An Uptown-area rooming house that has become a flash point in Minneapolis' tension between preservation and growth appears to be headed for the wrecking ball.
A group of local preservationists, calling itself the Healy Project, sought a temporary injunction to stop property owners Michael and Linda Crow from tearing down the extensively remodeled 19th-century house to make way for apartments.
Judge Marilyn Brown Rosenbaum on Tuesday denied the motion, largely because the plaintiffs who testified as experts lacked the credentials to claim the building was a historic resource under the state's Environmental Resource Act.
The case stirred emotions among neighbors and preservationists, who held candlelight vigils outside the house during recent council discussions over the demolition. They were encouraged by television host Nicole Curtis of HGTV's "Rehab Addict," who brought a camera crew to City Hall to capture the council vote and the emotional aftermath in a nearby hallway.
Anders Christensen, one of the plaintiffs, said they are still weighing possible next steps. They could appeal the judge's ruling on the injunction, or proceed to trial on the merits of their argument that the house qualifies as a "natural resource" under state law. The house would be protected from demolition in the interim, however.
Stephen Harris, an attorney for the Crows, said no demolition is expected until the developer wins needed approvals from the city. He would also need to give tenants proper notice to vacate.
The lawsuit followed a City Council vote to allow demolition of the building on 24th Street and Colfax Avenue, agreeing with a staff recommendation that the building was not worth saving.
"It is clear that the grant of an injunction will affect the Crows' ability to sell the property, will delay redevelopment, and will cause great economic harm," Rosenbaum wrote.
