Preserve structures and meet emerging needs

Historic preservation and rehabilitation is a priority for many communities, but these projects can be challenging. Adaptive reuse provides opportunities for local governments to preserve structures and meet the emerging needs of the surrounding area.

How DFI can help

DFI works with communities to understand opportunities for preserving and reusing buildings, particularly within downtown environments and historic districts. It also builds capacity in government teams to understand how special designations for historic structures can improve feasibility for private development. DFI supports local governments by:

  • Exploring private development tools and local designations to support feasible development

  • Using tools like federal and state historic tax credits to support adaptive reuse

  • Navigating the historic structure listing process

Historic preservation case studies