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Large trees in the foreground of this early photo helped consultants distinguish between preserved and planted vegetation. Existing Conditions
Understanding the MHD's Legacy
Until the recent study, Mn/DOT had no comprehensive inventory of the historic roadside development facilities within its jurisdiction (i.e., within the rights-of-way of the 12,000-mile-long state trunk highway system). In 1965 the Highway Department identified about 385 wayside rests along the state highways, but little had been done since then to document historic sites or retain historical plans and files. Original designers were unknown, architectural plans were not accessible, and the landscape designs were not well understood. There were insufficient data and inadequate criteria to evaluate the historical and design significance of the properties.
While it might have been ideal for Mn/DOT to inventory all roadside development landscapes within its right-of-way, a limited budget necessitated that only a subset be inventoried. Mn/DOT chose to focus on roadside development facilities on current Mn/DOT right-of-way that contained at least one pre-1961 standing structure. Mn/DOT excluded properties that had left its jurisdiction for one reason or another or did not contain a pre-1961 structure.
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To begin the inventory a list of suspected sites was developed using historical MHD records, plans, photos, and other documents. This list helped Mn/DOT verify which sites it still owned and eliminate those that had been transferred to city or county governments or had been demolished. Mn/DOT’s consultants then conducted fieldwork to inventory the remaining sites on the list. If the fieldworkers found no pre-1961 structures standing, the property was dropped from the inventory.
Next, information was recorded about property location, each standing structure, plantings, other landscape features, the setting, integrity (alterations and condition), historical background, previous State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) reviews, discussion of the property's significance, references, and additional information where applicable.
In all, 102 properties were inventoried statewide. Most were individual properties, but one historic district with seven major facilities was included. In the case of the eligible historic district, the evaluation was based on conclusions and boundaries established in a previously completed Section 106 review.