Duluth’s Most Endangered Properties
Local Preservation Group Published List
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Preservation Alliance recently published its list of the city’s ten most endangered properties.
Among the buildings on the list are Pastoret Terrace; otherwise known as the Kozy Apartments, the Temple Opera Block on Superior Street, Old Duluth Central High School, the Duluth Armory, and sections of the Lake Superior Mississippi Railroad line in West Duluth.
Alliance board members want to see the city preserve its heritage, like other communities have.
“There’s so many different options and so many different programs,” said Mike Poupore, Alliance board member. “So many different cities do so many different things with their historic resources as well, and I think Duluth has that potential to be able to do that to an even greater extent than we’ve already done.”
The Duluth Preservation Alliance believes historical resources can help the city’s economy.
Duluth Ten Most Endangered Properties
1. Pastoret Terrace, 131 East First Street
What began as luxury townhouses in 1887 has since been divided into multiple apartments. In 2010, the Terrace experienced a devastating fire and currently sits as a fraction of its former glory. Now owned by the city, it could be razed, or it could be renovated and be a catalyst that helps revive First Street.
2. Lake Superior Mississippi Railroad Line, 6930 Fremont Street
During the summer, seasonal excursions are offered on this historic rail line that originally served as the city’s main link to the world. Currently, the city has plans for the use of this right-of-way, but only some include a plan to rebuild the line after the Steel Plant remediation.
3. St. Louis County Jail Building, 521 West Second Street
The jail, built in 1920, was designed to complement the city’s Civic Center. It stands as an important testament to the City Beautiful movement and is currently seeking its next purpose. Having received a $500K structure conservation primer, its steadfast façade is prompted and ready for development through traditional means or even through tax credit avenues. Despite many misnomers, this versatile structure is ready to be used for almost any endeavor.
4. Temple Opera Block, 201 East Superior Street
Before there was Canal Park, there was the Temple Opera Block. This grand building had seven floors and housed the first Duluth Public Library. While it’s down to three floors now, it houses several businesses and is a great example of a historic building serving modern-day purposes.
5. Duluth Armory Arts and Music Center, 1303 London Road
The Armory was Duluth’s predecessor to the DECC. There are currently talks underway for development, but nothing is concrete. It still needs community support and action to preserve this historic structure.
6. Old Central High School, Lake Avenue and East Second Street
Besides the Aerial Lift Bridge, this 125-year-old building may just be the most iconic structure in Duluth. It now serves as the school district’s administration building, but has deferred maintenance costs estimated at more than $20 million dollars.
7. Minnesota Point Lighthouse, Minnesota Point
At the very tip of Park Point sits Minnesota’s first lighthouse. Although it’s been on the National Register of Historic Places for more than 40 years, hardly any preservation measures have taken place, and it continues to fall into ruin.
8. Lake Superior Zoo, 7210 Fremont Street
Duluth is home to one of Minnesota’s first zoos. Since 1923, it has housed a range of wild animals. Unfortunately, due to the 2012 floods, high costs of renovations and zoo purposing going forward, it’s possible it may not reach its centennial.
9. Skyline Parkway, Becks Road to Lester Park
This scenic byway is as historic as it is beautiful. Winding along the ledges of Lake Superior’s historic basin, the byway offers spectacular views of Duluth at every turn.
10. Incline Passage Foundations and Stair Ruins, First Street to Skyline Parkway
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Duluthians could commute up the hill using an incline railway. Today, all that remains of this transportation masterpiece are hidden sections of the stairway and foundation outcroppings.
