Heritage Preservation Commission

Applicants:

• Should have demonstrated interest and expertise in a variety of avocations, vocations, and/or fields that may be engaged in historic preservation and efforts, including, without limitation, archeology, history, architecture, architectural history, construction, law, real estate, and economic development. 
• Must be a Rochester Resident.

The term of office for each commission member shall be three years (with a maximum of two full terms).

Visit the Boards & Commission Application portal to learn more about the application process and view a list of current vacancies across Boards & Commissions

The Heritage Preservation Commission operates under the authority of Section 60.500.020D of the Unified Development Code.

• Chad Boeddeker
  • cboeddeker@thewaters.com
• Tyjuan Connell
  • successandupliftment@gmail.com
• Veena Gandhi
  • veeajmera@gmail.com
• Aleida Koestler
  • commissioner.akoestler@gmail.com
• Melissa Mutchler
  • melissamutchler@gmail.com
• Anthony Poirier - Vice Chair
  • tpoirier2@hotmail.com
• Jennifer Shabel - Secretary
  • jmshabel@gmail.com
• Ryan Tator
  • ryan.tator@gmail.com
• Valerie Wassmer - Ex-Officio from the Olmsted County History Center
  • education@olmstedhistory.com
• Benjamin Zastrow - Chair
  • commissionerzastrow@gmail.com

• Meeting Dates (subject to change): the Fourth Tuesday of the Month
• View the Meetings page for more meeting details. 
• View meeting agendas, minutes and videos.

1. Provide recommendations and consultation to the city for adoption, amendment, and administration of the heritage preservation program.
2. Prepare and maintain a comprehensive inventory of all property within the city by identifying and evaluating properties for historic significance and possible designation.
3. Ensure that there is an updated list of all buildings, structures, sites, or landmark districts that have been designated.
4. Recommend the allocation of such subsidies, tax abatement, grants, revolving loan funds, and other funds that may be provided by the city pursuant to the heritage preservation program.
5. Review proposed development and alterations for submitted permits and requests for certificates of appropriateness, involving designated properties.

The Rochester Heritage Preservation Commission was created in 2013. The Heritage Preservation Commission is responsible 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.

The Rochester Heritage Preservation Commission consists of nine voting members. Members are nominated by the Mayor and appointed by the City Council. Commission members must be persons with demonstrated interest and expertise in historic preservation and must reside within the City. The Commission shall include, if available, a member of the Olmsted County Historical Society.  Demonstrated interest and expertise may include experience and interest in a variety of vocations and fields engaged in historic preservation efforts and issues, including, without limitation, architecture, construction, law, real estate, and economic development. Members serve a staggered three-year term.

Last updated 5/19/2026.