Proposed Skin Alley Plaza

First mentioned in the 2001 LCI Study, the City's proposed revitalization of Skin Alley as a transition from the back doors of Main Street retail shops poses a domino effect for historic property by placing three more National Registry listed homes at risk: The Haney House, c. 1890, currently Designs in Flowers; and The Brown Home, c. 1910, a private residence, anchor either end of the alley. The "Tee-Folk Cottage," c. 1870, a modest private residence dates from the year of the town's founding and sits between the other two. Developer Robert Forro is reported to have an option on this property, and discussions are reported underway for the city to acquire the parking lot located adjacent to 54 Jones Street adjoining Skin Alley.

FAQs:

• How will bids be awarded for the Skin Alley redevelopment?
• Will appraisals be obtained by the city before acquisition of the parking lot?
• Where's the Plan?
• Should one developer or speculator be allowed to destroy 100 years of history?
• Do we need to copy-cat Duluth with an interactive fountain where the historic Brown Home sits? This familiar landmark anchoring Skin Alley and Jones Street might someday become a restaurant or bed and breakfast.
• Might the Plaza plan incorporate these three era-defining houses?
• What plans does the city have to relocate the three historic houses within the historic district to preserve their irreplaceable contributing character, as recommended by the LCI Study?
• Might the space behind the four city-owned Wingo Street Cottages and the area designated for new fire station be designated to receive relocated historic houses, thus retaining their charm and character within the historic district?