The future of a historically designated 19th-century home in Northeast Minneapolis is uncertain as its owner seeks demolition, a move contested by city officials and some community members. The Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission is set to review the request for the John L. Cook House, which has fallen into significant disrepair.
The property, located at 948 18th Ave. NE, was purchased in 2019 and has been boarded up since 2014. This situation has brought attention to the challenges of preserving historic structures while balancing development interests in the city.
Key Takeaways
- The 1889 John L. Cook House in Minneapolis faces a demolition request from its owner, Master Properties.
- City officials have recommended that the Heritage Preservation Commission deny the demolition permit.
- The property was purchased for $240,000 in 2019 and has been vacant since 2014, leading to its current state of disrepair.
- A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday to gather community input on the fate of the historic building.
Historic Property at the Center of Community Debate
The John L. Cook House, built in 1889, is a notable example of Queen Anne architecture in Northeast Minneapolis. According to the city's historic designation, the building is significant for its rare use of cream-colored brick with red brick accents and as a representation of immigrant housing from that era.
The property has been vacant and boarded up since 2014, five years before it was acquired by its current owner, real estate developer Master Properties, for $240,000. The prolonged vacancy has resulted in significant deterioration, making the house a point of contention among local residents.
Concerns have been raised by some community members who believe the owner may have intentionally allowed the property to decay to justify its demolition. Dan Turpening, a local business owner, has publicly stated his belief that the owners have neglected the house with the intent to tear it down. This sentiment is echoed in various online discussions, while others argue the building is now too damaged to be saved.
Understanding Historic Designation
Historic designation is a formal process that recognizes a property's architectural or cultural significance. It often provides legal protections against demolition or significant alteration, aiming to preserve a community's heritage. The process for demolition of such properties typically requires a thorough review and public input.
Official Review and Public Hearing Scheduled
Master Properties has officially filed an application to demolish the historic structure. However, in a preliminary review last week, city officials recommended that the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission block the demolition. The commission holds the authority to approve or deny such requests for designated historic properties.
The final decision will be influenced by a public meeting scheduled for this Tuesday. The hearing provides a formal platform for community members, preservation advocates, and the property owner to present their arguments regarding the house's future.
The outcome of this meeting could set a precedent for how the city handles cases of potential "demolition by neglect," where historic properties deteriorate while under the ownership of developers.
Minnesota Sports Teams Conclude Difficult Seasons
In other local news, several of Minnesota's professional sports teams have recently concluded challenging seasons, resulting in significant changes and disappointment for fans.
Minnesota Twins Overhaul Management
The Minnesota Twins ended their 2024 season with a 70-92 record. Following the conclusion of the season, the team announced the dismissal of manager Rocco Baldelli. The decision came after a season that fell short of expectations and saw significant roster changes, including the trade of 10 players.
The team's ownership, the Pohlad family, has also faced public scrutiny regarding their management and a recently terminated process to sell a portion of the team.
Minnesota Twins 2024 Season
- Final Record: 70 wins, 92 losses
- Managerial Change: Rocco Baldelli dismissed
- Player Movement: 10 players traded during the season
Lynx Eliminated from WNBA Semifinals
The Minnesota Lynx, who entered the WNBA playoffs as the first seed, were eliminated in the semifinals by the fourth-seeded Phoenix Mercury. The Lynx lost the best-of-five series in four games, with the final game ending in an 86-81 defeat.
The team competed in the crucial final games without two key figures: head coach Cheryl Reeve, who was serving a suspension, and star player Napheesa Collier, who was out with an injury. The Lynx had an impressive 34-10 record during the regular season, making the early playoff exit a surprising conclusion.
"Shit fucking hurts," veteran guard Kayla McBride told reporters after the final game, expressing the team's frustration.
Wienermobile Brings Promotional Tour to Minnesota
On a lighter note, the iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile recently completed a promotional tour through Minnesota. The 27-foot-long vehicle, shaped like a hot dog on a bun, is operated by brand ambassadors known as "hotdoggers."
During their visit, hotdoggers Camila Fowler and Hunter Gonzales engaged with the public, distributing promotional items such as "wiener whistles." They also took time to experience local culture, visiting the Minneapolis Institute of Art and trying a Jucy Lucy.
"It was really, really cool seeing how the Twin Cities operate,” Fowler said, commenting on her experience. She added it was interesting “to see what happens when the Wienermobile is not in town; what people love and what brings them joy.” The tour is part of a long-standing marketing campaign for the Oscar Mayer brand, with a dozen hotdoggers traveling across the country in six Wienermobiles at any given time.
