Heritage Preservation in Northfield

Preserving Northfield's heritage

One of downtown Northfield’s greatest resources is its unique concentration of historic buildings.The downtown Northfield Historic District comprises some 65 buildings in the commercial center of the city. The district was created by the City Council in 1978 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

View the Northfield Historic District

Northfield Historic District Resources and Guidelines

  1. Northfield Downtown Preservation Design Guidelines 2004
  2. At Home in Northfield A Walking and Biking Tour
  3. At Home in Northfield Guidelines for Exterior Rehab
  4. Northfield Downtown Guidebook 1982
  5. Northfield Historic Downtown Guidebook
  • Northfield: The History and Architecture of a Community, 1999  Available at the Northfield Historic Society, Carleton College bookstore, and St. Olaf College bookstore

Sign guidelines

Within the Downtown Northfield Historic District, any exterior project, including signs for the exterior of a building, must be reviewed by the Heritage Preservation Commission prior to work starting. You can find the necessary application and guidelines here.

Preservation Organizations

Learn more about or get involved with preservation in Northfield.