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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987 01-26 EBFAHISTORIC PRESERVATION GUIDELINES EARLE BROWN FARM BROOKLYN CENTER, MINNESOTA PREPARED FOR CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER BROOKLYN CENTER, MINNESOTA PREPARED BY MacDonald and Mack Partnership 305 Grain Exchange Building Telephone Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415 612 341 4051 DATE 26 JANUARY 1987 III HISTORIC PRESERVATION GUIDELINES FOR THE } Ci. 1 C I j. Y EARLE BROWN FARM i l The Earle Brown Farm is both historically and architecturally significant because of its associations with John Martin and Earle Brown and because of its strong architectural links to the agricultural heritage of the area. As a recognized historical complex, it is worthy of restoration and sympathetic adaptive use so that its significant features can be preserved for future generations. In order to ensure appropriate redevelopment of historic properties, the U.S. Department of the Interior has promulgated and published "The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings." The "Standards" form the specific "do"s and "don't"s for redevelopment projects while the "Guidelines" setmore flexible parameters. i Together, they form the basis for project review by State and Federal agencies. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines, however, do not address the specifics of a particular project. The purpose for these guide- lines, therefore, is to supplement the Federal Standards and Guidelines with more site-specific information for use by potential developers in addressing c: ' the possiblilites of the site and for use by the City in reviewing specific ' developer proposals. The attached bibliography lists publications providing more detailed infor- mation about the Farm and providing additional technical guidance for rehabilitation. 1 2 ' GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ' The long-term preservation and restoration of the Earle Brown Farm is dependent upon appropriate recognition of this important resource and careful ' attention to authenticity in future restoration efforts. To this end, the following actions will be required of the selected developer: Prepare a National Register of Historic Places nomination form and submit x it to the Minn'e_"t2 `1}isserien}-~acrety. Most of the required information r is included with the Minnesota Historic Sites Inventory form. 4~ _ 1l )l C U Develop a physical and documentary research program prior to beginning d ' design work on the buildings. Base decisions regarding restoration of site and building features on readily verifiable physical and/or ' documentary information.,/,,Submit this information to review agencies ~ prior to undertaking construction work. Examples of required information include paint color research for major interior areas and for all S;'~' , building exteriors, and photographic evidence for restoration of missing architectural features. ~-r S~~'N * Document work with photographs, "as built" drawings, and written information so that future researchers can understand both past and 1 ' current activities. 3 Incorporate access for the physically disabled in accordance with the requirements of the Minnesota State Building Code. Locate such access so that it is readily useable by building tenants and vistiors while mini- mizing its visual impact on the site and on principal building facades. Install necessary ramps or elevators so that they do a minimum of damage to historic building materials. Incorporate energy conservation features so that they have a minimal impact on visual aspects of the site and of individual buildings. Do not alter the exterior appearance of buildings through the use of tinted (t t, glass, altered glazing design, and so forth. lQ`,% CJCQP x New construction on the site should be located so that it does not intrude physically or visually on the primary open space or on existing buildings. New construction should be compatible with the existing buildings in scale and character. Links between existing buildings may be permitted providing they do not affect primary facades or visual aspects of the primary open space. x~ rl n J t 4 . BUILDING SITE The main feature of the building site is the large open area approached from ' the south and surrounded on the other three sides by the various farm buildings; historic photos show this area with numerous mature trees. A second striking aspect of the site is the cohesiveness of the building colors, ' materials, and designs; again, the historic photos verify this uniformity of the buildings, even though some of the buildings have been moved from their original locatons. These features should be retained in any redevelopment activities. ' The following are the specific additional Site recommendations for the Earle Brown Farm: Retain and preserve existing site features that are important in defining its overall historic character, including driveways, walkways, the entry gate with sign, treillage, gazebo, the pond, and plants and trees. .JJ * Retain the historic relationship between buildings, landscape features, ' and open space. Accept the current location of relocated buildings; do not move or re-orient existing buildings except as specifically noted in ' other sections of these guidelines. Retain the primary public entry to the site from the south. Some public ' parking may be provided along the south edge of the site. Do not place relocated buildings, parking, or other non-historic features between the entry and the main house. Develop secondary access, service facilities, tenant parking, and so ' y forth, so they do not intrude into the primary open space. Avoid placing . new site features so that they damage or obscure existing buildings or site features. Minimize the introduction of non-historic landscape ' features, such as walks and benches, in the primary open space. * Develop a plan for eventual restoration of the site to match the historic appearance to the maximum degj_e" acti.cal. Include a planting plan which will restore the vegetation to its original state and a plan for removip&-now-,,historic features such as the fountain and the abandoned swimming pool .