Page 53 - Brookings, SD Historic Preservation Plan

Local Partner Organizations
• Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1938, the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce
continues to be the leading business organization in the Brook-
ings Area. With a mission of promoting, connecting, enriching
and advocating for the Brookings area business community, they
provide endless opportunities to help businesses succeed. Over
500 businesses are a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
• Downtown Committee
The Downtown Committee is part of the Chamber of Commerce,
and is funded by the City. The BHPC has representation on the
Downtown Committee. Currently, the Downtown Committee
is working on a variety of programs to promote preservation
directly or indirectly including:
» An incentive to assist with preservation efforts including
a revolving loan program to fund façade rehabilitation
downtown
» A “Hidden Gems Tour” to highlight properties in downtown
Brookings with unique facts and features including notes
on the walls, tiling, etc. This tour is not technical but meant
to spark interest in the history of the community
» Partnering with movie theaters to incorporate before and
after photos in their lobbies
» Organizing a “Throwback Thursday” social media post to The two logos above represent two of
highlight historic photos from the community the local organizations in Brookings
» Walking campaign downtown to encourage people to park already involved in implementing the
once and walk to different destinations downtown preservation program.
» Incorporating benches, public art, and plantings downtown
to make walking more enjoyable
» Highlighting alley-entry businesses and beautifying the
alleys
» Changing signs to say “Downtown Parking” instead of “72-
hour parking” to ensure residents and visitors understand
that there’s a place to park and frequent downtown
Brookings
• Brookings Public Arts Commission
The Brookings Public Arts Commission was established to de-
velop a unified public art strategy for the City of Brookings and
to oversee the Public Art Fund. The Commission also advises
the City Council and other community groups and agencies who
are initiating a public art project concerning the proposed site,
selection of a professional artist, and commissioning of a pub-
lic artwork. The Commission also guides and monitors design
development, approves the final design prior to fabrication and
approves the installation procedures and maintenance plan. The
Commission’s bylaws and guidelines are included on the City’s
webpage. The BHPC currently is represented on the Brookings
Public Arts Commission.
• Visit Brookings
Visit Brookings is committed to assisting individuals, organi-
zations, and meeting planners in the development of outstand-
ing events. The organization also promotes events and places
throughout Brookings, including the historic walking tours.

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