Recap on Partnership to Rehab Historic Buildings Workshop

On March 10, speakers and attendees from Northern California gathered together in Ione, CA for the “Make History – Public-Private Partnerships Rehabilitate Historic Properties” Workshop, presented by California Preservation Foundation.

On March 10, speakers and attendees from Northern California gathered together in Ione, CA for the “Make History – Public-Private Partnerships Rehabilitate Historic Properties” Workshop, presented by California Preservation Foundation.

Speakers included a variety of experts and presented different partnership and case studies. Presenters were Chris Fedukowski, finance expert and Principal of CFC; Garavaglia Architecture, Inc.’s Principal, Michael Garavaglia, a Preservation Architect; Said C. Kordestani, Partner in Farella Braun + Martel Tax Group; and local Bank of Amador President, Wayne Garibaldi. Local city representatives from Jackson and Ione also presented their challenges and successes on this topic. Ione’s own Preston Castle Foundation spoke on their on-going project.

Some tools and processes mentioned in this workshop included:

  • Facade programs
  • National Historic Trust Main Street Program
  • Community Development Block Grant Funds
  • Zoning Codes & Historic Districts
  • Heritage Tourism
  • Design  & Financing Process for Historic Preservation Tax Credits
  • Secretary of Interior Standards, and defining Rehabilitation
  • Historic Context and Significance
  • Historic Structure Reports

A good portion of the workshop concentrated on the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit, a program administered by the US Department of Interior and the US Department of Treasury. Speakers went over the team members required, critical time periods, and the deal structures necessary for the at-times complex procedure.

Great case studies were presented by David Wilkinson, from Mercy Housing California, a non-profit housing developer; Darlene Mathis from the McCloud River Mercantile Co. & the Mercantile Hotel, and Andrea from Clark’s Corner in Ione. The three perspectives were all different: a professional developer with a social cause, a newly relocated family looking to create a new small town gem, and a highly active community member creating a gathering place for the people of the town, repsectively. However, all of them spurred further development in their areas and encouraging locals to stay in town for services.

For more information on resources for the historic preservation process or funding, please contact us and also visit our resources page.

Workshop on Partnerships to Rehabilitate Historic Buildings

Michael Garavaglia, Principal of Garavaglia Architecture, Inc., will be speaking at a workshop in Ione, CA on how public-private partnerships work in the rehabilitation of historic buildings. A panel of experts from public and private sectors will present an overview of real estate development strategies for historic buildings.

Some key areas covered and opportunities available in this workshop:

  • There is money available, even in the current economy, to finance rehabilitation projects.
  • Learn about the process, from envisioning the project through opening day, and how to avoid common mistakes.
  • Meet panelists who have used these partnerships and resources to make real projects happen.
  • Meet others in your community who share similar goals, forge new partnerships, and share your knowledge.

Make History: Public-Private Partnerships to Rehabilitate

March 10, 2010
Evalynn Bishop Hall, Howard Park
600 South Church Street
Ione, CA 91030 (Amador County)
9:00 AM — 5:00 PM

In Partnership with City of Ione and Preston Castle Foundation

For more information and registration, visit:
http://californiapreservation.org/PDFs/RE_developmentI.pdf.

Dea Bacchetti speaks to the First Unitarian Church of Oakland

As President of Oakland Heritage Alliance, Marketing Manager Dea Bacchetti spoke to the First Unitarian Church of Oakland in a speech titled “Affirmations,” about the Church’s efforts to rehabilitation and Oakland Heritage Alliance assistance as a partner in this 28 year venture this past weekend. In her speech she recognizes the Church’s challenging but successful endeavor and its importance:

“Opened in 1891, and built solely with materials timbered, quarried, or otherwise made in California, this superbly crafted Richardsonian Romanesque style building has withstood the test of time. Over 100 years, and two earthquakes later, the structure has gracefully provided a home for Sunday services, hosted thousands of meetings, weddings, and events. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, the church is also a California Landmark and arguably one of Oakland’s more significant historic buildings… Through your actions you have preserved this shining gem and have served as an example to all: how a group of dedicated people can make a difference in preserving our past for future generations.”