Cherrytree Group LLC Blog

The temporary reauthorization of the state’s Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit could stimulate the economy and foster job creation and development, according to a R.I. Public Expenditure Council report released Thursday.

According to the report, as Rhode Island’s economy begins to recover, the state will be faced with two choices – undoing structural changes that were made in response to the recession or taking an investment-based approach to the budget.

Historic credits from abandoned projects may allow for a targeted, short-term economic stimulus.

“There are many intangible benefits of historic preservation, such as preservation of culture and community and the aesthetic sensibilities of preserving architecturally significant buildings,” said the report.

Preservation costs may be lower than replacement costs and designation as a historic place may increase property values, stimulating economic growth.

“However, historic rehabilitation also carries costs,” said the report. … “In order to mitigate these costs, historic structures tax credits provide an economic incentive for private-sector investment in the rehabilitation of historic properties.”

Allowing developers to apply for abandoned tax credits could provide a “much-needed boost” to an economy that may not be robust enough to support development for commercial properties without the credit.

Temporary reinstatement of the Historic Preservation Investment Tax Credit would also allow for an evaluation of how a full reinstatement of the credit could stimulate economic activity and job creation in the Ocean State.

For more information on monetizing Historic Tax Credits, contact Warren at The Cherrytree Group.

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