City of Bismarck Installs Banners in Two Historic Districts

The Bismarck Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) had new streetlight banners installed in the Cathedral Area Historic District and in the Highland Acres Historic District within the past week.

The Cathedral Area and Highland Acres Historic Districts are two of Bismarck's three esteemed historic districts. "Highland Acres and the Cathedral Area represent enduring legacies within Bismarck's rich historical tapestry," Bismarck HPC Chair Damita Engel said. The banners were designed to capture the essence of those histories and provide a wayfinding element for those exploring the neighborhood.

The boundaries of the Cathedral Area Historic District capture a variety of architectural styles which highlights the mix of residents and architectural styles indicative of the economic nature and social development of the area. The chosen design for the 25 banners blends these elements together, accentuating the area's eclectic aesthetic and charm and drawing from the neighborhood's landscape motif.

Banners for the Highland Acres Historic District were previously installed in May 2024. Positive feedback and requests for additional banners since that time have prompted the installation of 14 additional banners in this district. The chosen banner design for this district reflects its unique narrative, blending elements of nostalgia with a contemporary flair and drawing inspiration from the era's architectural motifs.

The installation of these new banners marks a significant milestone in preserving and celebrating these districts' heritage for generations to come. "We are proud to recognize these neighborhoods as vital contributors to our community's heritage and invite all residents and visitors to share in this appreciation of our local history," Engel said.