center and the bearing tondition of the main roof rnembers is c. Ca quesHonable. The rooE framing members were not confirmed �t the time of the site visit, so Eheir _ capacity and adcquacy �annot bc commented on. 7-lowever, there is siginiFicant concem with el.e bearmg condition of the main roof bcam on the north wall whcrc the pop-out plaster was Eound and 'm iine with the exterior downspouC There appears to be significant distress in the plaster where the beam intersects the wall � and if khis condition is left unattended for an extended period of time, this bearing / � pouit may fail causing the roof to collapse ar this Iocafion. `� N The foundatian walls were rnvered with finished matariai and were nnt observed, ?� �� However, the founda6on apPears sfructurally sound 8ased on the canditions noted. � At a m?nim the water damaged maMrial should be removed and replaced and if �n,ti�'"� j is suggested that an area be exposed to allow observatinn of che condidon af the foundatioa wall. �� r �� r �� 22. It is our professional opinion that the existing exterior wails should be rebuilt along with �;ys'� j ott�er rnmediation foz the building. r1l] rotted membezs should be removed and the � building envelope reestablished to sea! and proCect from the elements. If left unattended, the building witl likely deteriorate further creating a public safeEy concem. The owners have two options to consider; 6512669124 To:6512668574 P.5�8 651248I915 TD:265�059 - - P�5 a. itemedy the exis�g structure. Significant_steps need to be taken to bring the bu�lding up to cutrent Code requirements, such as, but not limiked to: i Reroofing and Flashing around the perimeter of the building. ii. Investig�Hon and addressmg thc roof Eraming as needed SEP-22-2009 16:a5 From:CITY OF ST PpUL-DSI 6512669124 4?PR�20-2009 97�:SSA FROM:1-Ef�27 TO HERRT __,.fy5129B1915 Rock of Ages Church _ LSiteig Projecf No. 04.00752 Aprii10 2009 Page S � To:6512668574 P.6�8 70=26b9899 P.6 09-1110 iii. Flashin$ and sealants for a]] the windaws iv. Tnsulafion and esEablishing and appropriate vapflr b:azier at aIl exterior watls. v. Nlold remediation and reconstruction of the exterior wall studs. vi. Aamp-proofing of the euis[ing foundation. Teaz down the siructure and rebuitd. 1'he existing foundation appears sa{scsd, and coufd possibly be used as the footprint for a new stcucttice. Hotivever, the eacisting foundation would need to be observed and verified prior to moving forcvard with this option and it can be anticipated that some corrective measures to the Eoundation vralls would be needed to accpenntodaffi this neW mnstruction. Ulteig cannot muunent on the moat Wst eEEective opti�n and it is suggested that the owners contact a quali{ied generat contractor to provide cost estimaEes for the two scenarios. However, it as ovr opmion that tlte more plausible approach would be tv tear down and rebuild accordingly. IZegardless of which opHon is pursued, we also recommend they retuin t1�e scrviccs of a registered Architect And/or Engineer to dcvetop demolition pi.�ues and construction documenb. G�NEItAL The inEormation, o6servations, and opinions seated in this report are based on an visual observations made by Jason S. f�inlon, PE, SE, The site visit consisted of a visual walk-rk�rough o6serrhzig exposed elements and those aacess;.bte without the remova] of finished materials. The observaHons and npirmion,c expressed tn dvs rnport are based on out professional engineering judgment and professional pract�ce. This report does not constitute a warranty, either implied or othaawtse. Attacha Pictures {2 gages, 4 pictures total) �� ,I 'r` 1 , . 09-1110 507 N. Dale Street St Paul, Minnesota SHPO Inv. # RA-SPG 0879 St. Paul Heritage Preservafion Commission Individual Property Designation Form Historic Name: St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church Common or Current Name: Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION PIN: 352 923 140 206 SHPO Inventory #: RA-SPG 0879 Property Type: church Current Owner: Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church Legal Description: Ward: Planning District: 7 U.S.G.S. Map: St. Paul E 7.5' St. Paul Heritage Preservation Commission Address: 507 N. Dale Street 09-1110 St. Paul Heritage Preservation Commission Individual Property Designation Form HISTORICAL ABSTRACT Building Pemtit #: 71399 Construction Date: 1918 Subsequent: Architect: William L. Alban Builder. Edward Birkholz Moved: Original Address: Original Owner. St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church Subsequent: Historic Uses: church DESCRIPTION Style: Gothic Revival Building Type: church No. of Stories: 2.5 Plan: rectangular Roof Type: gable Roof Material: asphalt Structural System: brick and frame Foundation: limestone Fa�ade Material: brick Additional: limestor.e trim Outbuildings: none OEher contributing features: VISUALASSESSMENT Exterior Condition: fair Exterior Historic Integrity: very good Surrounding Land Uses: urban residenrial and commercial St. Paul Heritage Preservation Commission 09-1110 Sf. PauI Heritage PreseroaEion Commission Individual Property Designation Form DESCRIPTION STATEMENT St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church is located in the Frogtown neighborhood in Planrung Disfrict 7. It occupies Lots 1 and 2, Block 1, Syndicate's First Addifion to St. Pau1. Sited at the wmer of Dale and Charles streets, one block north of University Avenue, it is one of several historic churches in Frogtown. The building was desia ed by WilIiam L. Alban. The Gothic Revival Style church measures 40' x 80'. It is two- and one-half stories in height and rests on a painted limestone foundation. The gable roof is clad in asphalt shingles. The exterior is dark brown pressed brick trimmed in stone. Most of the stone trim is painted. The main, east facade on Dale Street is dominated by a central tower that rises four stories. The lancet-arched entry is framed by compound stone arches and has double-leaf doors. The doors are surmounted by a stained glass transom filled with tracery. Above, there is a third-story window with paired lancet windows and a small rose window, and an octagonal, shingle-clad spire topped with a metal cross. The brick base of the tower is crenellated and has metal finials at the corners. Each elevarion of the bell tower has a pair of lancet-arched, louvered wooden ventilators. The north and south elevations have slender, lancet-arched windows under simple brick hoods. Most of the windows are filled with stained glass set in operable sash. Some windows have replacement glazing. The building corners and side elevations have stepped buriresses trunmed in painted stone. A new cornerstone reads `First Church of the Nazarene, 1950." Despite loss of stained glass and painting of the stone trim, the building retains very good historic integrity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT St. Paul Historic Contexts: Churches, Synagogues and Religious Buildings, 1849-1950 (2001) St. Paul Heritage Preservation CriteriaJCriterion: (1), (5) St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church is significant for its association with St. Paul's nineteenth- and early twentieth-century German immigrant community. It is also significant as a well-conserved example of the work of St. Paul architect William L. Alban. The property meets St. Paul Heritage Preservation criteria (1) and (5). Church History St. Matthew's congregarion was organized in 1887 by Rev. Edward Kaiser, a missionary for the Evangelicai Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and Other States. He reportedly selected the Frogtown area because many Lutheran immigrants were settling in the area but there was no church in the vicinity. Minnesota's first Lutheran church was founded in St. Paul by Germans in 1855. German- speaking immigrants constituted the °largest single foreiD -born group in Minnesota from 1860 to1905 when Swedes took over first place." Qohrison 1481, 153). In 1900, St. St. St. Paul Heritage Preservarion Commission o9-iiio St. Paul Heritage Preservation Commission Individual Property Designation Form Paul had 12,935 foreia -born German speakers; over twice as many as in 1880. Germans were concentrated in the Frogtown area on Dayton's Biuff, and along W. Seventh Street. Sf. Paul was Ehe home of over tvaenty-German language newspapers and played an important role in iocal politics in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries Qohnson 1981, 175-76). After World War I, there was a great decline in bIlina al teaching in German schools and in German language church services. By 1890 there were at least six predominantly German Lutheran congregations in St. Paul including the stil]-extant Zion German Evangelical Lutheran at 776 Jackson Street (1888). Divisions over the teachings of various Lutheran synods divided many Lutheran churches in this period, andin 1887 Reverend Edward Kaiser broke with St. Paul's Evangelical Church and the Evangelical Synod of North America. He joined the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and Other States and was called as a missionary for the city of St. Paul. After meeting for a time in an empty storeroom at 474 University Avenue, a simple [irst church was constructed on the present site in1888. The building was designed by St. Paul architect Morris L. Weiser. In 1914, the building was extensively remodeled, including the construction of a full basement. The church burned in 1918 and the present building was erected on the same site, presumably on the old foundation. A Sunday School was erected in 1890 (on the site of the present Sunday School building) and in 1892 a parsonage was purchased at 815 Sherburne Avenue. St. Paul architect William L. Alban designed the present church building. In 1932 a two- story brick Sunday School building was erected to the south of the church. It was designed by architecf Cari Buetow, a member of the congregation. The building is now the Midtown Business Center. St. Matthew's occupied this building until about 1950, when the congregation built a new church at 1109 Van Buren (at the northwest corner of Lexington Parkway). It has since housed the First Church of the Nazarene (ca. 195463), St. John's Church of God in Christ (1964-67), the Licely Stone Temple of Jesus Christ Apostolic Faith (1968-?) and the Rock of Ages Missionary Bapfist Church (?