​Docomomo is an International non-profit organization with regional chapters worldwide focused on the documentation and conservation of buildings, sites, and neighborhoods of the modern movement. Docomomo US/MN is the Minnesota chapter of Docomomo US. Our organization defines the Modern period as spanning roughly from the 1920s to the 1970s and encompassing a wide range of architectural styles from Art Deco to Brutalism. In order to apply the label of “modern” to a built work, it must:

• Look forward to the future without overt references to historical precedent.
• Express functional, technical, or spatial properties rather than reliance on decoration.
• Be conscious of being modern: it purposefully expressed the principles of modern design.

Docomomo US/MN is creating a registry of Modern buildings, sites, and neighborhoods of the modern movement within the state of Minnesota. Our goal is to better meet our organization’s objectives to 1) advocate for the preservation of Minnesota’s modern resources and 2) act as a watchdog when examples of Modern architecture and sites are in jeopardy. This registry will better position our chapter to be proactive regarding conservation of these resources.
 
INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW
Docomomo has already compiled significant amounts of data from several different resources on mid-century properties in the greater Twin Cities region as well as limited properties outstate.  This data, in general, is limited to basic building and site information including date of construction, builder and/or architect, and in some cases a brief historical context.  We have developed an evolving database that is currently being displayed in map form on our organizations website for use by our members and interested parties.  The sites on our map and in our registry do not represent a complete list of Modern resources in the state. Inclusion of a property on the map does not necessarily mean that it is architecturally or historically significant, rather we have been assembling a broad inventory to begin to understand what resources are currently out there.

From the information compiled, we are beginning to identify contexts, themes and geographic areas of development relating to the Modern Movement in need of further examination. Using this information, we plan to pursue grants and other incentives to further mapping capabilities and expand data within our registry through survey and more in-depth research initiatives. The Twin Cities-heavy model will serve as an evolving template to expand into more areas outstate as we continue research. 
 
This Docomomo US/MN research internship is temporary, with no expectation of employment at its conclusion. The period of the internship is from approximately June 4, 2020 to August 31, 2020 (three months), for approximately 40 hours per month. For this internship, Docomomo US/MN is offering a stipend of $1,800.  We are seeking to provide up to 3 internships depending on interest and qualifications.  We welcome and encourage applicants from outstate Minnesota.
 
RESEARCH DUTIES

• Work with the Docomomo US/MN Registry Committee to identify potential contexts, themes, important builders, and geographic areas relating to the modern movement in need of further research.
• Identify potential historic resources of particular relevance to themes and contexts identified by the Registry Committee that have been cataloged in the existing registry.  Continue to expand the registry for newly identified properties of significance.
• Research and expand the information for each potentially significant resource and compile information according to specified documentation methods developed by the Registry Committee.
• Take photos of identified properties and include them with the registry.

 
QUALIFICATIONS  

• Ability to work 40 hours, self-directed, per month Monday through Saturday.
• Ability to provide Registry Committee bi-weekly e-mail updates and meet with the Registry Committee a minimum of once a month to share research progress (either after 6pm on weekdays or after 1pm on weekends).  During the covid-19 pandemic meetings will be conducted virtually.
• Bachelor’s level studies (or equivalent years of experience) required; current or rising juniors, seniors or graduate students preferred. Studies or demonstrated interest in heritage conservation, architecture, landscape architecture, and/or urban planning preferred. Experience conducting research with related primary and secondary sources also preferred. Prior experience completing historic surveys and/or designations is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills required, with ability to prioritize, multi-task efficiently, and meet deadlines in a timely fashion. 
• Basic analytical and problem-solving skills, including issue identification and prioritization, and project-organization skills.
• Ability to collaborate and achieve results with supervision, including ability to interact professionally with Registry Committee members and other organizations and agencies as needed. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products required, including Word and Excel. Experience working with databases and other documentation platforms is a plus.  
• Ability to graphically map existing resources is also encouraged.
• Due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, traditional research methods may be unavailable.  A familiarity with virtual and online research methods is desirable.

APPLICATION
Please submit the following by May 24th, 2020:

• Letter of interest.
• Resume or CV.
• Writing sample and/or an example of a research methodology.

