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