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Hibbing Comprehensive Plan Cul tu ra l Resources 2.1

HibbingCultural

Resources

Hibbing Comprehensive Plan Cul tu ra l Resources

2.2

Cultural Resources

Community Goals 2.3

Information and Assessment 2.5 - 2.15

Recommendations 2.17 - 2.19

Implementation 2.21


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Community Goals

Goal 1: Preserve and rehabilitate Hibbing’s commercial core, residential areasand unique sites.

Goal 2: Maximize tourism potential of key cultural sites, properties and districts.


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1. Hull Rust Mahoning MineOverlook

2. Greyhound Bus OriginCenter

3. Old Hibbing/NorthHibbing

4. Howard Street HistoricDistrict

5. City Hall

6. Hibbing High School

7. Blessed Sacrament Church

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Information and Assessment

Previously Identified SitesThe Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) database of previously recorded history/architecture and archaeological sites locatedwithin one mile from urban Hibbing, Chisholm and the Highway 169corridor between the two cities (project area) was reviewed. 198 architectural/historical properties and one archaeological site have been previously recorded and filed with the SHPO. Of these, 167 architectural/historical properties are in Hibbing.

43 architectural/historical properties in Hibbing (including 34 propertieslocated in the East Howard Street Commercial Historic District) are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The EastHoward Street Commercial Historic District, listed in 1993, is a four-blockarea on both sides of Howard Street between First and Fifth Avenuesand is comprised of two and three-story brick buildings in the primarybusiness area established when the town was moved and rebuilt in theearly 1920’s. Other individually listed NRHP properties include theHull Rust Mahoning Mine (National Historic Landmark), the BruceMine Headframe, the Hibbing City Hall, the Hibbing High School, theHibbing Disposal Plant, and several residences dating from 1905 to1930.

Several reports have been written concerning historic resources in the project area. In 1984, a survey of historic resources was conducted byMurphy and Phelps for urban Hibbing as part of the SHPO’s longrange effort to survey the entire state for structures of historic, architectural, cultural, engineering, and archaeological significance.Inventory forms and photographs were recorded for 158 structures.

In 1987, Norene and Joe Roberts produced A National RegisterReconnaissance Survey of Northern St. Louis County for the SHPO.The purpose of the report was to identify properties potentially eligiblefor the NRHP. 435 sites were documented and, after evaluation, 19properties were considered to be potentially eligible for the NRHP andfive properties were nominated to the NRHP.

A Preservation Management and Marketing Plan was prepared for theIron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Association (IRRRA) and theNorthern Lights Tourism Alliance (NLTA) by Charlene K. Roise in 1997.The report covers the entire region under the purview of the TaconiteTax Relief Area (TTRA), which includes all of Cook and Lake countiesand parts of St. Louis, Koochiching, Itasca, Aitkin, and Crow Wingcounties. Heritage sites were then fitted into the themes and sub-themes. Ironworld USA was identified as an "anchor facility" in


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two themes, "Those Who Call This Home," and "Making A Living."The study region was also divided geographically, and the top sites ineach sub-region were identified. Five of the top sites are located inthe Hibbing-Chisholm-Highway 169 corridor: 1) Hull-Rust-MahoningMine Overlook, 2) Greyhound Bus Origin Center, 3) Hibbing HighSchool, 4) Ironworld USA, and 5) North Hibbing.

Additionally, ten endangered sites were identified for each sub-region.Two properties are located in or near the Hibbing: MesabaCooperative Park on Highway 37, southeast of Hibbing.

Major Visitor Sites in and near HibbingThe Hibbing area offers a variety of attractions that feature the community’s history and culture.

Greyhound Bus Origin Center tells the story of the birth of GreyhoundBus Lines, dating back to 1914 when the "Hupmobile" transported miners from Hibbing to the mine. The museum features audio and visual displays and a collection of historic buses and bus memorabilia.

Hibbing High School, constructed in 1920, is a place of public learning,almost entirely paid for by the local mining companies after the minesencroached on the site of the old school. The brick and stone building is adorned with murals, fine woodwork, crystal chandeliersand a pipe organ in the auditorium.

