Heritage Preservation Commission

Why Preserve Heritage?

Heritage preservation demonstrates long-range vision in managing our finite resources.

The primary purposes of historic preservation are to maintain cultural, economic, and environmental values. Local historic designation is the only protection against demolition or destructive alterations that might permanently destroy community treasures. Once a historic structure is razed, it is gone forever.

1. Cultural Values

Seeing historic structures, either as travelers or long-time residents, lends insight into an area's cultural development and sustains its sense of place. The stories behind a structure's beams and bricks or stones and stained glass all tell a story of an area's people and the environment that shaped them. Historic buildings spark your imagination as you see works of ingenuity or of natural resources that are no longer available. Historic resources give a sense of time, both long ago and present, as they stand in tribute to an ongoing community conversation.

Historic properties have deep, inherent value. People are drawn to old buildings. It might be the organic warmth of old wood and the intrigue of impressive hand-crafted details. The minutiae are often amazing to consider. Historic districts are often centrally located. They can thrive with restaurants, boutiques, pubs, banks, bookstores or antique shops. New buildings are good for large chain stores, but the aesthetic of old buildings attract people.

2. Economic Values

Studies show that areas designated as landmarks or historic districts typically maintain if not boost the value of the property. As an economic development tool, historic preservation has proven its worth.

3. Environmental Values

At its heart, preservation is about conserving resources. It’s green! In the present day, building materials are limited.  Through preservation, not only are the old resources appreciated, but the need to harvest and manufacture new resources is reduced.

The East Second Street, the Third Street Commercial, and the Windom Park Residential Districts are the three major historic districts in Winona. Some historic resources are also located outside of the major districts.

See City of Winona Downtown Local Districts Map (PDF) for a map depicting all of the buildings in both the East Second Street and Third Street Commercial districts.

East Second Street Commercial Historic District

Winona's East Second Street Commercial Historic District consists of two blocks including twenty-one buildings (fifteen contributing to historic designation and six non-contributing) located just south of the Mississippi River in downtown—the center of the city's original commercial area. The district received National Historic Place Designation in 1990 and local HPC historic designation in 2007. Here are a few of its significant buildings.

Kirch/Latsch Building

• Address: 114-133 E 2nd St.
• Year Built: ca 1868
• Style: Early Italianate with Gothic Overtones

A wholesale grocery distribution center in early days (Latsch & Son), the son, John A. Latsch took over when his father died and became a wealthy man. He donated his wealth to local charities and 20,000 acres of land for public parks which remain today. The building underwent a three million dollar restoration in 2015 and now houses several businesses. This commercial building is transitional in style as Early Italianate with Gothic Overtones. The latter is recognized in the window glazing. Also noteworthy is the cast iron Corinthian columns added to the building in the 1880s. 

Winona & St. Peter Railroad Freight House (Chicago & Northwestern)

• Address: 58 Center St.
• Year Built: 1883
• Style: No defined style
• Original Owner:  Winona & St. Peter Railroad
• Architect: W&SP's Chief Engineer John Blunt

This is the last standing freight structure from the Winona & St. Peter Railroad (later Chicago & Northwestern). The railroad plays a significant part in Winona’s early growth of the lumber and grain industries. It was a railroad office and freight house from 1883-1961.

Anger's Block

• Address: 116-120 Walnut St. 
• Year Built: 1872  
• Style: Early Italianate  
• Original Owner: Gustave Anger 
• Architect: C.G. Maybury 

Built in 1872 for butcher and meat packer Gustave Anger, Anger's Block is one of the earliest extant commercial buildings in the central business district of Winona. Despite the later removal of the cornice and window hoods, the building is rare in its retention of original fenestration, storefronts and decorative cast iron columns. Anger's Block is also significant in that it is one of the earliest commercial buildings in this area for which original architect's plans and specifications have survived.

