In California, we have a State Historic Building Code, which building
depts must allow to be used for recognized historic structures.  It
usually allows alternatives to the standard building code, particularly
for fire safety and exiting.  Does Minnesota have a Historic Building
Code?

Also, you may be able to get advice from your region's historic
preservation organization and I think the Minnesota Historical Society
may be of assistance since they operate several historic houses.

Good luck!

Max

jennifer carlquist wrote:

> Dear all,
>
> I am seeking advice on how to spare an historic structure from having
> to
> comply with universal building code.
>
> The historic house museum for which I work is a property of the
> University of Minnesota.  It has recently raised enough funds to
> complete
> a major reconstruction campaign.  The final project of that campaign
> is to
> rebuild the neo-Jacobean manor house's terrace, which has been leaking
> for
> years and is considered structurally unsound.
>
> Unfortunately, the project has been put on hold due to the
> University's
> insistence that the architecture of the terrace be altered or
> augmented to
> bring it into compliance with universal building codes.  At particular
>
> issue is the insufficient height of the balustrade and the width of
> its
> openings. To resolve this, the University's architect has proposed an
> air-line cable fence or an acrylic wall be constructed to create a
> barrier
> all around the terrace.  We respect the University's concerns for
> public
> safety, but feel these "solutions"  compromise the historic integrity
> of
> the estate.  We fear we are reaching the point of having to abandon
> the
> project . . . .
>
> Please, can anyone provide a source to add credibility to our
> rejection of
> these intrusions?
>
> Thank you,
>
> Jennifer Carlquist
> Curatorial Assistant
> Glensheen Historic Estate - U of MN
> 3300 London Road
> Duluth, MN 55804



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M. A. van Balgooy
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