Historic Preservation

The City of Superior recognizes and values the importance of structures and land that has historic, architectural, or geographic significance to the City.  Superior has many structures and sites that are recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and the State of Wisconsin Register of Historic Places.  Information on structures and sites already recognized, as well as those that have been identified as potentially eligible, is in the 2019 Historic Intensive Survey.

An application and instructions for local designation of historically significant structures or districts are also available.  Once an application is submitted, City staff will review it for completeness and present completed applications to the Historic Preservation Committee (HPC).  The findings from the HPC will be considered by the City Council for a final decision on approval and designation.

The City of Superior Municipal Register of Historic Places Includes:

1011 Weeks Avenue, a/k/a The Historic St. Mary’s School of Nursing

2113-2115 Ogden Avenue, a/k/a The Frederick J. and Annie M. Loss Residences

810 East 3rd Street, a/k/a Senator Irvine Lenroot and Clara Clough Lenroot Home

200 Marina Drive, NW tip of Barker’s Island, a/k/a SS Meteor Whaleback Museum

906 East 2nd Street, a/k/a Fairlawn Mansion & Museum or Martin & Grace Pattison House

402 23rd Avenue East, a/k/a Old Firehouse & Police Museum

Helpful Information:

The 1983 Historic Intensive Survey may contain additional historic photos and information.  It it not available in a digital format, but can be review at the Planning Department.  Contact Housing Coordinator/Planner Jeff Skrenes at 715-395-7245 or skrenesj@ci.superior.wi.us to make an appointment.

Helpful tips about ways to research the history of a property can be found here.

The National Register of Historic Places designates historically significant properties at the federal level.

The Wisconsin Historical Society also recognizes historically significant places in the State.  

Best practices for preserving, rehabilitating, restoring or even rebuilding historic properties vary widely depending on the property and scope of work.  A helpful guide can be found with the Secretary of the Interior's standards for preservation.

The Wisconsin Historical Society also has guidelines on preservation and restoration of historic buildings.

Fairlawn