Second National Bank Building

• Address: 50 E 2nd St.
• Year Built: 1871-1872
• Style: Victorian Gothic
• Original Owner: Second National Bank                         

This striking Victorian Gothic bank on a prominent corner firmly anchors the East Second Street District’s west end. It’s a two-story brick building with stone window sills. It features a raised stone foundation, canted corner entrance and symmetrical design. Six steps lead up to the main entry, a pair of carved wooden doors. All windows are accented by smooth stone sills, Gothic-shaped stone lintels, brick relief, and corbeled brick.

Third Street Commercial Historic District

The Third Street Commercial Historic District contains ninety-one buildings (65 contributing to historic designation, 26 non-contributing) and one vacant lot (non-contributing). It is located in downtown Winona. The district received National Historic Place Designation in 1998 and local HPC historic designation in 2007. Here are a few of its significant buildings. 

Choate Department Store

• Address: 50-55 E 3rd St.
• Year Built: 1881
• Style: Romanesque Revival
• Original Owner: Hannibal Choate
• Architect: A. E. Myhre

Hannibal Choate came to Winona in 1961 and began to develop a prosperous mercantile business. By 1881, when the Choate Building was erected, Mr. Choate was called the “merchant prince of southeastern Minnesota.” The exterior of this four story Romanesque Revival style building is constructed of brick and stone with terracotta panels.

Merchants National Bank

• Address: 102 E 3rd St.
• Year Built: 1912
• Style: Prairie School and Chicago School
• Original Owner: Merchants National Bank
• Architect: Purcell, Feick and Elmslie

The Merchants National Bank was meant to be dignified, functional and economical, yet its design was unusual for its time and place. In the prosperous river town where Victorian commercial blocks prevailed, the bank's cube-like geometry was arrestingly different. Stained glass, generally reserved for religious structures, is found in expansive windows. Design elements also reflect the agricultural importance of the community, with terracotta sculptures of grain on the exterior and murals of farm scenes, painted by Albert Fleury. 

Architectural historians consider it to be one of the important contributions to early twentieth century American architecture, and it has received considerable national attention and recognition.

 Schlitz Hotel

• Address: 129 W 3rd St.
• Year Built: 1892
• Style: Romanesque Revival
• Original Owner: Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company

The Schlitz Hotel was constructed by the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company of Milwaukee. It was operated as a cafe and hotel by the brewing company until about 1921, and has passed through a succession of private owners since then. It had a one million dollar rehabilitation in 1979. 

Winona Hotel

• Address: 157 W 3rd St.
• Year Built: 1889
• Style: Romanesque Revival
• Original Owner: Group of Winona businessmen
• Architect: George B. Ferry

In the late 1880’s Winona was becoming known for legitimate theatre in the Midwest. A group of Winona businessmen recognized the need for lodging out-of-town guests and sold shares to raise the $100,000 needed to build the hotel. E. K. Tarbell, who managed the neighboring Winona Opera House (razed in 1990) received a lease to manage the hotel. It closed in 1975. 

Armory

• Address: 160 Johnson St
• Year Built: 1914
• Style: Medieval Revival
• Original Owner: Joint between the State of Minnesota and the City of Winona
• Architect: Hoffman & Mosse              

The armory housed the Minnesota National Guard until the 1960s. Guard troops trained in the armory. The fortress also housed dances, car shows and community events. Today it is home to the Winona County Historical Society and it underwent an expansion with the Laird Norton Addition in 2010.

Designed to resemble a medieval fortress, the symmetrical façade is divided into five bays. The façade is dominated by a central projecting bay in the form of an "H", with a deeply recessed, arched main entrance. All window openings are small and rectangular. The ones on the first story are surmounted by square windows while second-story windows are topped with fanlight transoms. An arcaded corbel table tops the parapet wall. 

Slade Block

• Address: 101 W 3rd St.
• Year Built: 1886
• Style: Romanesque Revival
• Original Owner: A. O. Slade
• Architect: C. G. Maybury

The brick upper stories hold narrow, rectangular, transom windows with a continuous stone lintel and sill at the second floor, while the third floor has an arcade of narrow, transom, round-arch windows with stone hoods and sills. The northeast corner features a two-story tower with a zigzag frieze. This tower likely had a conical roof at one time. On the east façade, a central, two story oriel is surmounted by a brick parapet arch that reads "1886."

