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About Historic Preservation:

Historic preservation gives us a link to our past and allows our community to protect historic properties, structures, archeological artifacts, and cultural events and identity for future generations. It allows us to view architectural styles of a time gone by, enjoy the craftsmanship of former artists, and understand previous development patterns. We can also reuse properties, protect our history and culture for current and future residents and keep materials out of the landfill. Studies show that tourists who plan trips around historic sites spend more money and stay longer than at other tourist destinations. Preserving our historic resources allows current generations to learn from the past, encourages sustainable uses of resources and promotes economic development.
 

Standards for Rehabilitation:

Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. The National Park Service has developed general principles to apply to the four distinct types of work done to historic properties - preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and reconstruction. Most projects will fall in the rehabilitation category – rehabilitation of a structure creating a compatible use for a property through repair, alterations and additions, while preserving portions, or features, which convey the historical, cultural or architectural value. By adhering to the 10 principles, projects will meet standards and if income-producing, may qualify for a 20 percent tax credit. While the guidelines for rehabilitation follow, guidelines for preservation, restoration and reconstruction can be found at: http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/standards_guidelines.htm.
 

Tax Credit Information:

Tax Credit Information – Some historic properties qualify for a 20 percent tax credit from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This program provides incentives to property owners of income-producing properties to encourage preservation projects that adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
 
For more information, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/tax/incentives/index.htm

 

Web Links:

National Park Service:
www.nps.gov/history/preservation.htm

National Trust for Historic Preservation:
www.preservationnation.org

National Main Street:
www.preservationnation.org/main-street

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation:
www.achp.gov

Florida Historic Preservation Bureau:
www.flheritage.com/preservation

Florida Trust for Historic Preservation:
www.floridatrust.org

Main Street Winter Haven:
www.mainstreetwh.com