Please e-mail any questions you may have regarding this job posting and submit a digital copy of your letter of application to:

Peter Crandall
Docomomo US/MN Board Member
peterjcrandall@gmail.com
 
PDF format

February 6, 2020

Docomomo US became aware in the last few weeks of a draft executive order that is circulating for consideration by the White House officials that would designate “classical” architecture as the preferred style for federal buildings. This significantly alters the long-standing Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture written in 1962 by Daniel Patrick Moynihan which states that Federal architecture and new buildings should place major emphasis “on the choice of designs that embody the finest contemporary American architectural thought.” The policy continues to explicitly state, “The development of an official style must be avoided. Design must flow from the architectural profession to the government and not vice versa”.

The draft executive order which states, “the classical architectural style shall be the preferred and default style” would roll back Federal architectural policy by nearly sixty years and set a dangerous precedent for how we value our nation’s architectural diversity and history.

We, along with our colleagues at American Institute of Architects (AIA), oppose this change in policy to promote any style of architecture over another for federal buildings across the country. This decision could create long standing issues with new and also existing facilities that have achieved significance since the 1960s. We encourage you to visit the AIA’s website, add your voice to the issue, and send an email to the White House to condemn this move to enforce a top-down directive on architectural style.

Todd Grover
Docomomo US Vice-President Advocacy

Docomomo US Statement PDF
Draft Executive Order 

​Read more:  
Kolson Hurley, Amanda. "Trump’s Bizarre Plan to Make Architecture Classical Again." The Atlantic. 
Rogers, Adam. "The Trump Administration and the New Architects of Fear." Wired. 
Fisher, Thomas. "Draft Order on Federal Building Style is Classical Mistake." Star Tribune. 

-written by Pete Richie
​
The Terrace Theatre in Robbinsdale, Minnesota opened on May 25th, 1951. The Mid-Century Modern building designed by the architectural firm of Liebenberg & Kaplan, for movie house owners, Sydney and William Volk, won national acclaim from newspapers, magazines, and industry publications. The August 4th, 1951 issue of Box Office Magazine featured the Terrace on the cover and contained a five page, illustrated article that praised the Terrace as “The Gem of the Lakes.” The Volk brothers spared no expense in the construction of their flagship theater. Inside the massive auditorium, 1299 soft cushioned seats faced a 26-foot screen. Soundproof rooms on either side of the projection booth could be used for parties or crying babies. Outside the auditorium, a split-level lobby gave way to a sunken den, fireplace, television lounge and enormous, slanted windows. 

The Terrace opened just as televisions began appearing in the living rooms of America and the Volks' new movie theater was met with some skepticism. In August of 1951, Business Week reported, "Last May, two Minneapolis movie owners pulled a stunt that made every other exhibitor in the area decide they had blown their lids sky high. In nearby Robbinsdale, Minn., William and Sidney Volk opened a movie theater that had cost them close to $1 million to build. Since television seemed to have put the movie business solidly on the skids, this looked like an elaborate way to commit suicide." Sidney Volk brushed aside criticism and explained to local reporters, that most people had kitchens and refrigerators, but they still went out to eat. The Terrace proved to be a success. The theater attracted movie goers from every corner of the Twin Cities and remained an entertainment destination for almost 50 years.  

In 1987 Midcontinental Theater Company purchased the theater. The upper auditorium was divided in half, and turned into two 300 seat screening rooms. Midcontinental debuted the new 3 screen dollar theater under the name Midco Terrace. Neighborhood demographics changed and the theater struggled to survive. After last movie played in 1999, the windows were boarded up, utilities were disconnected, and an out of state property management company with no interest in the neighborhood, or the historic significance of the building, allowed the Terrace to rot on the hillside.

