WINONA Minn.—The chair of the Winona Historic Preservation Commission, Emily Kurash Casey, wants to avoid a showdown with the City Council on whether the proposed 700-seat Masterpiece Hall gets built. Some Commission members expressed doubt about how well the modernist design, as laid out by architects, meets criteria the Commission’s mandate to examine whether designs are compatible in scale, texture, materials, and visually with the surrounding historic locations. The Commission decided Wednesday to take a breather until next June to ponder the issue and to see perhaps if the architects can adjust their design. In the end of City Council will decide whether to authorize the the $35 million project. The City Council usually leans heavily on the Commission’s recommendations.  Kurash Casey said she wants to see the Heritage Preservation Commission avoid a pattern of denying a request and the City Council then overriding. Peter Shortridge, a Commission member, who has been meticulously faithful to Winona’s architectural heritage in numerous projects, described the situation as awkwared: “We’re in this quandary of saying no and having this become a more conflicted process. Everyone wants this to happen. It’s an incredibly large thing for our community and a great gift.” It’s like insulting a gifted horse, Shortbridge said, noting that local millionaires Bob Kierlin and Mary Burrichter are financing the project to further Winona as a world-class cultural beacon.

Earlier: Preservation panel hesitates on Masterpiece Hall

Compromise possible? Can architects rejigger the persona of proposed Minnesota Masterpiece Hall.

Preservation Commission profile

The City Council created the Historic Preservation Commission in 1989. The Commission issues or enies a certificate of appropriateness for projects. The final decision, however, rests with the City Council. The 15-member Commission was designed for wide input. Members are appointed by the mayor. The Commission must include:

> An architect or person experienced in the building trades.

> A professional in history, architectural history, archaeology, planning, design, building trades, landscape architecture or law.

> A member of the Winona County Historical Society;

> A member of the City Planning Commission;

> Three members with a demonstrated interest or expertise in historic preservation;

> One member from each of the city’s five political wards.