Friday, August 15, 2008

Ask Dr. Downtown

Dear Dr Downtown:

Q: What incentives are available for building rehabilitation downtown?


A: There are five (5) different incentives available for rehabilitating buildings downtown three (3) City of Lincolnton Grant Programs that provide cash, a local bank loan pool that provides loans at ½% below the prime rate, and state and federal tax credits that are a dollar for dollar reduction in your income taxes up to 40% of the rehabilitation costs.

Incentive Grant for Storefront Rehabilitation:

Provides 50% of the total cost of approved projects up to $40 per linear foot of front façade. Side facades are eligible on corner buildings and buildings where the side façade is clearly visible from a public right-of-way

Architectural Services Grant:
Provides 50% of the design cost of up to $2,500

Substantial Building Rehab Grant Program:
Provides $10.00 per $100 (10%) of assessed value of the building as a matching grant. The required match is 50% of the improvements value of the property as determined by the tax assessor.

Low Interest Loan Pool:

An additional incentive is a loan pool from Lincolnton's banks. This program provides a 1/2% below prime rate loan for a 15 year term for the acquisition and rehabilitation of downtown buildings.

Tax Credits:

Federal & State Tax Credits are available for Rehabilitation for buildings in the Lincolnton Commercial Historic District. Rehabs could be eligible for a 20% federal tax credit and 20% state tax credit on the amount of the building rehabilitation.

More information is available at www.downtownlincolnton.org

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