Historic Preservation on Rochester Today

Significant tax credits and other incentives are available to restore and renovate historic buildings in Rochester.

That was the message representatives of the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota brought to KROC-AM Monday morning during the "Rochester Today" show with Andy Brownell.

Will O'Keefe is on staff with the alliance, while Jane Bisel is a Rochester resident who volunteers for the organization and serves on its board of directors. They will be holding an event at the Rochester Public Library the evening of May 29th to provide information about the Preservation Alliance and the resources that are available to property owners with plans to restore and reuse historic properties.

The discussion was especially timely with the impending demise of the Chardonnay House along 2nd street southwest. The owner of the property has obtained a demolition permit, but has also expressed a willingness to entertain offers to purchase the house from parties interested in preserving it, and has offered to give the structure away if it's moved off the property.

A Facebook page has been set up by local residents hoping to save the Chardonnay House from the wrecking ball, but so far no one has stepped forward with a concrete plan.

The owner of the historic Saint Mary's barn in southwest Rochester called during the program to talk about his efforts to restore the historic structure. Nels Pierson is working with the Preservation Alliance in hopes finding a new use that meets the stringent zoning regulations for that area.

Click the play button below to hear the show.