Post Office Block

• Address: 50-52 E 3rd St.
• Year Built: 1871
• Style: Italianate
• Original Owner: M. G. Norton, William Mitchell & H. W. Lamberton

When it was built, the government post office building was noted as one of the finest in the Midwest. The first floor was devoted to the postal service, the second floor occupied as a United States court room and accompanying offices, and the third floor was used until 1907 as a Masonic lodge. The building was built at a cost of nearly $175,000. 

E. A. Gerdtzen’s Block

• Address: 62 E 3rd St.
• Year Built: 1884
• Style: Romanesque Revival
• Architect: C. G. Maybury                     

The ground-level storefront has been heavily altered. The second story has five arcaded windows with stone-and-brick surrounds. The east bay is set off from the others by full-story brick pilasters with finials, and its arched window surround displays "GERDTZEN 1884" in relief. The building has a denticulated and bracketed iron cornice. A photograph dating from ca. 1891 and a sketch dating from ca. 1900 shows the first-story tenants to be Church and Augustin Company.

Odd Fellows Block

• Address: 78 E 3rd St.
• Year Built: 1884
• Style: Queen Anne
• Original Owner: German members of Odd Fellows
• Architect: C. G. Maybury
• Contractor/Builder: John Lohse

The Winona Odd Fellows formed their first lodge in 1856. In 1868 the German members formed their own group, the Humboldt Lodge, assisted by former lodge members. The first story was used for stores, the second story for office space, and the third story housed lodge rooms.This building was built in 1884 at the cost of $12,000.

The elaborate ornamental iron cornice has brackets and an ornamental parapet gable on the southeast corner with the words "Odd Fellows Block." The iron cornice was manufactured by local iron forger Jacob Scherffius. The east facade has three ornamental parapet gables, one of which has the words "Humboldt Lodge #24." 

Beck Building

• Address: 109 E 3rd St
• Year Built: 1886
• Style: Romanesque Revival
• Original Owner: C. C. Beck Hardware Firm

This building housed C. C. Beck Hardware, which evolved into C. A. Boeuerlen Hardware.

Located mid-block between Lafayette and Walnut Streets, this attached, three-story brick, Romanesque Revival commercial building faces north. The modernized storefront, with a central, recessed entry flanked by large display windows, is trimmed in oak. Above the denticulated oak cornice is a multi-light transom. The brick upper stories are divided into five bays by two-story brick pilasters that rise into an arcade with stone trim. The second story has paired, rectangular, transom windows and a continuous flat stone lintel; the third-story windows are also paired with a continuous flat stone lintel. Decorative features include stamped metal detailing and patterned brickwork. The iron cornice has end finials and a central, ornamental parapet gable with the words "Beck Building."

German American Bank

• Address: 129 E 3rd St.
• Year Built: 1890
• Style: Highly Ornamental Romanesque Revival
• Original Owner: German American Bank
• Architect: C. G. Maybury

Facing northeast, this attached, two-story brick, Richardsonian Romanesque commercial building is located on the corner of East Third and Walnut Streets. Designed by architect C. G. Maybury, the most prominent feature is the northeast corner, which has an entry recessed in rusticated stone arches with marble columns and a corner turret with a conical roof. Flanking the entry are two arched storefront windows set in rusticated stone arches. The north and east facades have steeply gabled parapets, an oriel, arched windows, and stone trim. A narrow square tower terminates the east façade and holds a secondary entrance. This building is highly decorative, including such ornamentation as pressed brick, terracotta panels, carved stone capitals, copper trim and finials, and fish-scale shingles on the turret roof.

Windom Park Residential Historic District

The Windom Park neighborhood homes hold strong significance in Winona’s history, and is the most recent district in Winona to have achieved National Historic Place Designation.

