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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Historic Preservation Commission
DATE: March 19, 2025
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Approving the Expansion of the Historic Preservation Grant Program and Adopting New Program Guidelines (25-0208 - KDWK-25.085-PZ/HP - JM)
PURPOSE:
Requesting to expand the Historic Preservation Grant Program to allow for non-owner-occupied homes to take advantage of the Program and to approve new Historic Preservation Grant Program Guidelines.
BACKGROUND:
In 2019, City Council allocated $100,000 for a new historic preservation funding program. The proposed grant program was similar to previous historic preservation grant funding. The current Historic Preservation Grant Program is a reimbursable grant for exterior historic rehabilitation projects. The maximum grant amount is $20,000. All grants at or under $10,000 require no cash match. All grants over $10,000 require a dollar-for-dollar cash match for every dollar over $10,000. For grants over $10,000, grantees are eligible for an additional $1,000 to offset the required match if a local contractor is used. Properties must be owner-occupied and either a one-unit or two-unit home. Eligible structures must be located within a local historic district, designated as a local historic landmark, listed on the National Register (if it becomes a local landmark), or a structure undergoing designation. Grants are for exterior work that is non-maintenance related and is of high quality that will last for a minimum of five years before any additional work is needed. Ineligible projects include driveway repaving, fencing, asphalt roofs and landscaping.
The 2025 Budget includes a one-million-dollar expansion from the Transformational Fund of the Historic Preservation Grant funding. With this financial expansion, there is a proposed expansion of the program in order to have a larger physical impact on the historic districts. The preservation grant programs in the 1990s and 2000s were not limited to owner-...
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