Krásné dárky (Beautiful gifts)
A gift shop owned by Czech & Slovak Sokol MinnesotaTaneční Mládež (Ethnic Children's Dance Group)
Links To Websites Of Interest To Czechs and Slovaks
Our Newsletter - The Czech & Slovak Sokol Minnesota SLOVO
Historic Structures Report For the CSPS Sokol Hall Of Czech and Slovak Sokol Minnesota
Visit the West 7th/Fort Road Federation website for information on the Czech puppets
HISTORIC STRUCTURES REPORT
for the
CSPS Hall
of the
Czech and Slovak Sokol Minnesota
for the
CSPS Hall
of the
Czech and Slovak Sokol Minnesota
Table of Contents | |
| Part 1 | Introduction |
| Part 2 | Physical condition Site |
| Part 3 | Exterior |
| Part 4 | Interior |
| Part 5 | Utility Systems |
| Part 6 | Patterns of Use Building Code Analysis - Accessibility Existing Conditions Recommendations Additional Considerations |
| Part 7 | CSPS Hall Cost Estimate |
| Part 8 | Chronology of Building Changes |
PATTERNS OF USE
The continuous use of the CSPS Hall is notable both as the longest use of a national Czech and Slovak hall and the longest use of a hall and theater in Minnesota. The existing building that was built in 1887, replacing an earlier 1879 building (which burned) has been serving not only the Czech Slovak community but also the neighborhood for over 125 years. This building formed the cornerstone of a vibrant commercial district with retail and restaurant offerings.
Currently the building houses on the first floor, the Glockenspiel pub, the Honorary Consul for the Czech Republic, classrooms and the Krasne Darky, a gift shop with limited hours of operation. The second floor contains a theater/gymnasium/dance hall with stage, and a commercial kitchen and meeting room. The third level has an organizational meeting room, office and storage.
Czech and Slovak Sokol Minnesota use the CSPS Hall as home base for their programs, which include an annual Czech and Slovak Festival, various dinners and dances, educational lectures. Class offerings include language, cooking, travel and handicrafts. There are groups of folk singers and dances that use the facility. There is also a long running gymnastics program that uses the gymnasium weekday evenings.
Besides the organizations use of the building, it is rented about 10-12 times a year. Various vendors cater the food or it is prepared at the on-site kitchen. Ordinances require open bar rather than a cash bar. The facility employees a standard wedding reception format. The building is closed in July and August due to lack of air conditioning at the second floor.
Given the active use of the building at various times, especially evenings and weekends, it is important to consider ways in which the building is used and modifying the mechanical systems to reflect these patterns of use can result in significant energy savings. Continued use of the existing programmable thermostats is important. Where appropriate, the use of compact fluorescent lights in lieu of incandescent lights will also increase energy savings.
BUILDING CODE ANALYSIS
Construction work at the CSPS Hall must conform to the Minnesota State Building Code. While work on new building is based on the 2006 International Building Code, work on existing buildings, including major alterations, is based on the Guidelines for the Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings. As a facility open to the public the building is also subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Existing buildings are granted some leeway in complying with the Act, and designated historic buildings have even greater latitude. Nevertheless, we believe that every reasonable step should be taken to make the building as accessible as possible while respecting its historic nature.
A conditions survey such as this does not require a highly detailed analysis of either of these codes, as it is an existing building with limited work anticipated. Two areas of consideration would be to improve access for people with mobility problems by extending the elevator and to provide adequate accessible toilet facilities on the upper floors.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Accessibility for People with Disabilities
Currently the first floor is the only floor that is completely accessible for those with limited mobility. The second floor is accessible by elevator but the restrooms on the second floor are not fully accessible due to the floor change at the toilet stalls. There is no access to the third floor.
The exterior approach to the building accommodates those with limited mobility, either at the parking lot entry or the main entry.
Accessible Toilet Facilities
There is currently only one toilet room that meets ADA standards. This restroom is located on the Main Level. The toilet rooms and stalls at the second floor do not meet current ADA requirements.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Accessibility for People with Disabilities
Extending the elevator to the third floor would make the
building totally accessible, although the benefit versus expense of this expansion would need to be determined by the organization. There is no
requirement that the third floor be accessible.Accessible Toilet Facilities
We recommend remodeling the second floor restrooms, specifically the floor level. Toilet stalls should be reconfigured to conform to ADA standards.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
There were several observations made during our visits that are not directly covered by the nature of the conditions report.
Communication Improvements
For a first time visitor, it may be confusing as to which entrance to use for access to the first or second floors. It was also noted that there is no contact information on the building that would provide a visitor with hours, phone numbers and such. There could also be information provided regarding hall rental, membership, current events and educational activities. The flower boxes are attractive, but neglected plants make the building seem unoccupied.
Aesthetics of the gymnasium/dance hall
There are a few simple remedies to reduce the "gymnasium" appearance of the central room that would make it more visually appealing and flexible for other events such as re-positioning the rings and removal of the basketball backboards.
Access to the third floor meeting room
An extension of the elevator would provide limited mobility access to the meeting room; note that a required stairway need not be enclosed to meet code. An open gracious stair could be designed to complement the existing spaces rather than reduce the room size with an enclosed egress.
Direct access from elevator lobby entry to the rest of the first floor
Providing direct access to the meeting rooms from the parking lot entry would clarify and ease circulation of the first floor. It may be required to re-locate the basement stairs and consulate office to allow for visibility of the store and consulate office from the street and secure, direct accessibility to classrooms. Another consideration would be to install a storage room within the hallway that connects the elevator with the original portion of the building to make this a more attractive circulation space.
This page last updated October 10, 2009