Luther College campus added to the National Register of Historic Places
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March 16, 2021
The Luther College historic central campus has officially been added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The historic district of campus includes the college’s original 32 acres of land, 24 buildings and nine ‘objects’ or outdoor sculptures. While the designation does not directly impose preservation restrictions or provide money, it does serve as a vehicle for identification and education.
“We are proud that Luther College is being recognized for its rich history,” said President Jenifer K. Ward. “From the walls we study and teach within, to the beautiful land that was founded where river, woodland, and prairie meet, history shapes us. As our mission statement says, a Luther education ‘develops whole persons.’ This designation creates new student, faculty and staff opportunities for understanding the interplay between architecture,
MCGREGOR, Iowa â A historic building in downtown McGregor soon will get a facelift.
Black Swan Developers, a Des Moines-based company, is planning a $2.6 million to $2.8 million renovation of the Masonic Block building on Main Street. Plans for the 15,000-square-foot structure include retail space on the first floor, with apartments and condos on the second and third levels.
Matt Aust, president of Black Swan, said initial renderings should be finalized in the next few weeks, but a start date for construction is still unknown.
âWeâre really very early on at this point ⦠in the schematic design process,â he said.
According to an article in the North Iowa Times-Clayton County Register, the Masonic Block building was constructed in 1866. In the years since, the building has housed many businesses, from drugstores to a bookstore to McGregor Library and even a bowling alley. The last inhabitant of the building, an antique shop called Diamond Jo Trading, closed