• District Information: 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.
• Interactive story map:  Please enjoy this interactive entrance into Windom Park neighborhood and its historical treasures. Hannah Hutchins, under the supervision of Greta Poser, M.S. GIS, created this story map of Windom Park for completion of a master’s degree in Geographic Information Science (GIS) from the Department of Resource Analysis at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. 

Notable Historic Resources Outside of Winona’s Designated Historic Districts

Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka

Address: 625 East 4th Street

• Year Built: 1895
• Style: Roman with Classic Detail
• Original Owner: St. Stanislaus Polish Catholic Church
• Architect: C. G. Maybury

St. Stanislaus Polish Catholic Church is significant for its architecture and for its long historical ties with Winona's Polish community which, by 1905, had become the largest Polish population in any Minnesota city. On November 11, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI designated the church as a Basilica—the highest, permanent designation that a church can receive. The designation is for spiritual, historical and architectural significance.            

The red pressed-brick structure rests on a stone foundation. The central structure or sanctuary is octagonal with a red tile roof which rises to 100 ft. It is surmounted by a 30-ft.-diameter drum and segmented dome which is topped with a statue of St. Stanislaus. The total height is about 172 ft. It remains a noticeable landmark in Winona today. 

Winona County Courthouse   

• Address: 171 W 3rd St.
• Year Built: 1889
• Style: Richardsonian Romanesque
• Original Owner: County of Winona
• Architect: C. G. Maybury

Architect Maybury was influenced by H.H. Richardson, who created a unique style of building now referred to as Richardsonian Romanesque. This style is known by its stonework accented with carved stone, Roman arches and asymmetrical towers. The courthouse building has been embroiled in controversy from 1956-1974 and from 2000-2003. Business leaders wanted to raze the building and modernize while many community members wanted to preserve it. The citizens’ organizing and battle to preserve it helped initiate Winona’s current Heritage Preservation Commission.

Winona Free Public Library

• Address: 151 W 5th St.
• Year Built: 1899
• Style: Classical Revival
• Original Owner: Gift to the City of Winona
• Architect: Warren Powers Laird, Edgar V. Seeler
• Contractor/Builder: A. J. Vanduesen/Henry Behrens

A gem of Winona, the library principal façades are symmetrical with projecting central bays flanked by arcaded windows. The walls are brick, faced with white Bedford stone. The north entrance steps are of Winona limestone; the columns on either side of the entrance are of Georgia Creole marble and the interior woodwork is quarter-sawn oak. The original exchange room ceiling rises 30 ft. to an inner dome of stained glass by Otto Heinigke. In 1897, William Harris Laird offered to finance construction of the library in return for the city council guaranteeing that they would forever support the library as a public institution. The interior fresco mural in the exchange room is called the "Light of Learning" and was executed in 1912 by Kenyon Cox.

J. R. Watkins Medical Company Complex

• Address: 150 Liberty St.
• Year Built: 1911 (Administration Building)
• Style: Classical Revival
• Original Owner: Watkins Products, Inc.
• Architect: George W. Maher

The Administration Building is the most distinctive structure in the complex. The building is arranged in three separate pavilions, each approximately two stories high, connected by two, four-bay office units, each a tall single story. The central rotunda pavilion is topped with a spired dome. The top of the dome is 70 ft. above street level. Overall the building is designed with simple classic proportions. The exterior is faced with smooth-cut, blue Bedford stone. Each entryway is flanked by single square columns topped by a carved stone date and monogram emblem. Filling the round-arched openings in each entryway are stained glass windows of Winona landscapes.

Winona City Hall

• Address: 207 Lafayette St.
• Year Built: 1939
• Style: Modern Movement/Art Deco
• Original Owner: City of Winona
• Architect: Boyum, Schubert and Sorensen
• Contractor/Builder: Standard Construction Company

The three-story city hall is comprised of a rectangular block on a north-south axis connecting perpendicular north and south wings, much like an "E." Winona travertine clads a central bay on the front façade and the first story on the north, east, and south sides. The stone is also used for window sills and the fluted coping that tops the two-and-one-half-foot parapet wall surrounding the flat roof. The rest of the building is sheathed with light brown, wire-cut face brick.

