Historic Preservation

The responsibility of the City of Appleton Historic Preservation Commission is to recommend protection of buildings and sites of historical and architectural significance, maintain the current survey and inventory of historic properties and districts, ensure to the maximum extent possible public participation in the local historic preservation program to raise community awareness of the City's history and historic resources and review proposed exterior changes to local designated buildings and sites.

CERTIFICATES FOR STEWARDSHIP AND CERTIFICATES FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION/RESTORATION

The City of Appleton Historic Preservation Commission invites you to participate in the nomination of property owners of residential and non-residential property who have taken care to preserve their property or have undertaken restoration or revitalization projects that have restored, rehabilitated, and/or preserved a part of the City’s historical resources. Links to the online nomination forms may be found below. 

• Stewardship and Historic Preservation/Restoration Certificate Nomination Form 
• Stewardship Certificate Nomination On-line
• Historical Preservation/Restoration Certificate Nomination On-line
• List of Certificate Recipients May 2003-2016

 APPLICATIONS FOR STRUCTURE, SITE OR DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORIC DESIGNATION

• Historic Structure and Site Designation Application
• Historic District Designation Application
• Certificate of Appropriateness Application
• Rescission of Historic Structure/Site or District Designation Application

APPLETON HISTORIC REGISTER AND SITES INVENTORY MAP (Interactive Mapping Tool)

Historic designation means a site, structure or district has been identified as having significant benefit to the historic, architectural, and cultural heritage of the city.  Buildings that meet certain architectural standards such as the Trettin House, Henry Schuetter House and John Hart Whorton House, as well as economic history sites like the Lutz Ice Company Artesian Well and the Vulcan Street Hydroelectric Central Station replica building are identified in Appleton.  In addition, neighborhoods can be designated historic districts.

Benefits to designation include eligibility for possible historic grant funds administered by the City of Appleton pursuant to the Neighborhood Program, maintaining Appleton's quality of life and increasing the economic viability of the City's tourism economy, and protecting your property from future demolition.  Designation can also help to stabilize property values by maintaining the neighborhood's character, and it benefits property owners by protecting them from inappropriate changes made by other owners that might destroy the special qualities of the neighborhood.

Appleton's Six (6) Historic Districts

• Designating Appleton's Local Historic Buildings, Sites and Districts "General Information" Brochure (2 pages)

• Designating Appleton's Local Historic Buildings, Sites and Districts "General Information" Brochure (foldable into a brochure)

Appleton's Five (5) Local Designated Historic Buildings and Sites

• Designating Appleton's Local Historic Buildings and Sites "Specific Details" Brochure (2 pages)

• Designating Appleton's Local Historic Buildings and Sites "Specific Details" Brochure (foldable into a brochure)

Appleton's 14 Individual State and National Registered Historic Buildings

1. J.B. Courtney Woolen Mills - Nomination and Pictures
2. Henry J. and Cremora Rogers House - Nomination, Additional Documentation and Pictures
3. Lawrence University Main Hall - Nomination and Pictures
4. Masonic Temple - Nomination and Pictures
5. Henry Schuetter House - Nomination and Pictures
6. Temple Zion and School - Nomination and Pictures
7. James Tompkins House - Nomination and Pictures
8. The New Fifth Ward School (Washington School) - Nomination and Pictures
9. John Hart Whorton House - Nomination and Pictures
10. Zion Lutheran Church - Nomination and Pictures
11. St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church - Nomination and Pictures
12. Appleton Wire Works - Nomination and Pictures
13. Appleton Woolen Mills - Nomination and Pictures
14. Appleton Post-Crescent Building - Nomination and Pictures

2019 FOX RIVER VALLEY INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES INTENSIVE SURVEY

• Fox Trot Trail

 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION BOOKMARKS

The Historic Preservation Commission is creating a series of bookmarks to showcase various historic markers in Appleton.  The first series "Memorials" was created in 2016.  The second series "Downtown" was created in 2018 and highlights College Avenue landmarks.  Click on the following to view and print your own bookmarks.  

• HPC Bookmarks-Memorials Series-1 of 2
• HPC Bookmarks-Memorials Series-2 of 2
• HPC Bookmarks-Downtown Series

Previous Workshops/Dedications:

• Appleton Historical Society
• Wisconsin Historical Society
• The History Museum at the Castle
• Hearthstone Historic House Museum
• Old Third Ward Neighborhood
• National Register of Historic Places
• Lawrence University
• Appleton History - Appleton Public Library
• National Trust for Historic Preservation

Questions? Please Contact:

Don Harp in the Community Development Department at 920-832-6466

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