Historic tax credits promote environmental and economic sustainability by encouraging the reuse and rehabilitation of existing buildings. Reusing historic buildings reduces waste, preserves land, and supports well-paying local jobs. A study of historic buildings in Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati found that rehabilitation to earn LEED certification and historic tax credits was achievable and increased property values. Early communication between historic preservation and green building experts helps avoid conflicts and ensures projects meet all standards.

2. Sustainability & Historic Preservation What do historic tax credits have to do with environmental and economic sustainability?

3. One-third of all solid waste dumped in landfills is from construction debris Embodied Energy – total expenditure of energy in the creation of the building and its materials 56,000 gallons of gasoline is wasted – energy of average historic building carted off to landfill

4. In Ohio, $1 million dollar in rehab of an historic building creates 22.9 jobs and ultimately $823,000 in household income New construction – half materials and half labor Rehabilitation – 60 to 70% labor – good, well-paying jobs Historic Preservation is overwhelmingly done by small firms

5. Preserve an historic building – preserving land Rehabilitate historic building – reducing waste generation Reuse an historic building – ultimate in recycling

6. Over-the-Rhine Green Historic Study Explored barriers and opportunities to developing green historic buildings Managed by Over-the-Rhine Foundation and Gray & Pape Funded by OHPO/NPS (CLG Grant), Duke Energy and generous pro-bono services

7. Study designed & evaluated four prototypical building types in Over-the-Rhine 1313 Clay – originally stable for Brauer Dairy – reuse as owner’s residence and rental apartment 1420 Pleasant – small tenement apartments – reuse as larger more marketable apartments

8. 1700 Vine – originally storefront with upper residential units – reuse as storefront, owner’s residence and rental apartment 1202-1204 Main – originally hotel for vaudeville performers – reuse commercial space at street level, condos on upper floors

9. Assessed ability to meet Leadership in Environmental Design (LEED) certification, USGBC Also comply with SOI Standards for Rehabilitation All four buildings cost-effectively met, at minimum, LEED certification Designs met SOI Standards for Rehabilitation

10. The Value of Communication We discovered that most “conflict” between meeting LEED certification and proper historic preservation results from a mis-understanding of other disciplines, or an inadequate understanding of options – important to look at the whole picture. Early communication critical to success!

11. LEED certification and Tax Credit certification require documentation of existing conditions – before you start work! Both processes also require that the project is documented along the way, and verification that you did what you said you were going to do. Bottom line – green historic tax credit projects are doable!

12. Historic Preservation Consulting Services National Register Nominations, Tax Credit Certification, Local Historic District Designation, Design Guidelines, Historic Preservation Plans Part I, Part II and Part III Research, prepare nominations, forms, photo documentation, coordination LEED/Historic Tax Credit projects

13. Thank You Michael J. Matts, Director Historic Preservation & Planning Gray & Pape, Inc. [email_address] 513-287-7700