Winona Savings Bank (now Winona National Bank)

• Address: 204 Main St.
• Year Built: 1914-1916
• Style: Egyptian Revival
• Original Owner: Winona Savings Bank
• Architect: George W. Maher
• Contractor/Builder: Haglin-Stahr Company

The bank is a granite-faced structure executed in a variant on the Egyptian Revival style. The pylon is constructed of two granite-faced composite piers which support a monolithic granite architrave, a monolithic granite name-plate upon which is engraved "WINONA SAVINGS BANK", and a flaring cornice. Between the piers are twin granite columns measuring thirty seven feet in height and each weighing thirty-two tons. The columns are monolithic each rests on a plinth weighing five tons. The capitals of these columns and smaller columns on the second level of the flanking wings, are decorated with carved organic motifs of stylized lotus in an almost Art Nouveau manner. At the summit of each column is a small lion's head; this lion's head motif is used at intervals along the cornice line of the wings.

Grain and Lumber Exchange Building

• Address: 51 E 4th St.
• Year Built: 1900
• Style: Renaissance Revival
• Architect: Kees and Colburn
• Contractor/Builder: John Lohse

The Grain and Lumber Exchange Building is a four story brick and stone structure executed in the Renaissance Revival mode. The ground story is faced in a bush-hammered Bedford stone which is laid in such a fashion as to represent strap-work (alternating courses project from the face of the building). Similar treatment is employed in the segmental arches above ground story windows. The second and third stories are incorporated within massive Carlinville brick piers. The fourth story is most elaborate and employs most of the Renaissance Revival detail of this design. Windows are round-arched, capped with prominent hoods, and are arranged in groupings of two. Between each grouping is a roundel.

Sugarloaf

• Address: SW Junction of US 61 and 43
• Year Built: 1870
• Original Owner: John and Stephen O’Dea

Sugar Loaf is a bluff topped by a rock pinnacle overlooking the city of Winona. The bluff stands above the junction of U.S. Route 61 and State Highway 43. It towers 500 feet over Lake Winona (a former part of the Mississippi River's main channel), and the pinnacle rises more than 85 feet above the remainder of the bluff. The name "Sugar Loaf" is sometimes taken to mean the rock pinnacle--its striking feature of exposed Oneota dolomite which was created by quarrying in the 19th century.

Dr. J. W. S. Gallagher House

• Address: 451 W Broadway St.
• Year Built: 1913
• Style: Prairie School
• Original Owner: Dr. J. W. S. Gallagher
• Architect: Purcell and Elmslie

The house of dentist Dr. J. W. S. Gallagher is significant for its architecture, being an extremely well-preserved, unaltered example that is typical of the domestic work of the Prairie School firm of Purcell and Elmslie. Also typical is the window arrangement, tinted stucco, and banding. 

The Gallagher house is important not because it is an anomaly or an unusual variant in P&E's design work, but because it is such an excellent representative example of the bulk of their work. As such, it makes a fine contrast to the Merchants National Bank, also designed by Purcell and Elmslie, which is important for all the opposite reasons—in that it is pivotal, masterwork.

Winona Masonic Temple        

• Address: 225 Main St.
• Year Built: 1909
• Style: Beaux-Arts
• Original Owner: Winona Masonic Benevolent Association
• Architect: Warren Powers Laird and C.F. Osborne
• Contractor/Builder: John Lohse

The Winona Masonic Temple was designed in the Beaux-Arts tradition of the Neo-Classic style. The brick building was given prominence through the use of classical ornamentation executed in gray Bedford limestone. This treatment is particularly evident in molded lintels and semicircular pediments capping second-story windows. The large auditorium is the principal feature of the second floor; walls are decorated with stenciled designs with Masonic and Egyptian motifs. Undoubtedly, the premier element in the design of the auditorium is the fully outfitted stage for the use of the Scottish and York Rites. Original stage scenery remains, including free-standing theatrical props and 98 hand-painted scenic drops.

