ZOOLOGICAL BOARD

An Inventory of Its Historical Materials at the Minnesota Historical Society

Government Records

Expand/CollapseOVERVIEW

Creator: Minnesota State Zoological Board.
Title:Historical materials.
Dates:1967-1998.
Language:Materials in English.
Abstract:Files on funding, legislative authorization, site selection, architectural planning, exhibit development, and related aspects of the planning and construction of the zoo. These files were compiled by zoo personnel and titled "Historical Materials."
Quantity:4.8 cubic feet (4 boxes and 2 partial boxes).
Location: See Detailed Description for shelf locations.

Expand/CollapseSCOPE AND CONTENTS

Master plan files document the preparation of a comprehensive master plan for site location and development submitted to the Metropolitan Council in 1969 and a supplemental plan completed in 1973. They detail the activities of David H. Scott Consultants, Inc., a project management services firm, and selection of InterDesign, Inc. as the firm to prepare the master plan. The files include not only InterDesign's proposal, contracts, and related documents, but also the non-selected development proposals and presentations from four areas vying to be the site of the zoo.

The exhibit files (1970-1976) cover all aspects of exhibit construction and staffing, including organization, construction management, display, equipment, energy sources, pest control, transportation, security, waste disposal, and water analysis.

The acquisition of the Apple Valley site is documented in the site files (1970-1978), which include appraisal reports, soil tests, easements, road access materials, and correspondence with the property owners and the Dakota County Board of Commissioners.

There are also files documenting citizens' advisory committees on education, operations, conservation, finance, and public relations (1969-1972); a historical summary by John Tilton; correspondence with other U.S. zoos (1969-1973); activities of the zoo board (1969-1975) and the Metropolitan Council Zoo Advisory Committee (1967-1972); legislative actions relating to the zoo (1969-1976); endorsements of the master plan (1970-1973); reports of financial and construction consultants (1970-1975); related conferences attended by staff members (1971-1974); and manuals and commissioned reports dealing with management, interpretive services, education, energy, and operations (1974-1981).


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Expand/CollapseADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Availability:

The collection is open for research use.

Preferred Citation:

[Indicate the cited item and/or series here]. Minnesota State Zoological Board. Historical Materials. Minnesota Historical Society.

See the Chicago Manual of Style for additional examples.

Provenance:

Provenance: Most of these records originally came from the director's office. No attempt has been made to reintegrate them into their original places.

Accession Information:

Accession number(s): 987-57; 994-111; 999-74; 2007-42

Processing Information:

Catalog ID number: 001731494


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DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Expand/CollapseMASTER PLAN FILES

Location
116.H.15.1BProject management:
David H. Scott Consultants, Inc., 1973-1975. 2 folders.
Canadian firm contracted to provide professional management services.
Firm selection:
Architects and planners, general, 1969-1970.
Mainly materials of the Site and Search Committee for Architects and Planners.
Architects' presentations, 1973.
Booz, Allen, and Hamilton, 1969-1973. 2 folders.
Includes proposal: Developing a Master Plan, December 6, 1969.
Brauer and Associates, 1969-1973.
Burdick and Associates, 1969.
Calvin, Perkins, Jones, 1969.
Cerny Associates, Inc., 1969. 2 folders.
Includes proposal: Framework for Action, December 4, 1969.
Daly, Leo and Company, 1969. 2 folders.
Includes proposals: Presentations, September and October 1969.
Fishman, Stanley Associates, 1969.
Harbridge House, 1969. 2 folders.
Includes proposal: Project Management and Research Services, December 11, 1969.
Hodne/Stageberg Partners, 1973.
Includes: Proposal for Architectural Selection Committee, May 31, 1973.
Howard, Needles, et al, 1969. 2 folders.
Includes proposal: Professional Services, November 10, 1969.
McFadzean, Everly and Associates, 1969-1971.
Nason, Wehrman, Knight, Chapman, 1969-1970.
Location
116.H.15.2FPerry, Dean and Steward, 1969.
Progressive Design Associates, 1969.
Setter, Leach, Lindstrom, Inc., 1969.
Smiley, S. C. and Associates, 1969.
Voigt and Fourre, Inc., 1969, circa 1973. 2 folders.
Williams, Lorenzo D., undated.
ZooGroup [Alfred French and Associates, Hammel Green and Abrahamson, Inc., and Brauer and Associates, Inc.], 1973.
Includes Proposal to Design Physical Facilities, 1973.
ZooTeam, 1973-1974. 3 folders.
Includes construction management proposal, [ca. 1974] and schematic designs (1973, 1974).
Site selection:
Anoka, 1969-1970. 2 folders.
Bailey Farm [Newport], 1967-1970.
Elm Creek [Hennepin County], 1970-1971.
Jordan Farm [Battle Creek Park, Ramsey County], 1969-1970.
Site selection: General, 1967-1970. 3 folders.
Winning firm - InterDesign, Inc.:
Proposals: Planning and Design Services, 1969, 1970.
Original master plan, 1969.
Contracts, 1970-1972.
Site studies, 1970.
For the Bailey, Jordan, Lebanon Hills, and Anoka sites.
Submittals, 1970. 6 folders.
Project schedule and organization, program, site evaluation, master plan, Stage 1 facilities, financial plan.
Correspondence, 1969-1973. 3 folders.
Location
116.H.15.3BAwards (architectural), 1971-1972.
Proposal for Design and Implementation Services, 1973. 1 volume.
Facilities Program (design and construction), 1973. 3 folders.

