Architectural History

10,000 Lakes Archaeology offers a variety of architectural history services, ranging from individual structure reviews to full-scale neighborhood and corridor studies. We have researched schools, houses, industrial complexes, and commercial buildings for clients ranging from private developers to governmental agencies. 10,000 Lakes Archaeology staff understands the preservation legislation governing historic buildings and potential eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places, and meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications.

Assessments and Phase I Surveys

A 10,000 Lakes Archaeology, LLC Principal Investigator conducted an architectural history assessment and survey in the vicinity of Trunk Highway 36 between McKnight Road and Century Avenue in North St. Paul, Minnesota. The project included the documentation of all structures over 50 yearsold, including mapping, photographing, and recording the properties on standarized inventory forms. In total, severl hundred properties were assess, and 68 properties were documented. Limited archaeological investigations were also undertaken as part of this project.

Neighborhood Studies

A 10,000 Lakes Archaeology Principal Investigator surveyed an 87-acre area of St. Cloud, Minnesota for the City’s Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC). The HPC had contracted for several similar studies in the past, and hoped the information would allow the city’s planning department to make informed decisions pertaining to its cultural resources and neighborhoods.

The project documented 325 properties built before 1955. Based on the survey, no single property or district appeared to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). However, it was recommended that two properties potentially had local significance, and that 13 properties be added to a previously recommended historic district.

Highway Coridor Studies

A 10,000 Lakes Archaeology Principal Investigator surveyed several alternatives for Trunk Highway 12 west of Minneapolis, Minnesota for the Department of Transportation. The project stipulated that all properties, regardless of age, be documented. 2,100 properties including churches, commercial buildings, industrial complexes, schools, houses, and farmsteads were mapped, photographed, and documented, 80 of which were inventoried.

In addition to documenting and inventorying buildings, this project required archival research at the local historical societies, Minnesota Historical Society, University of Minnesota, and several libraries. The documents examined included county and local histories, historic maps, tax records, and census records .