Heritage Preservation Commission

This group of seven mayoral appointees are charges with assisting in the preservation of historic and/or architecturally significant buildings, structures and sites in the city. This group has commissioned studies to identify potentially historic building, they have conducted an oral history project and they have participated in reconstructing a significant piece of art in the community.

Current meeting agendas, as well as previous meeting agendas and minutes are available for review.

HPC Duties & Responsibilities

Safeguard tbe heritage resources of the city by preserving buildings, sites, structures, objects and districts which reflect significant aspects of Chatfield’s cultural, social, economic, political, visual and architectural history.
Protect and enhance the city’s appeal to residents, visitors and tourists.
Foster civic pride in the beauty and notable accomplishments of Chatfield’s past.
Promote the preservation, protection and continued use of historic buildings, archaeological sites, landscapes and neighborhoods for the education and general welfare of the community.
Conduct a continuing survey to identify and collect information about buildings, sites, structures, objects and districts which may be significant for their historical, cultural, architectural or archaeological values.
Develop and implement a comprehensive heritage preservation plan for the city.
Maintain an inventory of buildings, sites, structures, objects and districts within the city limits which have been determined historically significant and worthy of preservation.
Nominate significant heritage resources for designation as Chatfield Heritage Landmarks.
Serve as a resource and advisor to the owners of heritage preservation resources.
Preserve the records of city planning and development for deposit in the archives of the Chatfield Historical Society.
Submit an annual report to the State Historic Preservation Officer summarizing the activities and accomplishments of the city preservation program.

Accomplishments 2008-2022

2022

Held a joint meeting with the Mayor and City Council to the discuss feasibility of creating a doowntown façade renovation grants program
Initial planning phase of heritage tourism initiative
Completed design review phase of Chatfield Center for the Arts renovation

2021

Downtown interpretive signs project completed
Preservation Award given to St. Mary’s Catholic Church
HPC field trip to the historic Lovell House (Oakwnwald Terrace), including inspection of the Haven Wall site
Held a joint meeting with the Mayor and City Council to discuss commission goals and objectives
Participated in a strategic planning workshop for city officials
Worked with Chatfield Alliance to produce a new community guide and self-guided tour

2020

Held a joint meeting with the City Council and staff to discuss the mission and long-range goals of the city’s preservation program
Preservation Award given to Fred and Deborah Gerlach in recognition of their donation of the Haven Wall to the city for public use
Certified Local Government grant awarded to the city to complete the downtown interpretive sign project
Completed work on restoration of the basement windows in Potter Auditorium (project funded by a grant from the Schmidt Foundation)
Renovation of the Chatfield Public Library entrance
Phase II of the Chatfield Center for the Arts renovation and modernization project begins (financed with $8.3 million in state bonding)

2019

Preservation Award given to Rocky & Melissa Burnett
Worked with library board and staff to design entrance renovations
Met with MnDOT staff to discuss plans for replacement of Highway 30 bridge
Contributed to state historic preservation 2020-2030 plan

2018

Preservation Award given to Marion Lund
Met with township officials to discuss preservation of the historic Elmira Town Hall
Worked with State Historic Preservation Office staff to review documentation on 5 Chatfield properties currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places
$11,000 CLG grant received to design 8 outdoor interpretive signs to be installed in the downtown area
HPC by-laws revised
Revised and updated the heritage resource inventory
Haven Wall reports

2017

Developed heritage resource interpretation plan
Preservation Award given to Angie Bicknese & Brayanna Berry
Provided input for EDA tourism brochure
Adopted public education goals and priorities
Main Street façade improvement grant project completed ($28,000 in EDA funds leveraged to finance 7 façade renovation projects worth $40,000+)

2016

Awarded $6000 CLG grant to complete design of 8 downtown historic interpretation signs
Preservation Award given to Steve Harmon
Celebrated centennial of Chatfield High School building
Reviewed MnDOT plans for renovation of Highway 52 wayside and monument
Study of historical and cultural values of the Haven Wall
Provided technical assistance to owners of historic Lovell House (Oakenwald Terrace) re: restoration of stone walls

2015

Adopted updated heritage preservation plan (part of city comp plan)
Preservation Award given to Mike Elder
HPC review of landscaping project at Chatfield Public Library
14 Certificates of Appropriateness approved for CCA Phase I work
HPC sponsored public tours of Chatfield Center for the Arts
Revised and updated official city inventory of buildings, sites, structures and districts eligible for landmark designation
HPC awarded $6000 grant from the Schmidt Foundation to finance restoration of historic wooden windows in the lower level of Potter Auditorium

2014

Preservation Award given to Tony & Melissa Klema
HPC brainstorming re: revitalization of Main Street commercial area
Initial discussions with MnDOT on rehabilitating Highway 52 monument
Study of city park/town square historic preservation values
Chatfield Center for the Arts Phase I renovation
HPC walking tour of Main Street district
Prioritization of Main Street façade improvement needs
HPC review of CCA Phase I plans and specifications to determine compliance with preservation standards

2013

Preservation education/training workshops for Planning Commission and EDA
Main Street commercial historic district inspection tour
“Legacies of the New Deal” symposium at CCA
HPC workshop on marketing historic buildings for redevelopment
Interviews with property owners to determine support for creation of a Main Street commercial historic district

2012

Chatfield Center for the Arts designated a Chatfield Heritage Landmark
Preservation Award given to Todd & Brenda Johnson

2011

Preservation Award given to Sherry & Rick Allen
Demolition of 1954 building at CCA (architectural recordation & monitoring)
HPC and volunteers paint Potter Auditorium lobby, stairway, board room
Issued findings of heritage landmark eligibility for 34 historic homes

2010

Chatfield Center for the Arts $5 million state bonding request
Awarded a $5000 CLG grant for a study of 300+ historic houses
EDA applied for and received a Legacy grant to prepare as-built drawings of CCA 1916 building
Awarded (but later declined) $3000 Legacy grant to prepare a National Register nomination for the Chatfield Center for the Arts
Pathfinder CRM prepared predesign plans for CCA
First Preservation Month poster (“Old is the New Green”)
Preservation Award given to John & Dawn Cole
Chatfield Center for the Arts preservation plan adopted
Public tours of the Chatfield Center for the Arts during Western Days
HPC open house at Potter Auditorium
HPC represented on CCA Advisory Committee