Communications Strategy Discussion on 907 Mainstreet
CITY OF HOPKINS
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
Mike Mornson, City Manager
From: PeggySue Imihy Bean, AICP, Special Projects and Initiatives Manager
Date: January 16, 2024
Subject: Communications Strategy Discussion on 907 Mainstreet
_____________________________________________________________________
PURPOSE
To discuss the communications strategy regarding the Historical Society’s exit out of the
property at 907 Mainstreet in May 2024.
INFORMATION
In October 2015, the City of Hopkins purchased the Masonic Lodge at 907 Mainstreet,
and in the same year, the Hopkins Historical Society entered into an agreement with the
City with the intent of remodeling the space and creating a new space for Hopkins History
Museum.
The Hopkins Historical Society has worked diligently over the past nine years to raise
funds to complete the needed repairs, however due to a number of challenges including
the substantial cost required to complete the project in August 2023 the Historical Society
wrote to the City stating that they felt it was no longer a viable project for their organization
to take. Instead, the Historical Society will continue to operate their museum space within
the Hopkins Activity Center, and City staff will begin to understand what is needed and
viable to preserve and eventually re-open the 907 Mainstreet Building. The City will
engage with the Hopkins Historical Society during this time to ensure they remain
informed through the process.
Tonight, Staff is looking for direction from the City Council and the Hopkins Historical
Society on the language for a press release to discuss this change in direction.
FUTURE ACTION
Following this meeting, Staff will work with the City Council and the Hopkins H istorical
Society on the issuance of a press release. The Hopkins Historical Society will exit the
907 Mainstreet building on May 31, 2024.
Administration
Statement regarding Hopkins Historical Society’s future residency
at the Albert Pike Masonic Lodge at 907 Mainstreet.
In October 2015, the City of Hopkins (“City”) purchased the former Masonic Lodge at 907
Mainstreet. Subsequently, In December 2015, the Hopkins Historical Society (“HHS”) signed a
lease agreement to remodel the space to be the future home of the Hopkins History Museum.
When signing the lease, the City and HHS were unaware of the full extent of the structural and
environmental conditions of the building. We believe HHS signed the lease in good faith that the
building was in an acceptable condition for interior remodeling to be adequate and appropriate
as a museum space. HHS invested time and energy in writing grants to obtain funds for
Structural Review, Rehabilitation, and ADA Compliance assessments. These assessments
determined that the building would need significant repairs -unfortunately, at a financial cost
greater than HHS could afford.
As an entirely volunteer-run organization with a projected 2023 general operating revenue of
$24,000 wholly earned from individuals in the community through membership and donations,
HHS cannot meet the financial and staffing burden that fundraising for building renovation and
improvements would cost (an estimated $2 million), as well as ongoing future operations of the
building when occupied.
HHS employs museum space at the Hopkins Activity Center for access to the public 5 hours a
week. Museum open hours depend on volunteer availability, recruiting, and volunteer
relationships in the community. Volunteerism has declined nationwide, and HHS has faced
challenges opening the museum on a regular basis.
Additionally, the 907 building development project and the COVID-19 pandemic have
significantly impacted HHS programming. Before 2016, HHS offered monthly programs of
interest to engage the public in the history of Hopkins. With energies focused and directed
toward the building, these activities have ceased to be offered.
We are grateful to the City for their partnership and support of HHS. Since our inception in
1972, the City has made significant contributions to HHS by providing space, operating support,
technology assistance, and more. HHS values this relationship and sincerely wants to continue
this positive relationship moving forward.
At this time, it is the decision of HHS not to solely continue its pursuit of the Masonic Lodge at
907 Mainstreet as a viable option, given its current operations and limited revenues. If the City
has no other solution to propose, HHS requests an end to HHS’ lease agreement with the City
effective May 31, 2024, under the following terms:
1. The City and HHS offer an Open Forum for City residents and HHS members to learn
about the property's current status and provide input regarding continued city
involvement with the building project.
2. If no viable options are found for the building after the Open Forum is held, the City and
HHS will issue a joint memorandum to the community about HHS’ intentions to
discontinue future occupation of the building.
3. HHS shall retain access to the building and the artifacts stored there through May 31,
2024, when HHS ends its lease of the building.
4. The City will make every effort to protect and preserve the historic structure and
significance of the Albert Pike Masonic Lodge at 907 Mainstreet.
5. The City will continue to provide space for the HHS Museum at the Hopkins Activity
Center.
Please understand that this was a challenging decision the HHS Board has struggled with over
many years. HHS sincerely appreciates the support and generosity of the Mayor, City Council,
and City Staff of the present and past whom it has collaborated with. If you have any questions
or concerns, please direct them to Sam Stiele, HHS President, or Kathleen Conroy, HHS
Treasurer. HHS appreciates the City’s support and looks forward to working many more years
together to expand and preserve Hopkins’ history.
Sincerely,
The Hopkins Historical Society Board of Directors
Sam Stiele, President
Jim Zdrazil, Secretary
Kathleen Conroy, Treasurer
Joan Roth
Marlene Dvorak
Kathy Jorgenson
Kat Downs
Mary Romportl