-present). William L. Alban St. Matthew's is one of a number of St. Paul churches designed by William L. Alban alone or in parfiership with other architects. He is also credited with the First Methodist Church (1908; now Saints Volodymyr and Olga Ukranian Church); SE. Anthony Park Methodist Church (1913); the Evangelical Church of the Reformation (1913); Knox Presbyterian Church (1914) and Fairmount Avenue United Methodist Church (191�. He was also the designer of the Payne Avenue State Bank (1923) at 961 N. Payne Avenue and a commercial building at 689 Snelling Avenue (1912). Alban began working as an architect in 1906. Prior to establishing his own office around World War I, Alban practiced with Martin P. Thori and James E. Fisher. He also St. Paul Heritage Preservation Commission 09-1110 St. Paul Heritage Preservation Commission Individual Property Designation Form partnered w9th Charles Hausler. The HauslerAlban partnership produced the Knox Presbyterian Church at 1536 Minnehaha Avenue (1912-14), a striking Prairie School desia . Alban s residential work includes 966 Tuscarora ((1908), 1259 Hague Avenue (1913), and the Gilbert Gutterson House at 2181 Doswell Avenue (1915). He designed public schools in Eau Claire, Austin, and St. Peter. "A Brief History of St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church;' Vol. XI, December 1937 St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church Visitor. Alban, William L. file, Northwest Architectural Archive, University of Minnesota. Castle, Henry. History of St. Pau1 and Vicinity. Chicago and New York: Lewis Publishing Co.,1912. Johnson, Hildegard B. "T'he Germans;' in Holmquist, June, ed. They Chose Minnesota St. Paul: Minnesota Historical Society Press, 1981. 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' ... �'- i `_,@�s �_ : � e e y " � I � , d �� / \ 'L� \ � I �.. � � 90a 1 y IW CO �9EZ� .AVE U �_ ��.. �o ; �_r. � : �: �l�'� �, 17n� .;.._ � ; m:o, ..,� � � ;� ! �� r. �� ;y:2 /� � � -t�,`wk �%F'IINI �� •,� , ; ;Tower� W _o .� gc�� '�.- __— << _ _ `...� � �J_= �, � �� BU5 'GINF ■ M Q\v1P'i � � ,� i I ; � oi �.��.. �q t_'1 �� {"�� I��1;�_--_ _ l ..'..I rii�'� I \�,,. —� �:`i � aYl -- �'' �� u �� Stadi�^jl �� !�� ?��JL-,..—_ . , g3 �� 1p � ' �� _��_) 4 .� � � dHrvd .I� � � � `� -� l \�,:_, -� t l� 7' �� 1 ) mm Tekacs Rark" �F -a_' ' _'�' '� il i ' _, ' �,, u !c�� "�`T`•s-=�y-' __.'— .� _ ��. 1 �� l � �"� `,il�` � II �� , ' � \ " � r n z,i t �' � :� � f , i' '� '!_;I = �ie ° � __� � 1 — .� I�� L :. .__ _.. .� � !� •/ �� i wn:� � . �� i� �> - Dw�nuig F�eIC�' ' \r'af� _ I �, o\'��K �'=i�, i"'U pll �s^+� ��- i � 09-1110 building was designed by Bazry Byrne {1883196�, a Chicago architect noted for his innovative work. In 1951 Mount Zion Temple at 130D Summit Ave. was designed by Erich Mendelsohn (1887-2453), a German Expressionist azchitect besY known for his 1910 design for the Einstein Tower in Potsdam. He designed several synagogues in the Midwest after emigrating to the U.S. in 1941. One of the mast prolific synagogue designers, Percival Goodman ot New York designed the 1456 rebuilding of the Temple of Aaron at Hartford and Mississippi ltiver. Local architeets associated with traditional designs in this period included Carl Buetow Qehovah &vangelica! Lutheran Church at Thomas near Snelling;1923 and Faith Evangelical Luiheran Church, at ChazIes and Mackubin, i932); N. Edward Mohn ( Immanuet Evangelical Luthexan Church at Snelling and Goodrich,1925); Fred A. Slifer {St. James Roman Catholic Church at Juno and View Sri�eets 1938-39); Frank Abrahamson (SY. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church at Armstrong and Victoria,1944) and Ingemann and Sergstedt (St. Paal's United Church of Christ at SummiY and MilEOn,1952). Central Park MaYhodist Church at 639 Jackson Street was completed in 1959, and is representative of the direMion of new church design after World War R. The buiiding was composed of no- nonsense brick, metal, and giass arranged in simple geometric masses. The stark cioss-topped stee] spire rose several stories above the building. A comparison with its predecessor at Twelfth and Minnesota reveals much about the evolution of church design (see Illustrarion 12). Compteted in I887, the limesrone bui[ding by architect George Wirth was a weighty amalgam of Richardsonian and English Gothic motifs. Its mu1G-6ered spire dominated the s�line around the State Capitol unti11961, when the building was razed for freeway construcrion. Itlus. 26 Cenriat ParkMethodist Church, 639 Jackson Street (2959). Photograph ca. 1959. i Churches, Synagogues, and Religious Buildings Historic Context Recommendafiorzs In general, St. PauI churches and most retated buiIdings appeaz to be weIl inventoried insofar as extant examples have been located and identified as to original name and date oE construction. It appears that most additional research, however, has been conducted primarily for those listec! on or eligible For the Nationai Register of Historic Places. Over the past twenty yeaxs {since most ot the present inventory was completed) thexe have been alterations as well as improvements to many of the properties. Some might not be included in the inventory now because of tow integrity, usually due to unsympathetic additions. As noted in this stndy, few of the city's pre-1900 churches survive. A good number of remaining examples are included in the Dayton's Bluff or Historic Hill disfricts, or aze downfown. There axe only eight individually designated properries {including one school) outside the historic districts. The recommendations below fecus on properties already listed on the Na8onal Register, as well as those of architectural significance and those associated with the settlement of the city's diverse ethnic groups. Ali meet St. Paui Heritage Preservation Commission designaHon cxiteria. Many of the baildings recommended for designarion study are currently in full use by thelr congregarions, but several appear to be vacant. While finding new uses foi historic churches can be difficult, there are several examples of good recent projects involving conversion to housing or other uses. � Historic Context: Churches, Synagogues, and Religious Organizarions 20 (.andscape Resenrch / BjLW /ZOOI / 09-1ll0 Builclings Rewmmended for Further Designation Study Sethlehem Ev.angelical Lutheran Church 6b1 Forest St. 1914 E. Masqueray Chumh of St. Agnes (NRHP) 548lafond Avenue. 2909-12 Geoxge J. Reis Church of St. Columba 2305 Lafond Ave W. 1949-50 B. Byrne Church of St. Louis (NRHI'} 506 Cedar Street 1909 E. Masqueray Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church 958-960 Forest St. N. 141b Knox Aresbyterian Church 1536 Minnehaha Ave. W. 1912-34 Alban & Hausler Nonvegian Evangelical Lutheran Church 105 Univusiry Avenue 1913 Buechner & Orth Olivet Congregaflanal Church 1850 Iglehart Ave. W. 1907,1915 C.H. Johnston Sr. Pilgrim Baprist Churth (NRHP) 732 Cenfral Ave W. 1928 St. Mary's Romanian Orthodox Church 854 Woodbridge St. N. 1914 St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church S07 Date Sf. N. 1918 W. Alban Historic Context: Churches, Synagogues, and Religious Organi2arions 21 LanAscape Research / BR W /2001 / 09-1110 Preservation Alliance of Minnesota ... to pre.terue, j�mtect and promote Minnesota's historic retourcer" Fxecutive Director Bonnie C. McDOnald Boud ofDirectors Chair Claire Stokes Vice Chair Amy Douma Secretary Todd Nelson Treasurer MaDOnna Stevermer, CPA Jetirey Allman Laura Faucher, AIA Tim Grifin David Kelliher Mary Alice Kopf Renay Leone Michael Logan Ann Meyer Ron Schirmer, Ph.D. Robert Schmi� Lyssa T. Washington Mary L. Wingerd, Ph.D. JeriLyn Young MNAdvrsora ro t6e fvs�o�rz�rtor HistoricPreservariou wii sar� Carolyn Sundquist Advisors Nina Archabal - Director, Minnesota Historiral Society Britta Bloomberg - Deputy State Historicai Preservation Officer Hono�aryDirector Richard T. Murphy, Sr. - Saint Paul A.dIDinistrafive Asslstant Kelli Andre Field Repmsenblive Erin Hanafin 8erg Yoluateer Coordinatot Marvel Anderson August 27, 2009 Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission 25 Fourth Street West, Suite 1400 Saint Paul, MN 55102 Dear Commissioners: I am writing in regards to 507 North Dale Street, St. Matthew's Lutheran Church (Rock of Ages), which is on the agenda for today's meeting of the Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission. As you may Imow, in May 2008 the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota designated the Rock of Ages church building at 507 North Dale as one of Minnesota's 10 Most Endangered Historic Sites. The property was nominated for the endangered list by the Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporafion, which regarded the building as a significant historic and community landmazk on a prominent site within the neighborhood. At the time of the nomination, the church building was described as being in poor condition, with evidence of structural problems in the bowing exterior walls and the collapsing sanctuary ceiling, but the 10 Most Endangered selection committee felt that it was worthy of advocacy and attention and believed that preservation was feasible. Following the endangered designation, the Alliance's executive director, Bonnie McDonald, met with church and community leaders on at least two occasions to provide organizational support. Ms. McDonald also provided church leaders with information on grants and other funding sources that might be used to facilitate rehabilitation of the building. Judging from the report that was submitted to the HPC on August 1 l, 2009 by Steve Manger, Vacant Buildings Program Manager, the church building has continued to deteriorate over the