Historic Preservation Commission

The Lewiston Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) was created by City Council on September 22, 1975 to administer any historic district, site or area so designated by Council. The Commission is a nine member volunteer group that works on behalf of the City of Lewiston Council to implement their mission of historic preservation and preserve Lewiston’s historic foot print. 

The mission of the HPC is to administer historic sites, areas, or districts so designated by City Council; endeavor to preserve, protect, enhance and perpetuate historic buildings, structures, districts and neighborhoods, which contribute to the cultural and aesthetic benefit of the community; foster civic pride in preservation efforts and promote planning, education, and the stabilization and improvement of the economic value of historic sites.

For more information on Historic Districts, see Lewiston City Code Chapter 19.5 Historic Districts.

If you live in a historic district and are considering making changes to your home, you may need a Certificate of Appropriateness, as required by Idaho Code Section 67-4608 and Lewiston City Code Chapter 19.5-16. 

Certificate of Appropriateness Application and Checklist can be accessed here and should be submitted to the Historic Preservation Commission at least 20 working days prior to the regularly scheduled Historic Preservation meeting. For more information, contact us.

Meetings

  • 1st Thursday of every month
  • 10:00 a.m. Meetings
  • Community Development Department
    215 D Street
    Lewiston ID 83501

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

Vikky Ross, Chair
Greg Follett, Vice Chair
Kathy Schroeder, Council Liaison
Leah Boots
Ed King
Dennis Ohrtman
Ged Randall
Lisa Hasenoehrl
Peggy Heusinkveld
Laurinda Riggs


Lewiston Orchid Awards 

The HPC presents the biennial Orchid Awards, a recognition program designed to celebrate those individuals and organizations that have made a positive contribution to historic preservation, and in turn bring awareness to those projects that have shown great examples of restoration and preservation that keep the city’s cultural heritage alive.

2019 - Award Winners

  • Elizabeth Gossard Coleman - Contribution to Historic Preservation
  • Happy Day Corporation Inc. - Contribution to Historic Preservation
  • International Order of Oddfellows Hall - Contribution to Historic Preservation
  • James Jameson - Cultural Heritage Preservation
  • Jamie Knudson - Preservation-Sensitive New Construction
  • Jeri McGuire - Friend of Preservation
  • Newberry Square - Contribution to Historic Preservation
  • Paul Stewart - Friend of Preservation

2022 - Now Accepting Nominations

The 2022 Orchid Award Ceremony will be held on May 14, 2022, in conjunction with Idaho Archeology & Historic Preservation Month.  Nominations are currently being accepted to honor the actions of those individuals and businesses who invested both their financial and intellectual capital to preserve our community's heritage.

Potlatch Number 1 Credit UnionPotlatch Number 1 Credit Union

Potlatch Number 1 Credit Union is the sponsor for the Lewiston Orchid Awards for 2022. The Historic Preservation Commission and staff thank the Community Sponsor for their kind generosity.


The Carnegie Library Is on the National Register of Historic Places

The Carnegie Library nomination (PDF) to the National Register of Historic Places and Sites has been approved on June 13, 2018. The Carnegie Library was built in 1904 and located in the northern section of Pioneer Park. The next steps are to look for funding that can help with its rehabilitation using grants and local private partnerships. Congratulations to all those who were involved with this prestigious nomination.

Carnegie Library

carnegie, carnegie library,
carnegie