Decorah Historic Preservation Commission seeking information on Decorah architect and engineer Charles Altfillisch

The Decorah Historic Preservation Commission is seeking help with its project to inventory and celebrate the work of Decorah architect and engineer Charles Altfillisch.

Altfillisch came to Decorah in 1919 and died here in 1978. During that time, he designed a great many public and residential buildings, engineered the dike system that continues to protect Decorah during floods, and took the leadership during the 1930s in establishing zoning policies and building permits in Decorah.

The Commission is asking the public for any kind of information about Altfillisch's work. Owners who know, for example, that their home or building was designed by Altfillisch might have building plans, construction correspondence, personal anecdotes, or information about later building renovations. All of this kind of material would be useful to Commission researchers.

Anyone with information about Charles Altfillisch's work should contact the Commission chair, Mark Z. Muggli (mugglimz@luther.edu; 612-720-5795).