past year and a half and its structural stability has diminished. It appears that the building was not well constructed to begin with, and that later alterations were made in ways that were not structurally SOUT3C1. We regret that this building appeazs to be in such poor physical condition that it cannot continue to contribute to the history and chazacter of the Frogtown neighborhood, and that members of the Rock of Ages congregation aze faced with the loss of an asset that they have invested in for over three decades. We hope that the City of Saint Paul will be able to identify and provide funding assistance to the church so that the building can be cazefully dismantled and 219 Landmazk Centex, 75 West Fifth Stxeet, Saint Paul, MN 55102 (651) 293-9047 • www.mnpseseroation.org 09-1110 Saint Paul Heritage Preservarion Commission August 27, 2009 Page 2 its chasacter-definiug features salvaged for historical interpretation or reuse. We do believe that there is a public benefit in aclmowledging and interpreting the history of the building and the congregarions that have been housed there, even once the structure is removed from the site. It is not often that the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota advocates for the removal of a historic building, and if it is the wishes of the Rock of Ages congregation to aggressively pursue stabilizarion and restorarion, as presented as an option in Mr. Manger's report, we will support them in that endeavor and continue to work with them in identifying funding and other preservation resources. However, we share the concern of the city's code enforcement office that the building might be in danger of imminent collapse and that someone will be injured by the building. Thank you for taking my comments into consideration as you discuss a resolution regarding the order to Abate Nuisance Building at 507 North Dale. Sincerely, Erin Hanafin Berg, Field Representative cc: Rock of Ages Church Councilmember Melvin Carter Greater Frogtown CDC Historic Saint Paul PAM Advocacy Committee 09-1110 CITY OF SAINT PAUL HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION RESOLUTION FILE NUMBER: Saint Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church (presently known as Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church) DATE: August 27, 2009 WHEREAS, the Saint Matthew's Evangelicai Luther Church building, currently known as Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church (hereinafter, the "building") and located at 507 Dale Street North, has suffered from a lack of structural maintenance and is now subject to a substantial abatement action due to its deteriorated condition; and WHEREAS, the building was designed by architect William L. Alban, constructed in 1918 by buiider Edward Birkholz; and WHEREAS, the 1983 Ramsey County Historic Sites Survey identifies the building as one of the "important Protestant churches identified by the survey;" and WHEREAS, the 2001 historic context study, "Churches, Synagogues, and Religious Buildings: 1849-1950" identified and recommended a designation study be completed for the building; and WHEREAS, the building meets the following criterion from Leg. Code § 75.05 with respect to designation as a locai heritage preservation site: (1) Its character, interest or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the City of Saint Paul, State of Minnesota, or the United States; and (5) Its identification as the work of an architect, engineer, or master builder whose individual work has influenced the development of the City of Saint Paul. WHEREAS, the property is considered to be eligible for local designation and for listing on the National Register of Historic Places; and WHEREAS, a Building Deficiency Inspection Report complied on August 7, 2009 contains the following observations: "The advanced deteriorated conditions in the masonry exterior walls and in the wood framing of the interior walis throughout the building resulting in the possibility of an imminent collapse make it a danger to the pubiic." WHEREAS, a building must retain a good levei of integrity in order to convey its historical or architectural significance; and 09-1110 WHEREAS, the concept of salvaging individual components of an historic building is not considered by the HPC a way to mitigate the loss of an historic building. It should only be considered when every option for stabilization, mothballing and preservation are explored; and WHEREAS, if it becomes clear that all options to preserve and stabilize the building have been exhausted, only then would the HPC encourage the salvage and reuse of historic buiiding materials and historic features; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, if substantial abatement of Saint Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church at 507 Dale Street North is deemed necessary, the Heritage Preservation Commission strongly encourages the Council of the City of Saint Paul that it provide in its summary abatement order that every reasonable effort be made to salvage any character defining features or building materials, including but not limited to the stained glass windows, pews, trim work, beams and brick. The building has historical and architectural significance and retains a high level of historical integrity. Accordingly, the following documentation requirements should be imposed: Mid-format archiva� quality photographs of the building's interior and e�erior elevations shail be taken in a"black and white" format. However, all windows to be photographed shall use the same archival quality photographs but use a"color" format. Photographs shall include the immediate neighboring buildings and streetscape to provide context. The interior entries, lobby and main sanctuary space shall be photographed including existing furnishing, trim work and windows. MOVED BY Commissioner Lee Meyer SECONDED BY Commissioner Mark Thomas IN FAVOR 8 AGAINST 0 ABSTAIN 0 09-1110 � ' I 336 — ,, � 32��' � � � . . �- ,a --- .. : - , . ._...._..."""""""'"'� F�i -__"""'F'�o _"' • ,., _ �-------- e++AaEes =------------------------•-----�•-� -------- '� " � � = e -- •t -, ----- �— � „ �T`-- ' � �" :�,," � � -_ _ _-� � �a _ ; — � �'� I 1 e � — — ,- n Po l �"� ��'�� ` �`PI I " ��r� . �. .�' _ i I . ___s_�____.1 ? b65 .r ,1—W p lm. h -~ ✓ � ry � � � � �i � 1—L I�.T I ��r • ��Y: I��J'� 'b,:� I� W1 'I ��L _� �mi I``J y� ;�- r.Ofl r �.d.. '.t'1 ..� I I �"" _I � y , , - I �,� � I , � � � � I�J � <c 5 G ✓louses � u � I I {�� . I . °�!� � �,. I .. i , I �, � '� t—s___� � �° � � ' �;�� i � � ` �d� �\ �� ., ,} � -� "-�—' 7-J_��J�'_.t�__ L s 1 '�� .J �,� , I �� „ _, ^ { ' E ' ' o ' , �� /�� $� CA..u�T E - n.r' I� n I 1:'.r � �JIY�, �\ 1 wT� _� �..� �i 5 �) 1' 2 " _ )� .c Fc a ��_`r:. 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Jis±ric[/v!1?aqe: � 3. Cor.¢;or, r.ame; ap is urc C. Hiscoric nzme: St. Hattheca`s Lutheran Church �. C:iginai use: �urch _ 6. ?r2sent Hse- �uiCh 7. nccess: Yes Ao x I�imited 8, vcr:o3 0_ const=uction: 1918 . 19. � o: Says: 3 11. d c_` stor:es: 2]2. 13. P.oc£ mverina: Asphalt shingle 14. L'-. Cris�ep s�le, r.ataial, loca�ion a _ 16. '!'vue o£ `_.est-ation: P9�nted arched Styi2: C h' R -t RooP stgle: Qabled_ �ormer style s = None I"- mY' o£ :oundat-o:.:_ Limestone ___ 18. 5:ruccural sysuzajmain �ater._o! wall �avering: 4:ood frau.e: c.;ai�board ` �:�ir:glc alum:n::m asSestos X gr>ck: X stretcher bnxid American bond !:eadex ban3 �SL6[�Et: TcYI1C�0YC. Y�ADb�¢ C04Y.4'6�''+ Yll}J�.�12 Y3riGOT.1 do�'i13Y _C/3llLSCd d5}:idT T Type of ston�/F,ricY. crr otY:er boadiny patt�rr.: dark brown pressed brick_ �COncYett� bLOCk _ i7a2t cnncrt>En _StuCCO _�ar°a cotta 4aYCain wa11 �a3�/metsl _, Other,��.._ - '- 1A, Otner signiEican*..cletails: Main �ar,aiEe domissted by ceatrai faur xtary entraace towex with po3nied xzched stoae exiCtance sus�ouad Lapped by exarss, painted asrhed Yh3ad s[ozy wiadow wi[h tiny rose wYndnw c.ivt onE oP fxame, and tall aCtagona.l shingle-clad spire w3th eross aY top and crene2atad 6r1ck bzse w7.�L meYal finials at corners. �ouble dooxs k�ave stained g7ass transom with Gafhie firacery. Side aisles have pointed arched 2tained glass wiadowfl. Stainc�d glass is very unusual with finc detalls aud blue and gray coloring. Ruttresses. 20. Sn.+eqrxty c+f ➢esigsi: �bz�ntezuly i¢t��, & unalkered altered sliqhtly aiteraCiqa:� � ad�it,ioas mase a �4ar, osagrne�l origir.al rlepign not apparenE ?l. Pt,p,ir,a1 canc?xtlan of SStr!l&ing^ _Exce2l��.t X�+.*'�u' _=air Poor _Ue2esitrraCC�d 2T. Fuid:twrs anG, altur'at.xans: En2ensive repaiaCing, maay windacs& replac¢d, new cornerstone reads "Fixst Chu:cch of Yhe fiazarene, 1950". 23. Ef a cornar 1bt, desori�e: ,*1'm7 i3�' SP St� ccsncr oE ,� CVest -. ...,_. __ • civss �treaf. � 24. St<ie cf sUraee: _ 2>. se*_tinq: ,acricu3t�zr'al � resicentia: R cotrse.ercial zr�ustria7 subuxba.: Otner• 26. SE¢nifioant site and lam:3scm� Eeei.uec,: o9-iiio U < � � S a r m .' _ � � sa � n � � m I 6 ✓ I ;� 0 I'L I� � v �n n � n > � Y e'�. 4'hxeat� tc si.tes nnar taiiversitv dvenue _�_ _ _ "1 ZEI. Ada1-'"..2-�Ild1 C6e LGCS: � �47 cont.: otim psacSice �or�etime azround World tJar I. St. Matthew's cougregatipn remaiaed 1n Che chuxch unt�.I. 1:9Sfl or 1451, Sinee then the building fias kroused ehe FLr-st Chuxch o{ thL Nszar.ene (c7., J.45L-b3}„ .S'C. .7crkn's Ghurclr of God i.n Chrisi (1464-67), Linely Stane � Temp.2e af J2sus Ghr�sE.Aga&tolic S�aiCh (19fi&�?), aad bhe Rock of Ages Missio�aary Baptist � GhnrcO'f? prea�t). r: c w � � o m y 25. E��e{si o£ &if;a oisit=,$) 3d. hiec3tivc Pii� rn;��zr{st: 31917/9 31. ha;� lccaztem codv (it &A : , __ - `� 32. 4?ume af fze3c'wrrskex: �i, � 0 mn �x v n o r m m rt 9 04 n 0 YP. G n � n n a' w t+ m k 33. Axchitect/engineer: Wi111am L.. A1ban (Endi Buildin2) �9-111� 34. Builder/concraccor: �ward Hirkholz (714 Van Buren) � :35. PreseaY Oc+ner: 36. Date 1ruilt: 1918 Address: 37. Date source: Builda. _ Permit 3&. Legai Description: �„_� �_� ni,,,.