Generally you must get an approved certificate of appropriateness (COA) through the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) prior to the construction, demolition, alteration, removal, or relocation of any publicly or privately owned structure or site within a heritage preservation site. COAs are not required for routine maintenance.

The City of Winona Planning and Zoning Department oversees the HPC design review. Call 507-457-8250 or send an email to the Planning Department to notify staff of your project prior to submitting an application, to clarify requirements for your specific project, and to get any questions answered.

Full COA application process procedures are outlined in City Code Section 22.27

Step 1: Submit a Building Permit 

Upon building permit application submittal, staff will review the permit application and determine if the property is designated historic and whether or not a COA is needed. 

Historic projects fall into of three categories:

1. Routine Maintenance: Repair or replacement of existing features where there is no change in the design, materials or general appearance of the structure or grounds. Exempt from review.

2. Minor Work: Minimal alterations to a property’s architectural details. Requires design review from HPC Review Committee.

3. Major Work: Involves a change in appearance of a structure and is more substantial in nature than maintenance or minor work. Requires design review from the full HPC.

Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) are only required for projects classified as a minor or major activity (not necessary for routine maintenance).

Step 2: Review the Requirements

Proposed work on historical properties must be compliant with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Rehabilitation of Historic Properties. 

COA applicants are advised to review these documents prior to submittal of an application.

Step 3: Submit the Application

All application materials can be submitted to the Community Development Office in City Hall (Room 210).

• Certificate of Appropriateness Application (PDF) (see application for required supplemental documentation)

Note: There are no fees for COA applications

Step 3: Application Review

Once your application is submitted, it is reviewed by either the full Heritage Preservation Commission or a subcommittee, depending on the scope of the project (see below). The approval of any COA will be based upon findings that proposed work will be compliant with review/design criteria of Historic District Design Guidelines and Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Rehabilitation of Historic Properties. You must be present at the meeting in which your applications is reviewed.

Major Work Review Process

If project is a major work, the application is processed by the full Heritage Preservation Commission in accordance with City Code Section 22.27. 

A public hearing will be conducted, and the Heritage Preservation Commission will review and either approve or reject an application at a regularly scheduled Commission meeting. The commission usually meets the second Wednesday of the month, and your application must be submitted 19 days in advance in order to be put on the agenda for that month's meeting. 

Minor Work Review Process

For small projects, full commission approval is not required. Instead, planning staff will schedule an on-site meeting between the review committee and the applicant within 10 working days of application submission. The committee will approve or deny the application and notify the applicant in writing of the decision within 3 days of the site visit.

Appeal

In the event of a HPC committee or full commission application rejection, the HPC committee or commission shall state the reason for doing so in writing to the applicant and suggest alternate courses of action. Such decisions can be appealed to the City Council following the steps outlined in City Code Section 22.27 Such appeals must be made within 15 working days of the original decision.

Step Four: Pull Required Permits

Following a decision and any applicable appeal period, pull building, engineering, and/or other required City permits. Permits will not be issued until the Building Official received written approval from the Heritage Preservation Commission or City Council.

General Reminders

• Questions about the appeal process can be directed to the City Clerk’s office at 507-457-8200

General Winona Visitor Information

Visit Winona 

http://visitwinona.com/

Visit Winona is the official tourism organization of Winona, and is the comprehensive source of all things to do in the city.

Downtown Winona Main Street Program

https://www.winonamainstreet.com/

The Downtown Winona Main Street Program is an alliance between the Chamber and the City that aims to revitalize the downtown area. The organization holds numerous events throughout the year.

Cal Fremling: Floating Classroom and Interpretive Center

https://visitwinona.com/recreation-guides-resources/cal-fremling-boat/

The Cal Fremling is a boat on the Mississippi River that helps people get a better understanding of the Mississippi River. The vessel runs educational cruises during the summer months.

