RTC, FF City Hall to be recognized

Statewide celebration also being scheduled

By Tom Hintgen (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Saturday, October 13, 2007

On Monday the Fergus Falls Heritage Preservation Commission will unveil new National Register of Historic Places plaques for the Regional Treatment Center and Fergus Falls City. At 11:15 a.m. a bronze marker will be placed near the main entrance to the RTC and at 11:40 a plaque will be unveiled at City Hall.

The events in Fergus Falls will be held the same day as a day-long celebration in St. Paul that will commemorate the work and historical significance of all former state hospital institutions.

First opened in 1890 the structure — what was first known as the Fergus Falls State Hospital — was listed on the National Register in 1986.

“It is architecturally significant as the most complete example of

Thomas Kirkbride inspired architecture in the nation,” Otter Tail County Historical Society Executive Director Chris Schuelke said. “In keeping with

Kirkbride's concept, the three-story brick complex extends in a U-shaped

configuration for approximately 1,600 feet.”

Placed on the National Register in 1984, the 1928 Georgian Revival style City Hall was designed by William Ingemann of St. Paul.

“Although the similarities are striking, Ingemann denied using Philadelphia's Independence Hall as a model,” Schuelke said. “He credited his wife with much of the building's design.”

The festivities end with a public meeting at noon Monday in the city council chambers.

Michael Koop from the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office speak about the benefits communities receive when they become certified local governments. The Fergus Falls Heritage Preservation Commission is pursuing this status with the city.

All activities in Fergus Falls on Monday are free and open to the public.

The events in St. Paul on Monday will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Minnesota Department of Human Services at 444 Lafayette Road in St. Paul. The kickoff will begin with a theme of “Honor the Past, Embrace the Present and Create the Future.”

Mike Tessneer, CEO of the State Operated Services Division, said that in 1866 the citizens of Minnesota began entrusting people with disabling conditions to an institutional system of care.

“This celebration recognizes not only the histories of these centers, but also the Minnesota tradition of evolving treatment and support methods to better meet the needs of people served.”