Karen Clark honored

Tesha M. Christensen
As she retires after 38 years of service as the District 62A Representative, Karen Clark was honored by various community members, including Indigenous Peoples Task Force Executive Director Sharon Day (above) and several members of the Somali community (below) on Dec. 6, 2018. She was the first openly gay representative in America and worked on social justice issues. Clark quoted Dr. Dorothy Cotton, former Associate to MLK, Jr., “I’m here to tell you God gave my torch to me and I am still using it! I’ll be glad to light your torch so that together we may light the way and fight the fight!”  She added, “I’m not going away.”



 

Photos printed in the Decembrer 2018/January 2019 edition of The Alley newspaper.

Commission favors saving St. Andrew’s from wrecking ball

Heritage Preservation Commission considers church to be significant to St. Paul’s history and votes 8-1 to preserve it

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
After hearing from both sides of the issue, the St. Paul Heritage Preservation Commission voted 8-1 in favor of preserving the historic St. Andrew’s Church (photo right by Tesha M. Christensen) that is now being used by the Twin Cities German Immersion School (TCGIS). The recommendation now moves on to the St. Paul Planning Commission and the St. Paul City Council.
School opposed to historic designation
The Heritage Preservation Commission received about 200 letters opposing the historic designation of the former St. Andrew’s Church. Nearly all of the letters were written by people who said they were parents of children who attend school at TCGIS or were teachers and staff members. The school currently has about 520 pupils and seeks to grow to about 630.
About 100 of the letters were from St. Paul residents including some who identified themselves as neighbors. The rest came from Minneapolis, Roseville, and other suburbs.
TCGIS supporters asked the Heritage Preservation Commission to avoid giving “a crumbling former church building, owned by the Twin Cities German Immersion School, a historic designation will put an unrealistic financial burden on this public charter school.”
The letters referred to it as a “short-sighted petition” that is “being presented by a small, vocal and selfish minority of neighbors.”
In his letter to the commission, TCGIS Executive Director Ted Anderson pointed out, “The school is a model for successful charter schools in both cities.”
Anderson added, “The non-profit school’s future is at stake if it is to be forced into maintaining an old building that is falling apart and is functionally obsolete.”
TCGIS does not think that historic designation should occur over the property owner’s objections—“Especially when the property owner is a non-profit entity such as a public charter school,” wrote Anderson.
Additionally, he wrote that historic preservation is not a benefit to a non-profit like a school; it is a burden.
“When my husband and I first saw the school, we were impressed with the beautiful building and excited that our children would attend a school with such a unique feature. However, the beauty of the building and the memories that it holds for our neighbors does not and should not take precedence over the education of our children,” wrote Theresa Gardella of Roseville.
“Sometimes in order to move great educational missions forward, spaces that no longer function (and that are unsafe and prohibitively expensive to repair) need to be demolished and replaced by new facilities that are more efficient and better designed with contemporary architectural knowledge about space and learning,” stated Kerten Warren of Roseville.
“I believe that historic preservation fails when it is used as a tactic to exclude or limit owners from their right to utilize or modify a property in a manner congruent with similar properties not deemed worthy of preservation,” wrote John Steingraeber of St. Paul.
“I live in St. Paul because its history and landmarks appeal to me,” wrote TCGIS parent Mike Mitchelson who lives along Como Lake. “But I also appreciate progress and the idea that neighborhoods—including historic ones—need new landmarks to continue their relevance and attract new generations of residents. The Como Lake area is such a neighborhood.”
Neighbor and TCGIS school parent Kyle Johnson who lives along Englewood is opposed to the request for historic designation. “The ‘neighbors’ have already taken resources from the school by making it look at alternatives,” he wrote. “That’s money that could have gone for books or teachers.”
In favor of preservation
The Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) received about 11 letters from people, most of them neighbors, who support the designation of St. Andrew’s as a heritage site.
Earlier this year, 600 people signed a petition asking that the school wait on expansion until June 2020 to provide time to review various options and to gather more concrete estimates for work needed on the building. School representatives have stated that it would be prohibitively expensive to update the old church building while neighbors argue the amount is part of regular maintenance fees and any repairs needed are much lower.
However, the school voted on July 30 to raze the structure and had initially scheduled partial demolition for early October, but after receiving pressure from the grassroots group Save Historic St. Andrews it agreed to wait until the summer of 2019.
Save Historic St. Andrew’s (SHSA) raised funds to complete a historic evaluation of the building that was designed by the city’s first architect, Charles Hausler, and then applied for heritage preservation on Oct. 1.
Murial Gubasta’s paternal great-grandparents, Coleman and Justina Horvath, immigrated to the Como Park neighborhood in 1900 and were among many other Hungarian immigrants who settled in the Warrendale neighborhood and contributed money to build the new St. Andrew Church building on Como Ave. They were married in the first church building in 1908, and their children attended school at St. Andrew’s. Gubasta was the fourth generation of her family to attend school there and was followed by her nephew as a fifth-generation student.
“There are several hundred other family stories that are similar to mine,” wrote Gubasta in a letter to the HPC. “Even though many of these proceeding generations have moved on it does not mean St. Andrew’s Church building no longer has historic and cultural value. To raze St. Andrew’s Church building is to destroy the rich, historic and cultural identity of this beautiful neighborhood in Como Park.”
SHSA member Kevin Anderson pointed out, “We have had a school in this neighborhood since 1920, and we value the vibrancy that it brings to our community. However, development by any institution or resident needs to take into consideration the essential character of the established neighborhood. I believe that the current expansion plan proposed by TCGIS is not consistent with the St. Paul Comprehensive Plan or congruent with the existing character of our neighborhood.”
According to SHSA member Steve Greenwood, “St. Andrews deserves historical designation, as it is comparable to Hausler’s other buildings on the National Register (St. Anthony Library, Riverview Library, Freedom Library, Minnesota Building, Minnesota Milk Building, and St. Mary’s in Hague ND). It is also comparable to the six District 10 buildings on the Register (Footbridge L-5853, Bridge 92247, Conservatory, Salvation Army Women’s Home, and Northern Pacific Railway Co. Como Shops), in terms of architectural beauty, design architect significance, social significance, and impact on the neighborhood.”
What makes it significant?
St. Paul Heritage Preservation Commission, in its 8-1 decision for historic preservation, said the former church building is eligible for local designation under four of St. Paul’s Heritage Preservation criteria.
St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, built in 1927 by the McGough Brothers, is architecturally significant as a well-designed example of the Romanesque Revival style. According to the HPC report, the church is not only significant in the Lake Como area, where it maintains a strong architectural presence, it is also among St. Paul’s most distinctive period revival style churches.
St. Andrew’s Catholic Church is also significant for its association with Charles A. Hausler, who served as the first city architect for the city of St. Paul and whose large and diverse body of work had an important impact on the city. (See related article on page 6)
St. Andrew’s Catholic Church is also historically significant as an important institution in the Lake Como area that became a community center for the working-class congregation that it served, according to the information reviewed by the Heritage Preservation Commission. The church served a community of Hungarian immigrants and is significant for its association with the Hungarian immigrant experience.
Another criterion is that its unique location or singular physical characteristic represents an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood, community, or the city of Saint Paul. According to the HPC report, the Warrendale neighborhood has a unique layout designed by H.W.S. Cleveland, as it is not a grid, but a curvilinear plan and St. Andrew’s Church is sited in a unique location within that plat.
Debate over 1983 preservation report
In deciding on the status of St. Andrew’s Church historic status, the St. Paul Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) cited a “1983 Historic Sites Survey of St. Paul and Ramsey County” that stated that St. Andrew’s Church was a “Site of Major Significance.”
Twin Cities German Immersion School officials noted that the documentation for that very same report did not list the church as a site “eligible for designation.” And, that in fact, the official “Historic Sites Survey” for the church done in 1981 clearly marked “no” for National Register potential, “no” for “local designation potential,” and “no” to “historic district potential.”
According to Christine Boulware, Historic Preservation Specialist for Planning and Economic Development, reports that are more than ten years old may contain important data, but that they are “out of date” and that new or updated information should be the primary focus.
“Effectively, the current nomination that was submitted for St. Andrew’s Church is the up-to-date information that an intensive level survey would provide and more,” Boulware said. “Thus, when the HPC reviewed the nomination at the Nov. 5 public hearing, they determined the site eligible for local designation based on the information provided in the nomination document.”

