Evaluating eligibility for local landmark designation provides clarity for review and decisions.

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CHALLENGE

The Red Owl Grocery Store and Time Theater, located on a single parcel in Rochester, Minnesota, were constructed in the 1930s. By 2021, the vacant buildings were included on the City of Rochester’s list of potential local landmarks. The buildings were owned by the City of Rochester, which was considering options for redevelopment of the site. Previous local landmark studies had been prepared for the properties, but the studies did not provide enough information to determine if either building had historic significance or retained enough historic integrity for local landmark designation.

SUCCESS

New History completed additional research and evaluation to assess the buildings’ eligibility for local landmark designation, including significance and integrity. New History provided designation studies for each building with clear recommendations on eligibility. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) reviewed and agreed with the findings of the report. The studies allowed the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) and City to make an informed decision on landmark designation and future redevelopment.