Document - Historical Society Minutes - Historical Society Meeting Minutes - 2/1/2014Eagan Historical Society Report to DCHS Board – February 2014
City Council Worksession Discussion Regarding 1914 Town Hall
The Eagan Historical Society and City staff prepared information for a City Council worksession on February 11 at
which the Council discussed next steps regarding the 1914 Town Hall, following the arson.
Contrary to what was reported in the SunThisweek Newspaper, the Council discussion included the following:
(It should be noted that the Eagan City Council does not typically take action at a worksession but often provides
general direction).
City Administrator Osberg introduced the item noting on September 8, 2013, an arsonist set fire to the Old
Town Hall building causing substantial damage. Since that time the building has been shrink wrapped to
preserve the structure through the winter. Osberg noted the Finance Committee reviewed several options at
a meeting on October 28, 2013. Per the committee recommendation and the Council’s concurrence those
recommendations have been explored further.
Mary Ellen Voracek, Chair of the Eagan Historical Society and Bob Herskovitz of the Minnesota Historical
Society gave a summary of their recommendations and were available for questions. Communications
Coordinator Foote provided additional information.
The Council discussed the Old Town Hall considerations and agreed they are not interested in having the Old
Town Hall moved to the Eagan Community Center/Central Park area, or its history collection located there.
The Council indicated they are not interested in much higher costs to rebuild the Old Town Hall with vintage
1914 materials compared to rebuilding with newer materials but meant to match what was there.
After further discussion the Council gave direction to pursue proposals from architects seeking rough cost
estimates and sketches of the following three options associated with relocating/ reconstructing Old Town
Hall:
1. Stand-alone building on the municipal campus with functional space (bathrooms, officespace, air
condition/heat, etc.).
2. Use of the former Fire Administration building in partnership with other arts/history/culture uses.
3. Reconstruct Old Town Hall as a building addition (possible breezeway) utilizing amenities of City Hall (air
condition/heat, bathrooms, etc.).
1914 Town Hall 100th Anniversary Planning
The Eagan Historical Society has also been discussing plans to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the 1914
Town Hall, despite the fire. Plans thus far include:
• Developing a display regarding the history of the Town Hall and pieces from the previous Town Hall
Museum collection in display at Eagan Municipal Center.
• Original oil painting depicting 1914 Town Hall is being created by local Eagan artist Larry Landis. Landis
intends to donate the finished painting to the Eagan Historical Society and make prints available as a
fundraising opportunity.
• Planning a September celebration at the 1914 Town Hall site. Details yet to be determined.