2019.04.15 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

3. Provide a brief history of the site including any previous uses, activities, prior or existing contamination, and other previous attempts at selling, developing or redeveloping the site. (please identify any obstacles that may be preventing the city/township from accomplishing its goals for the site or area) The Hopkins Schoolhouse was built in 1928 on land donated by the Hopkins family, and served as an "ungraded Elementary school. " Until the mid-1940, classes included grades I through 8. After that, and until the school closed its door in the spring of 1962, classes included grade 1 through 6. After the school closed, the property was purchased from the Forest Lake School District for $3, 500 by Oneka Township in August 1965. At the time of this transaction, a deed restriction was placed on the property that states that the building must be used for a public purpose, or revert back to the grantor, the Forest Lake School District. Oneka used the structure as their Town Hall until 1972. In 1972, Oneka Township was incorporated into the Village of Hugo to form the City of Hugo. Following this change of hands, the structure was briefly used as a meeting place for the Boy Scouts in the 1980s, but has remained vacant since the 1990s. In 1995, the City applied for a grant through the Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) to update the property for use as a trailhead and meeting space for the City. Unfortunately the grant was not accepted. A Youth Center was in the works during the early-2000s; however, the plan fell through, and the building has remained vacant for more than 20 years. 4. Describe any studies or development activities at the proposed site or project area that have already been completed or are currently underway (if applicable). In January 2018, a study of the Hopkins Schoolhouse site was funded by the Minnesota Legacy Grant. The study was an Assessment of Eligibility for Listing on the National Register completed by New Studio Architecture currently based in St. Paul, Minnesota. New Studio Architecture found that, "Based on available physical evidence, documentary evidence, and existing precedent, the Hugo Schoolhouse appears to be a viable candidate for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Specifically, the building seems best suited to qualify as a local contributor to the "Education " area of significance, as established by the US Department of the Interior (qualifying criteria "A'). Further, the building may be considered for architectural contribution (qualifying criteria "C ") as a rare surviving example of a rural schoolhouse constructed during the early 20th century.[3][4] Its proximity to a major urban center undergoing tremendous outward growth makes its relatively intact survival both notable and also tenuous if it is not protected in the near future. " 5. Proposed Budget. Itemize all funding sources that have been or will be used to complete the proposed project goals and activities. Source of Funds Amount Committed Pending Washington County CDA Funds $6,464 ❑ X City or Township Local Matching Funds $1,616 X ❑