Land Use Committee approves variances

During a two-and-a-half hour-long meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 5, the District 10 Land Use Committee voted to approve three variances that the Twin Cities German Immersion School is seeking for its expansion.

There were over 200 people at the meeting. The committee recommended:

- 1 percent variance in lot coverage on a 100-74 vote. This will allow the school to increase its footprint to 36 percent of its property.

- 3-foot, 1-inch height variance on a 96-76 vote. This would allow the school addition to reach 33 feet, 1 inch. (The former St. Andrew’s Church is 47 feet at the peak of its roof, according to St. Paul staff report.)

- 37-space parking variance on a 101-76 vote. The school’s site plan accounts for only 50 of the 87 off-street parking spaces that are required by code. The school anticipates 26 spaces in the existing west parking lot, 15 spaces that will be leased from Mission Orthodox Presbyterian Church across the street, and 9 spaces that will be offset by additional bicycle parking. The 37 spaces that are unaccounted for likely would be absorbed by street parking in the surrounding residential blocks, or by staff taking alternate forms of transportation.

These recommendations now go on Dec. 18 to the full District 10 board, which can accept, reject, or modify the recommendations. The board will forward its recommendations to the St. Paul Planning Commission’s Zoning Committee on Dec. 20. That committee’s recommendations go to the full Planning Commission on Dec. 28.

Meet St. Andrew’s Church designer Charles A. Hausler

Hausler was St. Paul’s first city architect and drew from a range of styles during a distinguished career

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
St. Andrew’s Church was designed by a prolific and creative architect known for his diverse range of styles and high-quality designs.
Charles A. Hausler (photo right at age 20 provided) was born in St. Paul and left an indelible imprint on the city he lived in for all but a few years of his life.
“He was a son of St. Paul,” observed his granddaughter Jennie Hausler, who resides in Miami, Fla. “A visionary ahead of his time.”
Decided to be an architect at age 16
Hausler grew up in the W. Seventh St. neighborhood, the son of a German immigrant. He attended Adams Elementary School, Mechanic Arts High School, and the St. Paul School of Fine Arts. As a boy, he pedaled newspapers.
At 16, he decided to become an architect and began an apprenticeship with Clarence H. Johnston of St. Paul. He then apprenticed with several other major architects in the region including Harry Wild Jones in Minneapolis and Louis Sullivan in Chicago.
His apprenticeship with Sullivan is particularly notable as Sullivan is considered the father of the modern skyscraper and he exerted an important influence on a group of architects who practiced in what became known as the Prairie style, according to a St. Paul Heritage Preservation Commission staff report.
Hausler was drawn back to St. Paul from Chicago and began to practice first with Peter Linhoff and then William Alban. Alban and Hausler designed some notable buildings in St. Paul including St. Anthony Park Methodist Episcopal Church (1911-1912) and Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Reformation (1913), both designed in the Gothic Revival style. The firm also designed the Prairie style Knox Presbyterian Church (1912-14).
In addition to being an architect, Hausler was also a structural engineer, pointed out his granddaughter, J. Hausler.
Named St. Paul’s first city architect at age 25
At just 25 years old, Hausler was appointed St. Paul’s first city architect (1914).
One of his initial assignments was to serve as the supervising architect for the James J. Hill Reference Library. He also wrote the city’s first building code. Later, as a senator, he appointed a council to revise the code and bring it up to modern standards.
During his tenure, numerous municipal facilities were designed in his office, including schools, branch libraries, fire stations, and park buildings.
Hausler designed the William L. Ames School (1915) and the Como Park Elementary School (1916), both classically inspired buildings. He also designed the Randolph Heights School (1916), which features elements from the Mission Revival style.
While her grandfather was a man of great humility who always shared praise with others, he was also “proud of what he did,” remarked J. Hausler. During a recent tour of St. Paul schools, J. Hausler looked for where her grandfather had signed his name on the buildings, including the cornerstone at Como Park Elementary and an alcove near the door at Randolph Heights Elementary.
Photo left: St. Paul’s first city architect, Charles A. Hausler, designed numerous churches and buildings in St. Paul during his distinguished career, including St. Andrew’s Church. He is shown here with his granddaughter, Jennie Hausler, who spoke about her grandfather’s contributions to the city of St. Paul and the Warrendale neighborhood during the Heritage Preservation Commission meeting on Nov. 5, 2018. (Photo provided)
Hausler designed three branch libraries for the city, St. Anthony Park, Arlington Hills, and Riverview. The three classically inspired buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. He also designed the Mounds Park Pavilion (1916).
Every one of her grandfather’s designs were unique and innovative, observed J. Hausler.
In 1915, Hausler hired Clarence “Cap” Wigington as the office’s senior draftsman. Wigington was an African-American architect who grew up in Omaha, Neb. Today, Wigington is recognized as the nation’s first black municipal architect. Buildings he designed include the Harriet Island Pavilion, Roy Wilkins Auditorium, and Highland Park Tower. Hausler also appointed a second African American architect named William Godette in 1919.
Plus, her grandfather treated women well, and rather than seclude them to a corner, he welcomed them at the draftsmen table in the middle of the room, pointed out J. Hausler.
Senator 1922-1939
Even while he was employed as city architect, Hausler maintained a private practice. One of his partners was Percy Dwight Bentley, who along with Hausler was also a notable practitioner of the Prairie style. The partnership produced a number of finely crafted Prairie style residences in St. Paul including the Frank and Rosa Seifert House (1914) and the Albert Wunderlich House (1915). Hausler also designed his own house (1917) in the Prairie style.
Innovative features in one home included a dehumidifier and there was an early form of air conditioning in a funeral home he designed.
“He was a man who was way ahead of his time,” stated J. Hausler.
Her grandfather always had two jobs, J. Hausler observed. With his German heritage, “he came from a strong work ethic,” she said.
Hausler resigned from his position as city architect in 1922 when he was elected to the state legislature. He represented St. Paul in the Senate, starting as a progressive Republican and ending up as a member of the Farmer-Labor party. Hausler left the Minnesota Senate in 1939 to resume his career in architecture full-time and continued working into his 70s.
Important clients
The Catholic Church was a very important client for Hausler. He designed dozens of churches, schools, convents, and rectories for the Catholic Church, which are located in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. His most notable designs include St. Boniface Church (1929) in Minneapolis, St. Joseph’s Church (1929) in Owatonna, and St. Mary’s Church (1930) in Hague, N.D., which is listed on the National Register and is referred to as “the jewel of the prairie.”
Stylistically, these later churches typically featured the Romanesque Revival style, rather than the Gothic style that was common for Hausler’s early church designs.
In 1929, Hausler designed the Minnesota Building in downtown St. Paul. The building is considered the first in the Twin Cities to employ the Art Deco style and is listed on the National Register. Hausler was always concerned about fire safety and pushed for the use of concrete materials at the Minnesota Building, stated J. Hausler.
Hausler also designed a new Art Deco style façade for the Minnesota Milk Company Building on University Ave., which is also listed on the National Register.
Hausler’s architectural practice extended far beyond St. Paul. He designed schools, churches, and commercial buildings throughout the region. According to H. Allen Brooks, who wrote “The Prairie School: Frank Lloyd Wright and His Midwest Contemporaries,” Hausler was “an excellent public relations man and was particularly persuasive with school boards.” He designed schools in Minnesota communities that included Tracy, Fulda, Farmington, Buhl, and Greenbush.
Designs as artwork

During his time in the legislature, Hausler continued to practice architecture, and it was during this time that St. Andrew’s Church was constructed in 1927. Hausler’s design for St. Andrew’s draws its inspiration from a variation of the Romanesque style that developed in southern France and northern Italy, which is characterized by complex designs and colorful ornament. At the time of its construction, the building was described as Byzantine, a style that preceded the Romanesque. Design elements in St. Andrew’s that reflect this style include the interior spatial arrangement in the form of a Greek cross and the interior groin vaults.
“As a structural engineer, he built this building to last,” stated his granddaughter J. Hausler.
He also factored in the characteristics of each community where he designed buildings, she pointed out, and St. Andrew’s was no exception. “If they want to demolish this church, I don’t think it’d be for the benefit of the community,” J. Hausler said.
Hausler didn’t do anything that was boilerplate. “This church is absolutely gorgeous,” said J. Hausler. “You could come back every day for a week, and you’d see something new. He surprises you.” She pointed to the six different types of brick used and the other whimsical components designed into the building.
“If you take a look at his other churches, this stands apart,” J. Hausler said. She added, “His architectural designs are artwork.”
Hausler died in St. Paul on July 12, 1971.

