Making the Grand Rounds: An Historical Survey of the Minneapolis Park and Parkway System

Hess, Roise and Company; Pearson, Marjorie; Atwood, Stephanie

From "Objectives and Methodology": "The project has had three major objectives; the first two are covered by this survey report. 1. To document systematically the landscape elements and character-defining features of the proposed Grand Rounds Historic District and its distinct historic segments: Kenwood Parkway; Chain of Lakes; Minnehaha; Mississippi River; Northeast; Victory Memorial; and Theodore Wirth. Although information had been compiled for many sections of the system, the data was not uniform, and some sections were not covered at all. The first phase of the project has produced inventory forms and a survey report. 2. To assess the significance of this H. W. S. Cleveland-inspired landscape within a national context of parkways of the period. While the Minneapolis park system is recognized at a local and regional level, it has never been fully explored within a larger national context. This evaluation is included in the survey report. 3. To prepare a National Register of Historic Places nomination for the Grand Rounds Historic District. While the district has been determined eligible for listing, boundaries have never been clearly defined for all segments nor have all elements been evaluated for their contributing or noncontributing status to the district as a whole. The nomination documentation will further enhance the interpretation and protection of this uniquely designed historic landscape." Funding for this item was provided in part through a 2007 Preserve America grant to the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (grant number 27-07-PA-3019) for the project Grand Rounds Historic District Survey and National Register Documentation. The grant was administered by the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Preserve America is a federal initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy our priceless cultural and natural heritage. The goals of the program include a greater shared knowledge about the nation's past, strengthened regional identities and local pride, increased local participation in preserving the country's cultural and natural heritage assets, and support for the economic vitality of our communities.

Making the Grand Rounds: An Historical Survey of the Minneapolis Park and Parkway System

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