In February of 2012, veteran rocker, Adam Fesenmaier started a Facebook group called, “Save the Terrace.” The group grew and inspired a following of Terrace fans and friends sharing memories. In the summer of 2014, local artist, Alison Nguyen attracted attention to the cause at Robbinsdale’s annual Whiz Bang Days Parade. Her "Terrace 2.0" Float created a media buzz and reminded Whiz Bang crowds that it was time to do something with this amazing historic building. In January 2015, “Save the Terrace” took a few steps off the little screen and into the real world. A group of concerned citizens, working with the Robbinsdale Historical Society, organized themselves as "Save the Historic Terrace Theatre." They met often, drawing on local talents and resources to explore ways to reopen the historic building as a multi-use facility. On social media, the group gained support and grew into a movement. On May 15th, 2015 they presented the Robbinsdale City Council with a petition signed by 2161 people, requesting the denial of any permit to demolish the building. Save the Historic Terrace members attended League of Historic American Theatres conferences and partnered locally with the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota. Early in 2016 the group obtained a grant from the Minnesota Historical Society to write a nomination for the National Register of Historic Places. Save the Historic Terrace had hoped to acquire the building, but failing that the group hoped that historic designation would encourage redevelopment and reuse. The City of Robbinsdale supported their efforts to bring about redevelopment and attract attention to the historic building. Sixty-five years after the theater’s opening, the Mayor and City Council proclaimed May 23, 2016, as Historic Terrace Theatre Day, and recognized the Historic Terrace Theatre’s cultural and architectural importance. Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton also signed a proclamation noting that “it is vital to bring attention to historic buildings in order to show support for historic projects.”

Less than two months after the theater's 65th Anniversary, Inland Development Group and the City of Robbinsdale invited the public to an open house and announced that the Terrace would be torn down to make way for a 91,000 foot Hy-Vee grocery store, coffee shop, and gas station. The day after the event David Leonhardt, board chair of The Historic Terrace Theatre, launched an internet petition calling for a nation wide boycott of Hy-Vee. Over 1000 supporters signed on to the effort. On August 19th, 2016 Hy-Vee announced that they were putting the project on hold. In a prepared statement a Hy-Vee spokeswoman, said, "Over the past several weeks, it’s been difficult to witness the friction our proposed project has caused among Robbinsdale residents. When we enter a community, we want to be respectful of our neighbors’ history, culture and all the things that matter to them. We will continue to assess the situation and keep communication lines open with city officials.” The mayor of Robbinsdale appealed to supporters of the project on social media and asked residents to voice their opinions via an internet survey site. Meanwhile a new citizens group, Friends of the Terrace, was formed to fight the demolition.

On August 23, 2016 the Robbinsdale City Council reiterated their support of the project by approving demolition and Tax Increment Financing to reimburse the developer for costs incurred to make the property ready for construction. The Friends of the Terrace immediately filed a lawsuit under the Minnesota Environmental Rights Act. A hearing was scheduled for October 10. A judge was expected to rule on the theater's historic status. The Friends asked the court to delay demolition until the hearing, but on September 19, a judge denied the request, effectively clearing the way for the theater to be demolished. On Thursday, September 22, the Friends asked the court for an emergency injunction to prohibit demolition and grant an expedited hearing, but on Saturday, September 24, a crew arrived intent on tearing down the building before the court could rule. The Friends attorney contacted the chief justice of the Hennepin County Court. She rushed to the scene to halt the demolition, but the demolition crew caved in several lobby windows and punched holes in the upper level as she arrived. After the judge issued an order to stop, the crew began filling the lobby with asphalt from the driveway. The judge's order put the building's demolition on hold until September 26th. The Friend's attorney asked the court for more time, but the request went back to the same judge who had denied the previous extension. He extended the stay on demolition until September 30th, and ordered the Friends to come up with $6.3 million in bonds to indemnify Inland Development Group and the Robbinsdale Economic Development Authority. This amount was forty times more than had ever been required in a case like this. Preservationist raised concerns that the judge was setting a precedent for future cases. The Terrace never got its day in court and demolition began in earnest on October 1st, 2016. A couple months after the Terrace was torn down Hy-Vee announced they were ready to return to the project.

The fight to save the Terrace may serve as a cautionary tale. The historical importance of the building was widely recognized. There was a deep well of support for renovation and reuse, preservationists ran out of options after city officials sided with the interests of an ambitious developer partnered with a multi-billion dollar corporation. The Terrace may have stood a better chance if the building were located down the road in Minneapolis. Historical preservation is an uphill climb in the suburbs where budgets are small and short-sighted priorities revolve around new development. The cultural legacy of Mid-Century Modern architecture is rarely considered in the areas where the style is most prevalent. As the suburban ring ages, the importance of small, local historical societies grows. Although these organizations are tiny, understaffed, and underfunded, when it comes to preservation they are often the first and only line of defense.

