As preservationists travel to Washington DC in a few weeks, we will be voicing our strong support for the Federal Historic Tax Credit Program. During this time of remarkable change and shifting attitudes in our nation's capital, it is imperative that we show the strong, broad based support the HTC garners to our elected officials. Since it's inception, the HTC has leveraged over $120 billion nationally in private investment and is our government's largest investment in historic preservation. With our wealth of historic resources, the HTC has been successfully utilized here in Massachusetts for many years and along the way preserved hundreds of historic buildings, revitalized communities an
By Jay Minkarah, president and CEO of DevelopSpringfield As I was admiring a large notched beam in the attic of an historic building we plan to rehabilitate in downtown Springfield, I was struck by the thought that the beam was likely taken from an earlier 18th century structure and adapted to support a mid-19th century building that will soon be repurposed to support a new 21st century use. Next door, in the recently restored Merrick-Phelps House (circa 1841), images of patents on the conference-room wall are a testament to the inventiveness of the former home's first owner, Solomon Merrick. Whether it's the invention of something wholly new, or the adaptation of something existing for a ne
The RFP for 60 Byers Street has been extended! This property is in Springfield, MA, right across from the Historic Armory. The property was built by a local architect Thurston Munson in the International Style with inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright. The Springfield Historic Preservation Fund is also adding $50,000 from the their funds as further incentive for the property's restoration. RFP submissions are due on April 12. To see the RFP click here. To read the Springfield Republican article about the property, click here.
If you've been thinking about nominating a deserving project that showcases the Power of Preservation, you're in luck! The deadline to submit nominations has been extended until Friday, March 3. So download a nomination form today and help us showcase the Power of Preservation at this year's Tsongas Awards on May 10!
If there has ever been a profession dedicated to collaboration, team effort and people coming together, it is preservation. From day one, preservation has been a team sport, relying on the efforts and work of many to result in amazing transformations in our communities, neighborhoods, cities and towns. If ever there was a time to celebrate coming together and the benefits of team spirit, it is now. The 2017 Paul & Niki Tsongas Awards will take the theme of “team” to a new level, with a competition to showcase the importance, impact and invaluable nature of preservation and its programs across Massachusetts and nationwide. This year’s awards program will be a nomination competition in a vari
