Downtown Willmar Historic District National Register Evaluation
Statewide Historic and Cultural Grants. $5,250,000 the first year and $5,250,000 the second year are for history programs and projects operated or conducted by or through local, county, regional, or other historical or cultural organizations; or for activities to preserve significant historic and cultural resources.
The intention of our grant application was to determine if we have enough contiguous historic buildings in downtown Willmar to be eligible for a downtown historic district. We did achieve that target, with our consultant determining that yes, indeed we do, plus several buildings with important stories. We achieved the results because we need a way forward in Willmar to make economic revitalization more appealing. Being able to offer tax credits, and in turn, develop better guidelines for preservation, will help us retain and increase the value of our wonderful buildings downtown.