| 4/13/2026 | 0 |
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
| ADOPTED
Minutes note: Tim Askin mention project intent is to make the building usable again, primarily through restoration work rather than major alteration.
Commission/staff authority applies to the historic building area (roughly to the driveway); full site plan shown as a courtesy.
Scope of exterior restoration:
Repair existing windows, install missing windows, and reopen previously bricked-in window openings.
Remove concrete block infill from various openings; add/reopen select doors and entries where openings had been filled.
Remove some non-historic fencing.
General restoration uses window products the staff has seen previously, with repair/match to existing window configurations.
Condition issues noted in photos: bricked/filled openings and graffiti.
Mr. Askin noted a federal requirement that new fencing not include masonry/brick piers; fencing to be decorative metal only (drawing to be revised accordingly).
Owner Kendall Breuning was present.
Owner confirmed Part 2 approval from the National Park Service, with conditional direction to remove brick piers and replace existing chain link at the corner with decorative aluminum fencing.
Owner stated the only remaining unresolved NPS item is final selection of wood flooring; other elements (site lighting, new building, signs, and small flower planter boxes) were approved.
One notable exception to returning to the 1890 period of significance: the large west wall opening (created in the 1950s, formerly related to a skywalk) is permitted to be squared up and fitted with new Quaker windows; details approved to align with original venting pattern.
Existing Traco windows (installed after a 2003 fire) will be repaired; all glass replaced to avoid a “checkerboard” appearance, while keeping the post-fire frames.
Ms. Peltz ask what is the purpose of the rehabilitation of the building.
Mr. Kendall indicated the building reuse will be 47 market-rate residential apartments (described as fitting
“workforce housing” definition, but without programs other than historic tax credits).
Interior finishes discussed as wood floors in most areas, bedrooms carpet, salvaged wood flooring repurpose for lobbies due to poor overall condition.
Staff recommendation included approval with conditions, including that no vents be installed on the St. Paul façade. Approve as drawn with standard conditions on wood and masonry.
| Pass | 7:0 |
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