Hibbing Historical Museum has scale models of the town in 1893 andin 1913 to illustrate its development and its historic "move," in addition tomining and logging artifacts.

Hull Rust Mahoning Mine is the world’s biggest open pit iron ore mineand is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Located just north ofHibbing, this massive, man-made canyon is more than three mileslong, two miles wide and 600 feet deep after removing over 1.4 billion tons of earth. The landscape feature represents the iron ore shipping operations that was the major catalyst for the city’s developmentand growth beginning in 1895 and continues to this day. An adjacentpark has been developed by the Hibbing Recreation and ParksDepartment to enhance the visitor’s experience as they approach the view ofthe mine.

The boyhood home of Bob Dylan, now a private residence which stilldraws the attention of tourists.


The City of Hibbing has an ordinance on its records for the formationof a Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC). The purpose of the HPCis to: 1. Safeguard the heritage of the City by preserving sites and structures

which reflect elements of the City’s cultural, social, economic, political, visual or architectural history.

2. Protect and enhance the City’s appeal to residents, visitors and tourists, and serve as a support and stimulus to business and industry.

3. Foster civic pride in the beauty and notable accomplishments of thepast.

4. Promote the preservation and continued use of historic sites and structures for the education and general welfare of the people of the City.

The ordinance calls for the formation of an 11-person commission comprised of community officials and residents who are empowered torecommend to the City Council areas, buildings, districts, or projects tobe designated Heritage Preservation Sites. The HPC may recommendthe approval or disapproval of the issuance of any building permit ona parcel designated as a Heritage Preservation Site. Such recommendationsmay be made regarding the remodel, alteration, or repair, includingpaint color, of a designated property that will change the exterior appearance. It may also review permits for new construction, signs, and demolition. The HPC may also conduct surveys, hire technicalexperts, provide continuing education services to the City’s citizens inrespect to the city’s civic and architectural heritage, and serve as anadvisor to owners of historic sites. Financing for preservation projects,including the implementation of a preservation program or the acquisition of historic properties, may be raised through the City Councilthrough industrial revenue bonds, negotiated rates for municipal servicesor utility connections, loan guarantees, construction of municipal support facilities, deferred assessments and others.

Although Hibbing has a HPC ordinance on its records, the Commissionis not currently active. Joe Lopac, Assistant Zoning Administrator withthe City of Hibbing, reported that the HPC’s activity tends to be cyclicaland for several years it has not been an active commission. No knownmechanisms trigger a review of alterations to historic properties and itwas not known what properties were locally designated as historicallysignificant.


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Previous Studies of Tourism PotentialExtensive work has already been completed on the identification of theheritage tourism potential of the Iron Range and NortheasternMinnesota. The result has been a detailed Preservation Managementand Marketing Plan (Roise 1997) and a coordinated heritage tourismprogram called "The Wild North." Both projects were sponsored bythe NLTA and the IRRRA.

Abbe and Kuester ReportIn 1995, a report prepared by Abbe and Kuester DevelopmentAssociates was submitted to the IRRRA Regional Tourism Program andthe NLTA titled The Case for a Heritage Tourism Community Networkin Northeastern Minnesota. The report examined the potential for,and attitudes toward, heritage preservation in the entire NortheasternMinnesota region. The area was divided into six sub-regions, with theHibbing-Chisholm Corridor falling into sub-region three. Sixteen community meetings, involving 138 people, were held to gauge: • The visibility of heritage resources within a given community or

sub-region. • The degree of community support for preserving and protecting

heritage resources. • The willingness of communities to receive ‘guests’.• The degree to which communities within sub-regions are willing

to cooperate in the promotion of heritage tourism" (Abbe and Kuester, page 11).

The information gave insight into the ways that the NLTA and theIRRRA could assist in the development of a heritage preservation strategy. The report made the following conclusions:

1. A case can be made that there is a basis for heritage tourism in Northeastern Minnesota.

2. The communities of Northeastern Minnesota are interested in pursuing heritage tourism as a locally driven form of economic and community development.

3. Heritage and tourism players within the region are willing to work together to design and implement a long-range heritage tourism strategy.

