HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-14-99HASTINGS HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes of the Meeting of December 14,1999
I. Quorum: Commissioners Sovik-Siemens, Schnirring, Smith, Simacek and Thorsen present.
Chairman Thorsen called the meeting to order.
H. Minutes November 16, 1999: Motion by Schnirring, second by Simacek to approve; motion
carded.
IlL Unf'mished business:
Consider recommendation of Guardian Angels church and school for designation. Fr.
Eugene McGlothlin attended the meeting as the pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. He advised
the commission that the parish is still waiting for response ~om a non-profit housing provider
concerning purchase oftbe block which would include use of the church but not the school. Fr.
McGlothlin thought it was the aim of the parish to dispose of the property to someone who will
keep the church intact. The parish is considering putting the Guardian Angels block on the
market with a realtor, however, it is his feeling that the parish would not want to sell it to
someone who would demolish the church.
The Commissioners reviewed the research and designation material prepared by
Landscape Research for the church and school. The commission considered the SHPO opinion
that the church and school are not eligible for the National Register. Staffhad asked for this
opinion because a potential housing developer needed historic tax credits for conversion of church
and school for elderly housing. The commission finds that the church and school are significant as
two remaining examples of the historic Catholic role in community life in Hastings. They do not
have to be significant to the state or nation to merit preservation. The SHPO made it clear they
believe the properties are eligible for local designation.
The Commissioners reviewed the ordinance criteria and found that the historic
significance, location, condition, integrity and potential for use of the church and the school are
compatible with local designation for the preservation of the sites.
Motion by Smith and second by Schnirdng: Resolved that the Commission finds that the
former Guardian Angels church building located on lots 1 and 2 of Block 30, Original Town of
Hastings, is eligible for designation as an Heritage Preservation Site and therefore recommends
designation to the City Council. Motion carried, 5-0.
Motion by Sovik-Siemens and second by Smith: Resolved that the Commission finds that
the former Guardian Angels school building located primarily on lots 3 and 4 of Block 30,
Original Town of Hastings, is eligible for designation as an Heritage Preservation Site and
therefore recommends designation to City Council. Motion carried, 5-0.
IV. Adjournment. Motion by Simacek and second by Schnirring to adjourn. Motion carried.