introduction: East Phillips boarded housing
The boarded houses of the East Phillips neighborhood have been
nominated for the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota's "Ten
Most Endangered Sites" listing for 1999. The purpose of this
listing is to raise public awareness of historic resources across
the state which are threatened by neglect or demolition. Public
support and intervention are needed in order to allow the structures
to survive. Approximately 25 nominations are expected for consideration
this year.
The demolition of 2 of the properties since completion of the photographic
survey on March 8 only serves to highlight the fragility of the
resource and the accelerating rate of destruction. Approximately
61 houses in East Phillips are boarded, with a substantial number
currently in the hands of MCDA. Several of these properties are
on the demolition list, including the 1911 Greek Revival duplex
at 2913-15 17th Avenue South. Neighborhood efforts have centered
on preserving this property, strategically located on a strong block
adjacent to the future Midtown Greenway. This house's tenuous status
is symptomatic of a larger problem of policies and agendas which
poorly serve older neighborhoods.
The boarded houses of East Phillips represent practical, turn-of-the-century
residential housing for new immigrants, workers, managers and professionals
during the peak industrial expansion of lumber, railroads and flour
milling in Minneapolis. They are built with lumber and architectural
details no longer available today. Even though some of them were
built as "temporary housing", the quality of materials
and craftsmanship used in their construction has already allowed
them to survive more than 80 years. What "replacement housing",
even if available, can make such a claim?
The variety of styles found in the East Phillips boarded housing
includes Queen Anne, Second Empire, Greek Revival, Tudor and craftsman-built
foursquares and bungalows. The relatively high urban density and
mature trees in many areas creates an attractive "village"
character and true community on the blocks. Continued loss of housing
destroys this and leaves vacant, untended lots which are difficult
to maintain.
The nomination will focus attention and resources on the boarded
houses to:
- highlight the effect of ineffective policies that discourage
investment and renovation of properties held in trust by public
agencies,
- coalesce neighborhood interest into development and support
of a housing inventory and overall plan,
- build public support for a moratorium on further demolition
until a comprehensive plan is developed,
- provide visibility to preservation-minded individuals of opportunities
offered in the neighborhood,
- foster creativity and vision in new ways to build and strengthen
older neighborhoods using the "built history" in a positive
way.
Look for pictures and further updates to come.
Sue Anderson
email: sanderson@tiroinc.com
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