Minnesota’s historic tax credits help revitalize defunct commercial buildings to spur economic growth.

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CHALLENGE

In 1870, the commercial building at 102 Walnut was one of the most prominent structures in downtown Winona. Over the next 100 years, it housed numerous businesses – from candy manufacturing to meat markets. The building’s location and proportions made it ideal to support a variety of businesses essential to downtown Winona. But, through its ongoing use, the historic features had substantially evolved and changed to meet current tenant needs; rather than one single business, 102 Walnut tells the story of economic growth in Winona. The complex story makes it challenging for historic tax credit certification, which requires that historic character and materials be identified and retained.

SUCCESS

New History worked with the ownership and design team to understand the complex history of the building and surrounding district. The building had so dramatically changed over time that early photos looked nothing like the current building. Historical research and design collaboration were needed to successfully certify the project for Minnesota state and federal historic tax credits. New History deciphered the historic features and materials in order to highlight the building’s historic character in the reuse.