Article printed in the December 2018 Como/Midway Monitor.

Community chats about Hiawatha Golf Course during focus sessions

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
Community members shared their thoughts about the Hiawatha Golf Course during informal focus sessions in November.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) held two of five focus session meetings on Nov. 8 at the Nokomis Recreation Center.
“The sessions are a tool for park board staff and the design team to listen to the community’s conversations surrounding specific themes,” explained MPRB Design Project Manager Tyler Pederson.
“Nov. 8 night’s focus on ‘environment’ and ‘neighbors’ was very successful. The team heard many great comments from the community and comments from folks we had not yet heard from.”
There were four tables of between six to eight community members. Each table was asked to record their comments and conversations on sheets of paper and on large maps.
Photo right: Community Advisory Committee member Sean Connaughty (second from left) chats with community members during informal focus sessions on neighborhood and environment at the Nokomis Recreation Center on Nov. 8. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
Some comments revolved around watershed issues.
“The city, park board, and Minnehaha Creek Watershed want residents to see the problems as individual areas; however, we do not and cannot understand how they can be separated when the whole watershed drains into Lake Hiawatha (all 180 square miles),” stated Joan Soholt in an email following the focus session. She is a CAC member who is also part of the Nokomis/Hiawatha Water Sustainability group. Fellow group member Monica McNaughton also pushed for a comprehensive study that incorporates the changing climate and a bigger area than just the golf course.
Safety, art, changing the fence, creating a trail around the entire lake, and wetland restoration were also among the topics discussed.
More focus sessions planned
Two more sessions were held on Nov. 13 at Hiawatha Golf Course that focused on “golf” and “African American history” at Minneapolis golf courses.
The fifth session on Indigenous history is being planned with help from those communities.
As the Hiawatha Golf Course Community Advisory Committee (CAC) moves through its planning process, committee meetings will be interspersed with community focus sessions.
Photo left: The environment and neighborhood were topics during informal focus sessions on neighborhood and environment at the Nokomis Recreation Center on Nov. 8. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
Another series of focus sessions is expected in late January/early February 2019, and a third set in late February/early March.
By the CAC’s seventh meeting in April, it is expected to have a draft master plan and final CAC recommendations that will go out to the community for a 45-day review period. The planning committee will then hold a public hearing on the plan, and the board of commissioners will vote on the issue in July 2019.
Visioning
At the same time, the community advisory committee is working to create a vision to guide their work at Hiawatha Golf Course.
At the October 2018 meeting, CAC members reviewed the vision statement developed in 2015 for the larger Nokomis-Hiawatha Master Plan. (The golf course wasn’t included in the master planning process for the regional park at the time.)
Photo right: A focus session about the history of African American golfers at Hiawatha Golf Course was held on Nov. 13. (Photo courtesy of the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board)
The vision of the Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park Master Plan is to maintain Nokomis-Hiawatha’s status as a premier regional park by enhancing the existing well-loved amenities and adding select new features. The park will continue to offer a range of recreation activities located primarily within three identified focus areas, rather than scattering active uses throughout the park. The remaining parkland will be used for more natural amenities, passive recreation, and trail use.
Guy Michaelson of Berger Partnership pointed out that the landscape is steeped in legacy, it’s cherished and historic, it’s a treasured destination, and it’s gathering place.
In addition to enhancing the human experience, there’s also the opportunity to strengthen ecology, and the two can thrive together, encouraged Michaelson. He believes there are innovative ways to solve the stormwater problem while creating a cool park experience and building “in-fun-structure.”
Michaelson suggested that CAC members welcome absurdity because along the way those are the ideas that are memorable and create special places.
Ultimately, he stated that the lens to look through for this project is the Grand Rounds legacy of ecology, equity, recreation, and experience.
Community members may contribute to the visioning process at https://form.jotform.com/composidore/lake-hiawatha-visioning.

 Article printed in the December 2018 Longfellow/Nokomis Messenger.

Team works to understand groundwater problem around Lake Nokomis

Nokomis Area Groundwater and Surface Water Evaluation team discusses study results with residents

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
Why are there higher levels of groundwater and standing water in previously dry areas of South Minneapolis, such as Solomon Park and Lake Nokomis Park?
The Nokomis Area Groundwater and Surface Water Evaluation team is studying that problem and held an open house on Oct. 24 at the Lynnhurst Recreation Center.
A primary goal of the network is to better understand water level trends and support water supply planning, according to members.
The team is working to answer these questions:
• Are surface water and groundwater levels near Lake Nokomis rising, particularly south and west of the lake?
• To what extent do groundwater levels interact with surface water levels in this area?
• What are potential impacts to public and private infrastructure from rising water levels?
• If groundwater and/or surface water levels are rising, why and what can be done about it?
As presented at the open house, the work of the technical team has included installing new shallow groundwater wells, reviewing groundwater elevation data from existing monitoring wells, understanding soil characteristics and geology underlying the area, summarizing precipitation data, modeling groundwater recharge rates, looking at the Lake Nokomis water levels, and reviewing the operation of the Nokomis weir.
Photo right: Kenny Blumenfield with the Department of Natural Resources climatology office chats with attendees at an open house on Oct. 24 regarding the increase in precipitation the department has been tracking in Minnesota over the past few years. There have been more storms with higher rainfall levels, as well. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
The team is first working to understand the problem and what solutions are. “Then we will prioritize which projects we will start with,” remarked Minneapolis Surface Water and Sewers Katrina Kessler.
For the city of Minneapolis, this also means learning what other projects are being done in an area and working flood mitigation in too.
In south Minneapolis, this might mean enlarging the undersized system at Sibley Field or working more stormwater storage at the Hiawatha Golf Course.
“It’s all about working with partners and taking advantage of opportunities,” said Kessler.
Yes, the water is higher
A cluster of properties southwest of Lake Nokomis is dealing with basement flooding while another group near Solomon Park is faced with flooded backyards.
These homes have basements that are located 10-30 feet above the Lake Nokomis water level, which suggests that groundwater levels are likely the issue, rather than the Lake Nokomis water level, according to team members.
A weir that controls water entering Minnehaha Creek has existed at the outlet of Lake Nokomis since 1931. The weir is a dam-like structure that prevents polluted stormwater and zebra mussels from entering Lake Nokomis from Minnehaha Creek. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board operates the weir in coordination with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District consistent with an approved operating plan.
The outlet elevation of the weir has always been set at 815.10’, and cannot be changed. When Lake Nokomis’ water level drops below 815.10’, it is due to factors other than the operation of the weir.
Following a wet start to the year, August 2018 was very dry. Subsequently, the water level on Lake Nokomis dropped below the weir’s outlet elevation sometime around Aug. 11, meaning water could no longer flow from Lake Nokomis to Minnehaha Creek. It remained below the outlet through mid-September. Before 2018, the last time the water level on Lake Nokomis dropped below the outlet elevation was on Nov. 28, 2017.
In 2018, due to dry weather, water flowed out of the lake via the weir for only 53 days. In comparison, from mid-March to the end of December 2017, the weir was open for 121 days and water flowed out of the lake until it dropped below the outlet elevation at the end of November.
Rainfall prompted the reopening of the Lake Nokomis weir on Sept. 25, when the lake level measured 815.98’ and water once again flowed out of the lake.
Is there a bedrock dam?
One theory being evaluated by the team is the idea of a bedrock dam that might be causing a backup of groundwater.
There is a rise in bedrock east of Lakes Hiawatha and Nokomis, but before Minnehaha Falls, that could be acting like a dam to the groundwater and causing it to rise higher than it would otherwise.
Where the water table is only a few feet below the ground surface, small (but long-term) changes in the water-table elevation can have dramatic effects, according to Barr Engineering.
Record precipitation
Coupled with the possibility of a bedrock dam are a few years of record-breaking precipitation in the Twin Cities. Historically, water levels around Nokomis would spike during rainfall events and snowmelt but drop, during the winter. This has not been happening the past 4-5 years because of an increase in precipitation outside the growing season when the ground is not frozen. This has led to increasing groundwater recharge rates because plants are not growing and taking up water. This year marked the all-time snowiest start to a year (Jan. 1 – July 1, 2018).
Photo left: Scott Pearson of the Department of Natural Resources Ecological and Water Resources Department talks with attendees at the open house on Oct. 24 regarding groundwater and surface water around Lake Nokomis. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
Winter lake drops are likely very important in controlling groundwater elevations in the area, pointed out a Barr Engineering document. It’s like a giant seasonal drawdown well to remove built-up storage.
The annual precipitation in 2013-2016 was above average, and 2014 had the wettest Jan. 1 to June 30 ever on record. June 2014 was the wettest month ever on record, and 2016 was the wettest year ever on record. Aug. 2016 to July 2017 was the wettest 12-month period ever on record.
With that, groundwater recharge rates have increased 3-4 inches per year in the past four years when compared to the last 25 years. Average recharge in 1988-2011 was 10.1 to 12.0 inches per year compared to the average recharge in 2012-2016 at 14.1 to 16.0 inches per year.
Wetter years may be the new normal. Right now, the problem may be more visible around Lake Nokomis because of the shallow water table. Team members are asking whether there are other parts of south Minneapolis where similar issues are occurring.
In 2014, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District began partnering with the National Weather Service to anticipate rain events in order to more proactively manage the Gray’s Bay Dam at the headwaters of Minnehaha Creek, pointed out MCWD employee Tiffany Schaufler. In 2016, the wettest year on record in the Minnehaha Creek watershed, this weather information allowed MCWD to operate the dam in a way that did not result in any flooding on Lake Minnetonka or Minnehaha Creek.
“It’s been a really helpful tool,” said Schaufler.
Wells will help gather data
The team is working to identify where data gaps exist, pointed out Schaufler.
This summer, two new observation wells were installed at Solomon Park and Lake Nokomis Park. These wells were installed at the base of the water table near the existing shallow water table wells.
Together, the new basal water table wells and existing shallow water table wells will provide information about the vertical flow of groundwater in the Nokomis area. In all, there are four observation wells near Solomon Park and Nokomis Park.
Two deeper bedrock aquifer wells will be installed soon. The six wells together will provide additional information about groundwater levels and movement in the area, including vertical movement of groundwater.
What’s next?
The technical team will continue to map infrastructure impacts to determine if they are connected to potential water level changes. The team will also review water elevation information on existing sewer maps and measured water levels from the city of Minneapolis’ water utility holes to gain a better understanding of groundwater levels.
Partners will explore whether additional wells are needed to determine if changes to existing infrastructure might alleviate problems and to estimate associated costs. Then they will develop a holistic plan that includes additional funding, if necessary, and work to keep residents and elected officials informed of progress.
The Nokomis Area Groundwater and Surface Water Evaluation team began meeting in January 2018.
Participating agencies include the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the city of Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, and Hennepin County. Other agencies are coordinating with the team include the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Airports Commission, the city of Richfield, and the U.S. Geological Survey.
To view technical data, technical team meeting notes, and presentations, visit www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/publicworks/stormwater/nokomisgroundwater.

