Jennifer:

I suggest you post your message at Preservation-L. Join first as described
below. I know you will get informative replies.

John Leeke, Preservation Consultant

publisher:               Practical Restoration Reports
contributing editor: Old-House Journal
website:                  www.HistoricHomeWorks.com

Preservation-L
------------------
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jennifer carlquist wrote in message ...
>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
>