Museums

Winona County Historical Society

http://www.winonahistory.org/

The Winona County Historical Society is a nonprofit dedicated to the historical preservation of the region. Offerings include museums, art galleries, archives, exhibits, events, tours, rental facilities, virtual exhibits, a store, and more.

Polish Cultural Institute and Museum

http://polishmuseumwinona.org/

The Polish Cultural Institute is dedicated to preserving and educating visitors about the history of Polish immigrants to the region. Offerings include a museum, virtual exhibits, archives, events, a gift shop, and more.

Watkins Museum and Gift Shop 

http://visitwinona.com/directory-entry/watkins-heritage-museum/

Watkins is a manufacturer of baking goods and other household products, and has been a staple of the Winona community since 1868. The museum provides a glimpse into the company's history.

Historic Downtown Walking Tours

There are numerous walking tour brochures available that can help you explore the architecture and history of Winona. 

General History and Architecture of Downtown Winona: http://visitwinona.com/walking-tours/

Stained Glass Tour: http://visitwinona.com/things-to-do/glorious-glass-tour/

WNB Financial Tour: https://www.wnbfinancial.com/assets/files/mkZC4qDX/Tour%20booklet%208.18.pdf

Dakota Heritage

Winona Native American History: http://visitwinona.com/native-american-history/

Visit Winona provides an overview of the Native history of the area.

Winona Dakota Unity Alliance: http://www.winonadakotaunityalliance.org/

The Winona Dakota Unity alliance is an organization that aims to unite indigenous nations and the Winona community. Each year, they hold a Winona Dakota Gathering to bring people together and teach people about the Dakota heritage.

Research

These links provide helpful resources for anyone looking to do research on historical properties in Minnesota.

Guide to House and Building Research

https://libguides.mnhs.org/househistory/gs

Each building has a story. The Minnesota Historical Society Library's website provides tips and resources that can help you discover the stories behind the people, architecture, and events that make up the history of a historical property.

Minnesota History Center

http://www.minnesotahistorycenter.org/

The Minnesota History Center in Saint Paul is an award winning history museum about all things Minnesota. 

Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office

https://mn.gov/admin/shpo/

The Minnesota SHPO leads statewide historical preservation efforts and supports local initiatives. Their website provides many resources that can help guide communities in their preservation efforts.

National Register of Historic Places Research

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/database-research.htm 

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of Minnesota historic properties deemed worthy of preservation. Its database contains information and resources about over 95,000+ historical buildings.

FAQ

Doesn't this just add a layer of bureaucracy?

The Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) review process is designed to be expeditious, predictable, and integrated into the review of all construction building permits

Must I restore my house to its original condition?

No. The HPC design guidelines are passive. The property can remain as it is when designated and all materials can be replaced in-kind with similar materials. You only need a HPC Certificate of Approval (COA) to change the materials or alter the design.

Do I need permission for ordinary maintenance to my building?

No. As long as the materials and design are not changed, you do not need permission to paint, make repairs, or replace materials in-kind (replacing wood siding with the same type of wood siding, etc.). In addition, the City Manager is empowered to approve emergency repairs without prior HPC action. Work that is specifically exempt from review includes painting, interior remodeling and use of the structure.

 Can I paint my building any color I want, even purple and green?

Yes. The HPC does not regulate paint colors inside or out. However, owners who contemplate painting a building are invited to discuss appropriate color schemes (note: link Appendix A) with the HPC. Note, though, that the guidelines do not permit painting the exterior of a brick building that is now unpainted.

 Are there any tax benefits?

At present, there are only a few tax benefits. If the property is income-producing, it may qualify for a 20% federal historic preservation tax credit or a Minnesota tax credit.

 Can I alter the office space, subdivide rooms and remodel the interior without HPC review and a Certificate of Approval?

The HPC has no jurisdiction on the interior of historic properties, just the exterior.

Can I put an addition on my historic property?

Yes, you usually can. The HPC prefers additions to be located away from public view to preserve the period streetscape. The HPC encourages people to meet with them early in the design process and get feedback on the design. The addition should be compatible with your building and appropriate for your streetscape. Additions also must comply with the zoning ordinance and receive building permits.

