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Commission approves demolition of Nicholson House at 3 E. Minnehaha Pkwy, citing structural unsafe conditions
Summary
The Heritage Preservation Commission approved a demolition application for the Nicholson House (3 East Minnehaha Parkway), concluding the building is unsafe and that rehabilitation is not economically feasible; the applicant estimated rehabilitation costs at about $1.25 million.
The Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission voted Aug. 12 to approve an application to demolish the historic resource located at 3 East Minnehaha Parkway, commonly known as the Nicholson House.
Rob Skalecki, senior city planner in the Historic Preservation section of CPED, reviewed the property's history and staff findings. CPED found the dwelling appeared to meet local significance criteria for social history and architecture and retained historic integrity, but staff concluded two demolition findings applied: the structure presented unsafe or dangerous conditions and there were no reasonable economic alternatives to demolition.
Applicant Alex Hecker of AWH Architects described site conditions and supporting reports he submitted, including a structural-engineer assessment and a contractor line-item rehabilitation estimate. Hecker said the contractor estimate for rehabilitation exceeded the property's value: "The number was $1,250,000," he told commissioners, and said that amount was "more than double the property's value right now." He also highlighted active structural problems, mold, asbestos and lead paint noted in inspection reports.
Neighbor Al Gieson, who lives downhill from the property, told the commission the house had been a long-standing neighborhood problem and said he was not aware of any neighbors opposing demolition. "I am not aware of one neighbor who would oppose the demolition of that house," Gieson said during public comment.
Commissioners discussed the balance between the building's recognized historic significance and the evidence of severe deterioration and economic infeasibility for rehabilitation. Several commissioners said the structural reports, photos and contractor estimate supported the finding that demolition was necessary.
Commissioner Melblum moved approval of the demolition application; Vice Chair Maston seconded. The clerk recorded seven ayes and the commission adopted staff findings and approved demolition.
The demolition approval authorizes the property owner to proceed per applicable permitting and safety requirements; staff noted any demolition proposal still must comply with demolition permit procedures and related city code provisions.
Votes at a glance: Demolition of historic resource application for 3 East Minnehaha Parkway. Motion: "The Heritage Preservation Commission approve the demolition of the historic resource application." Mover: Commissioner Melblum. Second: Vice Chair Maston. Vote: 7–0 (7 ayes).
