Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Date: March 4, 2026
To: Members of the Heritage Preservation Commission
From: Mathias Hughey, Associate City Planner
Title
Certificate of Appropriateness for Façade Restoration at 408 Division St. S. - The Scriver Building.
Body
Action Requested:
The Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) is asked to review and approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for rehabilitating portions of the façade at 408 Division St. S. - the Scriver Building.
Summary Report:
The applicant, The Northfield Historical Society, is seeking approval to rehabilitate portions of the façade of the Scriver Building, located at 408 Division St. S. A detailed narrative of the scope of work is attached. The entire project includes interior and exterior rehabilitation work, site work, and restoring portions of the façade to the original limestone.
The Land Development Code exempts interior work from the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) requirement. The following elements of the project are the subject of this COA:
1. Site work:
a. Added curb at the top of the exterior basement access stairs
b. Replacement of the wooden exterior stairs with a metal staircase
2. Exterior limestone masonry
a. Removal of brick veneer and stucco
b. Repair of limestone
3. Exterior windows and doors
a. Original second floor window openings - restored
b. New windows installed
c. New exterior wood door
4. Cornice and Sheet Metal Elements
a. Reinstall missing portions of the cornice
b. Repair and repaint capitals
Of the seven criteria to be considered by the HPC, the required finding is met, two are not applicable, and other four are met. Attached is a draft resolution for the HPC to review with the analysis of the criteria. HPC members can contact staff in advance to make edits if there are any proposed changes.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness for restoring portions of the façade at 408 Division St. S.
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
Approval of the project is consistent with the City’s plans. The Comprehensive Plan identifies the following strategies that would be advanced by this project:
Access:
Strategy 2: Develop in a compact, sustainable, and fiscally responsible pattern
Strategy 6: Design for resiliency and sustainability
Sustainable economic future:
Strategy 1: Strengthen Northfield’s Downtown Core
Strategy 8: Build more housing
Resilient Infrastructure:
Strategy 5: Reduce solid waste through diversion, recycling, and reuse
Alternative Options:
The HPC could approve the COA with conditions or deny the COA. Both options require modifying the resolution to provide justification and findings.
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
N/A