4. There is an appropriate role which each sub-region can play over the next 3-5 years to assist with the building of a Heritage Tourism Community Network.


5. There is an important, appropriate and realistic role for the IRRRA to play of the next 3-5 years.

Recommendations were made for an aggressive strategy for developingheritage tourism in Northeastern Minnesota over a five-year period.

1. Give the Heritage Tourism Steering Committee permanent status in theNLTA committee structure.

2. Produce a presentation video that can be shown by city councils, local chambers of commerce, and other groups to make the case for heritage tourism.

3. Establish a small grants pool that will make small grants that will enable communities to celebrate local heritage.

4. Hold a Heritage Tourism Community Network Conference in early Spring of 1996 that will convene players from each sub-region for thepurpose of building a sub-regional heritage tourism program.

5. Establish an NLTA sub-committee that will identify partnership opportunities which link public trail initiatives with the Heritage TourismCommunity Network.

6. Contract for appropriate consultant services to conduct a Regional Preservation Management Plan that will accomplish the following: • Identify gaps in existing historical data.• Identify priority local and regional authentic heritage resources.• Identify heritage themes which link sub-regions including maps which

link specific sites within and between sub-regions.• Assess which sites are ready to receive visitors and which require

nurturing.• Identify the key sites by sub-region in need of preservation and

protection.

7. Examine current IRRRA policy per the demolition of buildings for the goal of encouraging potential users of the Demolition Program to aggressively examine alternatives to the proposed demolition of structures that have demonstrated heritage value.

8. Produce a brochure that features local and regional ethnic foods.

9. Establish a Heritage Resort and Hotel Association that features hotel,motel and resort facilities which have been in continuous operation for60 years or more.


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Wild North Heritage Tourism ProgramThe Wild North Heritage Tourism program was formed in 1994 by theIRRRA and the NLTB to strengthen and diversify the economy ofNortheastern Minnesota by developing and promoting heritagetourism. According to their draft report, the goals established by thiscoalition are to:

1. Build political support for heritage tourism within northeastern Minnesota.

2. Support working coalitions of heritage, tourism, community and political players within each sub-region.

3. Strengthen the heritage infrastructure within northeastern Minnesota.

4. Market northeastern Minnesota’s heritage to external markets.

To help the program meet its goals, Wild North Heritage Tourism hasenlisted the help of partners at all levels who are willing to define andparticipate in joint efforts which can further the development ofenhancement of heritage tourism in northeastern Minnesota.

Partnering with the IRRRA and NLTA can offer assistance to communitiesin a number of ways. It can offer localities certain financial and technicalassistance for specific projects. Local heritage tourism initiatives canbenefit from a coordinated, regional marketing plan. Other potentialpartners with common objectives can be identified to help make financial and human resources stretch further. Partnerships can provide financial institutions with investment opportunities within theguidelines of the Community Reinvestment Act.

The Wild North Heritage Program was comprised of several components.The first was to develop a Preservation Management and MarketingPlan. This plan was produced by Charlene Roise in 1997 and identifieshistoric properties and opportunities for tourism development in each ofthe six sub-regions. The next component was to create a list of historic sites that are eligible to participate in the Wild North HeritageTourism Program. Qualifying properties would be eligible for technical and financial assistance, benefit from a marketing campaign,receive a Wild North sign and be eligible for other benefits. ConsistentWild North signage to provide a strong image of the area as a traveldestination was also considered to be a component. A heritagetourism video, speakers bureau, workshops and sub-regional meetingswere included as part of the outreach program component. Marketinghistoric sites within the framework of existing travel marketing schemeswas also part of the plan. Other components included a recognitionaward and a review board.


Preservation Management and Marketing PlanA Preservation Management and Marketing Plan was prepared for theIRRRA and the NLTA by Charlene K. Roise in 1997. The report covers the entire region under the purview of the TTRA. The report established four themes for the area:

• Those Who Call This Home• Making A Living• Resorts/Tourism • Getting Around

The report found that "Northeastern Minnesota has a number of attributes that make it well-suited to heritage tourism" (page 4). Thereport also provided recommendations for historic preservation andheritage tourism in the area. The recommendations were guided by thefollowing principles:

1. First and foremost, historic preservation programs should be designed to meet the needs of the local community. If a communityrequires improved housing stock, preservation efforts should be aimed at residential areas. A community hoping to revitalize its economy should focus on restoring commercial buildings or a downtown business district. Each community must determine its own needs and priorities.

