Preservation posts: the online journal of the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Jan. 2016

Preservation Posts, January 2016 | View in web browser
- Message from the Director - New Year, New Guidelines (Tax Incentives Program) - Establishing a "PAR" for Section 106 Mitigation - Staff Profile: Allison Asbrock - News, Announcements and Events
A Message from the Director
By: Dr. David Crass Division Director & Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer
"We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of
each other everywhere." Tim McGraw As many of you know by now, Jeanne Cyriaque retired back in December after a distinguished HPD career. As I said to our staff at the time, Jeanne is one of those folks who always keeps moving ahead no matter what the obstacles, and does it with a grin through good times and bad. She modeled professionalism for us all here at HPD; luckily, she'll continue to be involved through her service as a Georgia African American Historic Preservation Network (GAAHPN) board member!
Jeanne Cyriaque, HPD's African American Programs Coordinator, retired in Dec.
During last year's General Assembly session, HB308 passed and was signed into law by Governor Deal. The expanded tax program now includes projects that can qualify for up to $5 million in credits and $10 million in credits (with additional reporting requirements). There is a statewide $25 million annual cap on available credits. HPD began accepting projects under the new provision on January 4, 2016. As of this writing (Jan. 21) we have received 15 projects totaling $266.8 million in qualified rehabilitation expenses (QREs). These 15 projects would use $54.7 million in credits. This means that calendar years 2017 and 2018 are "capped out," and 2019 has $20.3 million in credits remaining. These are additional projects to the approximately 50 "regular" projects that our staff is reviewing. So, if you are intending to submit a tax incentive project to us in the near future, or already have one in the mill, be patient -- we're pedaling as fast as we can!
Finally, 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act. HPD will celebrate this important occasion at our annual historic preservation conference in the fall (more on that later). HPD is also participating in the Making Archaeology Public Project (MAPP) to honor the occasion with a video (look for that soon). In the meantime, if you want to know more about the NHPA and anniversary events around the country, visit the official anniversary websiite at preservation50.org.

New Year, New Guidelines
- Changes to Georgia's Tax Incentives Program are now in effect
A private owner utilized Georgia's Tax Incentives Program to restore this historic home.
By: Molly McLamb Tax Incentives Architectural Reviewer and Specialist
The new year brings new changes for Georgia's State Tax Incentives program. With the passage of HB 308 increasing the allowable cap for incomeproducing properties from $300,000 to as much as $10 million, and an updated application for state tax incentives, the Tax Incentives Program is looking forward to seeing an increase in larger projects as well as smaller projects, such as single family residences going forward. Already, 15 projects have applied for the new larger credit, with Atlanta, Augusta, and Savannah leading in the number of applications. These diverse projects will be completed in 2017 or later, and include hotels, a theater, an artist co-op, and a dining hall and dormitory on a college campus.
And while it may seem like tax incentives are something that only large-scale developers and those with financial backing can benefit from, state tax incentives are also available for individual homeowners, and allow people to participate in historic preservation in a way that is mutually beneficial to themselves and their community. While preserving the unique architectural character of their homes, individuals can rehabilitate their houses to make them more suitable to modern life, or simply repair elements of their home that have reached a life expectancy and are in disrepair. Residences that are already listed in the National Register individually, or are in a listed district, may be eligible for these incentives.
In State Fiscal Year(SFY) 2015, approximately 35 private homeowners applied for state tax incentives the majority of which are located in Macon and Savannah, two cities that consistently rank highest in application numbers. Homeowners in National Register Districts have the advantage of applying for tax incentives without having to go through the National Register nomination process (one of the many reasons to support National Register listing of your neighborhood!). Much of the research has already been done for those properties, and they are on their way to being eligible for tax credits.
Many of the projects we receive are huge undertakings requiring major work, including foundation repair, plaster repair, and window repair; but we also receive projects that include new roofs, siding repair, and mechanical, electrical or plumbing work, which often do not require an invasive rehabilitation but may still meet the substantial rehabilitation test. Work must meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, which is determined through our review process. Primary residence projects are still capped at 25 percent of Qualified Rehab Expenditures up to $100,000; and by increasing the fair market value of a primary residence by 50 percent, homeowners can freeze their property tax for more than 8 years.
HPD's tax incentives staff is always available to answer questions about the tax program and how these credits can benefit property owners. For more information, or to learn who to contact, visit our website.
Establishing a PAR for Section 106 Mitigation
- Guidelines for Establishing a Photographic Permanent Archival Record
An example of a historic resource previously documented through a PAR
By: Barbara Fisher Environmental Review Historian
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (NHPA) requires federal agencies using federal dollars, licenses, or permits to consider effects to historic properties in their project planning. While most projects reviewed by HPD are completed with little or no adverse effects to historic properties, a small number of projects do impact properties negatively.
The NHPA defines adverse effects as "when an undertaking may directly or indirectly alter characteristics of a historic property that qualify it for inclusion in the (National) Register (of Historic Places)." The involved federal agency, the State Historic Preservation Office -- in Georgia, the Historic Preservation Division -- and other consulting parties work together to avoid, minimize or mitigate such effects, sometimes entering into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). An executed MOA allows the project to continue, even though a historic property will be impacted, by establishing stipulations to mitigate the adverse effect. While creative mitigation is desired -- a brochure or computer application, for example -- it is not always possible, so photographic recordation of a National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligible resource is considered as a "last resort" mitigation measure.
