What is the Heritage Preservation Commission?
Established in 1976, the Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) is a 13-member citizen volunteer board appointed by the mayor. The HPC is responsible for safeguarding the city's historic resources. Its primary duties include evaluating the architectural and historical significance of buildings and districts, recommending properties for local historic designation, and reviewing proposed changes to designated sites to ensure their preservation.
How many historic properties are there in St. Paul?
Saint Paul has more than 75 individually designated historic properties and 9 locally designated historic districts. These include a wide range of property types and architectural styles, such as residences, churches, warehouses, offices, commercial buildings, and parks.
What are the criteria for historic designation?
The HPC considers the following criteria in determining whether an individual building or district is worthy of historic designation in Saint Paul:
- The properties’ character, interest or value is part of the heritage or cultural characteristics of the city of Saint Paul, State of Minnesota, or the United States.
- The properties’ location is the site of a significant historic event.
- The properties are identifiable with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture and development of the City of Saint Paul.
- The properties exhibit a distinguishing characteristic of an architectural or engineering specimen.
- The properties are identifiable as the work of an architect, engineer, or master builder whose individual work has influenced the development of Saint Paul.
- The properties embody elements of architectural or engineering design, detail, materials or craftsmanship which represents a significant architectural or engineering innovation.
- The properties’ unique location or physical characteristic is established and familiar in the neighborhoods or communities of the City of Saint Paul.
My building is part of a local historic district. What does this mean?
Local historic district designation is a way to recognize and protect areas of special historical and architectural significance. When your building is part of a designated district, it is considered an important contributor to Saint Paul’s heritage. The designation helps ensure that any changes are appropriate and do not compromise the district’s character.
Do I need the Heritage Preservation Commission’s approval to make changes?
Yes. All properties within a local historic district are subject to the City of Saint Paul’s Heritage Preservation Ordinance. If you plan to make exterior changes that require a city permit, you must first obtain approval from the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) before starting any work.
Does historic district designation prevent alterations and new construction?
No. Designation does not prohibit change—it guides it. Property owners could alter buildings, demolish structures, or construct new ones. However, the HPC must review and approve proposed work to ensure it is compatible with the historic character of the district.
Why does the HPC review new construction on vacant lots?
The HPC evaluates new construction proposals within historic districts to ensure that new buildings are in harmony with the scale, materials, and character of the surrounding historic environment. This review helps maintain the district’s overall integrity and visual coherence.
Can the HPC make me restore my building to the way it looked when built?
No. The HPC does not have the authority to require restoration of a building to its original state. It only reviews proposed exterior alterations. For instance, if a modern entrance existed at the time of designation, the HPC cannot mandate the entrance return to the original design. However, if you propose significant changes to that entrance, those changes would be reviewed for compatibility with the building’s historic character.