Article printed in the December 2018 Longfellow/Nokomis Messenger.

Min Hi Line linear park becoming a reality in Longfellow

After years of talking about a protected path for biking and walking, coalition delighted to see first sections going in

A pilot project identified early on is near the General Mills grain elevators at 3716 Dight Ave. The site was recently sold to Hayes Harlow Development, who is also working on a development at 46th St. and Minnehaha Ave. This graphic illustrates what the linear path could look like in the area. (Graphic courtesy of the Minnesota Design Center)
By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
Standing in front of Longfellow House next to Minnehaha Falls Regional Park, one can see it is a straight shot up the train tracks to the Midtown Greenway and then downtown Minneapolis.
“It is an inspiring view. No great leap of imagination is required to envision how wonderful it will be to have a protected wide path for recreation—biking, walking, gardens—that connects Minnehaha Falls Park to the Midtown Greenway in that rail corridor,” remarked Cora Peterson.
Photo right: The Min Hi Line is a piece that would connect to the Greenway and a larger network around the Twin Cities. Organizers support extending the Midtown Greenway over the Short Line Bridge to St. Paul. (Graphic courtesy of the Min Hi Line Coalition)

A few years ago, she banded together with other South Minneapolis residents to dream about a path that would do just that.
The Min Hi Line Coalition aims for a protected, purpose-built, multi-use path for walking, biking, and other moderately paced people-powered transit, as well as park space in the wider areas of the corridor, explained Peterson, who grew up in Nokomis. There are opportunities for gardens, playground equipment, and art installations along the rail bed.
The line will help green the urban landscape and provide social connectedness, Peterson pointed out.
“The development of the Min Hi Line is the next step to ensure that Minneapolis and the Twin Cities continue to lead in quality of life nationally,” said Peterson.
She encourages people to take a look up and down the Min Hi Line corridor at one of the intersections that cross it to get an idea of the substantial space the rail bed comprises.
“Our goal is that Minneapolis and Hennepin County preserve the full boundaries of the current corridor for the Min Hi Line linear park,” Peterson stated.
First section being installed
In the fall of 2016, Peterson and co-founder Nathan Van Wylen began collecting letters of support for the Min Hi Line from neighborhood associations and local organizations such as Squirrel Haus Arts.
Photo left: The General Mills grain elevators at 3716 Dight Ave. have been identified as a pilot of the Min Hi Line. The site was recently sold to Hayes Harlow Development,who is also working on a development at 46th St. and Minnehaha Ave. (Photo submitted by the Min Hi Line Coalition)
They also pursued engagement with the Midtown Greenway Coalition, acknowledging the group’s vast experience in developing and maintaining a successful city path. The Midtown Greenway is a 5.5-mile long path along a former railroad corridor in south Minneapolis with bicycling and walking trails that opened in three phases since 2000 thanks to the grassroots advocacy of the coalition.
The section between Hiawatha Ave. and the river opened in 2006, and the Martin Olav Sabo Bridge was erected in 2007 so that users could avoid the dangerous at-grade intersection at 28th and Hiawatha.
Currently, the first section of Min Hi Line pathway is being installed by the city just south of the Sabo Bridge between the Greenway and Lake St.
“It is very exciting to see the aspiration for the complete Min Hi Line begin to be realized through trail installations at the north and south ends of the corridor,” commented Peterson.
Photo right: Currently, the first section of Min Hi Line pathway is being installed by the city just south of the bridge between the Greenway and Lake St. “It is very exciting to see the aspiration for the complete Min Hi Line begin to be realized through trail installations at the north and south ends of the corridor,” commented Min High Line Coalition co-founder Cora Peterson, who grew up in the Nokomis neighborhood. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
The next section of the linear park slated for completion is on the south end. It will be part of The Capp development at 46th and Minnehaha Ave. being built by Oppidan Development in the old railway bed from Nawadaha Blvd. north to 46th St.
“It’s an idea whose time has finally come with the Oppidan development because they choose to orientate their development to the line,” remarked Peterson.
Another pilot project identified early on is near the General Mills grain elevators at 3716 Dight Ave. “Historically, General Mills has been a strong supporter of the park system in Minneapolis, and so this seemed like a promising opportunity. Council member Andrew Johnson was instrumental in facilitating meetings between General Mills and possible community-oriented developers that were interested in purchasing the site,” observed Min Hi Line co-founder Van Wylen.
The site was recently sold to Hayes Harlow Development, who is also working on a development at 46th St. and Minnehaha Ave.
Extension over river
Recently, the Min High Line Coalition has banded with the Midtown Greenway Coalition to support extending the Greenway over the Short Line bridge to St. Paul.
“The bridge is also the rail outlet for the Min Hi Line corridor, and a future in which that bridge connects Greenway bike and pedestrian traffic over the Mississippi would mean vast transportation and economic impact at a regional level,” remarked Peterson.
Creating an attractive corridor
Peterson is a returned resident of Minneapolis. While she lived elsewhere, she said she benefited from creative, modern parks developments that have transformed various inner-city neighborhoods such as the Atlanta Beltline and the New Your City High Line.
Like the Min Hi Line, the Atlanta Beltline sit in an at-grade corridor. Construction on the Atlanta Beltline’s East Side trail began 2011, through an area of Atlanta that feels similar to the Min Hi Line corridor neighborhoods, Peterson pointed out.
The Atlanta Beltline had an initial projected return on investment of $3.5 for each $1 of public/private investment. The project has already doubled that return, reaching $7 to $1—and the entire 22-mile Beltline loop around the city of Atlanta will not be completed for another decade.
“We hope the city of Minneapolis and Hennepin County will work with developers, like Oppidan, who see the value and want to be a part of developing the Min Hi Line, and work in partnership with those developers to find ways to finance the park’s development along with other building in the corridor,” stated Peterson.
She observed that most of the Min Hi Line corridor has been identified by the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board as needing parks. “Installing a park and path in the old railway bed will preserve public green space in the corridor even as the corridor becomes attractive to private, for-profit development,” said Peterson.
Submit photos and stories
New housing and commercial buildings are already popping up along the Min Hi Line as the corridor’s historic freight rail traffic gives way to new uses that serve East Nokomis, Longfellow, and Seward neighborhoods. There are currently three businesses that are still using the CP Rail freight line (Archer Daniels Midland, Leder Brothers Metal and General Mills), which has put the Min Hi Line at a simmer until they are no longer active.
“Civic engagement on this topic is essential to guide the Min Hi Line corridor’s equitable development—to help elected officials and developers understand the corridor’s highest and best use for Minneapolis residents,” remarked Peterson. “Most important is that interested residents consistently bring up the Min Hi Line with elected officials at Minneapolis, Hennepin County, and Minneapolis Parks and Recreation.”
Landscape architecture design students mocked up some Min Hi Line visuals, which can be viewed on the group’s Facebook page. “We want more visual arts work like that to propel the Min Hi Line image forward,” said Peterson.
Peterson encourages residents to follow www.facebook.com/minhiline, and link photos and stories about the corridor to the Min Hi Line Facebook page.

