Many towns in Minnesota have gone out of their way to preserve their heritage as historical places, especially in their downtowns.

Thursday, August 12, 1999

Many towns in Minnesota have gone out of their way to preserve their heritage as historical places, especially in their downtowns.

From St. Paul to New Prague, cities have set some standards for business owners and builders in their downtown areas to meet. The end result, frequently, is an attractive downtown area which attracts people to shop and do other business.

Austin’s Planning Commission has suggested something similar for this city. It’s a good idea. A set of standards regarding the appearance of businesses in the center of town, especially what can be done with the older, more historical buildings, can only serve to make this area more attractive. Property can only become more valuable when it is made historically attractive.

Austin already has buildings on the National Register of Historic Places – the Paramount Theatre, St. Augustine Catholic Church - which are jewels in the crown of Austin’s skyline.

The guidelines, as they are proposed, are general enough that it shouldn’t unduly stress any business which has chosen to work on the exterior of their building. Not every building would conform into the next ­ there is room for individuality.

The community should embrace these standards and this idea, which could draw more people into the downtown for their shopping and other business needs.