HFI is a not-for-profit corporation formed in 1969 to meet the need for a local group with broad preservation interest and capable of responding quickly to protect and preserve landmark structures.

HFI has worked with the city of Florissant and the State Preservation Office to study and survey the cultural resources of the city. It maintains a Resource Center to house research documents for the area and information on technical services relating to preservation, restoration and recycling of buildings.