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.

• Veena Gandhi
  • veeajmera@gmail.com
• Andrew Knauff
  • andyknauff@gmail.com
• Aleida Koestler
  • commissioner.akoestler@gmail.com
• Melissa Mutchler
  • melissamutchler@gmail.com
• Tim Nela
  • tim.nela@icloud.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.
• HPC Rules of Procedure

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.

Target Audience: Individuals or groups.

Focus: Advocacy, public awareness, and education.

Examples may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Community Impact: Evidence that the nominee's work directly increased public awareness or helped save a specific local historic site or from neglect or demolition.
• Consistency and Longevity: Demonstration of regular advocacy efforts (e.g., columns, tours, social media, lectures) sustained over a minimum of two years.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Verification of accurate historical research, documentation, or verified knowledge used in their public outreach.

Target Audience: Grassroots community groups, local businesses, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions

Focus: Programs, educational campaigns, and/or public outreach that actively celebrate, document, and help protect our city's living history 

Examples may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Preservation Program Diversity: Initiatives that keep history alive through creative public engagement, including historic walking tours, heritage workshops, localized school curricula, digital archives, and cultural neighborhood festivals.
• Inclusive Legacy & Reach: Outreach that intentionally bridges generations and ensures historically marginalized communities, diverse age groups, and legacy neighborhoods see their unique histories authentically documented and valued.
• Collaborative Stewardship: Impactful partnerships built alongside historical societies, neighborhood associations, public schools, and municipal leaders to amplify community-driven heritage initiatives.
• Cultural Preservation: An unwavering commitment to rescuing, recording, and honoring the diverse oral histories, foundational stories, and distinct cultural heritages that shape our collective identity.

Target Audience: Property owners, developers, architects, or preservation teams.

Focus: Physical preservation or rehabilitation projects completed between within the last 10 years of the application date.

Examples may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Preservation Standards: Adherence to recognized preservation principles by preserving historic materials and features.
• Historic Integrity: How masterfully a historic structure was transformed for modern functionality while fully protecting its original architectural character and historic fabric.
• Technical Execution: Quality of craftsmanship in repairing, restoring, or sensitively upgrading the structural integrity and architectural details of the property.
• Neighborhood Revitalization: The project’s positive economic, visual, or social impact on the surrounding streetscape and community.