Current Projects
This Place Matters...
Historic Columbus’ Spotlights Preservation Projects
Over the past 45 years, Historic Columbus has served as a strong revitalization organization for our community. Looking back, as one would imagine, there are numerous milestones and accomplishments.
The properties that have been a part of the Revolving Fund or Façade Loan Program are being spotlighted by Historic Columbus in the month of December through the placement of a yard sign. The purpose is to illustrate not only the impact Historic Columbus has had on our community in 45 years, but also to celebrate these “places that matter.” These places improve our quality of life and embody the phrase “what progress has preserved.”
· Historic Columbus has revolved over 80 properties through our Revolving Fund. The restoration of these endangered structures has put over $11.5 million dollars back on the tax roles. Historic Columbus also holds façade easements on each property that has come through the Revolving Fund. Currently, HCF holds three vacant lots, one brick warehouse building, and a church building in Waverly Terrace in the Revolving Fund.
· HCF has assisted with listing numerous properties and 11 neighborhoods in Columbus to the National Register of Historic Places. There are currently over 2,500 properties within Muscogee County that are not only protected locally and federally, but are also eligible for tax incentives because of their listing. Historic Columbus has also provided consulting services to several properties to help them receive tax incentives.
· Since 1997, Historic Columbus has provided small, $5,000, no-interest loans to homeowners in our historic districts for exterior improvements – such as new roofs, awnings, and painting. 158 loans have been made to property owners, which represents a total of $ 710,000 of HCF and private investment in our historic districts.
Historic Columbus has also provided special loan or grant funding to several historic properties – the Alma Thomas House, the Liberty Theatre, the Spencer House, and the Empire Building.
Over the past 45 years, Historic Columbus has served as a strong revitalization organization for our community. Looking back, as one would imagine, there are numerous milestones and accomplishments.
The properties that have been a part of the Revolving Fund or Façade Loan Program are being spotlighted by Historic Columbus in the month of December through the placement of a yard sign. The purpose is to illustrate not only the impact Historic Columbus has had on our community in 45 years, but also to celebrate these “places that matter.” These places improve our quality of life and embody the phrase “what progress has preserved.”
· Historic Columbus has revolved over 80 properties through our Revolving Fund. The restoration of these endangered structures has put over $11.5 million dollars back on the tax roles. Historic Columbus also holds façade easements on each property that has come through the Revolving Fund. Currently, HCF holds three vacant lots, one brick warehouse building, and a church building in Waverly Terrace in the Revolving Fund.
· HCF has assisted with listing numerous properties and 11 neighborhoods in Columbus to the National Register of Historic Places. There are currently over 2,500 properties within Muscogee County that are not only protected locally and federally, but are also eligible for tax incentives because of their listing. Historic Columbus has also provided consulting services to several properties to help them receive tax incentives.
· Since 1997, Historic Columbus has provided small, $5,000, no-interest loans to homeowners in our historic districts for exterior improvements – such as new roofs, awnings, and painting. 158 loans have been made to property owners, which represents a total of $ 710,000 of HCF and private investment in our historic districts.
Historic Columbus has also provided special loan or grant funding to several historic properties – the Alma Thomas House, the Liberty Theatre, the Spencer House, and the Empire Building.
Waverly Terrace Church
Built in 1909, the historic United Congregational Christian Church was a keystone for the Waverly Terrace neighborhood and historic district. Built within Columbus' first planned subdivision the church building features masonry construction with two towers on each side of the west facade. Historic Columbus was notified of the church's condition by it's active leader Rev. Jim Johnson. Rev. Johnson explained through a dwindling congregation and meeting at another facility the condition of the structure had reached a point where they were unable to make an impact.
Historic Columbus saw the building as an opportunity to create a presence in the Waverly Terrace District and gain control of the building with plans to stabilize and potentially repurpose the historic property.
To date Historic Columbus has comitted to stabilizing the exterior of the building through masonry, roof, and window repair. The brickwork was recently completed and work on the roof and windows will begin in the coming months. Stay tuned for more photos and updates on this exciting preservation project!
Historic Columbus saw the building as an opportunity to create a presence in the Waverly Terrace District and gain control of the building with plans to stabilize and potentially repurpose the historic property.
