Memo CTY RD 3
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. C I TV 0 F HOPKINS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: September 27, 1993
TO: Honorable M~~and~city Council
FROM: . \. 't 1 t' t
Tom Harmenlng, Communl y Deve opmen Dlrec or
SUBJECT: HOPKINS DEPOT - COUNTY ROAD 3 AND TRUNK HIGHWAY 169
I. Purpose of Discussion
In the past the City Council has expressed an interest in
having the depot refurbished and used in some fashion.
Recently, City staff and the Hennepin County R~gional
Railroad Authority (owner of depot) were contacted by an
individual regarding the possible purchase and use of the
facility for a private purpose (in'this case, a small
. restaurant).
Staff wishes to discuss with the city Council a basic policy
question as to whether the Council would desire to see this
property being privately deyelopedor used for some pUblic
purpose.
To assist with this discussion staff" has provided background
information.
II. Background
Over the course of the last few years discussions have been
held regarding the refurbishment and reuse of the Hopkins
depot. Examples include:
0 August, 1986 - The Hopkins JCs discussed with the city
Council the concept of"having the JCs renovate the
depot and use it as a site for JC meetings and other
civic activities. The Council seemed interested in
this approach and suggested that activities be
undertaken to designate the property as historical.
Staff is unsure as to any follow-up actions which may
have occurred as a result of this discussion.
. 0 July 14, 1992 - The City Council met in a work session
with the Historical society to discuss the disposition
of the depot. During this discussion various opinions
were stated with regard to whether or not the depot
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^"..;.'. \.~~' X Honorable Mayor and city Council
Page 2
. should remain, be moved, or be razed. No specific
action or direction was taken as a result of this
discussion.
0 March, 1993 - The City Council adopted the strategic
Plan for Economic Development. This plan contained a
couple of references relative to the depot. These '
included:
- "Undertake study of possibly reusing the railroad
depot located at Trunk Highway 169 and County Road
3. Also, analyze the ability to incorporate
Central Park with County Road 3 improvements."
- "Develop an information center in Hopkins.
* Analyze the potential of utilizing the depot,
as an information center in its current
location.
* Examine other facilities centrally located
which may be able to house an information
center."
with respect to the use of the property, the aforementioned
. items provide examples of discussions which have been held
regarding a general public use of the property. In
addition, I have attached a memo from Lee Gustafson which
expresses interest by Hennepin Parks regarding using the old
railroad depot in some fashion. This use relates to
refurbishing the, depot in its current location as a trail
head or possibly dismantling the depot and using the brick
to construct a new depot/trailhead in conjunction with the
MTC Park and Ride facility located further west along County
Road 3. In both cases, the depot would provide parking
facilities for trail users as well as bike lockers.
With regard to a public use of the property, it may be
necessary for the City to expend dollars, perhaps for
acquisition but more likely for refurbishment. However,
these costs could possibly be defrayed by other agencies,
such as Hennepin Parks, for a public use.
with respect to a private use of the facility, an interested
party has expressed an interest in using the facility for a
small restaurant. The current site is attractive to the
private individual based upon its location to the
intersection of Trunk Highway 169 and County Road 3 and the
fact that a regional bike system will be located directly
adjacent to the building.
.
TH09163A
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. 'CITY OF HOPKINS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: September 14, 1993
TO: Tom Harmening, Community Development Director
FRQM:Lee Gustafson, Public Works Directo~
SUBJECT: Old Railroad Depot on County Road 3 '
I recently spoke to Doug Bryant, Hennepin Parks, to once
again discuss their interest in the old railroad depot along
County Road 3, just east of T.H. 169. Mr. Bryant informed
me that the Hennepin Parks is still very interested in using
the old railroad depot, in some fashion or another,' in
development of a "Trail Head" along County Road 3 . He
furthermore stated ,that their interest in the depot prompted
them to include it in one phase of a trail project that was
recently submitted for ISTEA funding.
,I spoke to Mr. Bryant further about how he "envisioned using
. the old depot in a Trail Head project. He stated'that
Hennepin Parks thought the depot could 'possibly be used in
the current location in conjunction with a trail leading
"into st. Louis Park. He further stated that Hennepin Parks
had also thought about dismantling the depot and using the
brick to construct a new depot to be used in conjunction
wi th the MTC Park and' Ride along County Road 3. In both
cases the depot would provide parking facilities for trail
users as well as bike lockers.
Tom, I periodically meet with Mr. Bryant, and his staff to
discuss other trail issues. We typioallydiscuss the status
of the depot in these meetings to keep each other informed
of pending issues. 'If during these discussions, Hennepin
Parks informs me that their interest in the old' depot has
changed, I.. will be sure to contact you ,to let you know how
it has changed.
cc: steve Mielke, City Manager
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