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Elk River Heritage Preservation Commission <br />Policy Recommendations for <br />Downtown Redevelopment Task Force <br />The Elk River Heritage Preservation Commission is providing Policy Recommendations for <br />consideration by the Downtown Redevelopment Task Force. The comments refer only to the <br />study area defined by the redevelopment task force. <br />POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS <br />Historic structures and neighborhoods are community assets that provide a sense of place. <br />Economic development and historic preservation are not in conflict with each other. Numerous <br />studies point to the economic benefits of historic preservation. <br />Priority must be given to preservation and rehabilitation of the remaining historic structures of <br />downtown Elk River. Diligence and creative solutions must be found to meld both the economic <br />and historic benefits of downtown. Reuse studies, loans programs, historic districts, special <br />building code considerations, and other similar tools should be used to optimize the economic <br />and cultural benefits from historic assets. <br />City assistance shall not be given to any project that includes the demolition of historic structures <br />without first conducting an economic feasibility study (reuse study) of retention versus <br />demolition and new construction. Other less tangible benefits of retention shall be considered <br />such as conservation of our natural resources, heritage and culture. This feasibility study shall <br />include economic effects on existing businesses. Where a building isn't feasible to retain, then <br />infill is a viable alternative as long as it meets the design guidelines. <br />Transitional neighborhoods emanating from the central commercial districts on both sides of <br />tracts should be kept intact although reuse of the homes for office space maybe warranted. Such <br />reuse promotes preservation of the historic character. These transitional areas provide an <br />aesthetic and practical buffer enhancing the livability of the neighborhoods in close proximity to <br />the downtown. <br />If a community preserves the integrity of its heritage, that heritage will in turn preserve the <br />integrity of the community. Bruce Babbit, former Secretary of the Interior <br />