Cathedral District Home Renovation in Sioux Falls
Understanding the Cathedral District ordinance
Sioux Falls established historic protection for the Cathedral District in 1986 to preserve the architectural character of the neighborhood surrounding St. Joseph Cathedral. The district contains some of the finest Queen Anne Victorian, Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and Prairie-style homes in South Dakota.
The ordinance’s core function: exterior modifications visible from a public street require review and approval before work begins. Interior modifications are not regulated. The Sioux Falls Board of Historic Preservation reviews applications, typically monthly.
What requires review
- Siding replacement or repair
- Roofing replacement
- Window replacement (exterior visibility)
- Front doors and entry systems
- Porches, porticos, and columns
- Exterior paint colors on some designated properties
- Foundation work visible above grade
- Dormers and roof modifications
- Additions, especially those visible from the street
- Fences and hardscape in front yards
What does not require review
- Interior renovations (kitchen, bath, layout changes)
- Systems work (HVAC, plumbing, electrical)
- Rear elevations not visible from public streets (with limits)
- Landscaping and gardens
- Routine maintenance in kind (same material replacing same material in same profile)
The historic review process
- Consult with Sioux Falls historic preservation staff before final planning
- Prepare application with photos of existing conditions and proposed changes
- Include specifications for materials, profiles, and dimensions
- Submit application before the Board of Historic Preservation review deadline
- Attend the monthly board meeting to present the application
- Address any conditions or modifications the board requests
- Receive Certificate of Appropriateness before beginning work
- Coordinate with building permit process (separate from historic review)
- Notify board of any mid-project changes that affect exterior work
- Retain documentation for future resale disclosure
The review process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from application submission to Certificate of Appropriateness. Reputable Cathedral District contractors know the process and often handle applications for clients.
Period-appropriate materials
The Board of Historic Preservation reviews applications against the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Materials should be period-appropriate for the specific home style. General guidelines:
Windows
Wood or wood-clad windows from Marvin Signature, Andersen 400 Series, or Pella Architect Series. Preserve original divided lite patterns. Storm windows can add efficiency without visible change to the primary window. Vinyl windows generally not approved for Cathedral District properties.
Siding
Wood siding (typically clapboard or shingles depending on home style) is the standard. Fiber cement (James Hardie) can be approved with proper profiles matching original. Vinyl siding not typically approved. Cedar shingles for Queen Anne turrets and dormers.
Roofing
Asphalt architectural shingles are typical for Cathedral District homes. Slate is period-appropriate for some styles but rarely economical. Metal roofing generally not approved for Queen Annes or Colonial Revivals. Avoid trending materials.
Trim and details
Wood trim milled to match original profiles. Custom millwork from local Sioux Falls shops handles historic profiles that off-the-shelf trim cannot match. Preserve original decorative elements (brackets, spindles, corbels) whenever possible.
South Dakota tax incentives
South Dakota provides significant tax benefits for historic home improvements:
SD Historic Property Tax Moratorium
The state’s Historic Preservation Tax Moratorium exempts qualifying improvements from property tax reassessment for 8 years. Applies to structures listed on the National Register or listed on the state register, and to contributing structures in historic districts including the Cathedral District. Qualifying improvements must exceed a minimum investment threshold.
Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit
The 20% federal tax credit applies to income-producing properties (rentals, bed and breakfasts) but not owner-occupied primary residences. Applications are handled through the National Park Service in coordination with the SD State Historic Preservation Office.
Typical Cathedral District renovation costs
- Interior kitchen or bath remodel: $250 to $400 per square foot for period-appropriate finishes
- Full interior gut renovation: $150 to $300 per square foot
- Exterior restoration (siding, roofing, windows): $80 to $250 per square foot of surface area
- Full historic restoration (interior and exterior): $200 to $500+ per square foot
- Foundation work on historic homes: $30,000 to $150,000+ depending on scope
Finding the right contractors
Cathedral District renovation requires contractors who understand historic preservation standards and periodic materials. Ask specifically about historic project experience:
- How many Cathedral District or McKennan Park projects have you completed?
- How do you approach period-appropriate material sourcing?
- Do you have relationships with local custom millwork shops?
- Are you familiar with the historic review process?
- Can you provide references specifically for historic renovations?
Contractors who mainly work in newer construction or standard remodels often struggle with historic requirements. Specifically-experienced historic renovation contractors cost more per hour but deliver better outcomes.
Related pillars
- For the full historic renovation context see the Sioux Falls Historic Home Renovation pillar →
- For the SD tax moratorium details see the Sioux Falls Historic Home Tax Moratorium guide
- For McKennan Park specifics see the McKennan Park Historic Home guide
- For period-appropriate windows see Home Envelope →