Historic Preservation Commission

Department in Charge of This Board 

Planning Department

About the Board

Grand Rapids' historic neighborhoods and landmarks define the character of the City and who we are. Preservation protects our shared history, and promotes a sense of place and a high quality of life. It stabilizes neighborhoods, increases property values, and addresses livability concerns. It also makes good economic sense!

We make sure that our city's historic neighborhoods remain beautiful by:

  • Reviewing applications for exterior renovation of structures within any of the city's six historic districts, or for the many designated historic landmark buildings.
  • Meeting with owners and inspecting properties to resolve design issues
  • Giving advice and guidance to owners and renovators
  • Contributing feedback on City projects affecting the historic landmarks and districts

Apply for Boards and Commissions 

Historic Preservation Tax Credits

Michigan's State Historic Preservation Tax Credit

Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit 

District Maps

Guidelines

Applications

Fees

As of July 1, 2024

Annual Reports

Bylaws

Other Resources

Preservation Briefs

Preservation briefs provide guidance on preserving, rehabilitating, and restoring historic buildings.

U.S. SECRETARY OF INTERIOR

The Commission uses these Standards and Guidelines to carry out their review responsibilities.

State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

SHPO provides technical assistance and incentive programs.

Schedule

We meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 5:00 pm.

Meeting Agendas

We use a third party application called Legislative Management to manage board meetings and agendas. You'll leave our site to see the calendar or review past meeting details. See more details below or learn How to Use Legislative Management.

Schedule and Agendas

You'll see a quick description of the board and a list of its members at the top of the page. You can also find meeting minutes, agendas, and other important documents on this page.

Note: scroll near the bottom of the page. The meeting schedule, minutes, and agendas are below the listing of board members.

Cancellation and Reschedule Notice

Location

Development Center
1120 Monroe Ave. NW
Meeting Room 201

Member Composition

  • 7 members
  • 4 members are Grand Rapids citizens
  • 1 member must be a registered architect
  • 2 members may be appointed from a list submitted by the Kent County Council for Historic Preservation or other similar groups
  • Members are appointed by the City Commission on the first Monday in January

Peter Bruinsma

City Commission Appointment
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends 1/6/2025

Erin Chapman-Lewis

City Commission Appointment
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends 1/5/2026

Matt Dixon, Chairperson

City Commission Appointment
Ward 3 Resident
Term ends 1/1/2027

Anna Kindt, Vice Chair

City Commission Appointment
Ward 1 Resident
Term ends 1/5/2026

Michael Demaagd Rodriguez

City Commission Appointment
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends 1/6/2025

Tom Simmons

City Commission Appointment
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends 1/1/2027

Heather Van Wormer

City Commission Appointment
Ward 2 Resident
Term ends 1/6/2025

Residency Requirement

You must live within Grand Rapids city limits to be a part of this commission.

Term Limits

Each member's term is 3 years. This board is subject to the Service Limitation Policy.

Compensation

This is a volunteer board. Historic Preservation Commission members are not compensated.

City Staff Contact

Board Liaison
Rhonda Baker
Historic Preservation Specialist
616-456-3451

rbaker@grcity.us

Heritage Hill Historic District Study

In 2017, the City Commission appointed a committee to study the Heritage Hill Historic District. Here's the final report!


Final Study Report(PDF, 319KB)

Heritage Hill South Map(PDF, 229KB)

2017 Surveyed Resources(PDF, 252KB)

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