Knowledge Base

May 29, 2025 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – The City of Rochester celebrates the people who work to preserve our city’s history during Preservation Month. Historic place-savers pour their time, energy, and resources into protecting places they care about. This year’s Preservation Month theme is “Harnessing The Power of Place” to celebrate the countless ways, big and small, that preservation creates community, connection and a sense of belonging.

Over the past year, preservation projects “Harnessing The Power of Place,” include landmark designation and funding assistance to owners. The City and Destination Medical Center (DMC) launched a new incentive program in July 2024 to support historic rehabilitation projects in the Downtown Historic District. To date, six properties have received a combined total of $1,120,871 in approved funding, with private property owners contributing $549,288 in matching funds. Reflecting the growing commitment to preservation at the neighborhood level, a grassroots effort by residents also led to the successful designation of the Pill Hill Historic Neighborhood.

City Administrator Alison Zelms shares, “Preservation isn’t just about saving buildings; it’s about honoring the stories, people and communities that give those places meaning. Thank you to everyone in our community who dedicates time and energy towards preserving and celebrating Rochester’s history.”

The Rochester Heritage Preservation Commission was created in 2013. The Heritage Preservation Commission is charged with the responsibility for facilitating the preservation of Rochester’s heritage. The purposes of the Commission are to:

• Safeguard the heritage of the City by encouraging the preservation of properties that reflect elements of the city’s cultural, social, economic, political, visual, or architectural history;
• Enhance the City’s appeal and attraction to residents, visitors, and tourists while promoting its economic viability through the protection and promotion of its unique character as related to its history and heritage;
• Enhance the visual and aesthetic character, diversity, and interest in the City through attention to historic properties;
• Foster civic pride in the beauty and notable accomplishments of the past;
• Promote the preservation and continued use of historic properties for the education and general welfare of the people of the City;
• Promote the environmental benefits of adapting and reusing buildings; and
• Provide educational opportunities for heritage preservation, act in an advisory capacity to its citizens, and reflect the history of the many groups that make up the City’s rich heritage.

On Friday, May 30, the City Hall dome lights will be lit maroon in recognition of Preservation Month.