|
|
Information Summary on the Historic Preservation of Little Falls, MN
Minnesota Historical Society (MHS)
The Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) was founded in 1849. It is Minnesota’s oldest institution and one of the largest state historical societies in the country. The society receives approximately 70 percent of its annual support from the State of Minnesota, earned income and contributions from corporations, foundations and individuals provide the remaining 30 percent. The Minnesota Historical Society connects people with history to help them gain perspective on their lives. The Society preserves the evidence of the past and tells the stories of Minnesota's people.
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 provided for a network of historic preservation offices in every state to spearhead state preservation initiatives and help carry out the nation's historic preservation program. Minnesota's State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) was created by state statute in 1969 to provide statewide leadership. The director of the Minnesota Historical Society serves as State Historic Preservation Officer. Located in the Society's Historic Preservation, Field Services and Grants Department, the SHPO fulfills its mission to preserve and
promote Minnesota history by working to: Identify, evaluate, register and protect Minnesota's historic and archaeological properties, encourage the development of local history organizations and activities, and assist government agencies in carrying out their historic preservation responsibilities.
Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC)
On May 18th, 1992 the City Council of the City of Little Falls declared in the manner of public policy the need to preserve, protect, perpetuate and use designated areas, places, buildings, structures, lands, districts, and other objects that have a special historical, cultural, or aesthetic interest or value. A City Ordinance was approved to establish the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC). One purpose of this Ordinance is to encourage the sensitive rehabilitation, restoration, stabilization and/or preservation of historic buildings throughout the City. The HPC can: Conduct historic resource surveys, recommend local designation of historic properties, develop and enforce design guidelines for locally designated historic properties and undertake preservation education in the community.
Certified Local Government (CLG) Program
A city, county or township with a qualifying heritage preservation ordinance and commission (HPC) may become a Certified Local Government (CLG) by applying to the SHPO. This local-state-federal partnership encourages the integration of historic preservation into local government policy. The CLG status of Little Falls was approved by the Minnesota Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) on October 21, 1992. CLG status enables the local government to apply for federal matching grants to preserve historic properties. The SHPO will review the annual reports submitted by certified local governments, records of the administration of funds allocated from the Historic Preservation Fund, and other documents as necessary, to assure that each government is fulfilling the required standards. Other review and monitoring may be conducted as necessary.
Local Heritage Preservation Landmarks and Districts
Specific areas of Little Falls were made eligible for designation as Heritage Preservation Landmarks or Districts. Upon final approval and designation of these areas, guidelines were created specific to the land mark or district. The guidelines detail architectural and/or site modifications, essential features to be retained, and any other criteria by which future proposals for modifications shall be judged by the Heritage Preservation Commission. These guidelines are intended to provide assurance to owners of properties within the Heritage Preservation Landmarks or Districts that any permit review process will be based on clear and objective standards rather than taste of individual Commission members and shall be in conformance with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards of Historic Preservation Projects.
Prior to the Heritage Preservation Commission recommending to the City Council that a landmark or district be designated for heritage preservation, the Commission holds a public hearing to seek the recommendation of all concerned citizens. After reports and comments are made and are reviewed by the State Historic Preservation Officer, the City Council by ordinance designates the specific Heritage Preservation Landmark or District. All properties in the Heritage Preservation Landmarks or Districts are recorded with the Morrison County Recorder as designated landmarks or properties in specified districts.
Heritage Preservation Commission’s Loan/Grant Criteria
As part of the mission to preserve, protect and perpetuate the historic, cultural and aesthetic interests and values of the City, a low interest loan/grant fund has been established to safeguard and enhance the sites and structures within these areas. In order to equitable administer these loan/grant funds, from limited financial resources the City has established a low interest loan/grant policy. Information on the policy can be obtained from City Hall.
