MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) — The State Historic Preservation Office has given its blessing to a $7.2 million plan to upgrade the Corn Palace tourist attraction in Mitchell.

The office says the plan to renovate and expand the Corn Palace will not "damage, destroy or encroach upon historic properties."

The plan was approved by the City Council in July.

The Corn Palace is part of Mitchell's Historic Commercial District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. That prompted the state office's review of the plan.

Next-Generation Corn Palace Committee Chairman Doug Dailey tells The Daily Republic newspaper the approval by the Historic Preservation Office is "quite a relief."

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