� 1, Svndicate i71 Add�t+on 39. Buil3ing Permi[ 6: 71399 40. Location o: azchitec['s dravings: 41. On National Hegister? Yes X:�o G3. APC/2aca1 niatoric site? _Yes g Ro 45. In historic disCrict? Yes X No Which? — — 42. Natiottal Begister gotential? ^ _Yes y No 4L. Local designation potentiai? _ g No 46. HistoYic district potent�al? _�es �_So S£ yes, expla3n rationale: _ 47. 8istorical back�roun�i: St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church congregation was organi2ed in the su�ez of 1887 un- dez tbe leadership of Dx. Edward Ka.iser. The fixst church was constructed in this site in 188k from designa by St. Paul architect Mox3tz 3.. Weisex. The ctaurch uas destroyed by fire Februarq 1, 1418 and the pxeseat chtirch was bui}.t on the same siCe at an estimated cost of $6,t?00. The architrci of tli.e present church, {1i11iam L. A16an, alsa des3gned the Fair- mwnc A+raaue �3nited Met£�cedYSt q'turr3� (19T.7) et I523 A. Fairmount, nhe Payna Anenue State Bank (1R"23} at 961 N. Paqrte, atad a house at 1259 W. Aague (197.3). 31ban was in partnership mith Niaxtin P. Thnri. and 3ames E I�isher and i b ri her atone, prior to establlshing his 4F1. Leve1 vi s3�n:ricaxica; x Locai _Sta�e �a�fiane� ' _ (Sez (138) t�9, Statement af s3gnifleattce: This small brick chureh, built ia 1918, ls one of several stnall brick churchee ia the Pxog- town area, and on2 of i"qe moat intact. The original wood sixingled &pire and unusual U1ue- graq stained glass wiodaws axe especially interasting. 'Yhe chvrch should 6e preserved 3�e- csxase of izs high vislbility alang bu&y tkale S[seet and Cfie relief the ckmmh providea fxom the heavil,y r,nuenercial Dale Street/ifn.iversity Avenue intersection one blerck to the souCh. 56. 5uurcex �f irrfox;matican: "Lutheran Church WS11 t;e7ebrate," St. PauJ bis�atch, �ov. 26, 1g37, Hoag, R, F,. "Churches of SY. Pau2: A Directory.' manu�cxigt, MHS, 1976, �vail- able aC �he 5C. Paul Public Library. H3storic Sites 5uzvey ArchiLecE Cxra File, Phocograplrs t1 C: [{. � � ^p � `' `C; �� C::i � n'. i . � 1 . � i; � ' l „ � i � '. � 1 !, : �� 1� . . 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T"�" � ` � A �. � J ;�� . � � � � U � � tl 09-1110 Date: July 29, 2008 File #: OS - 123688 Folder Name: 507 DALE ST N PIN: 352923140206 HP District: Properly Name: St. Matthew's Lutheran Church Survey Info: RA-SPC-0879 West side Front posting Sout and east sides North and east sides Posfing by PO 09-1110 Date: August 12, 2009 File #: 08 - 123688 Folder Name: 507 DALE ST N PIN: 352923140206 HP District: Property Name: Survey Info: St. Matthew's Lut6eran Church RA-SPC-0879 East side (front) posting North side posting 09-1110 Date: August 10, 2009 File #: 08 - 123688 Folder Name: 507 DALE ST N PIN: 352923140206 HP District: Properry Name: St. Matthew's Lutheran Church Survey Info: RA-SPC-0879 Rain leader draining at foundation, deteriorated masonry deteriorated masonry, separations around window Deteriorated masonry, bow beginning near top of wall East and south sides Bow developing in wall, masonry repairs Deteriorated masonry, rotted window and framing Date: August 10, 2009 File #: 08 - 123688 Folder Name: 507 DALE ST N PIN: 352923140206 09-1110 HP District: Property Name: St. Matthew's Lutheran Church Survey Info: RA-SPC-0879 Gas service off Rain leader draining at foundation, deteriorated masonry Tree in contact with and damaging the masonry wall Deteriorated or missing mortar joints Deteriorated masonry at front entry Deteriorated masonry atfront entry 09-1110 HP District: Property Name: St. Matthew's Lutheran Church Survey Info: RA-SPC-0879 Deteriorated masonry over window; brick about to fall Deteriorated or missing mortar joints Date: August 10, 2009 File #: 08 - 123688 Folder Name: 507 DALE ST N PIN: 352923140206 Deteriorated, missing masonry at NE corner Damaged window; rot damaged trim/framing Deteriorated masonry and window; wall separation Deteriorated, missing masonry at NE corner 09-1110 Date: August 10, 2009 File #: 08 - 123688 Folder Name: 507 DALE ST N PIN: 352923140206 HP District: Property Name: St. Matthew's Lutheran Church Survey Info: RA-SPG0879 Deteriorated masonry and window; wall separation Deteriorated masonry and window; wall separation Electric service off Deteriorated or missing mortarjoint Deteriorated masonry and window; wall separation Deteriorated masonry and window; wall separation t _, k� : G� �� . : ss� i {� � � t � '� y 6f I , �� S� � f .�.ussr'°� �� „� 1�+� a i<. . ,. : .;. ', '� ;.. � i'�:��--�i� • �� .. . . rP.�='��+�� a �� ` �� , �,,� ;, n . �; � �[�, � _„N:_ . �A � 09-1110 September 22, 2009 Legislative Hearing Minutes Page 2 Ordering the owner to remove or repair the building(s) at 507 Dale Street North within fifteen (15) days from adoption of resolution. Sylvester Davis, Pastor of Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church appeared. Millie Brown, church member, also appeared. Ms. Moermond asked for a report from Mr. Magner. Mr. Magner stated the building was a multi- level masonry/wood frame, church on a lot of 4,356 squaze feet and had been vacant since July 30, 2008. A team inspection had been done on December 10, 2008, the vacant building registration fees in the amount of $1,000 went to assessment on September 3, 2009, and the $5,000 performance bond had not been posted. On August 7, 2009, an inspection of the building was done and a list of deficiencies which constitute a nuisance condition was developed. An order to abate a nuisance building was posted on August 11, 2009 with a compliance date of August 26, 2009. To date, the property remained in a condition which comprised a nuisance as defined by the Legislative Code. Ramsey County Tasation estimated the mazket value of the land to be approximately $44,000 and the building to be $570,600. Real estate taxes for the first half of 2009 were delinquent in the amount of $821.73, plus penalty and interest. Code Bnforcement estimates the cost to repair the building to be approximately $250,000 to $30Q000. The cost £or demolition was estimated to be approximately $50,000 to $60,000. There was also one sumxnary abatement order issued to this property since 2008 which did not result in a work order. Code Enforcement recommends the building be repaired or removed within 15 days. Mr. Magner presented photographs of the property. Ms. Moermond asked for a report from Ms. Spong. Ms. Spong stated that this building was built in 1918 as a Gothic-Revival building by architect William Alban. There was a church that had originally been built on this same site pre-dating 1888 known as Saint Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church. In reseazching the history of the property, it appeared that current church was built over the existing church's foundation as well as over the church's wood frame structure. In looking at the windows in the church, they appeared to pre-date 1918 as they had a blue-gray stained glass which colors were rather rare. The property was inventoried in the 1982 comprehensive study survey; however, a mare extensive study was done in 2001 when the city commissioned a context study of churches, synagogues and religious buildings. This church was recommended for a further designation study as being a church of important historical significance. The HPC did prepare a designation study; however, none of the designation studies ever moved forward. In May 2008, the Preservation Alliance designated the church as one of the state's 10 most endangered historic sites. The Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation also nominated the church as the most endangered with regard to the building's historic significance and was a community landmark on a prominent site in the Frogtown neighborhood. The director of the Preservation Alliance met with church leaders to provide suggested grant and other funding resources to assist with the rehabilitation of the building. The HPC reviewed the order to abate, the report from the structural engineer, the inventory form, and the designation shxdy and approved a resolution resolving that if it was clear that all options to preserve and stabilize the building were exhausted, they wouid encourage the salvage and reuse of historic building materials and historic features as the building has a historical and architectural significance and has a high level of historical integrity. They also listed what documentation they would like made of the building. Ms, Spong stated that she had been in contact with a consultant who was providing a bid on the cost of documenting the property. If the city proceeds with demolition, there was a Section 106 SHPO requirement which she believed would come back as a recommendation to further study this 09-1110 September 22, 2009 Legislative Hearing Minutes Page 3 property. She believed the property was eligible for the National Historic Register; however, she was unsure whether further mitigarion would be required by SHPO. All HPC reports are made a part of the documentation with the resolution. Mr. Magner responded that no CDBG funds would be used for the demolition of this property, which funds were designated for residential demolition only. The funds which would be used for the demolirion of this property would be 802 general funds which would not need to meet the SHPO Section 106 requirements. Ms. Moermond referenced the structural engineer report from Frank Berg dated August 6, 2009 and engineering report from Jason Hanlon, Uitieg, dated April 10, 2009. Said reports are made a part of the docuxnentation with the resolution. Ms. Moermond stated that from reading the engineers reports, she believed there were some things that could be done to save the building; however, the costs would be exorbitant to do so. She asked Pastor Davis whether he had plans to save his church. Pastar Davis stated that he became leader of his church in June 2008 and understood the building lacked maintenance even previous to his leadership. What was troubling to him was that he witnessed other developments in the neighborhood receiving financial aid to upgrade or create new business endeavors; however, when they went