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September 20, 1999
Way of the Cross designation status is nearing final stagesChapel inprocess of renovationBy GUY PRIEL Journal Staff Writer NEW ULM -- Getting the Way of the Cross designated as a local historical landmark is moving closer to completion as another step in the process has been completed. "The designation has been approved by the State Historical Society for historic status of the Way of the Cross," Heritage Preservation Commission member Don Wilfahrt said last week. "The designation has been brought before the planning commission and a public hearing will need to be scheduled." After the public hearing, the issue can be taken before the city council for final approval, before the plaque is placed at the site. The chapel is in the process of being repainted to its original 1909 colors by the same firm that did the repainting of the statues. A new concrete floor is being put in place at the chapel, and it will have the same texture as the original. "The painting behind the altar is being kept as it is, because it is believed to be the work of Anton Gag," Wilfahrt said. New windows were installed and the altar is being redone with new candles and fixtures. "The problem right now is how to put in a handicapped ramp, where everything can be more accessible, but not remove the stairs," Wilfahrt said. The chapel is being slightly modified so it can be heated during the winter and new insulation is being added in the ceiling. It has been estimated that between $18,000-$19,000 has been spent on restoration at this time, Wilfahrt said. "The handicapped ramp will be installed on 5th North, from the bottom of the hill rather than making the ramp go from the top of the hill, as was planned at one time," he said. During a Thursday meeting, commission members also discussed the status of two other potential designees -- the Brown County Poor Farm, which needs to be brought before the Planning Commission, and the Windhorn Property, which needs to be sent to the state for approval as the next step in the historical designation process. There has been a delay in the process on the Windhorn property because officials were waiting on a review by preservationist Colleen Sheehy before making any recommendations. Sheehy described the paintings at the Windhorn property as amateurish Masonic Folk Art that is not worth saving. However, there is some artwork in the house including murals that are similar to those at Turner Hall. That artwork could be worthy of preservation, according to commission member Christine DeSouza. "What needs to be looked at is how the property fits into the community," commission member Jim Bodine said. "(Windhorn) was a prominent individual who was involved in the cottage industry (neon-sign making)." Although the interior of the Windhorn building, where the carvings and murals are located, can not be designated as historic, the property itself is significant enough to protect, Commission Member Christine Carmichael said. The property was used to make cartridge containers during the World War II. The building is made of red stone, had a formal garden for several years and was built between 1929-1938. Another issue discussed by the commission was a possible location for a library for historic information about properties and houses. The commission has met with City Manager Dick Salvati, who recommends the possibility of using space at the Brown County Museum, despite previous opposition to that idea. "It would be good public relations if approved, because people would have to pay a fee to research and it will be another good draw for the museum," Bodine said. "We need a good space to store stuff, and we aren't talking about a high volume of materials. There is also a computer program available that could be used to help us keep track of materials." Some of the commission's budget could be used to get the area ready for the materials, DeSouza said. The commission is also in the process of developing a certificate that will be called "Progress Meets Preservation" that will be awarded to local residents who have taken steps toward preservation. "This would not replace the plaques, because the plaques are only presented to authorized properties," DeSouza said. "We just have to provide some credibility to properties not qualified for designation status and we can't follow the department of the Interior criteria for designation." The plaque would recognize individuals who have taken various steps to preserve the historic properties in town, such as Curt and Donna Lambrecht retaining the original brick during a recent renovation project, she said. "There will be guidelines to determine who will get the certificates and there will be broad areas of concentration," she said. The commission will have to define the accomplishments that make the preservation projects noteworthy, commission member Rachel Anderson said. "There are several German Street houses that have virtually been brought back from the dead recently," she said.
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