Friday, January 08, 2016

Oskam House Named Edina Heritage Landmark

Edina, Minn., Jan. 7, 2016 – The City of Edina recently named the Hendrick and Marri Oskam House at 6901 Dakota Trail an Edina Heritage Landmark.

The Edina Heritage Landmark designation is an overlay zoning to promote the preservation, protection and use of significant heritage resources in the City. Heritage Landmarks are nominated by the Heritage Preservation Board (HPB) and designated by City Council resolution.

The Oskam House is a two-level, single-family residence in the International style with a rectangular plan, a butterfly roof, post and beam construction, a walk-out basement, and a two-car detached garage. It is historically significant because of its association with the broad themes of suburban development and Mid-century Modern residential architecture in Edina. As one of the first homes built on Indianhead Lake, the natural terrain has remained untouched and there have been no additions to the homes since it was constructed. However, it has been meticulously maintained and is still a shining an example of Mid-century Modern architecture today as it was when constructed in 1963.

“The Oskam house is only the fourth private residence to receive the Edina Heritage Landmark designation,” explained contact HPB Staff Liaison and Senior Planner Joyce Repya. “And unlike the three other homes that were built in the 1800s and early 1900s, this house was built in 1963, which was the period when much of our suburban development occurred in Edina. That makes it very special from a suburban development perspective.”

In addition to being a noteworthy example of modern residential architecture, the house is one of a relatively small number of post-war residences in Edina designed by a female architect. Architect Elizabeth Close received a degree in architecture from MIT.  In partnership with her husband, architect Winston Close, she designed many modernist buildings and was an influential force in regional architecture.

Heritage Landmarks are chosen based on the quality of significance in history, architecture, archeology and culture present in buildings, sites, structures, objects and districts. As part of the designation process, a plan of treatment is created to provide guidelines for design review as well as specific recommendations for preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and reconstruction, as appropriate.

For more information, contact Repya at 952-826-0462 or JRepya@EdinaMN.gov. 

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The City of Edina
4801 W. 50th St., Edina, MN 55424
mail@EdinaMN.gov 952-927-8861

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