Article printed in the December 2018 Longfellow/Nokomis Messenger.

Standish-Ericsson boy battles rare polio-like illness

Four-year-old Orville’s right arm is paralyzed and both legs affected by Acute Flaccid Myelitis; benefit set Dec. 16

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
Pressing on after a life-changing event takes a village, and Standish-Ericsson residents Elaine and Michael Young are so grateful for theirs.
In the aftermath of their young son’s paralysis and hospitalization, the family has been amazed at how supportive and giving people have been, despite the family only having lived in Minnesota for a few years.
“Thanks to everyone for everything,” stated Elaine. “Having people drop off meals and stuff has been so helpful.”
Suddenly paralyzed
The summer began like any other, and the Youngs kept busy with friends and outings.
On July 4, 2018, all four members in the family were sick with a cold, but Elaine didn’t think much of it. Six-year-old Audrey seemed the sickest, and three-year-old
Orville just had a runny nose and a cough. Then on Tues., July 10, Orville started running a fever of 101 degrees. His mom wondered if it was a urinary tract infection and began treating it with over-the-counter medications. When it still hadn’t gone away by Friday, she began debating whether or not to bring him in before she flew out of town for a visit with family in Northern California that weekend. They had spent the morning playing at the neighbors, and Orville went out for the mail when they got home.
That’s when Elaine noticed that his right hand was just hanging there.
“Buddy, can you raise your arm?” she asked him.
He couldn’t.
Elaine moved fast, and within minutes they were in the car, heading to the only hospital the recent transplant to Minnesota knew in the area, the Masonic Children’s Hospital.
Elaine says she already knew what this was—Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), a rare, polio-like condition caused when enteroviruses invade the nervous system and target the spinal cord.
She had been pregnant with Orville in 2014 when there were several cases in California that hit the news, and she’d read up on it.
Photo left: Standish-Ericsson resident Orville Young refers to his paralyzed right arm as his “wonky arm.” Orville has therapy appointments at Gillette Children Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul four times a week, and is likely to have surgery in January to move a nerve to help stimulate movement in his paralyzed arm. A youth art show benefit to pay for medical bills is being planned for Dec. 16, 3-6 p.m., at the Public Functionary, 1400 12th Ave. NE, Minneapolis. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
By July 13, the doctors also suspected AFM because of the inflammation in Orville’s spinal cord that showed up on an MRI, although it wasn’t officially confirmed by the CDC until November.
None of the treatments they tried in the hospital worked.
“They sent us home with a kid who couldn’t walk,” recalled Elaine.
Orville and AFM
Back home, Orville’s family noticed the stark difference between what he used to be able to do and what he could do now.
His right arm wasn’t working. Everything but the hand was paralyzed.
His right leg was extremely weak. He tripped and fell a lot. His right trunk muscles were weak so getting up was hard.
Because Orville’s entire spine had been inflamed, both of his arms and legs were weak at first, but some movement came back within the first two weeks as the inflammation went down.
Later, they realized that his left leg had also been affected, and he can’t stand on his tiptoes or heels. He often catches his foot and trips when he’s moving fast.
Four months out, his stamina is still low, and he tires quickly.
Photo right: At home, mother Elaine (left) and father Michael hook four-year-old Orville Young up to an electrical stimulator while he plays video games. He gets the stimulation twice a day for 15 minutes at a time. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
Orville, who turned four a month after he got sick, had been pretty independent. Now he has trouble dressing or feeding himself. He is right-handed, so opening doors is difficult. Pulling up his pants is really hard.
Orville’s right bicep and deltoid are completely flaccid and have not contracted even once since he got sick. Elaine has begun noticing that his right arm is smaller than the other.
His right hip remains weak. If he jumps off something and lands a certain way, it’s likely that his right leg will buckle.
‘It’s just a cold’ has new meaning
Life after Orville’s illness has taken on a new routine. They juggle Orville’s various appointments with research and have been grateful for meals and babysitting from friends and family.
“I have a 9-5 job spending time on the phone,” acknowledged Elaine, who is a stay-at-home mom who homeschools their children. “I keep my ringer on now.”
She’s also “constantly paranoid,” she admitted.
“The term, ‘It’s just a cold’ means a whole lot more to me now,” agreed Michael.
Orville refers to his right arm as his “wonky arm.” His parents said he’s pretty good about maintaining a positive spirit about his many appointments although he does get tired of it all sometimes.
Orville goes to therapy at Gillette Children Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul four times a week. He rides a functional electrical stimulation bike and uses a robotic exoskeleton arm. He’s started therapy in a pool and picked out a fun swim cap and bathrobe to use. They play games and try different things, but there isn’t a set protocol for this and no guarantee that it will help, according to Elaine.
At home, he is hooked up to an electrical stimulator twice a day for 15 minutes at a time.
He’s about to get a brace on his left leg to use for long walks to help keep him from falling so much.
While they work with occupational and physical therapists, Elaine and Michael are also meeting with specialists who have successfully treated this type of paralysis with a nerve transfer. For instance, they take a coughing muscle and move it to the arm and then work to rewire the brain. The Youngs anticipate a surgery in January at either Philadelphia Shriners or in California. It will take 6-12 months after surgery to know how effective it is.
“The hope is that he can regain function,” remarked Elaine. “But even then he’ll probably never regain 100 percent.”
Photo left: Orville Young, age four, goes to therapy at Gillette Children Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul four times a week. “The hope is that he can regain function,” remarked his mother, Elaine. “But even then he’ll probably never regain 100 percent.” (Photo submitted by Elaine E. Eller Young)
When paralysis like this happens at such a young age, the arm doesn’t grow as it should, and some of the kids affected have undergone amputations.
Elaine said she was glad Orville’s doctor was straightforward with them and didn’t sugarcoat things. “But I also decided he was going to be wrong. I was going to do everything in my power to make him wrong,” she stated.
A fine line to walk
Michael and Elaine are happy that Orville has a lot of body positivity, and tells others, “I’m a buff guy.” They started nicknaming him “Lefty” to pay attention to his strong left arm, but Orville batted back, “No, call me Righty.”
The couple acknowledges that they have a fine line to walk between pushing Orville to regain function and accepting him for who he is now and letting him just be a kid.
“We can’t forget the other parts of him,” said Michael, who is a special educator at Groves Academy. “I want him to be body positive and pro-disability.”
They are glad that they will be able to tap into a larger network of people, including polio survivors, to make sure Orville has a community of people who understand the challenges he faces.
Michael doesn’t think his son understands yet how permanent the paralysis is.
One of the hardest things for him and Elaine was a few weeks out from Orville’s hospitalization when they realized how little control they have over this illness. “We can’t protect him from it,” Michael stated. “We can’t promise him that we can make it better.”
Elaine has found support in a Facebook group populated by families from around the world who are dealing with this polio-like illness.
“There are cases from 30 years ago,” Elaine pointed out. “This isn’t a new thing. The new thing is the numbers. It’s happening in larger amounts.”
To help spread awareness and work on solutions, the Youngs and other Minnesota families met with Senator Amy Klobuchar and staff from the Minnesota Department of Health in October.
About AFM
Overall, the Youngs feel lucky that Orville’s case was mild as it has been. Others can’t walk.
Most people affected by AFM are children under the age of 10. While the polio vaccine guards against poliovirus (a type of enterovirus), there is no vaccine for the strain of enterovirus that Orville contracted. Symptoms may include facial-muscle weakness, issues moving the eyes or droopy eyelids, issues in swallowing, or slurred speech. It can also lead to paralysis, respiratory issues, and death.
There have been two cases of AFM in Minnesota in July, and another seven from the end of September/beginning of October. The kids have nothing in common, did not come in contact with each other, and come from all over the state, observed Elaine.
Parents are advised to keep a watchful eye for AFM symptoms and bring a child to the doctor immediately if they experience any limb weakness, facial drooping, and trouble swallowing or speaking.
More at www.myelitis.org.
Benefit for Orville planned
A benefit youth art show for Orville the Awesome is being planned for Sun., Dec. 16, 3-6pm at the Public Functionary, 1400 12th Ave. NE, Minneapolis. (https://theawesomeartshow.wixsite.com/orvilletheawesome)
This will be a celebration of art and community with live bluegrass music from No Man’s String Band, face painting from homeschooler Jesica Gibson of Painted Imagination, and a silent auction and raffle featuring art, handmade goods, tickets, passes, and gift baskets.
Admission is a suggested $5. Proceeds will go towards Orville’s medical bills.
The event is being organized by South Minneapolis resident Jenna Bergendahl, who is part of the homeschool group, Little Urban Explorers, that the Youngs are also members of.
“I think part of being in community with each other is helping each other, and I love the idea of the homeschool community coming together for each other in this way,” stated Bergendahl.
She has been delighted by the response of homeschoolers and community members who have donated items to be in the silent auction and raffle, as well as those who have opted to be part of the youth art show.
In addition to individual submissions, courageous heARTS at 2235 E. 38th St. is involved.
“I hope this will be a powerful experience for the kids—not only to have their art treated with the kind of respect usually reserved for adult, professional artists—but also to know that they made a donation to a local family with their submission and to see a little bit of that impact at the show,” remarked Bergendahl.
“I know many parents are looking for ways to engage their kids in the community, and helping them see themselves as people who contribute, share, and lend what they can to others. I think that this event will be a very hands-on, tangible way for young people to see what’s possible when we come together for each other. It’s also going to be a lot of fun!”
Photo right: A Go Fund Me page has also been set up for the family to help purchase a child-size functional electrical stimulation bike for Orville to use at home. Right now he’s just able to ride the one at Gillette once a week. Learn more at www.gofundme.com/fes-bike-for-orville. As of Messenger press time they had raised $15,147. (Photo by Elaine E. Eller Young)

