Heritage Preservation Commission

  1. About
  2. Why Preserve Heritage?
  3. Historic Districts
  4. Design Review Process
  5. Local Historical Resources
  6. Historical Research Resources
  7. FAQ
  8. Membership

Welcome to Winona, a Vibrant Community with a Rich Heritage.

Purpose

The Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) was created to promote the rehabilitation and conservation of historic properties for the education, inspiration, pleasure, and enrichment of the citizens and visitors of Winona. It serves to identify, designate, protect, and promote significant historic city resources.

There is a fascinating story to every Winona historic property. Outside of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area in Minnesota, Winona has one of the largest collections of historic buildings. Since its inception, the HPC has worked to dedicate three downtown historic districts and many individual historic properties throughout the city.

History

In May of 1989, the Winona City Council formed the commission in part due to a citizen and historical society response in the battle about two historic buildings in Winona. The historic Winona Post office was lost (razed in 1963). The Winona County Courthouse was saved twice, once in 1974 and again in 2003.

Meetings

HPC meets the second Wednesday of every month in the Heritage Room (Second Floor) of City Hall. The HPC meetings are open to the public. HPC posts meeting agendas and minutes. Contact a HPC member for more information.

General Resources

Local Historic District Guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior Standards gives a full in-depth explanation of the design criteria that must guide all alterations to existing historic buildings and all new construction in historic districts.

Winona City Code Chapter 22.27 establishes the Heritage Preservation Commission and outlines all commission proceedings. (22.27 starts at the bottom of page 28)

Windom Park Historic District (PDF) explains the history and significance of the Windom Park District, denotes geographical data and maps, and lists and describes each property.

City of Winona Downtown Local Districts Map (PDF) depicts the buildings in both the East Second Street and Third Street Commercial districts.

Windom Park Story Map Journal is an interactive entrance into the Windom Park neighborhood. It was created by Hannah Hutchins, under the supervision of Greta Poser, M.S. GIS, for completion of a master's degree in Geographic Information Science (GIS) from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.

  1. Community Development

    Fax: 507-457-8212


  1. Luke Sims

    Planner

  1. Carlos Espinosa

    Senior Planner