Downtown Mt. Pleasant historical survey meeting scheduled for Monday

MT. PLEASANT — The group overseeing the historical and architectural survey project for the buildings in downtown Mt. Pleasant will hold a public meeting on Monday, Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room on the third story of Union Block, 111 W. Monroe St.

Project consultant Rebecca Lawin McCarley of SPARK Consulting, Cedar Rapids, will present information on the project. This historical survey began in June, and it will continue into early 2024.

This project is spearheaded by the Mt. Pleasant Historic Preservation Commission and funded by Certified Local Government (CLG) grant. Main Street Mt. Pleasant and Henry County Heritage Trust are partners with the commission on this project, supporting their efforts to recognize the significant history and architecture found in downtown Mt. Pleasant.

The goal of the historical and architectural survey is to research and evaluate the significance of the individual buildings in downtown Mt. Pleasant, as well as assess the possibility of listing a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places in the future.

The survey area for the project encompasses the buildings around the square, as well as additional historic commercial buildings extending out from the square along Jefferson Street, Main Street, Monroe Street, Washington Street and adjacent blocks.

A total of 139 downtown properties are included in this project. The resources in downtown Mt. Pleasant are primarily commercial, with some additional public, religious, and residential buildings as well.

Immediately following this public meeting, they will host a volunteer meeting for current volunteers and training for any additional residents interested in volunteering to assist with the project.

Volunteers are needed to complete research, type research summaries, and take photographs. No previous experience is needed — interested volunteers of all backgrounds can make positive contributions to this project.