Commission adds McDonald Block to local landmarks, approves new historic preservation commissioner

The Dickinson City Commission voted Dec. 17 to add the McDonald Block building (25 First Avenue West) to the city's local landmark roster via Resolution 52-2024 and to appoint Natalie Burchick to the Historic Preservation Commission.

Museum Director Fuhrman presented the nomination, describing the McDonald Block as an early-20th-century commercial building completed in April 1905 by Douglas Walton McDonald and designed by architect A.L. Fleagle of Racine, Wisconsin. Fuhrman said the property had been an integral component in the development of Dickinson's central business district and that the Historic Preservation Commission recommended the designation. "This building was built by Douglas Walton McDonald, completed in April of 1905," Fuhrman said when introducing the nomination.

The commission moved and unanimously approved Resolution 52-2024. Fuhrman then introduced the nomination of Natalie Burchick to the local Historic Preservation Commission; Burchick, a city planner with a planning degree and experience attending preservation-commission meetings, said she hoped to serve. The commission unanimously approved her appointment and staff noted one additional opening on the preservation commission.

What this means: The McDonald Block will be added to the local landmark roster and will be eligible for the protections and review processes that apply to locally designated landmarks; Burchick's appointment fills a seat on the local preservation board and will begin a three-year term per the historic preservation commission's process.