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Expand/CollapseCITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEES

Location
116.H.15.3BMiscellaneous correspondence and lists, 1969.
Education Advisory Committee, 1969-1972.
Operations Advisory Committee, 1969-1970.
Conservation Advisory Committee, 1969-1970.
Finance Advisory Committee, 1967-1971.
Public Relations Advisory Committee, 1969-1970.

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Expand/CollapseZOOS-U.S. CORRESPONDENCE

Location
116.H.15.3BGeneral, 1969-1973. 3 folders.

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Expand/CollapseMZG BOARD - HISTORICAL FILES

Location
116.H.15.3BAnalysis - Zoos and societies, undated.
Clippings, 1970-1971, 1978, 1998. 2 folders.
Histories, undated, 1998.
Committee assignments (Board):
Research and data, 1970.
Transportation, 1970-1971.
Committee work schedule (Board): Operations, finance, public relations, 1969.
Funding: Post 1971 Legislature, 1971.
Goals: Guidelines, 1973.
Grants and funding, 1969-1970.
Implementation Plan, 1973.
Letters of interest, 1970-1972.
Correspondence to and from the director concerning all aspects of operation and planning of the zoo.
New releases, 1969-1970.
Notices of meetings, 1969-1971.
Personnel: Appointments, resignations, job descriptions, 1969-1971.
Public events: Film fairs, 1970.
Itineraries, correspondence, thank yous, etc.
Reports to Board by professional staff, 1970.
Society-Board relationship, 1970-1975.
Viking Zoological League (proposed organization), 1970-1975.
Location
116.H.15.4FZoo’s Self Sufficiency, The Years’ Long Struggle—Tilton, 1974-1980.
Correspondence and memoirs of John Tilton regarding the early years of the zoo.

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Expand/CollapseMETROPOLITAN COUNCIL ZOO ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Committee to determine demand for a metropolitan zoo. John Tilton served as chair.


Location
116.H.15.4FCooperating agencies, 1967-1968.
1967-1972. 5 folders.

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Expand/CollapseLEGISLATURE

Location
116.H.15.4F1969 Session correspondence.
1969 Session zoo bills.
Legislative Advisory Commission, 1969-1970.
Legislative Building Commission: Presentation, 1970.
Committee on Metropolitan and Urban Affairs: Subcommittee on Open Space and Environment. Final Report by House Research Department, December 10, 1970.
1971 Session:
Miscellaneous statements, surveys, memos, statistics, etc.
Miscellaneous memos, correspondence.
Zoo bills.
House Committee Hearings: Appropriations Committee testimony.
Senate Committee Hearings: Subcommittee on Civil Administration testimony regarding appointments.
General correspondence, 1971-1973. 2 folders.
General correspondence, 1972-1973.
1973 Session Preliminary Legislative Report.
1973 Session presentation materials.
1975 Session:
General correspondence.
Bridgwater file.
Appropriations.
Budget presentation.
Omnibus Bill.
Road Bill.
Zoo road, 1975-1976.
Legislature, 1976.
Legislative Audit Commission, 1975.
Audit report for 5 years ending June 30, 1974.

