DETROIT LAKES
—The
was hoping to get a digital sign, curbside book drop-off and a few touch-ups to the building. As is the case with most maintenance projects, problems with the roof took priority.
Terry Kalil, chair of the Detroit Lakes Library Endowment Fund Board, explained when the building was cleaned this past April issues were uncovered with the building. Then, the roof began leaking.
“We’ve had some buckets above some bookshelves and the main circulation desk area,” she said.
The roof has clay tiles, which upon inspection were determined to be in good condition. The underlayment and wood strips underneath the clay tiles had failed in areas, she said. After the roof was inspected and a repair plan was created, the project was sent to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Kalil explained that SHPO approval is needed because the building is on the National Register of Historic Places.
“They are charged with approving any project,” Kalil said, adding the roof repair was approved. “If that doesn’t work, we may have to replace the entire clay tile roof. We will know more in the spring.”
Barbie Porter / Detroit Lakes Tribune
After the roof maintenance is addressed, Kalil said other projects may follow, including the curbside book drop-off. Initially, the drop-off location was going to be along Frazee Street. However, off-site locations are also being looked at as those would not take up space in the library parking lot, and would not require SHPO approval.
The digital sign project brought with it some good news. Kalil said a local sign company examined the current sign structure and determined that it is not real brick. She said the recommendation was to replace the current sign with the digital version while utilizing the same base. She believes the original sign was installed in 2014 or 2015, and noted electricity is near the structure.
“But, we need that approved,” she said, adding the request was sent to SHPO in late August and the response time is typically between 30-45 days.
Barbie Porter / Detroit Lakes Tribune
More building work is also on the horizon. Kalil said the ornate terracotta frieze panels near the top of the 1913 Carnegie Library have become brittle.
“Think, chalk soft,” Kalil said.
The panels were designed by renowned architect Louis Sullivan, and a key factor in the building earning its spot on the National Register of Historic Places, Kalil said.
“What we discovered was that these require special treatment,” she said, adding that SHPO has been contacted and is helping the library locate a specialist in the Twin Cities area.
Work is also needed with the cypress wood trim, as dry rot was identified. Kalil said SHPO approved the requested maintenance to the wood areas. The soffit that is made of stucco also needs maintenance, and a test clean was approved.
“The long and short of what I’m saying is the project went from one simple thing to a whole lot more,” Kalil said.