('y~, : J\t ( ~1` _~rts._ •3., try * Develop an archeological recovery plan so that any excavation work required in conjunction with construction can be reviewed by a qualified archeologist and so that appropriate archeological investigations can be undertaken. Preserve the Water Tower and the space around it as a major visual landmark for the site and its surroundings.. t EARLE BROWN HOUSE This building is a one and a half story "U" shaped structure oriented to the east. A central ell was added to the west ca. 1921. More recent additions include a glass porch to the northwest and a garage link to the north. The building has clapboard siding and a shingle roof. The interior is relatively unchanged from the period of Brown's occupancy. This building has the most direct associations with Earle Brown and is remarkably intact. It should be preserved and restored as closely to its historic appearance as possible. Specific recommendations for the Earle Brown House include the following: * Preserve the exterior of the house as it now stands with the exceptions noted below. Remove the canvas entry awning. Restore any damaged materials in this area to their original appearance. x Remove the glass porch to the northwest and repair damaged materials. Reconstruct'the trellis leading to the Guest House following relocation of intervening structures. 7 * Repair and retain the existing windows, storm windows, and screens. Improve thermal characteristics through weatherstripping. Should replacement of any windows become necessary, match the existing materials, configuration, and operation. Re-roof, when necessary, with wood shingles to match the historic photographs. Match the historic shingle patterns, exposures, valley flashing, and so forth, in the re-roofing work. Preserve the interior of the house as it now stand with the exceptions noted below. Do not subdivide any existing rooms or change any wall openings. Pay particular attention to the preservation of the living room, dining r. area, sunroom, pantry, and kitchen.', The sunroom floo~ may be replaced with wood to match the living room, if desired. The storage areas built into the ell since Brown's occupancy may be removed. Wall coverings in the ell, the balcony, the kitchen, and the bathrooms may be replaced. Replacement materials in these areas should be. compatible with the historic nature of the house but need not reproduce earlier materials. 8 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 GUEST HOUSE This building, also known as the Farm House, was a two-story frame dwelling with a hipped roof. It had porches to the north and to the southeast and a a two story addition to the west. It was connected to the Earle Brown House by a trellis and a below-grade tunnel. The rear addition and the entire second floor were destroyed by a fire ca. 1964. The interior finishes have been substantially altered. In spite of the changes and the damage of recent years, the Guest House is an important part of the Earle Brown Farm and its significant features should be preserved and restored. Specific guidelines for the Guest Housea are as follows: * Preserve remaining portions of the historic building exterior. Remove sliding doors installed ca. 1964 and restore affected areas to their historic appearance. Replace aluminum doors with historically appropriate wood doors. * Develop a plan for reconstruction of the second floor and west addition. * Retain original doors, windows, trim, and so forth where they exist. * Remove existing interior finish materials and replace with materials sympathetic to the historic period of the house. 9 ~ A y T FOREMAN'S HOUSE t ' This building, also called the Farm House or the Field House, was relocated to its current site ca. 1981. It is a two-story clapboard building with a hipped ' shingle roof. Its original front porch and ell to the east (now south) were removed during relocation. At this same time, the east (now south) side of r the first floor interior was substantially altered. Aside from paint colors, the remainder of the interior is substantially unchanged from its earliest appearance. This building merits careful preservation and restoration because of its significant role in the history of the Farm and because it is a well preserved example of rural vernacular architecture of the late-nineteenth century. Specific recommendations for the Foreman's House are as follows: ' Preserve the exterior in its current configuration with the exceptions noted below. ' If feasible, relocate and re-orient the building to permit reconstruction of the trellis between the Earle Brown House and the Guest House. Exterior areas damaged at the time of the ca. 1981 move should be repaired upon removal of the porch attaching it to the main house: Reconstruction of the missing ell and front porch may be undertaken if sufficient evidence can be found to permit accuracy in this effort. 10 L Y F T Re-roofing, when necesary, should be done with wood shingles matching the ' historical configuration. The interior should be preserved in its current form except as noted below. The south room (formerly east room) on the first floor may be retained in ' its current configuration or may be restored to its earlier configuration. No other changes to existing partitions will be allowed. * 64ood doors, windows, trim, and so forth should be refinished to match ' their historical appearance. Careful paint research should be done to ' identify and record all existing paint layers prior to repainting. ' Existing gypsum board and plaster walls and ceilings should be refinished. New finishes should respect the historic nature of the building. ' Bath and toilet facilities may be incorporated providing they do not ' require structural alterations and providing they do not damage significant features. ' 11 GARAGE The garage originally was a one story frame structure similar in character to the other frame buildings on the site. It was moved to its present location ca. 1981; a two-bay addition was constructed to the south at the same time. Because of its architectural design and its associations with Earle Brown, the garage contributes to the significance of the complex. Specific guidelines for the Garage are as follows: The exterior appearance of the 1940s portion of the garage should be preserved and restored to its original appearance. The addition to the south should be removed and affected areas should be repaired to match the original construction. * If feasible, the building should be reoriented and relocated slightly to permit reconstruction of the trellis which formerly connected the Earle Brown House and the Guest House. 