If you are interested in rehabilitating a historic house or commercial building, an upcoming meeting may provide the answers you need to get started.
The Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation (LTHP) in partnership with the Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation will discuss resources for rehabilitating historic buildings, including tax credits, historic designations and protective easements. The evening meetings are free and open to the public.
Dr. Dan Seymour, Louisiana Trust president, says, “Historic buildings define the identity of our communities and can bring economic growth through construction jobs, increased sales, tourism and community pride. When vacant and blighted buildings are renovated and put back into use, surrounding property values increase.”
The series of community meetings will cover the benefits of local historic districts, Louisiana State Cultural Districts, Main Street Communities and National Register listing, as well as how preservation easements can help protect properties into the future.
Louisiana Trust’s Executive Director, Brian Davis, notes, “One question asked most often is, ‘Is there money available for my building?’. The answer is ‘yes’, it may be possible for owners of historic buildings to use tax credits to cover a portion of their expenses.”
The next community meeting will be on Thursday, April 13, from 6 – 7:30 p.m., in Thibodaux, at Thibodaux City Hall (310 West 2nd Street). LA Division of Historic Preservation staff member, Trey Crump (LA Main Street Design Coordinator), will discuss programs for designating and restoring historic buildings and neighborhoods. Brian Davis, Louisiana Executive Director, will discuss ways to protect and save historic properties. Owners of historic buildings or those who are interested in renovating a historic house or commercial building in Lafourche and surrounding parishes are encouraged to attend.
The Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation was founded in 1979, and follows its mission to identify, preserve and protect historic buildings and sites statewide. The Louisiana Trust’s Revolving Fund Program works to stabilize vacant historic buildings across the state and sell them with protective easements. It is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
