Resources

Eligibility Requirements:

To successfully qualify for and claim these tax credits, your project must meet three primary criteria.

1. Property Status: The building must be a “certified historic structure.” This means it must be individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places or designated as a contributing structure within a National Register Historic District (like Hillcrest!).
2. Preservation Standards: All renovation work must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. This ensures that the building’s historic character, materials, and architectural integrity are preserved during construction.
3. Application Timing: You must submit your application and receive preliminary approval before any physical construction work begins. Work completed prior to approval is usually disqualified.

Don’t give up if your project is ineligible – it may be possible to bring your building back into compliance by restoring or uncovering original historic elements.

How do you check to see if a property is already listed in the National Register?

Use the buttons below to search the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program’s database for individual listings in the National Register of Historic Places, or use their GIS map to check Contributing/Non-contributing status of properties within a National Register historic district. You may also contact the National Register staff at the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program to inquire about your building’s eligibility by calling 501-324-9880 or emailing info@arkansasheritage.com.

How are Historic Districts determined?

Historic Districts are comprised of two or more significant historic buildings designated by the National Park Service and listed in the National Register of Historic Places (an official list created by the federal government which recognizes districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects worthy of preservation). To verify that a neighborhood qualifies as a Historic District, a survey is completed to determine if a majority of buildings in the neighborhood are constructed within the period of significance and have maintained a certain level of original character. When these surveys are conducted, properties within Historic Districts are designated as either contributing or non-contributing.

What is a contributing property?

A contributing property is one that still has its historic and original architectural integrity – it has not been significantly changed from street view since it was constructed. It adds to the importance of buildings within the Historic District. 

What is a non-contributing property?

A non-contributing property is one that was not built during the neighborhood’s period of significance, or it has been significantly changed from when it was built. This includes large additions to the rear that are visible from the front, enclosure of a front porch, or a modification to the roofline. A property is designated as non-contributing if it has lost enough original details and features so that it no longer adds to the importance of buildings that make up the Historic District.

Why are historic districts important?

Historic neighborhoods often have many of the traditional qualities that are attractive to homeowners, such as houses with architectural character and human scale, walkable streets, and mature trees. Tax Credit programs help preserve these neighborhoods, which bring many benefits to cities and towns, including:

• Higher Home Values: Historic neighborhoods make great places to live, work, and play. Because of the time period in which they were constructed, historic neighborhoods are often located near the city center or contain their own pockets of commercial buildings and resources, maximizing walkability and convenience. These features result in higher and more stable property values.

• Sustainability: Reusing and renovating existing buildings is a much greener process than new construction and is an efficient use of existing public infrastructure.

• Neighborhood Identity and Pride: Because of their walkability, historic neighborhoods offer many opportunities to get acquainted with others in the community. Parks, sidewalks, front porches, and alleys create natural places for people to meet and interact. This helps bring people together and creates a strong neighborhood identity and sense of pride.  

• Community History: Historic neighborhoods serve as a tangible link to the past and a way to bring meaning to history and to people’s lives. They preserve the original character of buildings and streets, while welcoming growth and innovation within those spaces. They are a living, active record of communities and their residents as they endure over time.

• Investment in the Future: All of these good qualities of traditional historic neighborhoods make people and businesses want to locate and invest there. The preservation of historic neighborhoods is good for the overall economy.