Grand Forks Historic Preservation Commission

The commission is charged with safeguarding the heritage of Grand Forks through preservation of those elements that reflect its cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history and with promoting the historic districts and landmarks of the city.

Following the flood and fires of 1997, commission efforts were focused on identifying and protecting endangered historic properties. Between 1997 and 2005, the commission was instrumental in saving many significant properties (including the Metropolitan Opera House, St. Michael’s Hospital and Nurses’ Residence, South Junior High School, the east side of Third Street, the east side of Reeves Drive, and numerous individual historic homes) from demolition. In recognition of its work, the commission received the 2005 Preservation North Dakota Legacy Award.

Since 2000, the commission has also surveyed and listed three historic districts: the Near Southside Historic District, the Downtown Grand Forks Historic District, and the Riverside Historic District.