to the Greater Frogtown Community Development looking for financial assistance, they were pretty much told they would not give financial assistance to something which was privately owned. They told him if he wanted help, the church would have to donate the building to someone else. Pastor Davis said that he personally was more interested in saving souls rather than physical property. He did, however, feel the plight of his congregation who had put in an investment into the church. He also believed that the location of the church was vital and significant to the community and his congregation had a plan to help bring this community some much needed help. Frorn what he understood, the estimated cost for repairs to the building was approximately $250,000. He asked that if they could show they had this amount of financing and had a plan in place, whether this would save the building. He was trying to explore the options for lus church as they did not want to see the building demolished and were willing to do whatever it took to save the building for the next generation of parishioners. Ms. Moermond asked Pastor Dauis what other financial venues he and his congregation had explored. Pastor Davis responded that he had met with the Frogtown CDC, along with the Historical Society, approximately one year ago and was told by Frogtown that they would not finance any privately owned entity. If they were to donate the property, Frogtown would either keep it themselves or turn it over to someone else for the church to then be able to use for services. He went on to say that when he took over the church, the structure had suffered significant storm damage. They filed insurance claims with their company, Church Mutual, to recover the cost for the damages to they would be able to afford the repairs. The insurance company; however, did not respond to their claims and fiuther damage was done to the shucture due to deterioration from further storms. The building went through the winter without the necessary repairs which further deteriorated the building. They finally received a check from the insurance company for $2,000, as well as a check for a nominal amount, which in no way could cover the cost of the repairs. He said they had hired their own contractors to obtain estimates on the cost of repairs to the building and were denied insurance reimbursement. He felt that they had been "screwed" from all sides. 09-1110 September 22, 2009 Legislative Hearing Minutes Page 4 Ms. Moermond asked how big the congregation was and the current location of wheze they met. Pastor Davis responded that they were currently leasing property at 1026 Front Street; however, they were being evicted after the following Sunday's service and were looking for another location to meet. The congregation consisted of approximately 45 to 50 people who attended services on a regular basis; they also had separate programs which involved approximately 75-125 people who participated. They were in the process of building their congregation as they had found a calling and had a purpose in serving the community. Ms. Moermond asked whether any of the interior features of the building had been salvaged or whether they were still present. Pastar Davis responded that everything on the inside of the church was still there. He said they were basically looking for charity which he believed they were entitled to based on their commitment to the community. Ms. Moermond asked whether they had approached any other entity concerning financing. Pastor Davis responded that he had gone to the individual churches on two to three different occasions asking for financial help but did not find much assistance as most churches were also financially struggling. He said the contractor he had retained presented a bid witl� an estimated cost of repairs for $50,000 which they could have made and saued their church. Since they did not have the money and the insurance company failed to timely respond, the church further deteriorated. Ms. Moermond asked Pastor Davis whether he had filled out an application far financing with Greater Frogtown CDC. Pastor Davis responded that they did not as they were essentially turned away because they were a privately owned, small black church. He believed if they had been any other entity in the community, they likely would have been looked at more favorably but because of who they were, he did not believe they received the "proper attention." Ms. Moermond asked who had told him he didn't qualify for funding. Pastor Davis responded that he believed it was Steve Boland at Greater Frogtown that he had met with along with Bonnie from the Preservation Alliance. Ms. Moermond asked whether they were current on their mortgage or whether a sheriff sale had been scheduled. Pastor Davis responded that they had recently sent a check in the amount of $1,800 to the bank which halted the foreclosure process. Currently, he believed they owed approximately $56,000 on the mortgage with Associated Bank. Ms. Moermond inquired about the delinquent taxes. Pastor Davis responded that he was unsure about the tases. He said that if it was determined the building was going to be demolished, he would like the opportunity to hire contractors to salvage the materials of value from the interior of the church. Ms. Moermond responded that it was the CounciPs intent to document and photograph the building for historical archiving as wells as to determine the salvageable items that should be removed prior to the demolition. This would include the pews, altar, windows, doorway, and whatever other key azchitectural features. If the city hired the contractor to remove the salvageable items, the items removed would then become the contractor's materials. Mr. Manger stated that if the church hired their own contractor to salvage the historical, shuctural artifacts from the interior of the building they would need to hire a licensed, bonded contractor who would be required to pull a permit to do the work. The contractor would also need to submit a plan which would need to be reviewed by the city's structural engineer identifying how the work would be done. This would also be the case if the church was able to find the money to rehabilitate the facility; they would also need to hire a shuctural engineer to oversee the project. He said if the congregation wanted to remove the altar, the pews or any adornments, they could be removed 09-1110 September 22, 2009 Legislative Hearing Minutes without the necessity of a permit. Page 5 Ms. Spong stated that she had talked to Paul Larson on scheduling a tune to go out to the church to do the photo docuxnentation of the building, which she believed would be done at the end of the week. Ms. Moermond recommended continuing the hearing to September 29 at 4:00 p.m. to review the documentarion of Mr. Larson. The following conditions must be met in order to receive a grant of time: 1) the $5,000 perforxnance deposit must be posted; 2) the delinquent property taxes must be paid; 3) must demonstrate the financial capacity to complete the necessary repairs for the amount estimated by the city; 4) must submit a work plan, including a structural engineer's report, with timelines to complete the repairs; and 5) the site must be maintained. 09-1110 MINL7TES OF THE LEGISLATIVE HEARING ORDERS TO REMOVE/REPAIR, CONDEMNATIONS, ABATEMENT ASSESSMENTS AND ABATEMENT ORDERS Tuesday, September 29, 2009 Room 330 City Hall, 15 Kellogg Blvd. West Marcia Moermond, Legislative Hearing Officer The hearing was called to order at 4:00 p.m. STAFF PRESENT: Steve Magner, Deparhnent of Safety and Inspection (DSn — Code Enforcement;, DSI — Code Enforcement; Amy Spong, PED — HPC, Mai Vang, City Council Offices Sylvester Davis, Pastar of Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church, appeared. Lou Sudheimer also appeared representing Re-Armor Homes. Ms. Moermond asked Pastor Davis what he and his congregation had planned to do with the building since the last hearing. Pastor Davis stated that he needed at least another two weeks to meet the conditions as outlined at the previous hearing. He said he had found a possible contractor who was also willing to provide financing. The contractor had an architect go through the building and they were now awaiting a decision whether it would be feasible to rehabilitate the structure or to proceed with the demolition. He said if it was determined to proceed with the demolition, they would like to hire their own contractor to take it down and to salvage whatever could be taken from the interior of the building. He said they were warking with Re-Armor Homes who was very interested in their property. Mr. Sudheimer stated that he worked with David R. Busch and Bill Hanson and they had asked him to attend the hearing on their behalf. He said they have had one of three different contractors go through the property as Re-Armor was interested in working out an arrangement with the church to either save or salvage the parts of the building. They were also exploring the actual costs that would be involved in repairing the structure as well as the other requirements as required by city code. He said they would need a couple of weeks to obtain written documentation back from the contractors on the feasibility of either saving the structure or salvaging the materials from the building. Ms. Moermond asked Mr. Sudheimer whether it was Re-Armor's intent to purchase the property from the church Mr. Sudheimer responded that this was correct. Ms. Moermond stated that under the current ordinance, the sale of the property legally could not be done. Mr. Sudheimer stated that he understood the property could not be sold; however, it was their intent to wark out a business arrangement with the church to be able to complete the rehab of the structure. Ms. Moermond asked why this working relarionship was now just coming together. Mr. Sudheimer responded that tl�e church was aware of the orders; however, they had no way to comply. The two groups have since come together