5Q: Edward Sanderson

 / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
/ PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

1 What help is available to businesses that want to invest in historical buildings?

The commission administers federal and state tax credits for rehabilitating historic commercial buildings. The credits are each worth 20 percent of the project cost; together the credits equal 40 percent. Since 2001, when the state credit was enacted, we and the tax division have approved 300 projects representing $1.7 billion in private investment. Another $500 million is in the pipeline.

2 What role does the commission play in the Rebuild Rhode Island tax-credit program?

The new Rebuild RI program is administered by the R.I. Commerce Corp. Historic rehabs are eligible and commission architects and historians will work with Commerce RI staff. We expect these projects will also apply for the federal tax credits that we administer.

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3 What is the payback for Rhode Island in saving historical structures?

Rhode Island has more historic buildings in relation to its size than any other state. That’s a big inventory of historic space available for renovation and reuse in our small state with limited area for growth. These projects do more than preserve heritage. They create jobs, add housing, revitalize downtowns and generate new tax revenue.

4 Is there increasing interest in the National Register of Historic Places program?

The National Register is the official list of historic properties worthy of preservation. The commission manages the program for Rhode Island, and about 20,000 places are listed, including historic houses, commercial buildings, mills, farms, public buildings and more. Many Colonial and 19th-century buildings are listed already. We continue to list textile mills and industrial sites that reflect our state’s role as the “birthplace of American industry.” Recently, more 20th-century places have been added.

5 Is there sufficient public policy to support historical preservation?

In Rhode Island, historic places are part of everyday life: homes and businesses, churches and town halls, farms and factories, villages and downtowns. Historic preservation really is about community development and has broad public support. Eighteen cities and towns have established historic districts, and there are many local preservation societies. •

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