05-07-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--May 7,2001 2279 -- the local Historic Preservation Committee, with Jessica Thomasson, Senior Planner from the City of Fargo, and Dr. Paul Gleye, Dean of the Architecture Department at NDSU. Mrs. Johnson indicated that ifthe Board reaches the reluctant conclusion that the buildings must be replaced, the county should work closely with the architectural firm to create a new structure that would be compatible with the historic integrity of the existing Cass County Courthouse. Present in the audience were Michael Simonson from the State Historical Society of North Dakota, and Rurik Ekstrom, Chair of the Fargo Historic Preservation Commission, both favoring preservation of the Jail and Sheriffs Residence because of their historic and architectural significance. Mr. Simonson addressed the Board at this time and said he appreciated the opportunity to tour the jail with Mrs. Johnson and the Architect. A jail facility generally has a negative feeling, he said, but he came to appreciate the historic significance of both buildings to the Fargo area and the State of North Dakota. He mentioned the beautiful woodwork in the Sheriffs Residence and the Roman Motif in the stairway railings located in the jail. Mr. Ekstrom agreed with Mr. Simonson that people are conditioned to think of jails in a negative way, however, he believes it is a historic and beautiful building. He said Cass County has a history of preserving its heritage, as witnessed by the preservation of the Courthouse, which is complemented by the north and south additions. He commended Foss Associates for their work in preparing the report entitled "Existing Jail Site Study" dated March 26, 2001. ~ Mr. Wagner said he appreciates the comments provided by the State and local Historic Preservation Committees and indicated Cass County has been concerned about preserving the county's history. He does not believe, however, that there is any major public sentiment toward buildings of incarceration. Also, he questioned the cost to rehabilitate the old jail, which is estimated at nearly $1.5 million more than the cost of a replacement facility. A new building would have several advantages, including relocation of electrical and mechanical systems from the basement of the jail, a location for inmate holding prior to court appearances, the possibility of housing municipal court, providing office space for Information Services Department and GIS (Geographical Information Systems), and space for joint communications. Mr. Wagner said he is also concerned about the structural integrity of the jail, and he encouraged Commissioners to support Option C in the study report from Foss Associates. Mr. Wieland said Cass County Government has been sensitive to the historic value of its property, as evidenced by past renovation projects. However, he cannot ignore the cost difference between renovating or demolishing the current facility. He favors Option C in the architect's plan and would have no objection to re-using as much of the exterior sandstone material as possible in the construction of a new facility. Mr. Meyer concurred with Mr. Wieland's comments and also favors Option C. -- Mrs. Schneider favors Option A, especially preserving the Sheriffs Residence because of its historic value. She said she would consider Option C if the Sheriff's Residence could somehow be relocated, and if materials from the jail could be re-used as much as possible. The Board discussed the possibility and the probable costs of relocating the house. Rick Hoganson said building movers can be very creative in relocating structures, and the building could possibly be moved from its foundation. He said it would likely cost more to move it than to demolish it.