Minneapolis City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
HPC Officer Elections
2026 Heritage Preservation Commission Calendar
National Register Nomination for Fox Auto Complex
Certificate of Appropriateness for 40 Power Street (Nicollet Island Pavilion)
Certificate of Appropriateness (Retroactive) for 3123 2nd Avenue South (Rufus H. Lanehouse)
Continuation of 700 50th Street West
Votes (6)
Election of 2026 officers
Dissent: None
Moved by Clerk [0:10:48] (Implicit via roll call) · Seconded by Clerk [0:10:48] (Implicit via roll call)
The Clerk outlined the election procedures for Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. Nominations were opened and closed for each position, followed by a roll call vote. There was a question regarding nominating an absent commissioner, which was confirmed as permissible. Marie Bjornberg, Commissioner Masten, and Commissioner Melbum were elected to their respective positions.
2026 Heritage Preservation Commission calendar
Dissent: None
Moved by Chair Bjornberg [0:16:32] · Seconded by Commissioner Wallace [0:16:35]
Senior City Planner Aaron K presented the full 2026 calendar, noting typical meeting frequency and planned exceptions for May (council break/retreat) and December (one meeting), and a November Monday meeting due to Election Day. No questions were raised by commissioners, and the calendar was adopted.
Fox Auto Complex 1621 through 1635 Henipin Avenue, Ward 7 - National Register nomination
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Booty [0:24:50] · Seconded by Commissioner Masten [0:25:22]
Aaron K presented the National Register nomination for the Fox Auto Complex, highlighting its statewide significance under Criterion A for its role in the early automotive industry. Staff identified minor typos and discrepancies in the nomination text and figures, and suggested clarifications regarding the Harmon Place Historic District's local designation status. The public hearing was opened but no one spoke. Commissioners expressed familiarity with the property and general support for its nomination, noting its thorough documentation.
40 Power Street, Ward 3 - Certificate of Appropriateness
Dissent: None, though some commissioners voiced initial hesitations.
Moved by Commissioner Masten [0:38:15] · Seconded by Commissioner Wallace [0:38:32]
Rob Scleki presented a Certificate of Appropriateness for the Nicollet Island Pavilion cupola, detailing the proposed replacement of deteriorated wood siding with Hardy Plank and non-historic windows. Staff recommended denial of the Hardy Plank, citing district guidelines against imitation materials and the need for in-kind replacement, and the Secretary of the Interior Standards. The applicant, Maline Sunberg, argued for the Hardy Plank due to severe weather exposure, rapid deterioration of previous wood siding (replaced every ~10 years), high maintenance costs, and the material's non-historic status. Commissioners discussed the visibility and historical accuracy, with several agreeing that the cupola's height and the non-historic nature of the existing wood siding made Hardy Plank acceptable.
3123 2nd Avenue South, Ward 8 - Certificate of Appropriateness
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Thomas [0:53:38] · Seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez [0:53:50]
Rob Scleki presented a retroactive Certificate of Appropriateness for unpermitted removal of a historic semi-circular decorative window and installation of vinyl windows. Staff recommended denial, stressing the need to restore the original character-defining feature as per district guidelines and Secretary of Interior Standards. Applicant Id Salgado expressed willingness to comply but noted lack of original window, limited information, and need for egress for an attic unit. Public commenter Matteline Douglas strongly supported denial and replication of the original window. Commissioners discussed potential solutions like operable casement windows or skylights to meet egress requirements while restoring the facade.
700 50th Street West, Ward 13 - Demolition of a historic resource
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Masten [0:55:18] · Seconded by Commissioner Booty [0:55:23]
This item, concerning an application for the demolition of a historic resource, was moved to be continued to the next Heritage Preservation Commission meeting on February 10th, 2026. No public comment or discussion occurred on the merits of the application itself.
Notable Quotes (12)
I nominate Marie Bjornberg.
I would like to nominate uh Commissioner Masten, vice chair, please.
Um in that case, I'd like to nominate Commissioner Melbum as secretary.
Um today we have the full 2026 calendar for your adoption.
The nomination recommends that the property has statewide significance under National Register criterion A in the areas of commerce and industry for its contributions during the formative years of the state's automotive industry.
I would guess I would guess most of us are familiar with the property and that's why we don't have questions. Yeah, that's why I don't have questions. I'm familiar. Thanks.
replacement in kind is not a cost-effective solution for continued stewardship if they have to replace it every decade.
I think I don't know that anyone would be able to tell the difference at that point if it was wood or um or hardy plank.
My concern I think primarily in the question of all the things that need to happen is that if the hardy plank is then perceived to not require the maintenance um is that perhaps the underlying issue actually has an opportunity to continue to become worse because the Hardy plank itself as a shell might be able to hide everything that's going on behind it.
I asked him about that window that was there previously. I tried to track it down, but they just don't know like where it is. It's probably just I don't know in the trash somewhere, I'm sorry to say.
I strongly recommends replication of what was the original window.
one option that would be in balance with both the guidelines and if the building code requires that egress is that that arched window would be restored but that instead of fixed windows like that are kind of like that that you'd have a casement window that could open inward and people could get out that way.
Ordinances & Resolutions (13)
Bylaws sections governing election of officers
Official meeting schedule for the commission
Application for listing a property on the National Register of Historic Places
Criterion for evaluating historical significance for National Register listing
Process for obtaining financial incentives for historic preservation
Adopted guidelines for properties within the St. Anthony Falls Historic District
Federal standards guiding historic preservation projects
Permit type required for alterations to historic properties
Permit type for minor or non-impacting changes to historic properties, previously approved for 40 Power Street
Fiber cement board material proposed for cupola replacement
Historical fire insurance maps used as evidence for original building materials
Permit for construction work, noted as absent for unpermitted work
Adopted guidelines for properties within the Healey Block Historic District