In the meeting, the commission emphasized the goal to nominate three properties on the west side of Highway 41, using nomination forms prepared by a University of Minnesota graduate student. The aim is to move forward with the local designation process, requiring collaboration with necessary agencies and eventually holding a public hearing for formal recommendations to the city council. This process includes notifying property owners within a 500-foot radius of the nominated properties, providing them with an opportunity to voice their opinions.

The discussion also touched on expanding efforts to identify additional properties for local designation, particularly on the east side of Highway 41. This initiative seeks to leverage student research programs to support the historical designation process.

Another focus was the City Square West project, the last redevelopment site from Chaska’s downtown master plan. The commission acknowledged the need to maintain the historic atmosphere of downtown Chaska. The project’s progress depends on securing funding from legislative bodies, and efforts are ongoing to keep the project visible to potential funders. This project is part of a broader city effort to preserve the architectural and historic integrity of Chaska while accommodating necessary growth.

The commission considered updating historical documents and context studies relevant to Chaska’s historic downtown, aligning them with changes and objectives outlined in the comprehensive and downtown master plans.