HPC Meeting Date: August 6, 2025
To: Members of the Heritage Preservation Commission
From: Mathias Hughey, Associate City Planner
Title
Staff Updates.
Body
Action Requested:
Staff provide updates to the Heritage Preservation Commission.
Summary Report:
Approved Sign Permits
- Loon Liquors - 115 5th St. W (outside district)
- Northfield Arts Guild Studios - 411 Water St. S (outside district)
Approved Minor COA’s
- Window Rehabilitation at Lyceum Building - 109 4th St. E.
City Council Information
- The upcoming agenda items list is attached for reference.
Planning Applications & Related Updates
- 14 Northfield Businesses received $750,000 in state grant funds to reinvest in downtown buildings. See attached.
- City Council has adopted the 2045 Comprehensive Plan. A hyperlink to the PDF is attached.
- City Council adopted an updated Strategic Plan. See the attached 1-pager.
- See hyperlink on the City’s Construction & Development Map.
- Central Park is identified in the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan to have the playground updated. Staff is hoping to involve the HPC early in the process and will keep the commissioners updated on opportunities to comment.
o Staff have begun meeting with stakeholders regarding updates to the playground area
- No new updates for The Archer House site plan application. The development team plans to begin construction on the site this year.
- Loon Liquor’s construction project in the former Northfield News building is underway.
o Planning to open prior to Defeat Days
- Staff and the project team are completing due diligence with the proposer on the 5th and Washington project to develop a financially feasible and responsible proforma prior to committing more time or funds. The HPC will review and comment on any final proposal for the site.
- Staff continue to work with Post Consumer Brands on the Ames Mill Dam. The dam is part of our Downtown Historic District, so a certificate of appropriateness will be required for any work on the dam. Staff will update the HPC on any progress related to the project.
- Hwy 19 Reconstruction Section 106 Review - the HPC was invited to be a consulting party, a survey has identified no impacted historic properties. Attachments include original invitation letter, the findings letter, and a guide to 106 review.
Training Opportunities
- The annual PreserveMN Conference is scheduled for September 10-12 in New Ulm, see attached hyperlink. Grant funding is available to cover attendance by HPC members.
- The National Alliance for Preservation Commissions has webinars related to historic preservation. The city is a member and can share webinar links if there is interest.
Events
- See hyperlink to other city meetings and community events.
Alternative Options:
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Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timeline:
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