2. Similarly, heritage tourism should only be encouraged if it benefits the local community; on-going heritage tourism efforts must be monitored to evaluate their effects on communities.

3. Preservation and heritage tourism efforts should be integrated with existing programs whenever possible; existing programs should be modified to be ‘preservation friendly,’ if necessary (page 7).


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Survey Questions• What image or landmark

makes Hibbing special or unique?

• What are the top three historical buildings, places, etc. that you feel should be preserved in Hibbing?

• What three places in Hibbing are important to you?

• List the three places, traditions, or stories you think visitors to Hibbing should experience or know about.

Community Survey ResultsSurvey questions pertaining to cultural resources on the HibbingCommunity Opinion Survey were intended to elicit from citizens theiropinions on significant places in their community to themselves and others, and to discern their priorities for preservation. The questions onthe survey directly related to cultural resources are shown in the sidebar.

It should be no surprise that Hibbing citizens identified mining and theopen pit mine itself among the most significant places, traditions,landmarks and histories of the area, in addition to being a prime sitefor visitors to see. The mine certainly provides a unique experience forresidents and visitors alike and has made an indelible mark on thelife, history and landscape of Hibbing.

Beyond the mining tradition, the people of Hibbing also regarded theHigh School, City Hall, North Hibbing and the Greyhound Bus OriginCenter as special places, deserving of recognition. Bob Dylan, KevinMcHale and Rudy Perpich were some of the notable persona thatHibbing is proud of, and many believed that visitors to the area wouldbe interested in knowing about these people’s lives. Ethnic diversityand immigrant stories were also recurring themes that helped defineHibbing’s history.

Top Ten ResponsesWhat image or landmark makes Hibbing special or unique?

Response Number of ResponsesMining/Mines/Hull Rust/Open Pit 166High School 125City Hall 17North Hibbing 16Greyhound Bus Museum 14Famous People

(Bob Dylan, Kevin McHale, Rudy Perpich) 13Androy Hotel 12Memorial Building 12Mine Dumps 9Fountain 7

The citizens of Hibbing were overwhelmingly clear on the places thatmake Hibbing unique: 34% of the responses referred to the mine, and26% of the responses referred to the High School. Other responses,although fewer in number, helped to give more depth as to what thepeople of Hibbing believe identifies their city. These include HowardStreet businesses, historical architecture, and "downtown brick walksand old style street lights."


Top 10 ResponsesWhat are the top three historical buildings, places, etc. that you feelshould be preserved in Hibbing?

Response Number of ResponsesHigh School 238City Hall/Village Hall 178/12Androy Hotel 119Memorial Building 55North Hibbing 32Mine/Open Pit/Hull Rust 23Blessed Sacrament Church 13Library 10Main Street/Howard Street 9

This question elicited the least variety of responses. Only 41 uniqueresponses were registered, with nearly half of those responses beingregistered by one or two people. The small list of places that should be preserved relative to the places that were considered to be significant, may be an indication that Hibbing citizens are clear onwhat places are deserving of preservation. On the other hand, perhaps it is an indication of what sites citizens believe are not in danger of being lost. For example, although the mine consistentlyranked very high as a significant place and one worthy to be a visitorattraction, it ranked sixth on this question, with only 23 people listingit as one of the three places that they feel should be preserved. As aresult, other places rose to the top of the list of priorities for preservation,including City Hall, the Androy Hotel, the Memorial Building, BlessedSacrament Church, the Village Hall, the Library and Main Street.Other notable sites receiving numerous responses, although not making the top 10, include downtown businesses, Bob Dylan’s House,the Court House and the hospital. The remains of North Hibbing,illustrating the move of the city, consistently ranks high as a significantplace, a place worthy of preservation and a place interesting to visitors.

