Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board

In 1967 the Minnesota legislature passed Chapter 15B: Capitol Area Planning and Preservation, setting in place the purpose, structure, role and statutory authority for the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Commission (CAAPC). In 1975 the CAAPC became the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAAPB). The original four point mission still guides the work of CAAPB's twelve member Board, Executive Secretary and staff:

(1) Preserve and enhance the dignity, beauty, and architectural integrity of the capitol, the buildings immediately adjacent to it, the capitol grounds, and the capitol area;
(2) Protect, enhance, and increase the open spaces within the capitol area when deemed necessary and desirable for the improvement of the public enjoyment thereof;
(3) Develop proper approaches to the capitol area for pedestrian movement, the highway system, and mass transit system so that the area achieves its maximum importance and accessibility; and
(4) Establish a flexible framework for growth of the capitol buildings which will be in keeping with the spirit of the original design.