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Maplewood commission hears objections from Forest Lawn over federal historic designation
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Summary
The commission discussed a request to designate the Forest Lawn Memorial Park mausoleum. Staff said the cemetery’s board opposes a national designation because it can impose costly alteration requirements; local or Ramsey County designation remains possible but requires an application and would trigger review of exterior changes.
The Maplewood Heritage Preservation Commission on March 10 discussed whether Forest Lawn Memorial Park’s mausoleum should be placed on the city’s historic list, and heard that the cemetery’s board does not want a federal (national) designation.
The chair said the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Association “does not want to get that federal designation,” adding that designation often creates requirements for future work that can be costly. Commissioners and staff said a local Maplewood designation or a Ramsey County designation remain options but would still carry rules for exterior alterations.
Joe, the city staff liaison, told the commission that the cemetery (and other property owners) must apply to have a property added to the local list; only properties on the commission’s list fall under its formal jurisdiction. He said the state and federal process can follow local listings, and that the Section 106 or higher‑level review can later determine whether a proposed federal designation or project would have an adverse effect.
Commissioners noted that property owners sometimes resist local designation because compliance with historic guidelines can limit exterior changes and raise costs. They discussed earlier inventory work—the city’s 2014 historic survey—and examples of properties that lost integrity after alterations, underscoring the need to ensure any local listing reflects owners’ willingness to accept restrictions.
The commission also discussed two other candidates mentioned in the packet—the KSTP building and the Poor Farm barn/cemetery—and staff said they would follow up with Ramsey County and property owners about paperwork and whether separate county or local designation is appropriate. No formal action was taken; staff will include related materials in the May packet for further discussion.
The commission reconvenes May 14 at 7 p.m., when nominations and designation items may reappear on the agenda.