and since Re-Armor had the expertise and potential investors, they believed they could assist in helping the church. Ms. Spong asked who the contractors were that Re-Armor was consulting with for this project. Mr. Sudheimer responded that they had consulted with Gene Olson, Jim Wilks with Am-Con Company, September 29, 2009 Legislative Hearing Minutes 09-1110 Page 2 and he believed a Gene Tomas. He believed they were all licensed, bonded, and insured contractars. He said they were also aware that they needed to consult with a structural engineer. Ms. Spong asked whether these contractors had been given the engineer report from LRteig. Pastor Davis responded that he had copies of the reports done by Ulteig and by Frank Berg, the engineer with the city, which he could provide. Mr. Magner stated that the deparhnenYs concern would be to see a work plan based on the engineering report. Any remedial action would be carefully scrutinized to ensure that the structure would not continue to be a danger to anyone. Both the north and south sides of the building had suffered significant deterioration and a substantial amount of work would be required to reconstruct the walls, in addirion to the support of the roof. Ms. Spong noted that the report from Frank Berg indicated that any additional exploratory work would need to be done under permit given the deterioration of the structure and that the engineer would need to be on site to the completion of the work being done. Mr. Magner asked whether Re-Armor Homes had ever done work of this nature before and what the intention for the end use of the building would be. Mr. Sudheimer responded that they had never taken on a project such as this befare as they were "into saving people, not saving buildings;" however, they would hire the appropriate contractors who do have the experience. He believed that Am-Con was an architectural firm as well as a contractor. Mr. Magner asked Ms. Spong whether there were any HPC requirements. Ms. Spong responded that the building had not been designated a historic structure and any review by the HPC would not be required. Ms. Moermond asked how the project was going to be financed. Mr. Sudheimer responded that Mr. Busch owned approximately 20 other properties in St. Paul, most located in Frogtown, and another 20 properties in Apple Valley. Mr. Busch also had other investment resources which he was unfamiliar with. If the decision were to go forward, Mr. Busch would be able to garner the necessary financing. Ms. Moermond stated that so far, none of the conditions had been met conceming abating the nuisance. They were now requesting additional time to explore options when they should have been exploring those options when the order to abate was issued in March 2009. She said she did not feel confident given the new circuxnstances that the nuisance would be abated. Pastor Dauis stated that he was new to the church and it has taken him some time to become fully acclimated with his congregation and the needs of the church itself. Mr. Sudheimer responded that Mr. Busch had only been involved with this project far about 10 days. Ms. Moermond told Pastor David that he had previously indicated he came to the church in June 2008 which was 14 months of problem solving. The church had been in a deteriorated state of disrepair for quite some time before 2008 without anything being done. She said it was very rare that a sidewalk would need to be barricaded for fear bricks would fall on a persons head when walking by. 09-1110 September 29, 2009 Legislative Hearing Minutes Page 3 Ms. Spong asked whether the building could be boazded or covered with tarps. Mr. Magner responded that without a structural engineer's report, he would be unwilling to allow anyone on the building. He said he had demolition contractors go into the building and walked out deeming it too unsafe to be inside. One of the requirements in the demolition contract is that the stain-glass windows must be salvaged. One particular contractor said he believed it was too dangerous to remove the windows because of the likelihood of the collapse of the entire building. Ms. Moermond stated that the following conditions must be met by the close of business on Friday, October 3 in order to recommend continuing the Council Public Hearing from October 7 to October 21: 1) demonstrate the financial capacity, an estimated $250,OOQ dedicated towards the rehab of the building; 2) provide an affidauit dedicating the $250,000 funds far this project; 3) the $5,000 performance deposit must be posted; 4) Re-Armor Homes must submit a resume of past projects they have worked of similar nature to this proj ect; 5) provide resumes identifying the qualifications of the contractars for past projects they have completed, including any past experience on historic buildings; 6) provide a draft agreement between Re-Armor Homes or David R. Busch and the church, which agreement shall be reviewed by the City Attorney; and 7) the outstanding delinquent real estate tases must be paid. Ms. Moermond said she would be willing to wait to receive any wark plan pending the demonstration of the fmancial capacity to do the rehab as well as the qualifications of any contractors who would undertake a project of this magnitude. If it was determined that they did not have the financial capacity to undertake the rehab of the building, she would be willing to grant additional time for the salvaging of materials from the building and to undertake the deconstruction through their own contractor which would need to be done under permit. Mr. Magner expressed concern over the timing of the year when this was going to be done. He said brick facades in conditions such as this, if they were going to fail, it would more likely occur at the beginning of the winter or spring seasons. The freeze/thaw conditions during those times of the yeaz create movement of the brick shucture which is more hazardous and likely to collapse. Ms. Moermond responded that she would be willing to grant 30 to 45 days to deconstruct the building. She said she would like to see the building completely taken down by November 24, 2009. The hearing adjourned at 4:40 p.m. Page 1 of 1 Mai Vang - Fwd: Fw: Rock of Ages church � . . . ��-�..._._.__ ��Q .h-�. ,4,�.. From: To: Date: Subject: Attachments: Steve, Marcia Moermond Sheffer, Vicki; Vang, Mai 10/5/2009 5:40 PM Fwd: Fw: Rock of Ages church Please find attached my report on Rock of Ages (St. Matthew's Evangelicai Lutheran) Church. It is considerably more extensive than I had anticipated for the simple reason that there is a lot more to the building than all of the negative city buzz about it would lead one to believe. I also absolutely disbelieve the comments of demolition contractors that it is about to fall down. My report is honest about the highly visible water damages, but I urge you to have it looked at by a qualified engineer without a financial interest in seeing it come down. My photographs are also processed and awaiting printing, which will occur at the end of the week. Also attached to this e-mail are historic photos showing the church before (1888) and after (1912) its brick veneer and the insertion of its basement as well as a contemporary shot from the same point of view as the second historic photo for purposes of comparison. Paul file://C:\Documents and Settings\vangmai�I,ocal Settings\Temp\XPgrpwise\4ACA2F90mai1dpo12002000... 10/7/2009 �(10/7%2009) Mai Vang Re: Fw Rock of Ages church Page 1; ,I ' QI: From: Marcia Moermond To: Magner, Steve Date: 10/5/2009 5:38 PM Subject: Re: Fw: Rock of Ages church Attachments: 507 Dale St N Engineering Reports.pdf Re Larson's ill-informed statement on engineering reports being prepared by someone with a financial interest... On reflection I think that he should be corrected. It seems to me that the "permanent record" should be accurate, even if it may not be what he wants to hear. I've attached a pdf of the reports if you think it would be helpful to share them. I don't know that it would be, and I leave that in your capable hands. »> Steve Magner 10/5/2009 423 PM »> FYI 09-1110 DESCRIPTION AND SIGNIFICANCE OF ST. MATTHEW'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF ST. PAUL St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran congregation was bom as the Deutschen Evangelische Lutherischen St. Matthaeus Gemeind in 1887. In response to the rising number of German Lutheran immigrants is Frogtown, the congregation erected their church on the Rock of Ages site in 1888. Its designer, Mauritz L. Weiser, was an obscure local architect whose brief St. Paul career concentrated on German-Americans in the West Seventh Street azea. Built of frame construction, the church rested on a two-foot local limestone foundation supported by pilings. In 1912-13, the congregation extensively upgraded the church, using the existing sanctuary wa11s but raising them to insert a full basement, then sheathing the entire exterior in a hard-burned texture brick with Bedford stone trim. In the rebuilding of the tower, the architect, H. A. Miller, adhered to the syminetrical, central tower front reflective of the German heritage of the congregation rather than switching to the asymmetrical, Pazish Gothic mode that then dominated small American Protestant church design. Miller lived and worked in the Frogtown area and would become an key member of the City ArchitecY s staff in the 1920s. Neazly all of the existing interior fittings, furnishings, and casework and all of the surviving decorating date to this reconstruction. The extensive stained glass, however, dates from the 1888 church. These include six gothic-azched windows on either side of the sanctuary, the traceried window above the entry, and a window diptych (its stained glass long gone) surmounted by a miniature rose window on the third story of the tower. A fire starting in the furnace room gutted the church in February 1918, leading to a partial rebuild once again. As the only missing stained glass is in the four windows on