Rochester City Council — Transcript
Monday, August 17, 2026
Proposed Student Housing and Historic Preservation
Willow Creek Bike Project Feasibility Study
Arts and Culture Economic Impact Study
Sustainability Pilot Programs Funding
Votes (1)
Appeal of the Historic Preservation Committee's denial of certificate of appropriateness for 311 Broadway addition renovation (G1)
Dissent: Overwhelming public opposition was voiced by more than 20 speakers, who urged the City Council to uphold the Historic Preservation Commission's denial.
The staff introduced the item as a quasi-judicial appeal of the Historic Preservation Commission's (HPC) 6-2 denial of the certificate, citing non-compliance with rehabilitation standards 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, and 10. The applicant, Bob Heis representing GH2, argued the HPC's denial lacked factual support. He detailed substantial modifications to the proposal, including a reduction from 11 to 7 stories, preservation of 309 Broadway's facade, and new setbacks, claiming these changes were made in collaboration with the city's development team and align with all relevant standards. He emphasized the economic unsustainability of the current vacant spaces and the significant $23 million investment, asserting that denying the appeal would send a negative message to future developers. A lengthy public hearing followed, with over 20 speakers uniformly opposing the appeal. Public comments highlighted the cultural, artistic, and community value of the businesses (Treeome, Cafe Steam, Art Heads Emporium) located in the historic Broadway district. Speakers passionately argued for upholding the HPC's decision to preserve Rochester's history and character, warned against setting a precedent for altering historic properties, and expressed concern over the displacement of businesses and the impact on youth and diverse communities. Many cited the recent closure of Thesis Beer Project as an example of development negatively impacting local culture and questioned the developer's motives and the city's priorities.
Notable Quotes (5)
What this appeal is about is that HPC denied the request for appropriateness and did so without any factual support, any substantive factual findings.
When it comes to preserving Rochester's history, it is important that we not only consider the economic implications of such preservations, but the character of the city and the meaning it has not only to everyday citizens, but those who currently occupy the buildings.
If a developer does everything that they're asked in working with the city, goes to meetings, makes changes, makes revisions, complies with everything that the city wants, and then is told by the HPC, we reject your project because it affects old buildings, it sends a message to development that development in downtown Rochester is not wanted.
The federal secretary of interior standard for historic properties found in 36 CFR part 68 emphasizes preserving historic materials and features, minimizing changes to historic buildings, and avoiding alterations that destroy the character and make history property significant.
These places, Treeome, Cafe Steam, Art Heads Emporium, are run by passionate, creative people who have been providing spaces for people like me to explore um my passions and my creativity and express the thing that makes me different.
Ordinances & Resolutions (13)
Study for a proposed bike path project.
Specific route alternative within the Willow Creek Bike Project, opposed by public speakers.
Permit required for alterations to historic properties, subject of the G1 appeal.
Criteria cited by the Heritage Preservation Commission for denying the G1 proposal.
Guidelines used in conjunction with rehabilitation standards for reviewing certificates of appropriateness.
National standards for historic preservation, referenced by staff, applicant, and public speakers in the G1 appeal.
City regulations and codes mentioned by the applicant as being complied with by the modified G1 proposal.
Initiative mentioned in support of funding an economic impact study.
Complementary study to the proposed arts and culture economic impact study, through the Minnesota Tourism Center.
Proposed programs aimed at community-focused sustainability initiatives.
City budget priorities including 'responsible environmental stewardship,' cited in support of sustainability programs.
Online survey seeking public feedback on a park expansion project.
Documentary about New York City's response to 9/11 using community engagement, to be shown by the Mayor's office.