The Mount Pleasant Historic Preservation Commission is excited to announce that they recently received a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant to research and survey the historic buildings in downtown Mount Pleasant. Any resident interested in learning more about this project is invited to a meeting 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 St, Main St, Monroe St, Washington St, and adjacent blocks. It is estimated that around 130 properties within this area have buildings that were constructed by 1980 and will be included in this historical and architectural survey project. The resources in downtown Mount 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 Mount 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 survey project for downtown Mount Pleasant is led by the Mount Pleasant Historic Preservation Commission. Main Street Mount 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 Mount Pleasant. Members of the Mount Pleasant Historic Preservation Commission are appointed by the City of Mount Pleasant. The commission is a Certified Local Government, recognized by the State Historic Preservation Office as meeting national standards for historic preservation commissions.
The public meeting on Thursday June 22 at 6:30 p.m. will be followed by training for any resident 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.