the entry (east) front and the easternmost window on the north side, it may be that this area of the church was the most severely damaged. The new architect was William Linley Alban, who is widely but mistakenly given credit today far the architecture of the building as a whole. Best known today for his largest project, the First Methodist Church (now Stepping Stone Theater), Alban designed numerous small churches in St. Paul during the first three decades of the 20th centwy, as part of a practice that included residential and commercial design as well, particularly for the Scandinavian-American community on the North Side. The finishing touches were not applied until 1925, when the interior was redecorated. In 1932, the 1890 frame Sunday School buiiding next to the church was replaced by a two-story brick and terra cotta building. It connected to the church by both a narrow, brick veneered main floor passsageway on line with the rear of the chancel and an underground passage which expanded into a kitchen beneath the space between the buildings. In 1949, the First Church of the Nazazene acquired the building, moving in the next year as the Lutheran congregation moved into a new church at Lexington and Minnehaha. Then followed a succession of congregations: the Church of God in Christ in 1964, the Apostolic Faith in 1968, and its latest owner, Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church. Through a11 of these changes, the building has retained a remazkable degree of historical integrity, with no significant alterations to either exterior or interior. 09-1110 Apart from the strongly frontal design already noted, the exterior is chiefly remarkable for its entry and bell tower detailing. Elaborate modeling of the entry stone azchitrave (now painted white, like all of the stonework), wrought iron door hazdware, and the traceried iransom light all provide a strong Gothic flavor. Brick fortifications and sheet metal pinnacles dress the transition from bell tower to steeple, and the latter is terminated by an omamentai metal cap and cross. The first interior feature to arrest attention is a rise of steps immediately inside the vestibule, necessitated by the raised basement. At the top of the stairs is a double door, each leaf with a small circulaz window looking into the sanctuary. A steep rake in the sanctuary floor leads to the chancel azea. The floor is of 1-'/2" maple strips, painted but in excellent condition. Just inside the sanctuary doors, a turn to the rigl�t leads to the pastor's study, while at the left is a deep alcove leading to two staircases that tum against the east (front) wall of the church. The staircase nearest the vestibule descends to the basement; the one neazest the south wa11 rises to the balcony. The most striking feature of the sancYuary is the gothic-azched, stained-glass windows that line either side. All but the lower glass in the pastor's study, the only window hidden from the sanctuary, survives. The four main windows on either side of the sanctuary have identical mullion and caming patterns. Each is a diptych of single- hung sashes, with the lower sashes movable for ventilation. The upper sashes are fixed, and a small window is inserted between the inward curves of the arches. A linear design carries through from lower to upper sash, and both sashes have an interlace pattern in a deep mahogany color. The colors of the window diptychs alternate between two schemes, one predominantly green, the other magenta. The small window inserted at the top between the arches is the only figurative component, carrying one of five emblems of the faith, scattered though the banks of windows: a Roman cross, a cross encircled by a crown, an anchor in the form of a cross, a dove, and white lilies. Between the windows are brass sconces original to the 1912-13 rebuild. Heavy transverse beams support the ceiling at a pitch considerably lower than the pitch of the roof, with a flat portion at the top. These bear on the wall between the windows, with their bearing points reinforced from the outside by shallow step- buttresses. On the inside, metal false-work suggests a continuation of the beams down onto the walls a short distance, where they are terminated by sheet metal corbels. A simple, gothic-arched alcove forms the chancel, which has what appears to be the original pulpit. Two smailer arches flank the chancel azch, with frescoes of angels and children painted between the curve of the arches. Within the azch on the right (north) is the organ with its exposed pipes; a similar azch exposes pipes to the chancel on the other side of the organ case. In front of the organ is a small choir loft. The finest casework in the building is just below the exposed pipes on the right (north) side of the chancel. Furniture, notably the many pews, and casework throughout aze of lightly stained oak. All aze mildly Gothic in style and appear to be original to the 1912-13 rebuild. There are 20 pews on the main floor, with seating for ca. 200. An additional four, shorter pews are in the choir loft, and azound a dozen are in the balcony, adding upwards of another 100 to the church's capacity. At the back of the church, the pastor's study lacks detailing, and may be the most altered space on the main floor. The loss of its stained glass below the transom light as well as the paucity of casework suggests that the fire of 1918 may have been particularly 09-1110 damaging in this azea. On the other side of the vestibule and main entry stairs, between the staircases leading to basement and balcony, is another fine piece of casework, a lazge closet. On either side of the balcony, missing acoustical tiles reveal the polychrome stenciled pattern that adoms the outer foot or so of the ceiling. A hatch in the rear of the balcony ceiling opens to the third story of the tower; an old ladder with square nails, perhaps original to the 1888 church, leads to the fourth story, which cames the still- extant church bell. The third story also provides access to the roof structure via a lazge opening. The main room in the basement is an undivided space supported by simple piers and illuminated by lazge windows. At the rear comer (southwest) of the basement is the kitchen, and at the rear center is a small restroom. The basement spaces are either derelict or used for storage. The single exception, the kitchen, actually sits beneath the paved area between the church and the educational annex to the south. A massive old gas stove and original cabinetry are still in place, and it and its entry are lit by gridded skylights. Though the building exhibits a high degree of integrity in both design and construction, three areas witness to extensive water infiltration through the side walls from the lower part of the roo£ Two are readily visible through missing plaster on the sanctuary walls; the third shows up on the exterior in the undulation of the brick wall plane at the top of the south elevation, terminating in an outward swelling neaz the west end. Charred roof timbers visible from the third floor of the tower might also be cause for concern, though they have ably supported that part of the roof since the 1918 fire. As a building already determined to be eligible for local designation, an early site of Germanic settlement in St. Paul, and a neighborhood landmazk with numerous ornamental features worthy of preservation, St. Matthew's merits a closer look by the ciry. I believe it would be irresponsible to demolish without a certified engineer's assessment of the extent and gravity of its structural issues, and if that report is favorable to cost-effective restoration, a feasibility study for its possible reuse. Hastening to demolition serves neither the city nor the neighborhood. Bibliographical note. I am indebted to Krista Hanson for pointing the way to the authoritative source of information for the eazly years of the church, its centennial history: The First Hundred Years, 1887-1987, ofSt. Matthew's Evangelical Church. � . L��`i," h T;l. 5 a;..! � k ,..Y '. . � 1f5 '"� � �, n�. , �., ., � . , . , .. . , i� . ; � . . � �r'k ..e ._ . ' �� ' . . ' � . . • � � � � r� � � � � � �. ,� � � T }el � � � � � � � � � �� * � � � �> � � { � Ld � � � � � � � S $ 09-1110 �... . � - � R � � E � '•_ �b+� . � �. � � � •� � , � � � �} .. � � � � 3�� ' � t � �� i a aF �"`--�w'� . � . �k,r. ; �-,�-, � J �,�-t- �� DESCRIPTION AND SIGNIFICANCE OF ST. MATTHEW'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF ST. PAUL St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran congregation was bom as the Deutschen Evangelische Lutherischen St. Matthaeus Gemeind in 1887. In response to the rising number of German Lutheran immigrants is Frogtown, the congregation erected their church on the Rock of Ages site in 1888. Its designer, Mauritz L. Weiser, was an obscure local azchitect whose brief St. Paul career concentrated on German-Americans in the West Seventh Street azea. Built of frame construction with clapboazd siding, the church rested on a two-foot local limestone foundation supported by pilings. In 1912-13, the congregation extensively upgraded the church, using the existing sanctuary walls but raising them to insert a full basement, then sheathing the entire exterior in a hazd-burned texture brick with Bedford stone trim. In the rebuilding of the tower, the architect, H. A. Miller, adhered to the symmetrical, central tower front reflective of the German heritage of the congregation rather than switching to the asymmetrical, Parish Gothic mode that then dominated small American Protestant church design. Miller lived and worked in the Frogtown area and would become an key member of the City ArchitecYs staff in the 1920s. Nearly all of the existing interior fittings, furnishings, and casework and all of the surviving decorating date to this reconstruction. The extensive stained glass, however, dates from the 1888 church. These include six gothiaarched windows on either side of the sanctuary, the traceried window above the entry, and a window diptych (its stained glass long gone) surmounted by a miniature rose window on the third story of the tower. A fire starting in the furnace room gutted the church in February 1918, leading to a partial rebuild once again. As the only missing stained glass is in the four windows on the entry (east) front and the eastemmost window on the north side, it may be that this area of the church was the most severely damaged. The new azchitect was William Linley Alban, who is widely but mistakenly given credit today far the architecture of the building as a whole. Best known today for his lazgest project, the First Methodist Church (now Stepping Stone Theater), Alban designed numerous small churches in St. Paul during the first three decades of the 20th century, as part of a practice that included residential and commercial design as well, particularly for the Scandinavian-American community on the North Side. The finishing touches were not applied until 1925, when the interior was redecorated. In 1932, the 1890 frame Sunday School building next to the church was replaced by a two-story brick and terra cotta building. It connected to the church by both a narrow, brick veneered main floor passsageway on line witl� the rear of the chancel and an underground passage which expanded into a kitchen beneath the space between the buildings. In 1949, the First Church of the Nazarene acquired the buiYding, moving in the next year as the Lutheran congregation moved into a new church at Lexington and Minnehaha. Then followed a succession of congregations: the Church of God in Christ in 1964, the Apostolic Faith in 1468, and its latest owner, Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church. Through all of these changes, the building has retained a remazkable degree of historical integrity, with no significant alterations to either exterior or interior. Apart from the strongly frontal design aiready noted, the exterior is chiefly remazkable for its entry and bell tower detailing. Elaborate modeling of the entry stone azchitrave (now painted white, like all of the stonework), wrought iron door hazdware, and the traceried transom light ail provide a strong Gotluc flavor. Brick fortifications and sheet metal pinnacles dress the transition from bell tower to steeple, and the latter is terminated by an ornamental metal cap and cross. The first interior feature to arrest attention is a rise of steps immediately inside the vestibule, necessitated by the raised basement. At the top of the stairs is a doubie door, each leaf with a small circulaz window looking into the sanctuary. A steep rake in the sanctuary floor leads to the chancel azea. The floor is of 1-%2" maple strips, painted but in excellent condition. Just inside the sanctuary doors, a turn to the right leads to the pastor's study, while at the left is a deep alcove leading to rivo staircases that turn against the east (front) wail of the church. The staircase neazest the vestibule descends to the basement; the one neazest the south wall rises to the balcony. The most striking feature of the sanctuary is the gothic-azched, stained-glass windows that line either side. All but the lower glass in the pastor's sYudy, the only window hidden from the sanchu�ry, survives. The four main windows on either side of the sanchia.ry have identical mullion and caming patterns. Each is a diptych of single- hung sashes, with the lower sashes movable for ventilation. The upper sashes aze fixed, and a small window is inserted between the inward curves of the azches. A linear design carries through from lower to upper sash, and both sashes have an interlace pattem in a deep mahogany color. The colors of the window diptychs altemate between two schemes, one predominantly green, the other magenta. The small window inserted aT the top between the azches is the only figurative component, carrying one of five emblems of the faith, scattered though the banks of windows: a Roman cross, a cross encircled by a crown, an anchor in the form of a cross, a dove, and white lilies. Between the windows aze brass sconces original to the 1912-13 rebuild. Heavy transverse beams support the ceiling at a pitch considerably lower than the pitch of the roof, with a fIat portion at the top. These beaz on the wall beriveen the windows, with their bearing points reinforced from the outside by shallow step-buttresses which have the appeazance of pilasters. On the inside, metal false-work suggests a continuation of the beams down onto the walls a short distance, where they aze terminated by sheet metal corbeIs. A simple, gothio-azched alcove forms the chancel, which has what appeazs to be the originai pulpit. Two smaller arches flank the chancel arch, with frescoes of angels and children painted between the curve of the azches. Within the azch on the right (north) is the organ with its exposed pipes; a similar azch exposes pipes to the chanceI on the other side of the organ case. In front of the organ is a small choir loft. The finest casework in the building is just below the exposed pipes on the right (north) side of the chancel. Furniture, notably the many pews, and casework throughout aze of lightly stained oak. All are mildly Goihic in style and appear to be originat to the 1912-13 rebuild. There aze 20 pews on the main floor, with seating for ca. 200. An additional four, shorter pews aze in the choir loft, and around a dozen aze in the balcony, adding upwazds of another 100 to the church's capacity. At the back of the church, the pastor's study lacks detailing, and may be the most altered space on the main floor. The loss of its stained glass below the transom light as O�- ��o well as the paucity of casework suggests that the fire of 1918 may have been particulazly damaging in this azea. On the other side of the vestibule and main entry stairs, between the staircases leading to basement and balcony, is another fine piece of casework, a large closet. On either side of the balcony, missing acoustical tiles reveal the polychrome stenciled pattern that adorns the outer foot or so of the ceiling. A hatch in the reaz of the balcony ceiling opens to the third story of the tower; an old ladder with squaze nails, perhaps original to the 1888 church, leads to the fourth story, which carries the still- extant church bell. The third story also provides access to the roof structure via a large opening. The main room in the basement is an undivided space supported by simple piers and illuminated by large windows. At the rear corner (southwest) of the basement is the kitchen, and at the rear center is a sma11 restroom. The basement spaces aze either derelict or used for storage. The single exception, the kitchen, actually sits beneath the paved azea between the church and the educational annex to the south. A massive old gas stove and original cabinetry aze still in place, and it and its entry are lit by gridded skylights. Though the building exhibits a high degree of historical integrity, three areas witness to extensive water infilhation through the side walls from the lower part of the roo£ Two are readily visible through missing plaster on the sanctuary walls; the third shows up on the exterior in the undulation of the brick wall plane at the top of the south elevation, terminating in an outward swelling near the west end. As the engineering report of April 10, 2004, indicates, the side exterior walls are also significanfly out-of- plumb. Charred roof timbers visible from the third floor of the tower might also be cause for concem, though they have ably supported that part of the roof since the 1918 fire. As a building already determined to be eligible for local designation, an early site of Germanic settlement in St. Paul, and a neighborhood landmark with numerous ornamental features worthy of preservation, St. Matthew's merits a throughout effort by the city to explore restoration options. Hiring an outside structural engineer and reviewing his report with a DIS staff walk-through is a first step already undertaken. Beyond that, the aforementioned engineer's report explores two alternative scenarios: partial dismantling leading to restoration, and demolition. I believe it is in the long-term interest of the city to explore the feasibility of the first option before the decision to demolish. This wouid involve hiring an experienced restoration architect to, among other things, resolve three conjectural issues raised in the outside engineer's report and the city engineer's response to it : 1) confirmation of areas of doubt, such as the relationship between what appear to be buttresses (as opposed to strip pilasters, which reinforce against weight but not spread) and the bearing of the roof beams 2) what alterations to the historic structure (as opposed to in-kind replacements) are required to meet safety concerns, and 3) a financial framework for restoration/rehabilitation. City documents in hand do not indicate wbether any known contractor's estimates involve a qualified architect or are responsive to the significant issues raised by the outside engineer's report. Bibliographical Notes I am indebted to Krista Hanson for pointing the way to the authoritative source of informafion for the eaziy yeazs of the church, its centennial history: The First Hundred Years, 1887-1987, ofSt. Matthew's �vangelical Church. The engineering report referred to was submitted by Jason Hanlon , PE, SE, of Ulteig, on April 10, 2009. The city (DSn site visit report was submitted by Frank Berg, PE, staff structural engineer, on A bwst 6, 2009. 507 North Dale St. 1912 Ttee Refurblshed Church— DaIe at Sherburne U9- ��c� � 7 507 North Dale S� 1888 � �s��T''l,�� i�i� � i ».rY f ) ) .�� i� �� ' __ — � �� y .r �. , � _.E . ��, .., - — — �� 4 r. r � .i s,; ` ..�:—,�"�� ))))..i ,�— m= � - " ��)))) °� — :. .__ .as> � „_ i , " ��.��!�� .. � c- �z� �_ �_ s ' � ;� � ,�� '. � �s , � � � � � �` i � ��>� �:, s � = , �i � # � <��; � + � �� '` � �� , � � ;� ; �` � i�l , y 'y""'. , .. � . . _ _ . . .. . . .. ., - _ . 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