The PHMC is proud to announce that eGrant is open for applications for the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program. Many applications are already started for this immensely popular grant program but it isn’t too late for your community or local-nonprofit to submit an application.
Since 1993, the program has supported over 550 community “bricks and mortar” and preservation projects. The PHMC’s Keystone program is one of the few dedicated funding sources that support preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation projects of publicly-accessible National Register listed or eligible properties. Recipients showcase the diverse historic properties in the Commonwealth including covered bridges, county courthouses, roller coasters and museums.
Fonthill Museum under repair.
Photo: Fonthill Museum
Our active Keystone projects are moving along very nicely. Fonthill Museum is working on some critical conservation measures at Henry Mercer’s House in Doylestown, Bucks County. Unfortunately, water penetration, inherent with the building’s original design and concrete construction, threatens the tile decorated interior. Their contractor completed a water test to determine the sources of water ingress then follow the proscribed remedy that was developed in concert with their preservation architect. This methodology was successful in past restoration projects at the National Historic Landmark and the project should be completed shortly.
Pittsburgh Renaissance Historic District
Photo: PHLF
The Pennsylvania Preservation Board will also review several Keystone-funded nominations to the National Register at their Board Meeting on February 5, 2013. One of these is a project sponsored by Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation (PHLF) to nominate the eligible Pittsburgh Renaissance Historic District. They analyzed the existing listed and eligible National Register districts and their environs in Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle to determine if additional information was required to adjust their boundaries and/or inventories. The end result is to encourage more economic development through historic tax credits.
Speaking of preservation tax incentives, the staff of the PHMC is still developing the program guidelines for the state level tax credit with our sister agency, Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development (DCED). Look for more information soon.
If you want more information about the Keystone Grant program or to inquire if your project may qualify, contact me at the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Office (PA HPO) , Karen Arnold at (717) 783-9927 or kaarnold@pa.gov The March 1st Application Deadline is fast approaching!
The Keystone Historic Preservation Construction Grant Program provides funding in the categories of preservation, restoration and rehabilitation to nonprofit organizations and local governments for capital improvements on historic resources listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
Keystone Historic Preservation Project Grants provide funding to support projects in the categories of Cultural Resource Surveys, National Register Nominations, Planning and Development Assistance, and Archaeology. Grant requests for either program may be from $5,000 to $25,000 and require 50/50 matching funds. This program supports projects that identify, preserve, promote and protect historic and archaeological resources in Pennsylvania for both the benefit of the public and community revitalization. The grants receive funding from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund.
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