Reroofing a Stillwater Historic Home: Profile, Color, and Material Match
4min Read
Posted 5.01.2026
The 1903 Stillwater Victorian on Pine Street had her original cedar shake roof replaced in 1972. The 1972 reroof — three layers of three-tab asphalt — was finally giving up after 53 years. The current homeowner wanted to preserve the architectural intent, comply with the Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission, and not spend $300,000 on natural slate.
The right answer was DaVinci Bellaforte Shake in a custom color blend matched to the original cedar tone. The reroof passed Heritage Preservation review on the first submission. Total project: $128,000.
Stillwater historic district reroofs require a different approach than typical Twin Cities luxury work. Material has to read as period-correct. The Heritage Preservation Commission approves changes to the building envelope. Material lead times must accommodate review timelines. I am Noah Bergland, co-owner of Owl Roofing in Shoreview. Below is the framework for a Stillwater historic reroof.
TL;DR — Stillwater historic reroof
Bottom line: Stillwater historic district reroofs typically run $80,000–$160,000 depending on home size and material choice. DaVinci Bellaforte Shake or Brava Cedar Shake are the most common synthetic options for cedar-shake replacement. The Heritage Preservation Commission requires architectural review for exterior changes — submit material spec sheets and color samples in advance. Plan 4–8 weeks for review on top of standard 4–8 week material lead times.
The Stillwater Heritage Preservation framework
The Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission reviews exterior changes to homes in the historic district, including roofing. The review focuses on whether the change maintains architectural intent of the original construction.
For roofing specifically, the Commission generally approves: synthetic slate (DaVinci Multi-Width, Brava Old World), synthetic shake (DaVinci Bellaforte, Brava Cedar Shake), high-end Class 4 architectural asphalt with shake aesthetic, and standing seam metal in colors matching original copper or galvanized. The Commission generally rejects: standard three-tab asphalt, vinyl-based products, or any material that visually departs from period-correct architecture.
Submit complete material spec sheets, color samples, and ideally photos of the same product installed on similar architecture elsewhere in Stillwater or comparable historic districts. The first-submission approval rate for properly documented synthetic slate or shake is high.
Material choices for historic Stillwater homes
Original cedar shake replacement. DaVinci Bellaforte Shake or Brava Cedar Shake. Both reproduce the cedar aesthetic faithfully and are approved by the Commission for historic homes.
Original slate replacement. DaVinci Multi-Width Slate or Brava Old World Slate. Natural slate is also approved but typically 50–80% more expensive.
Original asphalt where the home was built post-1950. Class 4 luxury asphalt with shake-look profile (CertainTeed Presidential Shake, GAF Grand Sequoia) is often approved for these homes.
Standing seam metal where original. 24-gauge standing seam steel in colors matching the original (typically black, charcoal, or aged-copper green) is approved for homes that originally had standing seam metal.
The pricing breakdown for a typical Stillwater historic reroof
For a 3,500 sq ft Victorian in the Stillwater historic district with 35-year-old cedar shake currently in place:
- Cedar shake tear-off (35 squares): $6,500–$10,000
- Deck inspection and 10% replacement: $2,500–$4,000
- Ice and water shield (full coverage upgrade): $3,000–$4,500
- Synthetic underlayment, drip edge, ridge vent: $2,000–$3,500
- DaVinci Bellaforte Shake material (35 squares): $35,000–$50,000
- Installation labor (35 squares): $20,000–$28,000
- Custom flashing and copper accents: $4,000–$8,000
- Heritage Preservation submission package: $500–$1,500
- Project total estimate: $73,500–$109,500
“Clear communication, quality workmanship, and the job came in on time.”
— John Wharton, Verified Google review
Timeline for Stillwater historic reroofs
Weeks 1–2. Initial inspection, scope of work, material selection.
Weeks 3–6. Heritage Preservation Commission submission and review.
Weeks 4–10 (parallel). Material order placed; lead times for synthetic slate 4–8 weeks.
Weeks 10–12. Tear-off and installation. 7–12 working days for a 35-square home.
Total: 10–14 weeks from contract to completion. Twice as long as a standard reroof — plan accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Stillwater historic home reroof cost?
$80,000–$160,000 typically for a 3,500–5,000 sq ft Victorian or historic home with synthetic slate or shake replacement. Smaller homes run $60,000–$100,000. Estate-level homes can reach $200,000+.
Will Heritage Preservation approve synthetic slate or shake?
Yes, when properly submitted. DaVinci and Brava synthetic slate and shake products are routinely approved when the application includes spec sheets, color samples, and photos of similar installs.
How long does Heritage Preservation review take in Stillwater?
4–8 weeks typically. Build review time into the project schedule alongside material lead times.
Can I install standard asphalt on a Stillwater historic home?
Generally no. Three-tab asphalt and other standard products are typically rejected by Heritage Preservation. Class 4 luxury asphalt with shake-look profile is sometimes approved for newer homes within the district.
Do I need a permit and Heritage Preservation approval?
Both. Standard building permit plus Heritage Preservation Commission review for any exterior change to a home in the historic district.
Where to start
To request a free luxury reroof estimate, fill out a short form. We handle Heritage Preservation submission packages as part of every Stillwater historic reroof.
For more, see synthetic slate roofing cost, North Oaks cedar replacement, and premium exteriors guide.
Other Stillwater Exterior Guides >