A lovely article about the home of Board Member Jane Hession and her husband Bill Olexy has been published in the Star Tribune.  The home was designed by another docomomo-us-mn Board Member, Tim Quigley.  Read more and see an amazing collection of images. 

Please join us at Christ Church Lutheran at 2pm on Sunday, November 16 to celebrate Victoria Young’s new book Saint John’s Abbey: Marcel Breuer and the Creation of Modern Sacred Space.  There will be a reading and book signing.

 Old Fuji Ya restaurant along the Mississippi to be torn down. Read more.

12/09/2013 UPDATE: Star Tribune building edges closer to demolition

11/20/2013 UPDATE: Heritage panel denies permit to demolish Star Tribune building
 
11/16/2013 ALERT:  Ryan Companies has applied for a demolition of a historic resource to demolish the StarTribune building at 425 Portland Ave. This application for demolition is on the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission Agenda for their regular meeting scheduled to be held 4:30 pm on November 19th in room 317 of Minneapolis City Hall (350 South 5th Street).The Department of Community Planning and Economic Development Staff recommends that the Heritage Preservation Commission approve the demolition of the property at 425 Portland Ave with conditions. Attend the meeting to voice your opinion. 

• Meeting Agenda
• Staff Report

​Hennepin County has taken the first step toward potentially relocating the Southeast Community Library, formerly the State Capitol Credit Union, to a new site leaving the future of the Ralph Rapson building at risk. In 1963, while dean of the College of Architecture at the University of Minnesota, Rapson designed the State Capitol Credit Union in Dinkytown near the University of Minnesota’s East Bank campus. Four years later he was commissioned to convert the structure to a public library. Partially a subterranean building, the reading rooms and offices of the brick and glass structure are set up on a concrete platform several feet from the street level. Sixteen cruciform supports – cross-shaped, tapered concrete columns – help support the concrete, waffle-slab overhanging roof. Skylights provide additional light to the interior of the building. This gem of modern architecture is a rare example of a property that shares the same famed architect for its original building and renovation.

​In December 2006 the Southeast Community Library was temporarily closed and discussions to designate it as a local landmark emerged. When the library reopened a year later following the merger of the Minneapolis and Hennepin County Library systems, concerns for the library were kept at bay. Despite having survived the 2006 system-wide Minneapolis Public Library budget crisis, the Rapson structure could again be under threat. According to Hennepin County Capital Projects project manager Kelli Koob, the Southeast Library is undergoing a facility and site assessment to gain a thorough understanding of current conditions. We anticipate that the county will discuss the outcome of the assessment with community members as part of the community engagement process in the fall.

Stay tuned to the Hennepin County Library Building Projects page for developments as they are posted. We encourage you to contact Docomomo US/MN if you wish to get involved and make the significance of this Rapson building known.

Read the MN Daily Article.

The new design calls for the complete removal of Peavey Plaza—the signature fountains and grade levels, the hardscape, the plantings, everything. These are the features that make the such a singular, iconic, and vibrant public space. A new park that has some recessed levels and water features will be built. It has a lot of technology as well—a “sound garden” and a “performance wall.” The design looks like it smashes together the New York Highline and Chicago’s Millennium Park. While these are both interesting designs and successful projects, we believe that the proposed designs for Peavey effectively transform a landmark into a lookalike. What you can do: The city has set up a webpage with images of the “recommended design.” There is a link to submit comments via email by midnight (CST) October 24, 2011. Two city council committees are meeting on Tuesday to vote on the design to move the project forward. They will supposedly take the comments into consideration. The city council is supposed to vote on the design on November 4 and they hope to start construction in spring 2012.

Please go to this site and submit a comment to the city – let them know if you feel the new design really “sympathetically reinterprets” the current design. The link on the webpage for comments goes to Beth Grosen at the city: Beth.Grosen@minneapolismn.gov

Read more: Original Peavey Plaza architect M. Paul Friedberg and Post-WWII landscape architecture expert, Charles Birnbaum’s letter to the City of Minneapolis voicing their concern about the new design.