Preserve South Dakota was founded in 1978 by a group of concerned citizens who saw a growing need to protect and preserve historic places throughout the state of South Dakota. Much of the uniqueness that is reflective in the character and history of the state, both urban and rural, is found in residential and commercial structures and sites that date back to an earlier era. It is the goal of PSD to provide a range of educational and technical services designed to protect and preserve these South Dakota treasures. As well, advocacy and funding for preservation are key initiatives PSD works continually towards. (Photos: Virginia Cafe, Aberdeen 1960; Sears House “Alhambra”, PSD revolving loan recipient; Mead Building, Yankton; Sweeps Hotel, Plankington)

What We Do

Preserve South Dakota gets its mission and objectives from an experienced board of directors whom represent all corners of the state. These directors ensure an administrative office is maintained and accessible all the time. This includes an executive director who handles the daily business and advocacy of the organization. Specific programs administered by Preserve South Dakota include:

Advocacy – We maintain contact with state legislators as well as city officials for preservation issues. We strive to educate policy-makers about critical issues concerning historic preservation and the economic development advantages of adaptive reuse. We also act as liaison for federal and state preservation initiatives and work within state and local government on laws and zoning regulations that support historic preservation. We also produce a periodic newsletter outlining our agenda,successes and preservation alerts.

Revolving Loan Program – We operate a revolving loan fund available to PSD members who are prepared to undertake rehabilitation work on their home or commercial building. These low-interest loans are offered in order to encourage preservation and economic development. Many home owners have taken advantage of this program and the Lead Opera House has also been a recipient of a loan from PSD. More than$500,000 has been loaned out throughout the course of the program.

Easement Program – We manage an easement program allowing for the dedication and donation of archeology sites, building facades, and other structures for the purpose of ensuring preservation and proper maintenance for perpetuity. Such a donation allows the property owner to qualify for a tax deduction equal to the appraised value of the easement.

Places In Peril – Concerned citizens may nominate endangered properties in their communities to be included on our Places and Peril List. This list is circulated annually to the media and helps raise attention to endangered structures. Awareness typically helps connect funds, investors, and volunteers with the troubled property in hopes it may be saved. Presently there are more than 50 structures on our list and new ones are continually added.

Resource Support – PSD has accumulated an excellent resource library on many topics covering technical issues about renovation, green building and historic preservation. We also have a database of funding sources,qualified craftspeople, and web sites to help with restoration projects. Click here for resources.

Email Alerts – through our online advocacy we maintain an email list of those concerned about South Dakota’historic treasures. Email alerts are sent out when advocacy is needed for a particular building, site, or preservation related organization.