Historic Preservation Manual

Home / Historic Preservation Manual, City of St. Cloud, Minnesota

Client

City of St. Cloud, Minnesota

Location

St. Cloud, Minnesota

Overview

"St. Cloud's design guidelines will serve as an excellent educational and planning tool for members of the Heritage Preservation Commission as well as the property owners and design professionals who are considering making changes to properties located within the districts."

- Michael Koop, SHPO Preservation Specialist

Solutions

Community & Area Planning

Sectors

Municipal

The City of St. Cloud is home to more than 4,500 historic structures, four residential historic districts, and the St. Cloud Commercial Historic District—listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998 and locally designated in 2002. To protect and enhance these assets, the city developed the Downtown and Residential Preservation Design Manuals (2003 and 2005) and partnered with Bolton & Menk to release the 2024 Historic Preservation Manual.

This updated manual supports economic development and housing demand while preserving St. Cloud’s unique character. It offers best practices for improving historic buildings and provides city staff with clear, objective criteria for evaluating applications. Bolton & Menk prioritized clarity by using plain language, a glossary, illustrative sketches, and color-coded keys to highlight appropriate solutions. It also recommends energy-efficient replacement materials and technologies.

Residents and business owners found the new format easier to understand and appreciated the inclusion of cost-friendly materials, which may encourage more property restorations.