SHPO records show that seven of the top ten properties that Hibbingcitizens felt should be preserved have been identified as historicalresources on the state inventory. Five of these are listed on the NRHP.These include the Hibbing High School, the City Hall, the Hull RustOpen Pit Mine, and the Howard Street Historic District.


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Top Ten ResponsesWhat 3 places in Hibbing are important to you?

Response Number of ResponsesHigh School/Schools 140Hospital 59Library 57Church(es) 53Memorial Building 32(My) Home 31Park(s) 27Community College/HCC 23(Mesaba) Clinic(s) 20Downtown 20

The question, "what three places in Hibbing are important to you?"brought a wider range of responses than any other question relatingto cultural resources. Ninety-four unique responses were offered.Perhaps this question drew a more personal response, as exemplifiedby the 31 respondents who listed their home as one of the three mostimportant places. The high ranking of the High School and schools ingeneral is probably not only an indication of the importance that thepeople place on the High School as an architecturally significantbuilding, itself, but also on the pride they have in the educational system and their personal experience with Hibbing schools. Generally,many of the respondents listed places for shopping, dining and socializing as places that were regarded with great personal importance.

Top Ten ResponsesList the three places, traditions, or stories you think visitors to Hibbingshould experience or know about.

Response Number of ResponsesMines/Mining/Mine View/Hull Rust 183High School (Schools) 145Greyhound Bus Museum 71Town that Moved 65Famous People (Dylan, McHale, Perpich, Frank Hibbing) 50North Hibbing 36Ironworld 16Ethnic Diversity 15History/Founding of Hibbing 10Mines and Pines Annual Festival 10


Again, the mines were highly ranked as a must-see for visitors toHibbing, with the Hibbing High School, noted for its outstanding architecture, following up closely. Other common responses wereless tangible in nature. Many respondents believed that the stories offamous people, like Bob Dylan, Kevin McHale, Frank Hibbing andRudy Perpich should be told, as well as the ethnically diverse culturethat developed in Hibbing and the immigrant story. North Hibbingand "the town that moved" also ranked very high as both a place andstory that should be told to visitors.


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Recommendations

Goal 1: Preserve and rehabilitate Hibbing’s commercial core, residential areasand unique sites.

Actions1. Preserve unique and key sites that help to define Hibbing’s heritage

and serve as a draw for visitors.

2. Revitalize downtown businesses and encourage the economicvitality and viability of downtown Hibbing.

3. Provide for the preservation of attractive, established residential neighborhoods.

4. Create a sense of pride and awareness of Hibbing’s historic resources.

5. Encourage and promote Hibbing’s ‘small town atmosphere’ that isviewed as a major selling point and positive aspect by Hibbing citizens.

6. Preserve unique and key sites that help to define Hibbing’s heritageand serve as a draw for visitors.

Goal 2: Maximize tourism potential of key cultural sites, properties and districts.

Actions1. Develop and boost the tourism sector of the local economy.

2. Provide further funding sources for the preservation and enhancement of historic resources.

3. Establish and support anchor attractions that will spill over into otherfacets of the economy.


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GeneralRecommendations

1. Re-activate the Hibbing Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) as established under the existing local ordinance on heritage preservation.The HPC can be used as a linchpin for establishing a proactive preservation community by instigating programs to further encourage preservation activities. The HPC is the key advisory body charged with safeguarding the city’s heritage and promoting historic preservationas means of protecting historic properties and retaining the aestheticappeal for residents and visitors and to foster civic pride in its past.Specifically, the HPC’s primary tasks are to recommend local historicdesignations to the City Council, to contribute to the comprehensiveplan, and to approve rehabilitation plans of locally designated historic sites.

2. Develop a historic preservation plan that identifies key properties, neighborhoods and districts that warrant further study, preservation and rehabilitation. A historic preservation plan will strategically guide the preservation process in a thoughtful and deliberate manner.It will prioritize the preservation needs, identify areas where compromiseis necessary and seek out the opportunities where historic preservationcan contribute to economic revitalization.