Article printed in the December 2018 Longfellow/Nokomis Messenger.

TCGIS postpones partial demolition of former St. Andrew’s Church

Save Historic St. Andrew’s holds forum to update community on ideas and plans to save the building

After picketing for several days, Save Historic St. Andrew’s supporters agreed to stop at the request of the Twin Cities German Immersion School and maintain a “fence of love” instead. (Photo submitted by Save Historic St. Andrews)

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
In October, partial demolition for St. Andrew’s historic church was slated by property owner Twin Cities German Immersion School (TCGIS), but the plan was taken off the table after intense discussions with the Save Historic St. Andrew’s community group.
A forum to increase community awareness was held later that day on Thur., Oct. 11, and was attended by about 100 people. The event was held at the Mission Church across the street from historic St. Andrew’s (now called the Aula by TCGIS) but was not endorsed by the church.
‘No one imagined it would be threatened’
Save Historic Saint Andrew’s (SHSA) member Roy Neal was the first speaker of the evening and pointed out that he and his wife live and work in the Warrendale neighborhood. His wife attended school at St. Andrew’s.
“Quite frankly, no one ever imagined that the Aula would be threatened with demolition,” Neal said.
He explained that the first goal of SHSA is to stop the demolition of the church, which the school voted to do on July 30 and replace the structure with a new, three-story building.
“What we’re asking for is collaboration,” stated Neal. “We want to see if we can come up with a win-win situation.”
According to Neal, the building is important to group members who feel that history matters. During the last 100 years, St. Andrew’s “has been the heart of the community in many ways,” he said. “It feels unthinkable to remove that from the community.”
Photo right: St. Andrew’s is significant for a number of reasons, according to architectural historian Rolf Anderson. The architect, Charles Hausler, is known for his high-quality designs and diversity of styles which had an important impact on the city. St. Andrew’s is also significant for its association with the “Hungarian immigrant experience. The broader impact of the church was demonstrated by the five new congregations that were created from the area served by St. Andrew’s Church,” wrote Anderson in his preliminary findings. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
He stressed that engagement matters and that SHSA hopes to engage the school to work together around a goal.
Neal observed that SHSA was concerned that the school planned to begin partial demolition of the church building just before the review of the structure by the Historic Preservation Commission, and finish the demolition in the summer of 2019. “We’ve seen that pattern before,” Neal said. He pointed out that partial demolition is a tactic used to deface a structure enough to undermine historical recognition and spite opposition.
SHSA members met with school staff, and TCGIS agreed to hold off and complete a full demolition next June as originally planned, he reported to applause in the room. “We think this will restore trust,” said Neal.
Stewards versus destroyers
TCGIS purchased the former St. Andrew’s Church structure in 2013 and completed an $8.3 renovation project that included the demolition of the rectory and rehabilitation of the Aula. “The demolition of the Aula was not included in the plan,” pointed out Neal, who added that the buildings on the property considered “classic” at the time by the school.
Community members learned in March 2018 that the school had been investigating options to increase their space for the past four years, and might destroy the Aula and build a new building in its place. In May, the school board held off on a vote to move forward with demolishing the former church sanctuary to investigate the purchase of the Central Lutheran School site nearby. In July, the school board voted to move forward with building a new structure.
“We don’t like the plan, but that doesn’t mean we don’t like TCGIS,” stressed Neal. “Just because we oppose the plan does not mean we don’t like kids either.”
However, the plan replaces the irreplaceable, he explained.
“We hope they can see themselves as a steward of the facility rather than a destroyer,” Neal said.
Photo left: Save Historic St. Andrews member Roy Neal observed that SHSA was concerned that the school planned to begin partial demolition of the church building just before the review of the structure by the Historic Preservation Commission, and finish the demolition in the summer of 2019. SHSA members met with school staff, and TCGIS agreed to hold off and complete a full demolition next June as originally planned, he reported to applause in the room. “We think this will restore trust,” said Neal. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
Neal recognizes that the school intends to build an energy efficient structure, but pointed out, “It can take 80 years for a new energy-efficient building to overcome the impact created by its construction. The greenest building is the one that is already built.” According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 80 percent of Minnesota’s 1.6 tons of construction and demo waste ended up in a landfill in 2013.
Neal observed that the estimates for work on the existing building that were obtained by SHSA are significantly less than the ones shared by the school board’s building committee, and pointed out that the exterior is in good condition. According to SHSA, before the school took over the building, it cost $10,000 to maintain the roof each year, $2,500 to repair the brick and exterior, and about $4,000 to remove snow. “This doesn’t sound like a big burden to me,” said Neal. TCGIS has estimated building repairs and upgrades at $1.2 million.
SHSA is also concerned that TCGIS will outgrow the site and move to a larger space. “If they move, the consequences of this demolition won’t matter to TCGIS,” said Neal. “The neighborhood will have to live with the consequences.”
Neal encouraged school representatives not to be afraid of a historic preservation status. While there may be an extra step while doing projects, “it doesn’t stop respectful remodeling,” he said. “Preserving the building will be good for resale. Usually, preservation increases value. Historic properties bring value to the entire neighborhood.”
Eligible for historic status, funding?
A Go Fund Me campaign by SHSA raised money to fund a study of the former church building aimed at determining the building’s potential eligibility for historic preservation status.
Architectural historian Rolf Anderson pointed out that the church was built in a distinctive Romanesque Revival style inspired by churches in south France and Italy.
“The building is very complex and well-designed,” stated Anderson, “and among St. Paul’s most impressive neighborhood churches.”
He pointed out that there are seven distinct types of brickwork in the building. “It’s quite amazing just to look at the brickwork,” Anderson said.
The structure was designed by well-known architect Charles Hausler, who was St. Paul’s first city architect. He is known for his high-quality designs and diversity of styles which had an important impact on the city, stated Anderson.
St. Andrew’s is also significant for its association with the “Hungarian immigrant experience. The broader impact of the church was demonstrated by the five new congregations that were created from the area served by St. Andrew’s Church,” wrote Anderson in his preliminary findings.
The former church building is eligible for local designation under four of St. Paul’s Heritage Preservation criteria, and will be reviewed by the Heritage Preservation Commission. A public hearing was set for Nov. 5.
The District 10 Land Use Committee (composed of the community members who attend the meetings) and Board will also be voting for or against the TCGIS demolition and any variance requests before they are forwarded to the city council for consideration.
U OF M architect’s ideas
Minnesota Design Center Director Tom Fisher of the University of Minnesota reiterated that the greenest building is reusing the buildings one already has rather than tearing them down.
He pointed out that the TCGIS design for its new facility would replace the entrance of the church with the tall, blank wall of a gymnasium facing the street.
“They are turning their back on the neighborhood,” stated Fisher.
In his work, he looks for win-win solutions, and offered several suggestions at this site. Fisher began by asking what the school is trying to achieve and then trying to figure out how the school and community can both accomplish their goals.
He remarked that although the charter school views the old sanctuary as a challenge or deficit, it could instead be viewed as a desirable asset. He pointed out that schools today are moving from standard classrooms to large flexible spaces like this.
“The nave of the church is the kind of educational space a lot of schools are trying to build,” stated Fisher.
The Emily Program nearby recently kept a church building and dramatically changed the interior to meet their program needs.
He stated that charter schools still need to “be connected to and responsive to the community.”
Fisher suggested that TCGIS consider building an addition where the existing parking lot is, and observed that the coming autonomous vehicles will reduce the need for parking, a concept the design center is studying courtesy of a National Science Foundation Grant. Or, TCGIS could add another floor to the existing school wing.
“I think there’s a real opportunity here,” stated Fisher. “There are other options for you to meet your needs and still keep the church,” he told school representatives when he met with them. “I think there are ways to add to the facility without downsizing the church.”

