Red Wing Heritage Preservation

Red Wing is known for its historic architecture and landmarks, and the Red Wing Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) recognizes individuals, institutions, and businesses who go out of their way to preserve Red Wing’s history while still moving the community forward.

In May, which is Preservation Month, the HPC celebrated five exemplary local historic preservation projects and the people and entities behind them with it’s Awards of Merit.

The St. James Hotel recently finished a historically appropriate reconstruction of two storefronts on the 400 block of Main Street, as well as an upper-level window replacement project on the historic St. James Hotel building.

The main hotel’s canopy was also replaced with a metal canopy resembling one that previously existed there.

The Red Wing Shoe Company completed a historically appropriate upper-level and non-storefront window replacement project at Riverfront Center, a collection of historic buildings that have been the company's corporate home since the late 1980s.

In total, 138 windows were installed during this multi-year project.

The Red Wing Development Corporation’s restoration of the Bank Building brought new life and purpose to a downtown landmark property.

The former home of Goodhue County National Bank and Associated Bank, the property has been completely renovated into condos, apartments, and commercial space. Now, through its multiple uses, this property supports downtown housing, business activity, and downtown’s long-term economic vitality.

As an Eagle Scout project, Bennett Thomas led efforts to restore and beautify the site of the Goodhue County Poor Farm Cemetery. Supported by multiple donors, Thomas’ restoration project included grinding tree stumps; removing, replacing, and restoring flower planters; upgrading the HPC’s informational sign at the property; and adding benches and a flagpole with a plaque dedicated to those buried there.

Red Wing Downtown Main Street (DTMS) supported nine projects within the historic downtown district by securing $750,000 in grant funds from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

The grant program supported the repair, renovation, and redevelopment of historic properties, supporting preservation, redevelopment, and building improvements that might not have moved forward otherwise.

Through its stewardship of the grant funding, DTMS leveraged approximately $9 million in total project investment, increasing the downtown tax base by roughly $3.3 million and impacting 76 jobs.