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Expand/CollapseENDORSEMENTS

Location
116.H.15.5BGeneral, 1971. 2 folders.
Resolutions, 1970.
Zoo directors, 1971.
Mailings: Masterplan, 1971-1973.

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Expand/CollapseCONSULTANTS

Location
116.H.15.5BGeneral, 1970.
Ehlers and Associates (Financial Consultants):
Financing Report, June 12, 1972.
Financing Report, September 22, 1972.
Financing Report, November 6, 1975.
Contractors/subcontractors listing, 1975.
Peterson, Clark and Associates, Inc.:
Estimates and cost analysis for Phase I, May 1972.
Hodges Jage, Construction Consultants [cost estimates], undated.

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Expand/CollapseEXHIBITS: CONSTRUCTION, STAFFING, ETC.

Location
116.H.15.5BAdministration [organization] charts, 1970-1975.
Alternate proposals, 1972.
Aquarium construction, 1974-1976.
Barriers for Northern Trek, 1974-1975.
Bridgwater memos regarding Project Control Group, 1974-1975.
Construction management, undated.
Development and Operations Committee, 1976.
Display techniques, 1970-1976.
Energy sources, 1970.
Equipment, 1970.
Facility use schedule, 1975.
Forms and samples, undated.
Holography, 1974.
MiniZoo alternate proposal, 1974.
Pest control, 1976.
Roof system: Structural analysis, 1970, 1973.
Schematic design presentation, 1973-1974.
Transportation systems, 1973.
Schedule: Tactical, 1973-1975.
Security personnel: Park Ranger Program, 1974.
Waste disposal, 1970.
Water analysis, 1974.

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Expand/CollapseSITE FILES

Location
116.H.15.5BMiscellaneous letters, 1970-1974.
Coordinating Committee: Metro Council, 1970.
Ponding easement, 1975-1976.
Permission to bore, 1976.
Eagan, City of, 1975.
O'Brien (James H. and Linda): Land acquisition, 1976-1977.
Kubista (Tracy J. and Eileen E.): Land acquisition, 1974-1975.
Appraisals: General, 1971-1974.
Appraisal reports:
Kubista Tract 24020-B, 1974-1977.
O'Brien Tract 24020-C, 1976.
O'Brien Tract 24020-D, 1976.
O'Brien Tract 24020-E, 1976.
Soil investigations at site, 1970-1975.
Location
116.H.15.6F Dakota County Commissioners, 1973-1978.
Dakota County Regional Park System, 1975.
Road access to site, 1970-1975.
Land acquisitions, 1973-1978.
Property survey: Easement definitions, 1977.
Zoo road, 1973-1977.

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Expand/CollapseCONFERENCES

Location
116.H.15.6FSchematic Design Review Conference, February 1974.
Groundbreaking ceremony, 1974.
Arizona Conference, 1972.
Western Zoos and Aquariums Conference.
Endangered Wildlife Forum, 1971.
Nature Conservancy Seminar, 1971.
Salt Lake Conference, 1971.
Conferences: National and miscellaneous, 1973.

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Expand/CollapseMANUALS AND COMMISSIONED REPORTS

Location
116.H.15.6F Upward Management Reference Documents, circa 1974.
Project Control Group Reference Manual, circa 1977.
Inventory Management Manual, March 14, 1977.
Interpretive Services and Education Department Program Plans, May 27, 1977.
Energy Survey Report by Energy Resources Center, May 1979.
Operations Manual, September 15, 1981.

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Expand/CollapseCATALOG HEADINGS

This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the Minnesota Historical Society. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons or places should search the catalog using these headings.

Topics:
Animal housing -- Minnesota -- Environmental engineering.
Animal housing -- Security measures -- Minnesota.
Zoos -- Minnesota -- Administration.
Zoos -- Minnesota -- Design and construction.
Zoos -- Minnesota -- Location.
Zoos -- Interpretive programs -- Minnesota.
Zoos -- Law and legislation -- Minnesota.
Organizations:
Dakota County (Minn.). Board of County Commissioners.
David H. Scott Consultants, Inc.
InterDesign, Inc. (Minneapolis, Minn.).
Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities Area. Zoo Advisory Committee.
Document Types:
Master plans.

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