Published on: Thu, 05/22/2008 - 11:09
On May 13, Historic Saint Paul and the Restore Saint Paul program won two Awards of Recognition from the Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) and the Saint Paul Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
Click here to watch video highlights of the HPC awards from the City of Saint Paul (scroll down the page to Annual Heritage Preservation Awards).
Historic Saint Paul’s first award was for stewardship of the Olaf Lee House (955 Jessie Street). Historic Saint Paul partnered with the property owners, John Stensing and Gary Sipes, and City Venture Corporation to stabilize this architectural gem in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood. Built in 1905 by the famous Saint Paul architect Clarence Johnston, the Olaf Lee House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Click here to read more about the rehabilitation of the Olaf Lee House.
The Lermas and the Jacob Heck House
The second award was for the rehabilitation of the Jacob Heck House (613 North Street). Jacob Heck, a saloon owner, moved to this home in 1889 and expanded it from one to two stories. Over the years, the original architectural details on this handsome, well-proportioned Queen Anne house were lost. When the current homeowners, Rene and Kim Lerma, purchased the home, they sensed the front porch once had a more detailed architectural presence. Through the Restore Saint Paul program, Historic Saint Paul assisted the homeowners in reconstructing their elaborate porch. Remarkably, Rene and Kim fashioned the woodwork details themselves!
The owners’ dedication to preserving the Olaf Lee and Jacob Heck Houses is laudable. Through their efforts, two neighborhood landmarks have been restored on Saint Paul’s East Side. Historic Saint Paul was honored to participate in these projects. These homes demonstrate that preservation can serve as a springboard for community building and neighborhood revitalization.