To date Historic Columbus has comitted to stabilizing the exterior of the building through masonry, roof, and window repair. The brickwork was recently completed and work on the roof and windows will begin in the coming months. Stay tuned for more photos and updates on this exciting preservation project!
Empire Building
Vacant for almost a decade, the Empire Building is now under restoration. Historic Columbus Foundation was able to make a $32,000.00 loan from our Revolving Redevelopment Fund to the developer to ensure the renovation would happen. Construction began at the beginning of December '09 and is slated to be complete near the end of 2010.
UPDATE 7/18/2011:
The Empire Building restoration has been complete for nearly 6 months and is now close to 75% occupied. The renovation of this building provided an additional 31 apartments to Uptown Columbus along with 3 commercial spaces still waiting for tenants. Historic Columbus was proud to be a part of this project and the ongoing revitalization of Uptown Columbus.
Update 11/3/2010: The Empire is nearing completion as finish work continues on the interior floors of the building. The three commercial spaces on the 1st floor will be an ideal location for new businesses to lease in Uptown. The project remains on schedule and the developer plans to be finished by January.
UPDATE 7/18/2011:
The Empire Building restoration has been complete for nearly 6 months and is now close to 75% occupied. The renovation of this building provided an additional 31 apartments to Uptown Columbus along with 3 commercial spaces still waiting for tenants. Historic Columbus was proud to be a part of this project and the ongoing revitalization of Uptown Columbus.
Update 11/3/2010: The Empire is nearing completion as finish work continues on the interior floors of the building. The three commercial spaces on the 1st floor will be an ideal location for new businesses to lease in Uptown. The project remains on schedule and the developer plans to be finished by January.
429 Second Avenue
A joint venture between the Historic Columbus Foundation and the Historic District Preservation Society, 429 Second Avenue is at the heart of historic preservation. Residents motivated to continue the progression of their district wanted a hands on restoration project. The work at 429 has been steady every Saturday for over a year. We are always looking for more volunteers to help with construction. The house is now nearing completion only lacking interior finishes and exterior painting. If you would like to assist with this project please contact HCF at (706)-322-0756.
UPDATE 7.18.2011
The 429 Project House is nearing completion with only final trim work and painting left to be finished. The house has already received a handful of calls from interested parties and HCF is hoping to move this home into good hands soon. Thanks again to HDPS for thier ongoing work to this project.
UPDATE 2.17.2010
The Historic District Preservation Society is continuing to make good progress at 429. Interior trim work is currently being done along with the installation of HVAC and alarm system. The interior of the home has been primed and the final wall colors are being selected. Thanks to HDPS for their dedication to this project and the Columbus Historic District.
Update 11/3/2010:
Work at the 429 house continues at a steady pace. Volunteers continue to finish out the interior spaces with detailed trim work, built in cabinet features, interior doorways, and having the kitchen cabinets professionally installed. The exterior of the home has also been painted and landscaping will be coming in the next few months. Next steps will be finalizing the lasts coats of paint on the inside as well as refinishing the floors once all interior construction is complete. HDPS is working hard to improve this southern corner of the District.
UPDATE 7.18.2011
The 429 Project House is nearing completion with only final trim work and painting left to be finished. The house has already received a handful of calls from interested parties and HCF is hoping to move this home into good hands soon. Thanks again to HDPS for thier ongoing work to this project.
UPDATE 2.17.2010
The Historic District Preservation Society is continuing to make good progress at 429. Interior trim work is currently being done along with the installation of HVAC and alarm system. The interior of the home has been primed and the final wall colors are being selected. Thanks to HDPS for their dedication to this project and the Columbus Historic District.
Update 11/3/2010:
Work at the 429 house continues at a steady pace. Volunteers continue to finish out the interior spaces with detailed trim work, built in cabinet features, interior doorways, and having the kitchen cabinets professionally installed. The exterior of the home has also been painted and landscaping will be coming in the next few months. Next steps will be finalizing the lasts coats of paint on the inside as well as refinishing the floors once all interior construction is complete. HDPS is working hard to improve this southern corner of the District.
627 Broadway
Now located on a lot previously occupied by an apartment building, this 1840's home was moved with the help of the Aflac Corporation and was stabilized by the Historic Columbus Foundation with funds from its Revolving/Redevelopment Fund. The home was recently sold to Cathy and Chuck Williams of Columbus and they will continue the restoration and eventually call the Historic District their home!
