Preservation commission weighs in on development of Highland Park place of remembrance

As plans move forward for a place of remembrance in the Highland Park rose garden, City Council members turned to the Historic Preservation Commission on Monday, March 9, for guidance on how historic elements and possible landmark designation should inform the design.

A joint meeting between the committee of the whole and the commission on Monday March 9, was part of ongoing dialogue among city officials and community members.

Commissioner Erica Weeder, who was wounded in the 2022 shooting, said she has found the temporary memorial to be a place of solace and advised councilmembers to keep the new place of remembrance “simple.”

The way to do that, she said, is by including natural materials to represent those who were killed and injured.

The rose garden is already a landmark, and officials discussed how to protect something that is already landmarked.

The Historic Preservation Commission’s mandate is to identify, protect and promote a community’s historically or architecturally significant sites, structures and districts. To do that for the place of remembrance, Councilmember Andrés Tapia suggested thinking of the past, present and future.

“It’s not just the preservation of the past, but it’s the memory of those who have been with us,” Tapia said. “History serves as a celebration and remembrance of the past and present. And this place of remembrance is about strengthening the future despite tragedy. I would suggest a more semantic perspective.”

Commissioner Anthony Gonka said that preservation of the rose garden can be done through keeping what’s already there.

“I don’t think anybody should be tasked with rebuilding what is no longer there. What is still there needs to be protected,” Gonka said. “What will be built should be distinctly new and not necessarily blend or interfere with the original design.”

In agreement, Commissioner Travis Hartinger said that preservation can be done through maintaining the historic elements that still exist. He suggested using certain elements, like the same materials used on Highland Park’s sundial bench, to preserve the history.

Gonka said thinking about the rose garden experience will help inform an appropriate design.

“I think there is a way to preserve the idea that there is a rose garden in the middle that isn’t necessarily paving it in the way it was originally paved,” Gonka said. “Keeping the garden in its original shape should not be necessary, because in the end, the aerial view isn’t how you experience the space anyways. The level of design needs to match the quality that was there in whatever way the designers see fit.”

Commissioner Mark Portman said that the rose garden should be an entry way to the place of remembrance.

A plaque should also be included in the garden, he said.

“Whatever is done for this project, let’s create a plaque to explain to the public not just what happened on July 4th, but also to explain what ‘gardeners memorial’ was all about,” Portman said, referencing the original meaning for the site. He added, “We are almost being given a second chance to improve upon the original landmark designation.”

Mayor Nancy Rotering said a plaque written in English and Spanish will be included in the garden, and it will also honor first responders.

Commissioner Seth Pines offered optimism for the project’s design.

“I think the designers can handle this with sensitivity to all the points that have been made,” Pines said. “They must come up with something that we will love.”

Weeder said the rose garden itself will play a role in the impact of the place of remembrance.

“I think the landscape architecture will serve a positive purpose here,” Weeder said. “The integrity has not been maintained and that’s where this landmark has been called into question. I want to make sure we have good accessibility and that there needs to be a message, if that means words on a plaque where 20 years later people wandering can know what it’s about.”

SWA Group will come back with more design concepts at the group’s next meeting, the date of which is not yet determined.

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