Is there a fee for a Heritage Preservation Commission Certificate of Appropriateness

No.

Is the HPC Certificate of Appropriateness all I need?

Not always. You still must have approved building, fence, sign, electric and other permits as required by the City of Winona. 

Where can I go for assistance in developing design changes that will be appropriate for the historic district?

Historic-designated property owners who want assistance may contact the City of Winona Planning and Zoning Department or the HPC. The HPC cannot develop plans or designs, it but can offer some suggestions based on the Design Guidelines. Consultations in the early design stages are especially encouraged and can eliminate miscommunication.

Is there historical information about my building?

Probably. The Winona County Historical Society  has archives and collections on local properties and people. In addition, the Planning Department has building permit records and Winona County tax records offer a wealth of information.

What is the difference between a local historic district and listing on the National Register of Historic Places?

National register listing, while largely honorary, protects properties from any federal- or state-sponsored impact. For example, if a state highway project was planned for downtown Winona, it would require a review of its impact on the historic district and possibly call for mitigation. If the property is considered to be contributing to the district, it also qualifies for the federal preservation tax credit. A local district—approved by local ordinance—places the task of design review in the hands of the city appointed HPC.

Will inclusion in a local historic district restrict how I may use my property?

No. Historic district designations do not restrict zoning or land use. No new restrictions are placed on the use of properties in historic districts.

 What might happen to the value of my property if it is included in the historic district?

Designation of an area as a historic district will not directly affect property values. Because historic district properties have some protection and tax incentives available, owners may be more inclined to make improvements to their properties, and this may increase the value of all property in a given district. Studies have shown that property values typically increase following historic district designation.

Are all buildings in the historic districts necessarily historic?

No. The boundaries include several non-historic properties. Changes made to non-historic properties can often be done in a way that will enhance or be in keeping with the integrity of the entire district.

Can new buildings be constructed in the historic districts?

Yes. New construction and additions are subject to HPC design review to ensure that they are compatible with the surrounding district.

 Do I have any say as to whether my property is included in the local historic district?

Yes. Before the HPC designates a property, all residents and owners of property in the proposed local district—including those within 300 feet of its boundaries—have the opportunity to express their views at a public hearing before the Winona HPC. Its action must be further approved by the Planning Commission and the City Council.

If I am unhappy with a decision made by the Heritage Preservation Commission concerning my Certificate of Appropriateness application, may I appeal?

Yes. Appeals may be made to the Winona City Council, which may overturn the HPC decision by a majority vote of all the members.

Won’t historic designation just cause unnecessary hardship to property owners?

The act of designation should not cause economic hardship. The ordinance does not restrict the owner’s use of the property. The guidelines are completely passive—no owner is required to make changes to his or her property, simply to follow standards if/when a change is proposed. In fact, the owner can draw on the experience and advice of the HPC to make changes that will enhance the value of their property. Often, small adjustments are all that are necessary to conform to the design guidelines. Finally, as a last resort, owners who feel they have been unfairly penalized may typically appeal to the city council.

Couldn’t the designation just be voluntary rather than mandatory?

A voluntary ordinance is inherently weak. A city would not typically consider a voluntary zoning ordinance or building code. Through careful consideration of community values, with advice from knowledgable historians, the hPC brings a wide perspective to the question of whether a property is historically significant. Intrusive buildings, inappropriate architectural elements, and empty lots diminish a sense of place. For that reason, local historic designation offers a way for property owners to work together for the common good by following these simple design guidelines

Membership in Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) is by appointment from Winona’s mayor. The HPC is made-up of 11 residents from neighborhoods throughout the city. To be considered for a commission appointment, download the Commission Application Form (PDF) and submit it to the Winona City Clerk, 3rd Floor of City Hall, 207 Lafayette St.

HPC is an advisory commission to the City Council, the purpose of HPC is to identify, designate, protect and promote significant historic resources of the City.

Click here for a list of the current commissioners.