Services

National Register Nominations

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. It is a documentation tool maintained by the National Park Service, used to record the existence of sites that contribute to our local, state, and national heritage. Getting your site added to the National Register is often the first step to accessing grants, historic tax credits, and other sources of funding for your project.

Historic Tax Credit Applications

The Federal Historic Tax Credit (HTC) program is administered by the National Park Service and the IRS. It offers building owners a noncompetitive income tax credit equal to 20% of the qualifying costs required to rehabilitate their certified historic structure in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. The WV State Historic Preservation Office also has a State HTC that offers an additional 25% of costs, as well as a separate residential credit program for homeowners. HTCs require a 3-part application process and extensive coordination with NPS and WVSHPO, but are often a significant and critical part of the capital stack when tackling a major rehab project.

Section 106 Reviews

Any undertaking that receives state or federal funding, permits, or licenses must first be submitted for governmental review. Determining in advance what potential adverse effects your project may have on surrounding historic structures, and working with the appropriate agencies to find solutions when needed, is key to ensuring that your work can proceed smoothly.

Preservation Grant Writing

Funding a preservation project is typically the biggest obstacle to its completion. Grants from the State Historic Preservation Office, National Park Service, National Trust for Historic Preservation, and local/regional organizations are often essential to kickstarting planning efforts, securing technical assistance, and carrying out physical construction and repairs. Understanding preservation principles and familiarity with these agencies’ priorities will help give your application the competitive edge it needs to stand out above the rest.

Surveys, Research, and More

Cultural resource surveys and reports such as the West Virginia Historic Property Inventory form are important tools to capture a snapshot of your site at a specific moment in time. For both new and longtime property owners, thoroughly researching the history and architectural evolution of your site is invaluable in helping you understand the most significant elements to protect and the best decisions to make as a responsible owner.

Need another preservation report or other service not described above? Reach out for a direct consultation.