This 1886 Stick Style house will soon have its porch restored thanks to a municipal restoration grant. I spoke with the elderly owner who was thrilled to have help preserving her home.
The program offers homeowners in 7 historic districts in Springfield, MA, grants up to $30,000 to make exterior improvements. In 2022, the City Council approved $250,000 to fund the Historic Homes Rehabilitation Program with money from the Community Preservation Act.
Funding is targeted for exterior projects only and is limited to restoring original windows and doors, purchasing and installing energy-efficient storm windows, and restoration of porches and other exterior features. The program is restricted to owner-occupied houses built before 1940.
Property owners must be unable to pay for the improvements entirely on their own. A sliding scale determines the percentage of municipal participation versus owner participation in the program based on income. A residential property tax surcharge raises the money.
Spending is restricted to projects and programs that involve historic preservation, housing and open space. Such programs are rare but hopefully will become more common.
All aspects of home restoration are covered in “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our shop, YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Select restoration and preservation titles by other authors are also available in our shop! Save with our combo-packs!
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