12 BUNK HOUSE This building is a one-story, gabled buiding with an open veranda along the west side. It was moved to its present location ca. 1982. Its general character is contributes to the historic complex. Because of its contributory architectural character and its associations with Earle Brown, this building should be preserved and restored on the exterior. Specific recommendations for the Bunkhouse are as follows: * The building may be relocated, if desired. Any relocation should be done in conformance with other sections of these guidelines. The exterior of the building should be preserved and restored. Minor changes, such as adding a second means of egress, should be accomplished in such a manner that they do not effect significant facades. Existing windows, doors, and so forth, should be retained. * The interior of the building may be remodeled to suit the needs of the developer. Any work should be planned so that it has the least possible effect on the building exterior, eg. plumbing should be located so that vent pipes are not visible from the principal facade, and so forth. 13 HIPPODROME ' The Hippodrome is a large concrete-block structure with an arched-truss roof. Paired dormers on the west facade feature large arch-headed windows. The interior is a single, large open space subdivided at the ceiling level with large bow trusses. Completed ca. 1929, this is one of the few masonry ' buildings on the Farm. Because of its architectural dominance on the primary open space and its ' direct associations with Earle Brown, the Hippodrome is of great importance to the significance of the Farm. r Specific recommendations for the Hippodrome are as follows: * The exterior of the building should be preserved and restored to its original appearance. Extreme caution must be taken in dealing with the ' masonry to prevent inadvertent damage. Specifically, do not clean either the interior or the exterior of the building using abrasive methods, such ' as grit blasting. Do not apply exterior water repellants. Refer to the ' publications listed at the end of these guidelines for additional information concerning masonry. The most notable interior feature is the single large space. If possible, this open feeling should be retained. For example, insulation, if desired, should be installed at the roof deck rather than above a 1 1 14 suspended ceiling. Sections of the interior may be divided from the main space; such areas should be grouped at one end to permit the maximum retention of a single, large space. * The interior floor may be changed as necessary to allow new uses of the building. Energy improvements should be made in as inconspicuous a manner as possible. If possible, wall insulation should be avoided; areas of potential improvement include ceiling insulation, perimeter foundation insulation, and reduced air infiltration. Sympathetic storm windows may be installed. New wall openings, if needed for service or for secondary egress, may be permitted. Any such openings should be limited to secondary facades and should be designed to blend with the existing fenestration. 15 BARN E ' This is a long "T" shaped frame building with a gabled roof. The exterior cladding consists of clapboard siding and asphalt shingled roof. The lower ' level contains a large open space for equipment and numerous smaller stalls ' and storage spaces. The upper level was used for hay storage. The lower level ceiling and many of the walls are covered with boards. Because it is a major architectural element of the farm and because of its direct a,Vciations with Earle Brown, Barn E is a significant part of the Farm. Specific recommendations for Barn E are as follows: The exterior should be preserved and restored to its earliest configuration. Existing sliding doors may be modified to serve as personnel doors; any such modification should be done in a manner sympathetic to the original door design. Any other necessary work, such as plumbing vents, should be kept to a minimum and should be kept away from primary facades. Interior modifications to meet the needs of contemporary use may be made at both ends of the building and on on both levels. The large, vaulted, central portion of the barn should be kept as a single space if reason- able. Where practical, the existing board siding and ceiling should be retained. Floors may be modified as desired. 16 4 H . ADDITIONAL BUILDINGS Other significant buildings on the Farm include three barns, a shed, and a pumphouse. In addition, there is another barn just northwest of the Farm complex. Each of these buildings contributes to the Farm as an ensemble and should be preserved. Specific recommendations for these additional buildings are as follows: * All buildings on their original locations should be retained on those locations. Buildings which were relocated in the early 1980s may be moved again provided any such moves improve, rather than detract from, the historic nature of the site. Develop a plan to relocate the off-site barn onto the site at such time as its continued existence is threatened. Preserve and restore the exteriors of all the additional buildings on the si.te. Any exterior changes necessary should be kept to a minimum and should be located on secondary facades. The interiors of the buildings may be modified as necessary to meet current program needs. 17 Y~ 1 BIBLIOGRAPHY Hallberg, Jane; Howe, Leone; and Gustafson, Mary Jane. History of the Earle Brown Farm. Brooklyn Center, Minnesota: Brooklyn Historical Society, 1983. Hoffman, Brad. "Minesota Historic Properties Inventory Form" for the Brooklyn Farm (Earle Brown Farm). April 25, 1985. Parrott, Charles. Access to Historic Buidings for the Disabled: Suggestions for Planning and Implementation. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1980. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of the Interior, 1983. Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service. Respectful Rehabilitation: Answers to Your Questions on Historic Buildings. Washington, D.C.: The Preservation Press, 1982. Thomas Vonier Associates. Energy Conservation and Solar Energy for Historic Buildings: Guidelines for Appropriate Designs. Washington, D.C.: National Center for Architecture and Urbanism, 1981 18