What's the difference between a historic home and a home in a historic district?
Answered by Chris Deutsch, Founder & Editor
Licensed Minnesota Realtor #20382264 ·
The short answer
This distinction matters more than most people realize — and it can affect your renovation plans, your costs, and your resale value.
On stage The 60-second answer
Captions on · Transcript below
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The longer answer
A historic home is simply an older home with character. It might be on the National Register, or it might just be old and beautiful. Either way, you can do what you want with it (within zoning codes). Paint it purple. Add a modern addition. Replace the windows.
A home in a historic district is a different story. Minneapolis has designated historic districts (like Lowry Hill, Healy Flat, and parts of Northeast) where exterior changes require approval from the Heritage Preservation Commission.
What this means in practice:
- Window replacements must match the original style
- Exterior paint colors may be restricted
- Additions must be reviewed
- Demolition is essentially impossible
The upside: Homes in historic districts hold value better. The character of the neighborhood is protected, which protects your investment.
The downside: Renovations take longer and cost more. That new deck you want? It might need commission approval.
My advice: If you're a buyer who values authenticity and doesn't mind some bureaucracy, historic districts are excellent investments. If you want maximum freedom to customize, buy a historic home outside a designated district.
The next department over
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