City heritage board approves two historic property certificates
Minneapolis's Heritage Preservation Commission approved two certificates allowing alterations to historic properties on January 14, though two commissioners abstained due to conflicts of interest. The approvals came as the city implements a new historic preservation ordinance that took effect January 1.
The commission voted to approve Certificates of Appropriateness for properties at 728 3rd Street North in Ward 3 and 1431 19th Street West in Ward 6. These certificates allow property owners to make alterations to historic buildings. Commissioner Alexander abstained from voting on the first property, and Commissioner Curado abstained from the second, each citing conflicts of interest. The motion passed with these abstentions.
The approvals highlight how the city is managing a transition to new rules. A new historic preservation ordinance became effective January 1, 2026. According to staff, applications that were submitted and completed before December 31, 2025, are being reviewed under the old code, while new applications will follow the updated regulations. A full transition to the new system is expected around February.
Beyond the votes, the commission addressed several other matters. Commissioner Kelly Messen volunteered to serve another term on the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board, with staff facilitating the re-appointment process through City Council—a change from previous years that now requires official council action. The commission also announced officer elections scheduled for January 27, when commissioners will elect a chair, vice chair, and secretary.
Staff also updated the commission on an African-American Context Study, funded by a National Park Service grant for underrepresented communities. Contracts have been awarded to nominate three historic sites for the National Register: the Harry Davis Senior House, the Minnesota Spokesman Recorder building, and the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center. Additionally, an appeal was filed challenging conditions of approval for an unpermitted siding replacement at 2011 Franklin Avenue East, originally heard in December. That appeal is scheduled for a hearing on January 27.
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Full analysis
Votes (1)
Approval of Consent Agenda Items 4 & 5 (Certificates of Appropriateness)
Dissent: Commissioner Alexander (abstained on Item 4), Commissioner Curado (abstained on Item 5)
Moved by Commissioner Melbam [1:15:23] · Seconded by Commissioner Wallace [1:15:31]
The commission considered and approved two Certificates of Appropriateness for properties at 728 3rd Street North and 1431 19th Street West. During the motion, Commissioner Alexander declared a conflict of interest on Item 4, and Commissioner Curado declared a conflict of interest on Item 5, both abstaining from the vote on their respective items.
Notable Quotes (3)
This application is for a certificate of appropriateness and will be on consent unless someone wants to speak in opposition to or modify the staff recommendation.
Uh, thank you, Chair Bianberg. Uh, I do have a conflict of interest on item number five, and I'll be accusing myself.
our new ordinance is in effect. It went into effect January 1st. Um but how we have treated applications is that applications received and that were complete up until December 31st are treated under the old code.
Ordinances & Resolutions (5)
Permit type for alterations to historic properties, two applications were on the consent agenda.
Multiple Property Documentation Form, being prepared by the 106 group as part of the African-American Context Study.
Specific nominations for Harry Davis Senior House, Minnesota Spokesman Recorder, and Phyllis Wheatley Community Center as part of the African-American Context Study.
A new historic preservation ordinance that went into effect on January 1st, 2026, with transitional review policies.
A grant from the National Park Service funding the African-American Context Study.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board Appointment
HPC Officer Elections
African-American Context Study Update
Appeal of 2011 Franklin Avenue East Decision
New Historic Preservation Ordinance Implementation
Commissioner Appointment Status
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