Housing Housing Committee |
Historic DistrictThe Vine Historic District has allowed Vine Neighborhood to maintain its historic character. Since the historic district was established, housing values have increased and the number of blighted houses has decreased. Overall the historic district has helped improve and maintain the housing stock in Vine Neighborhood. The Michigan Historic Preservation Tax Credit is available for any property that “contributes” to a historic district. Governor John Engler initiated the State of Michigan Historic Preservation tax credits in January of 1999. All of the contributing structures within Kalamazoo’s local historic districts qualify for this 25% tax credit for work done according to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. While the Historic District Commission reviews projects affecting the exterior of the structure, tax credit projects must be reviewed for both interior and exterior work. Historic District Commission approval does not necessarily mean that the same project will be approved for tax credits. Allow plenty of time for review and approval before you purchase materials or begin work. The credit is available for heating, air conditioning, water heaters, electrical work, plumbing upgrades, original outbuildings, interior and exterior painting, refinishing floors, fencing and almost all maintenance and repair projects. The property owner must spend at least 10% of the State Equalized Valuation of the property. Federal Tax Credits are also offered through the Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit that provides a credit of 20% of the cost of the project on Federal income taxes and 5% on Michigan income or Single Business taxes. Property must produce income. Contact City of Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Coordinator at 337-8804 for historic guidelines and further tax credit information. Please remember to contact the Coordinator BEFORE work begins. Historic Preservation information provided by Sharon Ferraro.
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