Preservation Massachusetts has just released our updated economic review of the Massachusetts Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program: Jobs, Revenue and Revitalization. This is the second edition of our economic update on the effectiveness and impact of this important program. Since April, 2004, this credit has demonstrated the economic benefits of historic preservation while revitalizing our neighborhoods, preserving the historic fabric of our Commonwealth and reenergizing our communities.

With great foresight the Massachusetts Legislature enacted the State Historic Tax Credit by adding it to an economic stimulus act. Since then credit has given back to Massachusetts through private investment, job creation and tax revenues. The program’s steady growth over the past seven years prompted a coalition of organizations, led by Preservation Massachusetts, to quantify the credit’s impact on Massachusetts,

Download a PDF copy today or contact Preservation Massachusetts’ office for information on how to receive a print copy.
The MHRTC: Jobs, Revenue & Revitalization

Preservation Massachusetts would like to assist homeowners in finding information for the planning and project phases of construction after a natural disaster.
Please contact our office with any questions at 617-723-3383.

PM has compiled helpful informational resources to assist property owners with their daunting challenges of rebuilding after the June 1st storms in the western Massachusetts areas. The restoration project of an historic home presents unique challenges which need to be met by unique professionals.

How do I begin my construction project?
Start by having a plan and asking the right questions. This can be an overwhelming process. Take a look at our WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK MY CONTRACTOR FOR MY HISTORIC HOME resource. This resource addresses the importance of an appropriate professional, the questions which should be asked and the information the professional should provide.

Where do you begin to look for preservation professionals?
Check out our Consultants Directory for preservation professionals.
We have complied preservation directories which have professionals listed who have experience working on historic properties. As always, Preservation Massachusetts cannot endorse or guarantee the skill set or work of these professionals; rather we are meaning only to serve as a conduit to these directories. This compilation is to serve as a starting point for your search for professionals to complete work on your property. It is up to the home owner to do their homework. (See our Contractor Resource).

Where can I find informational resources for my historic home?
If you are looking for a list of professionals, Secretary of Interior Standards, online disaster resources, and funding sources we have an informational resources sheet on these issues.

Where do I find information on fixing historic wood windows?
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has a great tip sheet on repairing historic wood windows.

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The incredible interior of Southbridge’s Notre Dame Church. The church was listed on the 2010 Most Endangered Historic Resources List with 3 other Central Mass properties.

Endangered icons: Southbridge church among threatened area structures

By Bronislaus B. Kush|Worcester Telegram & Gazette| September 30, 2010

Boston — Notre Dame Church in Southbridge, which may be shuttered as part of the reorganization plan by the Diocese of Worcester to cope with the dwindling number of priests, is one of four Central Massachusetts landmarks that have been placed on Preservation Massachusetts’ 2010 Most Endangered Historic Resources list.

The others are the Odd Fellows Home in Worcester’s Greendale section, which may be razed for a housing development; the Oakham West School in Oakham; and the Rev. Abiel “Priest” Williams House in Dudley.

Preservation Massachusetts has put out an annual list for 17 years. The 10 structures listed have been judged by the nonprofit advocacy group as being historically significant, but threatened with demolition or neglect.

In May, chancery officials merged Notre Dame’s congregation with that of nearby Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.

Notre Dame parishioners fear that their cathedral-like church, which was built in 1912…

For the full article, click here.

25-27 Elliot Street was listed on Preservation Massachusetts’ Most Endangered list for 2010

Historic House on Elliot Street in Springfield deserves reprieve

Editorial| Springfield Republican| September 15, 2010

Springfield — Now it’s time for the heavy lifting. Preservation Massachusetts has placed the nearly 140-year-old building at 25-27 Elliot St. in Springfield on its list of the state’s most endangered historic sites.

City officials and preservationists have fought for more than two years to save the fire-damaged, red-brick structure built in 1872.

The building is under the control of a court-appointed receiver, but its owner wants to knock it down, saying renovations would be too costly. Estimates to rehabilitate the house…

For the full article, click here.

Preservation Massachusetts staff visited 25-27 Elliot Street in Springfield on September 13 with Congressman Richard Neal and others concerned about the future of this building.

Endangered Springfield duplex listed among most endangered historic sites in Massachusetts

By Peter Goonan| Springfield Republican| September 14, 2010

Springfield — A fire-damaged duplex on Elliot Street has been listed by a statewide historic preservation organization as one of the most endangered historic sites in Massachusetts.

The designation was revealed Monday as city officials, state and federal historic preservation organizations, and U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, gathered outside the duplex at 25-27 Elliot St., to discussed options aimed at saving the building from demolition.

Preservation Massachusetts, a nonprofit historic preservation group, added the local building to its “Massachusetts’ Most Endangered Historic Resources” list. The duplex was built in 1872, and is located in the Quadrangle-Mattoon Street Historic District adjacent to the new federal courthouse on State Street.

The building has been boarded since a fire in January of 2008…

For the full article, click here.