TCGIS opposes historic designation

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
While the community group Save Historic St. Andrew’s is working to save the former church building, the charter school that occupies it is mobilizing against a historic designation.
Twin Cities German Immersion School (TCGIS) sent out an email blast asking supporters to send letters to the Historic Preservation Commission before its Nov. 5 public hearing.
In his letter to the commission, TCGIS Executive Director Ted Anderson pointed out, “The school is a model for successful charter schools in both cities.”
He added, “The non-profit school’s future is at stake if it is to be forced into maintaining an old building that is falling apart and is functionally obsolete.”
Anderson stated that TCGIS opposes the petition to designate the building as a historic site for a number of reason.
TCGIS does not think that historic designation should occur over the property owner’s objections—“Especially when the property owner is a non-profit entity such as a public charter school,” wrote Anderson.
“It is one thing when a for-profit entity is asked to use some of the profits that it derives from the neighborhood to preserve the historic character of that neighborhood. It is quite another to ask the same thing of a non-profit entity that is not deriving a profit from the neighborhood, but is providing a service to the neighborhood.”
Additionally, he wrote that historic preservation is not a benefit to non-profit like a school, it is a burden. “Thus, any historic preservation over a non-profit property owner’s objection should be funded by an assessment on the nearby properties that will derive the benefit from that designation,” said Anderson.
Letters against designation
In three sample letters sent out during the email blast, TCGIS supporters were urged to ask the Historic Preservation Commission to avoid giving “a crumbling former church building, owned by the Twin Cities German Immersion School, an historic designation that will put an unrealistic financial burden on this public charter school.”
The letters referred to it as a “short-sighted petition” that is “being presented by a small, vocal and selfish minority of neighbors.”
The letters TCGIS school supporters were asked to send to the commission also stated: “The petition to designate the property as an historic structure is selfish—and self-serving—and is taking money away from kids in a successful school environment: Every dollar the school spends on opposing the petition, or on complying with historic designation requirements, is a dollar that is taken away from the kids the school is entrusted with educating.”

These articles appeared in the November edition of the St. Paul Monitor.

Business owners concerned about 33rd St. reconstruction

Will trucks be able to maneuver on a skinnier street with boulevards and curb cutouts?

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
Business owners are concerned that the city’s plan to reconstruct a two-block section of 33rd St. E. between Hiawatha and Minnehaha doesn’t factor in the street’s heavy industrial traffic.
The plans presented for the project at the Neighborhood Development and Transportation Committee (NDTC) meeting on Oct. 2, would narrow the street significantly, which business owners believe would make it hard for trucks to maneuver.
Photo right: Transportation Planner Forrest Hardy chats with business owners regarding proposed changes to 33rd St. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
The street is currently 44 feet across with parking on both sides. One option narrows the street to 38 feet and install five-foot boulevards on both sides. The second option would narrow the street to 32 feet with eight-foot boulevards and allow parking on only one side.
Transportation Planner Forrest Hardy explained that boulevards between the street and the sidewalk provide a better pedestrian experience, and create a place to pile up snow.
When asked how much per square foot a boulevard costs versus a paved street, Hardy did not have an answer. While costs vary from project to project, typically a wider street without a boulevard is more expensive than a narrower street with a boulevard due to increased quantity of pavement and sublease materials, according to city staff.
Business owners stated that they see very few pedestrians walking down 33rd. While there is a gas station at the corner with Hiawatha, they pointed out that there is no crossing and pedestrians need to go up to 32nd or down to 35th to get across Hiawatha.
There are several businesses along that stretch of street, including Castle Building, Lovelette Transfer Moving, McIntosh Embossing, United States Bench Corporation, and R&T Cement. Each of those employ about 10 to 15 people.
Photo left: Business owners are concerned that the city’s plan to reconstruct a two-block section of 33rd St. E. between Hiawatha and Minnehaha doesn’t factor in the street’s heavy industrial traffic. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
Dave McIntosh questioned the plan to close one of the two egresses onto his property. He pointed out that more trucks than the ones servicing his print company use the double egress to turn around. This allows trucks to turn on private property rather than try to do that in the street near the railroad tracks.
Businesses owners also questioned the bump-outs planned at corners. Because of the angle that Snelling intersects with 33rd, trucks won’t be able to turn if there are bump-outs, they insisted.
Work planned by 2019
According to Hardy, the city is taking a long-term approach to this project as the life cycle of a street is about 40 years.
The reconstruction of both 33rd and 35th will include removal of the existing street, subgrade correction, curb and gutter, driveways, sidewalks, and utility work as needed. The pavement condition on both streets is rated as poor.
The city will also coordinate with the railroad to improve the crossings. There are about 16 rail crossings per day. The crossing is particularly bad along 35th.
“Right now it is practically impossible to cross the railroad tracks on a wheelchair,” said Hardy. “There is no sidewalk there. It’s just holes.”
The existing right-of-way on the streets is 60 feet wide, and existing sidewalks are 6.5 feet wide. Pedestrian ramps are not generally ADA-compliant.
In the plan for 35th between Hiawatha and Dight Ave., the street will be narrowed to 38 feet. There will be a left turn lane, through lane and right turn lane off 35th onto Hiawatha. One drive­way on the north side, currently blocked off, will be closed.
The reconstruction project will take place during the 2019 construction season, and will cost about 2.865 million. The city will maintain access to businesses while the work is done, Hardy assured.
A recommended layout is expected to be brought to the City Council Transportation and Public Works Committee in late fall 2018 for approval.

