In July 2025, a new South Dakota law—Senate Bill 171—will take effect, requiring sellers to disclose whether a property is designated as historic or located within a historic district. This legislative change is the result of advocacy by Councilman Pat Roseland, who raised the issue with Representative Mike Derby after seeing firsthand how many homebuyers were unaware of the responsibilities that come with owning a property in a historic area.

“As someone who has personally restored historic properties, I know how important it is for buyers to be informed,” said Roseland. “Historic districts come with guidelines that protect the integrity of these neighborhoods—and buyers deserve to understand that up front.”

The West Boulevard Historic District, where Pat has completed multiple restoration projects, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and expanded in 1995. Changes to homes in these areas—such as replacing windows, siding, doors, or roofing—must be approved by the Rapid City Historic Preservation Commission. Clear guidelines exist to help property owners preserve the district’s historic character, but many buyers learn this only after purchasing a home.

About Senate Bill 171

Pat Roseland brought this issue to Rep. Mike Derby, leading to the creation of Senate Bill 171. The bill adds two important questions to the seller’s property disclosure form:

1. Has the property been designated as a historic property by a local governing body?

2. Is the property located within an established historic district?

The bill passed unanimously, with Sen. David Wheeler and Rep. Becky Drury serving as prime sponsors in the Senate and House, respectively. Matt Krogman, on behalf of the South Dakota Association of Realtors, also helped advocate for the bill. It was signed into law by Governor Larry Rhoden and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Rep. Mike Derby credited Pat Roseland as “the driving force behind getting this bill passed.”

Preserving Rapid City’s Historic Fabric

Pat’s advocacy is rooted in decades of personal investment in Rapid City’s historic neighborhoods. Between 1994 and 2016, he purchased and restored two homes in the West Boulevard Historic District. One of those homes, originally considered “non-contributing,” was restored to the point of becoming a contributing structure within the district—a testament to Pat’s commitment to preservation.

He also saved a neighboring home that was slated for demolition, lifting the structure to add a new basement and fully restoring both upper levels. Though not officially contributing yet, the home now enhances the character of the neighborhood.

In 2008, Pat purchased a 12,000 sq. ft. building in Rapid City’s original townsite. After years of hard work and personal investment, the building now features three upper-level apartments and three commercial spaces on the main floor—another successful example of adaptive reuse and community revitalization.

“I no longer own any of the buildings I restored,” Pat notes, “but I’m proud of the work and what it added to our city’s history and vitality.” – Pat Roseland