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.

Current Projects


 The Heritage Preservation Commission was very active in 2016. The Northfield Historic District Survey Revision was completed and the final report will be forthcoming to City Council. Four properties are suggested to be added to the Historic District. HPC members will be meeting with each property owner in the district to discuss the survey and to do outreach for future commission activities. In conjunction with the Northfield Historical Society, the commission is planning a series of activities to promote historic preservation in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the National Preservation Act.

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.