What it Means to Live in a St. Paul HPC Neighborhood
The Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) protects the city of St. Paul’s historical resources. This important entity began in 1976 and is an advisory body to the city’s mayor and City Council on heritage preservation matters.
There are 13 historic districts in St. Paul, and if you own a historic home in one of them, it is important to go through the HPC for approval before obtaining a permit in order to renovate anything on your home’s exterior.
Read on to discover more about how the HPC helps preserve St. Paul landmarks and houses, what it means to homeowners and the community, and how to navigate updating your historic property.
The HPC Preserves Our Historic St. Paul Landmarks, Neighborhoods, and Homes
How Urban Renewal and Modernization Impacted Historic Buildings and Spawned the Inception of the St. Paul Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC)
The significant loss of neighborhoods for the building of Interstate 94, the demolition of the ornate historic Ryan Hotel in 1962 (which was replaced by a parking lot and later an insurance office building), and the near loss of the Federal Courts Building (Landmark Center) in 1972 caused St. Paul homeowners and politicians to recognize the need to protect historic sites.
In 1974, the city created a historic preservation ordinance which led to the establishment of the St. Paul Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC). The HPC is made up of 13 people; one member is a representative of the Ramsey County Historical Society, and three are registered architects. The HPC works with property owners, ensuring the rich history of our diverse city can be enjoyed for years to come.
Beloved Landmarks the HPC Helped Preserve
What defines St. Paul’s history needs to respectfully be preserved to maintain the integrity of our past for future generations to enjoy. Places we take for granted today were fought for in the past to ensure we could enjoy their historical relevance and beauty.
It means a lot to homeowners to be able to feast on the appearance of the historical architecture within St. Paul’s borders and share it with the generations so they, too, can embrace the city’s rich heritage and culture. Union Depot, Landmark Center, The Cathedral of Saint Paul, Rice Park, Summit Avenue, and the Ramsey County Courthouse are just a few of the historically rich masterpieces enjoyed by St. Paul residents and visitors alike.
The city of St. Paul is part of the National Historic Preservation Program, and the city’s HPC designates and protects historic properties.
What It Means to Own a Historic HPC Home
Whether your historic home is in Irvine Park or another area, HPC deems it vital to maintain your home’s integrity, particularly when renovations are needed to preserve its beauty and function. Your St. Paul area house may be an architectural masterpiece, and an authentic example of a Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, French Second Empire, Italianate, Queen Anne, or Romanesque Revival property.
Your home provides a visible link with the past and a framework for understanding St. Paul’s history. It tells us something about where we came from and who we are. It is important for St. Paul residents, and helps them discover the city’s roots, build a sense of community, and create stronger neighborhoods.
What Criteria Determines Whether a Building or House is Worthy of Historic Designation?
In St. Paul, historically protected sites can be a sole building or an entire district or neighborhood, such as Summit Ave. When an area in St. Paul has been designated an historical district all residential, commercial and community buildings are included.
- The property embodies elements of architectural or engineering design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship which represents a significant architectural or engineering innovation.
- The character of the home or building is part of the heritage of the city of St. Paul, state of Minnesota, or the United States.
- The location of the building is the site of a significant historic event.
- The house is identifiable with a person who significantly contributed to the culture and development of St. Paul.
- A distinguishing characteristic of architecture is exhibited in the building.
- The property is identifiable as the work of an architect, engineer, or master builder whose individual work has influenced the development of St. Paul.
- The unique location or the building’s physical characteristics are established and familiar in the neighborhood or community of the city of St. Paul.
Finding the Right Contractor for Your Historic Property
When Your Historic Home Needs Renovation
Every building within a historic district is protected under the St. Paul’s HPC. If you want to make exterior alterations to your house you need to obtain HPC approval before beginning the work. Once the proposal is reviewed by the HPC and found to be consistent with the character of the district, you will be issued approval to proceed with the work.
The goal of the HPC is not to prevent change but to guide it. Alterations can be made, but they must be compatible with the historic character of the district.
While a lot of contractors do not like jumping through the necessary hoops, Beissel Window & Siding has decades of experience as historic home specialists, and we are ready to help you make the necessary upgrades to your house—fully aligned with the HPC.
Update Your Historic St. Paul Area Home with Confidence
Many homeowners feel overwhelmed when they have to update their historic house due to all the rules and requirements. At Beissel Window & Siding, we are historic home specialists.
- We have plenty of experience getting approvals through the St. Paul and Minneapolis Historic Preservation Commissions, so we can move forward with your project while preserving the integrity of your historic property.
- We use Marvin windows that meet the Historic Preservation Commission’s requirements, and we are very familiar with working with the HPC.
- Our 70-year relationship with local Minnesota window and door manufacturer, Mon-Ray, Inc., is key when your historic house needs new storm windows and doors.
Get a free consultation and learn how we make updating your historic house a stress-free process while staying in line with the HPC’s requirements.
