Minneapolis City Council — Transcript
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Commission Preservation Application for 504 University Avenue Southeast
Community Events and Commission Announcements
Votes (1)
Item number four, 504 University Avenue Southeast, Ward 3 - Commission Preservation Application
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner Melblom [Timestamp] · Seconded by Unspecified Commissioner [Timestamp]
Staff presented a detailed report for the rehabilitation of a duplex, including porch, rear steps, HVAC, downspouts, and window replacements. Key staff recommendations included retaining historic front porch railings with an added code-compliant railing, replacing basement awning windows on the primary elevation with wood/aluminum-wrapped ones (instead of glass block), and limiting casement windows to one on the northeast elevation. The applicant argued against retaining deteriorated, lead-contaminated railings, advocating for full replacement to code-compliant height while matching the historic design. The applicant also contended that building code for egress windows (specifically relating to internal muntins/spacers) would be compromised by staff conditions and that having one casement and one double-hung window adjacent on the front elevation would create a poor aesthetic. Commissioners debated the balance between historic preservation, safety (lead, egress), and visual consistency, particularly for the railings and the front elevation windows.
Notable Quotes (5)
staff are recommending a condition of approval to retain the historic wood railings and install a new railing behind that meets code requirements.
The existing wood railings here I'm going to share some pictures with you. Are deteriorated beyond repair and we can show you that here. That it wouldn't be a very feasible remedy to try to repair these.
Well, the problem is is there's a building code reference here that I don't know if that would actually meet uh having the spacer, I do not believe uh meets compliance for egress, which is a life safety issue, which I would think takes precedence over over the historical preservation because we got to we have to follow building code.
I just wanted to share my love of old historic windows and that I understand the need to replace them especially because of the lead it's very difficult to remediate. Um but I want you to always consider fixing windows instead of replacing them.
when it comes to the egress, I believe the building reviewer had said that the the purpose is to be able to break the pane of glass in one pane so that you know, cuz we had initially had discussed um true divided lights and that is not egress compliant because we would have to break individual panes and then that's when you get the grid and that doesn't work in terms of an egress situation, but my understanding from the code reviewer is that be able to would have to break the be able to break the pane of glass in one pane so that it comes out and people can escape
Ordinances & Resolutions (11)
The specific application filed for rehabilitation work at 504 University Avenue Southeast.
A detailed report presented by planning staff outlining recommendations for the preservation application.
Local guidelines governing architectural modifications within historic districts.
Federal standards applied to historic rehabilitation projects.
Regulations concerning safety, egress, and structural elements like railing height.
An assessment identifying the presence of lead paint on various components of the property.
A specific historic preservation guideline pertaining to porch railing height requirements.
An upcoming national preservation conference hosted locally, requiring volunteer support.
An ongoing item being discussed at the City Council's Business Housing and Zoning Committee.
An annual free event allowing public access to various venues to explore architecture and history.
A week-long celebration of architecture and history preceding Doors Open Minneapolis.