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. 

Applications and Project Checklist Guidelines 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

Michelle Bly, Chair
Bret Gile, Vice Chair
Kathy Schroeder, Council Liaison
Leah Boots
Patti Brockman
Greg Follett
Dennis Ohrtman
Ged Randall
Vikky Ross
Patrick Showers


Lewiston Orchid Awards 

The HPC presents the annual 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

Orchid Awards are presented in the summer of each year to honor the actions of those individuals and businesses who invest both their financial and intellectual capital to preserve our community’s heritage. For 2019 an event will be held on September 14th, to honor the award winners who have made positive contributions to historic preservation. The venue is at 0306 3rd Street (Heritage House behind the Museum) in downtown Lewiston. Local historian, Steven Branting, will talk on "Little Bubbles Finally Reaching the Surface". The event starts at midday until 2 pm

Potlatch Number 1 Credit UnionPotlatch Number 1 Credit Union

Potlatch Number 1 Credit Union has agreed to sponsor the Lewiston Orchid Awards for 2019. 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

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