In due course, a bridge span was moved at Hennepin County's expense to create a surface link between the south tip of the Island and Main St. The old sash and door limestone structure was rehabbed into the Nicollet Island Inn, the Grove St. Flats were saved from oblivion, and the residential community on the north tip was established as a unique resource hearkening back to residential architectural styles in the early decades of the city's history.
The planning scenario also addressed another important postulate, namely that there should be a residential presence on the north tip of the Island in order to avoid - especially once Boom Island and ribbon parks along both banks of the Mississippi the strip were improved as open space - what was familiarly referred to as the "Central Park" syndrome. This was a significant matter - with no 24-hour residential presence, the north tip of the Island and its environs qua regional park would not be safe. There was also general agreement about another postulate, namely that all the public should have access to this historical area. This meant in practice that there could not be a gated community on the Island. The compromise that was reached here leaves the land itself in the public's trust, requires that infill in the residential area is consonant with the historical architectural character of the preexisting buildings and left significant open space where commercial buildings had once stood, and puts a lid on speculation in the value of the houses themselves. It was a real pleasure in the 1980s to be able to give history tours around the Historic District via horse carriage. Subsequent establishment of excursion boat tours anchored on Boom Island, the renovation of the Stone Arch bridge, and major improvements on the west bank of the river within the Historic District give credence to the viability of the St. Anthony Falls area as a major uplifting factor for Minneapolis, the metropolitan region, and Minnesota itself. This is the birthplace of Minneapolis and that reality is celebrated by a carefully crafted evolution in the urban renewal process that for once did not destroy what was "renewed" and included those affected by the process at the heart of the planning involved. This is what stewardship has meant for Nicollet Island since the total clearance intentions of the urban renewal plan were set aside 35 years ago. One may celebrate this in a grand way with fireworks, bands and concerts and one may appreciate the quiet pleasures to be found in the District's and the Island's natural setting. I give the Islanders, including De LaSalle, great credit for taking this responsibility seriously and I think we all owe a debt of gratitude to the many bodies, both public and private, who are keeping this legacy alive. End of Part Two Fred Markus, Ward 6, Phillips West REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