Aldi will open in former Rainbow Foods site later this year

Charter school building complete; focus shifts to grocery store and retail as part two of redevelopment phase

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
Aldi will open in the former Rainbow Foods space at 2912 28th Ave. S. in November or December.
The grocery store is part of a second phase for redeveloping the site.
During the first phase of Minnehaha Commons, Universal Academy Charter School used a section of the former grocery store during the 2017-18 school year while a 19,600-square-foot second-story addition for classroom space was built on the back side of the building. To accommodate the addition, a single-family home on the property was torn down. The addition was completed over the summer and Universal Academy moved into the new addition at the start of the 2018-19 school year.
Wellington has now shifted focus to the front of the building near the parking lot.
“We are excited to renovate a tired building and bring new life and energy to this block,” stated Wellington Management Director of Acquisitions and Development David Wellington. “After sitting vacant for several years, the project will once again be an amenity to the neighborhood by bringing jobs, a successful school, and neighborhood-serving retail to the Longfellow community.”
Renovation underway
Built in 1984, Rainbow Foods closed in 2014 after the store was purchased by Jerry’s Enterprises as part of a 27-store deal that reshaped the Twin Cities grocery scene. The building and 6-acre lot were purchased by Wellington Management Company two years later for $5.35 million, according to Hennepin County records. This is Wellington’s first foray into developing property on the east side of Hiawatha. The Minnehaha Commons project continues the efforts of Wellington that began more than a decade ago with projects such as Hi-Lake Shopping Center, the Greenway Office Building, Corridor Flats, Lake Street Station, and the Blue Line Flats.
Photo left: Work is now underway renovating the west side of the former Rainbow Foods building for Aldi and the adjacent retail. The entire west facade will be replaced. Various pedestrian improvements will be made adjacent to the new retail entrances including new sidewalks, a raised pedestrian crossing connecting Aldi to the parking lot, plantings and bike racks. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
The total project cost, including acquisition, phase one (Universal Academy expansion) and phase two (Aldi/retail renovation) is approximately $18 million. This does not include additional tenant improvements being made by Aldi and future retail tenants.
Wellington does not own Schooner Tavern, just north of the Rainbow building at 2901 27th Ave. S. and it is not part of this project.
Work is now underway renovating the west side of the Rainbow building for Aldi and the adjacent retail. The entire west facade will be replaced. Various pedestrian improvements will be made adjacent to the new retail entrances including new sidewalks, a raised pedestrian crossing connecting Aldi to the parking lot, plantings and bike racks.
Taken together, the Rainbow site, Cub land, and Target property represent the second largest piece of continuous asphalt in the city of Minneapolis, pointed out Wellington. The city’s plans for the area call for greater density due to the light rail line, which Wellington Management has focused on providing as it redevelops the area.
Phase 3: affordable housing
Stage three includes the construction of a mixed-use building on the northwest corner of the parking lot. It will have 90 units of affordable housing for seniors, and 15,000 square feet of retail space on the ground level. This portion of the project is behind schedule as Wellington Management works to put the financial pieces together to make it affordable.
“We are working diligently to secure public financing sources needed to build the affordable housing project,” said Wellington. “We are hopeful that Phase 3 construction can begin in late 2019, but it’s more likely to start in early 2020.”
Photo right: Universal Academy Charter School moved into a 19,600-square-foot second-story addition built on the back side of the building in time for classes to begin for the 2018-19 school year. (Photo submitted)
Wellington Management tried to purchase the Auto Zone property at the corner of E. Lake and Minnehaha, but the property owners were not interested in selling. So they signed a long-term agreement with Wendy’s to remain there for 20 years, and the building was given a facelift.
Wellington also plans to construct a single-story 3,500-square-foot retail building in the existing parking lot area not being used by Wendy’s along Minnehaha.
Will Aldi close existing store?
Aldi has not confirmed whether it will move out of the existing store at 2100 E. Lake St. or whether it will keep it open, according to Wellington.
With more than 1,800 stores across the country, Aldi is in the midst of an accelerated growth plan, investing more than $5 billion to remodel and expand its store count to 2,500 by the end of 2022. Aldi is more than halfway through its remodel investment. The new Aldi store layout features additional refrigeration space to accommodate more fresh, healthy and convenient products.
“The continued success of our store expansion and remodel initiatives has given us the opportunity to carefully select and introduce new products that satisfy our customers’ increasing preferences for fresh items, including organic meats, salad bowls, sliced fruits, and gourmet cheeses,” said Jason Hart, CEO of Aldi U.S. “We know people lead busy lives, so we’re making it even easier for them to purchase everything on their shopping list at Aldi, while still saving money.”
As part of the expansion, Aldi is increasing its fresh food selection by 40 percent with new items, including:
• More ready-to-cook and organic fresh meats to make meal preparation more convenient, including organic chicken breasts and marinated cilantro lime chicken breasts.
• Expanded produce selection, including veggie noodles and ready-to-eat sliced fruits, such as mango, pineapple, and watermelon spears, and more organics.
• Expanding its Earth Grown line with new vegan and vegetarian options, such as kale and quinoa crunch burgers, and chickenless patties and tenders.
More than 40 million customers each month use the simple, streamlined approach Aldi brings to retailing. Aldi sells frequently purchased grocery and household items, primarily under its exclusive brands.

How much traffic can 46th St. and Hiawatha handle?

Residents question Reuter Walter representatives during a community meeting on Oct. 9. Reuter Walter has proposed razing the former Bridgeman’s near Minnehaha Park at 4757 Hiawatha Ave., and constructing a six-story, 85-unit structure. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)

Residents discuss traffic, parking, and air quality issues sparked by proposed developments near Minnehaha Park

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
Can the 46th St. and Hiawatha Ave. area handle all the traffic caused by development there?
Residents aren’t sure, and they have been voicing their concerns at local meetings, including one on Oct. 9 at Brackett Park.
There were two developments that night on the agenda, Reuter Walter’s proposal for the former Bridgeman’s property and Hayes Harlow Development’s proposal for Minnehaha and 46th (see related article on page 1), but overall five projects are currently being reviewed for the area. Plus, just north is the upcoming Snelling Yards development and Amber Apartments building, and to the east will be the redevelopment of the Ford plant.
“That’s a gigantic increase in car traffic,” said one resident.
Another stated, “It’s going to be a traffic nightmare.”
Citizens are asking for a traffic study. Others also asked for air pollution and air quality studies to be done in the area.
Council member Andrew Johnson clarified that a traffic study couldn’t be used to deny a project. “It can be used to mitigate traffic impacts,” he explained and stated that he will push for one to be done.
Johnson said that it is important to him that traffic flow well in this area, but that includes vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, and buses.
“It’s not easy as there’s a lot of competing interests here,” he said. “How do you make 46th St. adequate for not just now but 10, 20 years down the road?”
Parking concerns
Residents have also been expressing concerns about parking at these buildings, which are sometimes providing less than one parking spot per unit.
The 4757 Hiawatha Ave. project proposes 59 stalls for 85 units; the Oppidan phase 2 high-density option next door proposes 96 stalls for 96 units; the Minnehaha 46 building proposes 27 stalls for 54 units, and the Lander Group proposal for the Greg’s Auto site has 37 stalls for 37 units.
“Where are everyone’s friends going to park?” questioned one resident. Another pointed out that most couples have two vehicles.
Six-story, 85-unit building
Reuter Walter has proposed razing the former Bridgeman’s near Minnehaha Park at 4757 Hiawatha Ave., and constructing a six-story, 85-unit structure.
Reuter Walton decided not to include commercial space in this development because it will be located on the same block as the new Cub Foods development, explained Brasser. “Speculative retail space in apartment buildings is difficult to fill,” he stated.
A citizen argued that the location is a “gold mine,” especially on the weekends. “You’ve got to see the lines at Sea Salt,” he said.
Others pointed out that visitors wouldn’t be able to see the first floor of this building from Minnehaha Park to know if a restaurant or coffee shop was there. There’s also an issue with parking, which could prevent a business from moving in as it did for so many years on the lower level of the building at the 46th St. light rail station. Venn Brewing finally moved in after years of negotiation with neighbors regarding parking on the streets nearby.
Some residents expressed concern about the proposed height at 4757 Hiawatha Ave., which will be about the same as the five-story Lowa46 building just to the north that will house Cub.
“I kind of feel like you are the 6.5-foot person standing at the front of the concert,” a resident stated.
The next meeting on this project will be on Nov. 8 at the Neighborhood Transportation and Development Committee.
Photo below: There are five developments being proposed or in progress around Minnehaha and 46th. Being proposed are the Hayes Harlow Development’s project at Minnehaha and 46th, the Lander Group project at Greg’s Auto location at 4737 Minnehaha, the Oppidan phase two project, and Reuter Walter’s project at the former Bridgeman’s property. Under construction is the first phase of the Oppidan project that includes 148 market-rate apartments and penthouses, a 45,000-square-foot Cub Foods grocery store, 3,000 square feet of small-shop retail, and a large public plaza. (Graphic by Tesha M. Christensen)