The restoration of historic buildings keeps economic and cultural activity in town centers, reinforces Vermont’s traditional settlement pattern, and promotes continued community use. VHCB has assisted with the preservation of more than 87 outstanding historic buildings with public use around the state. Historic buildings acquired and/or rehabilitated with VHCB funding are protected by a Historic Preservation Easement held by VHCB and the Preservation Trust of Vermont.
Much of the housing developed with VHCB funding is in historic buildings in downtowns and village centers. These buildings are rehabilitated to retain historic features and to improve energy efficiency. VHCB also funds the adaptive reuse of buildings such as vacant schools or commercial buildings converted into affordable housing.
To apply for funding to acquire and/or restore a historic building with public use, contact VHCB conservation staff for a determination of which funding category to pursue. Relevant policies may include:
Considerations for Historic Preservation Applicants:
Eligibility and Significance
- The building must be on or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, or be of “outstanding historic significance” to Vermont or the U.S., based on architectural, archaeological, and or cultural features.
- The building must be owned by a qualified nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status, a municipality, or the State of Vermont.
- Public must have reasonable and regular access to the building for charitable, educational, recreational, conservation, or cultural purposes.
- VHCB funds can contribute to costs associated directly with rehabilitation of historic features. In some cases, a portion of VHCB funds may contribute costs associated with other structural work.
Leverage, Budgets, and Tax Credits
- Fundraising plans, detailed project budgets, and cost estimates must be provided with the application.
- Applicants are encouraged to leverage federal rehabilitation investment tax credits, local fundraising, and private foundations.
- Applicant must demonstrate sufficient funds from non-VHCB sources to complete rehabilitation within a reasonable period and provide fundraising plans for continuing building maintenance.
Affordable Housing Projects and Farms
- VHCB may fund both the purchase and rehabilitation of historic buildings as part of affordable housing projects.
- Historic preservation easements may be required for buildings of outstanding historic significance. For farm buildings on protected farmland, VHCB may utilize a “Notice Provision” to protect buildings of outstanding historic significance.
Historic Preservation Easements
- If funded, the owner must execute and record a historic preservation easement in the local land records. VHCB Historic
- Preservation Easements are co-held with the Preservation Trust of Vermont.
- Easement requires consultation with a historic preservation professional to document and maintain the building’s significant features in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation (36 CFR 67).
Application Review Notes
- VHCB funds are reimbursement based, and are disbursed after construction or project activities are completed.
- Projects involving buildings over 50 years old or disturbing archaeologically sensitive areas require review by the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation.
- Compliance with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards must be confirmed before funding is disbursed.
- As applicable projects may be reviewed under VHCB’s policy for local conservation and or outdoor recreation projects.
Resources
- To learn more about historic values of a structure or other funding opportunities for a potential project, applicants can reach out to Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, and or Preservation Trust of Vermont.
