Historic Commission will conduct survey of Downtown Mt. Pleasant

MT. PLEASANT — The Mt. Pleasant Historic Preservation Commission recently received a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant to research and survey the historic buildings in downtown Mt. Pleasant.

They will hold a meeting for any resident interested in learning more about this project on Thursday, June 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room on the third story of Union Block (105 W. Monroe St). Project consultant Rebecca Lawin McCarley of SPARK Consulting, Cedar Rapids, will present information on the survey project and the National Register of Historic Places.

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.

An estimated 130 properties within this area have buildings constructed by 1980 and will be included in this historical and architectural survey project. The resources in downtown Mt. Pleasant are primarily commercial, with some additional public, religious, and residential buildings as well.

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 a historic district eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

This survey will position the commission and community to undertake future projects, including nomination of historic properties or a historic district to the National Register of Historic Places. However, this initial survey will only focus on researching and evaluating these properties. The project is anticipated to take about a year to complete.

The Mt. Pleasant Historic Preservation Commission will lead the survey project. Main Street Mt. Pleasant and Henry County Heritage Trust will partner with the commission, supporting their efforts to recognize the significant history and architecture found in downtown Mt. Pleasant.

Members of the Mt. Pleasant Historic Preservation Commission are appointed by the City of Mt. Pleasant. The commission is a Certified Local Government, recognized by the State Historic Preservation Office as meeting national standards for historic preservation commissions.

Training for any resident interested in volunteering to assist with the project will follow the public meeting on June 22. 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.