3. Develop incentives to encourage, enable and promote historically appropriate renovation, rehabilitation and re-use of historic properties,especially downtown storefronts. Historic preservation can be a costlyand controversial mission. Providing financial incentives, such as facade easements, or morale-boosting recognition. For instance anawards program can go a long ways towards spearheading a preservation initiative, creating goodwill and good publicity.

4. Identify and communicate the economic benefits of historic preservation initiatives to city officials and the general public. One of the greatest obstacles to historic preservation can be the misperceptions of such programs, especially by influential and vocalcommunity leaders. The effective communication of the economic benefits and intrinsic attributes of a comprehensive preservation planto all members of the community is key to ensuring the success of preservation efforts.

5. Coordinate preservation efforts with Chisholm to economize on the implementation of a preservation plan and management of a Heritage Preservation Commission. Collaboration with Chisholm will not only develop a more unified historic connection along the Highway 169 corridor, but will also make the implementation of historic preservation strategies more feasible for both cities.


6. Identify two to three key sites with high tourism potential that could benefit from further development and marketing. Although several sites in and around Hibbing have been well marketed as tourist destinations, others have been under-exposed and deserve further study as potential tourist sites. The sites should be selected carefullyto ensure that a synergy can be created by building from the presence and market potential of other attractions. Because many of these sites do not have a commercial entity, funding should be identified and prioritized to cover marketing costs and development.

7. Plan for the development of key tourist sites in conjunction with existing plans, such as The Wild North. As evidenced by the Information and Assessment section of this report, several studies exploring the tourism potential for the region have been undertakenand implemented. Hibbing should play an active role with the sponsoring organizations and continue to follow the recommendations outlined in the plans, Hibbing should position itself as a major attraction in the Iron Range.

8. Identify ways that the lives of famous Hibbing citizens can be interpreted to the public. Community survey responses express a great sense of pride of native sons who have gone on to be regionally, nationally and internationally recognized. Their presenceshould be integrated into interpretive themes and sites as they are developed.

9. Utilize the architecturally significant Hibbing High School auditoriumas a venue for discussing, demonstrating and performing the culture,traditions and heritage of the region. One way to showcase this significant architectural treasure is to utilize it for a variety of purposes, especially those exhibiting Hibbing’s unique heritage. Public exposure, especially to visitors, would heighten the appreciation of this remarkable venue.

10. Devote economic development resources to the development of potential heritage tourist attractions. Because heritage tourism has the potential to be a significant vehicle for economic development, collaboration with this arm of the local and regional government is critical. Portions of the personnel and financial resources of economic development should be directed to the tourism market in order for this segment of the economy to develop.


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Implementation

General Recommendations:

1. The Hibbing City Council should undertake re-activation of the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC). • The HPC shall be responsible for the development and

implementation of a preservation plan that will outline preservationpriorities within the city, a means for their preservation and design guidelines for local historic districts. The plan should alsofocus on the economic opportunities and benefits of historic preservation in Hibbing.

• Review of proposed alterations to individually designated buildings and properties within historic districts by the HPC will help to ensure that Hibbing’s unique historical character is preserved.

• As a means to encourage preservation, the HPC can develop anawards program recognizing residents and businesses for their preservation accomplishments and contributions on an annual basis.

• A small grants program could be targeted in specific areas that will enable businesses to make facade improvements or other renovations.

2. Explore a variety of sources for funding for historic preservation and heritage tourism initiatives.• Seek out funding from the IRRRA and the NLTA.• Utilize other financing techniques made available in the local

historic reservation ordinance.• Develop local resources, such as skilled crafts people, who are

able and willing to contribute to preservation efforts.

3. Foster the appreciation of, and interest in, local historic resources by:• Incorporating local cultural history and architectural history into

school curricula to promote the understanding and significance oflocal history in the general public.

• review and update the walking and driving tours of Hibbing’s historical commercial, residential, and mining districts that highlight different themes.

4. Officials representing historic preservation interests should join with economic development specialists and regional tourism advisors toidentify historical and cultural sites that have tourism potential.• Economic development resources should contribute to the

development of historical and cultural resources tourist sites.• Coordinate with other the tourism efforts of other cities within the

region, such as Chisholm, so that scarce resources can be spent more efficiently.


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