Photographic recordation is designed to provide `as-is' documentation of a resource determined eligible for the NRHP prior to the resource being physically impacted by a project (i.e. taking of a resource, taking of part of a resource, or altering the setting of a resource). The extent and level of documentation are almost always dependent on the circumstances of a project. To determine the extent and level of documentation necessary for a particular project, the following two factors must be taken into account: the features which contribute to the eligibility of a resource, and then, of those features, which ones will be impacted by the proposed project. The aspects of the project that should be photo documented for mitigation for a given undertaking is determined through consultation with all parties involved, and under the guidance of HPD.
In 2001, the National Park Service requested that documentation of only National Historic Landmarks, properties eligible for the NRHP at the national level of significance, and individually eligible properties significant at the state and local levels should be carried out to the standards of the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) and Historic American Engineering Record (HAER). Guidelines established for HABS/HAER documentation are provided by the national historical architectural and engineering documentation program of the National Park Service, and processes for submittal of such documentation are currently being revised. HABS/HAER documentation is retained by the Library of Congress and consists of measured drawings, photographs, and written information. This level of documentation is the national standard.
Another example of a PAR-documented resource
In response to the NPS request, HPD created the Guidelines for Establishing a Photographic Permanent Archival Record (PAR) in 2002 to document resources at the state and local level of significance, unless a particular resource merits a higher level of documentation. For example, eligible bridges are one exception to this rule and are documented to HAER standards.
A PAR is not just a collection of photographs, but includes a brief explanation of why the resource is significant, a description of the proposed effect, a photograph log, and a site map, among other resource-specific details. In 2014, HPD updated these guidelines to take into account the general shift to digital photography. Previously, our office accepted 35mm film and printed photographs; now photographs should be submitted in three different formats (JPEG, TIFF, and RAW) via an archival stable compact disc, with accompanying proof sheets. This format allows for the photographs to have a long-term shelf life of up to 100 years, and saves valuable storage space.
All PAR's completed in the State of Georgia under HPD's guidelines are retained at HPD on archival stable material, and in archival stable containers. In order to organize the PAR documentation for easy access and reference, HPD has created a searchable PAR database. Each PAR is searchable by project, location, name, type of resource, date received, and other basic information. HPD continues to draft a plan for public access to these records. Right now, the PARs are available by setting up an appointment with an Environmental Review Historian. For more information on Section 106 and Mitigation, visit here.
Staff Profile: Allison Asbrock
- Outreach Program Manager and CLG Coordinator
Allison joined HPD in November 2015 as the Certified Local Government (CLG) Coordinator and Outreach Program Manager. Allison provides assistance to local historic preservation commissions and communities interested in incorporating preservation into their community programs. Before joining HPD, she lived in Washington, D.C. while working for the National Park Service and Savannah, Ga. while completing her Master of Fine Arts in Historic Preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Allison also holds a Bachelor's degree in Classical Studies from Vanderbilt University.
- How did you become involved with historic preservation? Like many of us in preservation, I had a love for historic architecture at a very young age. Growing up in Franklin, Tenn., it was hard not to appreciate the beauty of Antebellum homes or the charm of our historic main street. As I grew older, I began to value the community that can develop through a shared history and place. Although I wasn't formally introduced to historic preservation until attending a graduate program in Savannah, my studies at Vanderbilt focused on the social history, people, and myths associated with architecture.
- What do you like most about your job? I am very lucky in that I am involved with such a variety of programs, so two days are never the same! Even though the day to day is very exciting, the best part of my job is the people and partners I have the opportunity to work with. Every day I am interacting with planners, volunteers, and preservation advocates all over Georgia, and I am inspired by the work they are able to accomplish.
- What do you like to do outside of the office? When not in the office, you'll find me either travelling or exploring. I love getting out and experiencing new places or simply hiking around my new stomping grounds. I most recently returned from Colorado, while Oklahoma, Dallas, and New Orleans are next on the itinerary! Not to mention trips to our Georgia cities!
Recent News & Announcements
Spring 2016 HPC Training Registration Now Open Registration for an upcoming one-day Historic Preservation Commission Training, to be held in Athens, is now open. For details, see the Events section below. To register, visit here. *Deadline Approaching* -- 2016 Centennial Farms May 1, 2016 is the deadline to apply for the Georgia Centennial Farm Program. The Centennial Farms program (est. 1993) distinguishes family farms that have contributed to preserving Georgia's agricultural history by maintaining working farms for more than 100 years. The program has recognized 482 farms around the state. Each year, qualifying farms are recognized at the the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia. There are three ways to be recognized: Centennial Heritage Farm - Owned continuously by members of the same family for 100 years or more - Listed in the National Register of Historic Places Centennial Farm - Does not require continual family ownership - Farms must be at least 100 years old - Listed in the National Register of Historic Places Centennial Family Farm - Owned continuously by members of the same family for 100 years or more - Not listed in the National Register of Historic Places Families interested can find additional information and an application on our website; or, they can contact us by phone at 770.389.7868
Upcoming Events
Feb. 5-7, 2016 - Colonial Faire and Muster - Savannah Hosted by Wormsloe Historic Site. Experience life in Colonial Georgia during the 18th century with a military encampment, Sutler's Row, craft demonstrations, military demonstrations, and period music and dance. Food concessions will be available.This year's colonial faire will feature woodworking, blacksmithing, colonial cooking, and more! Watch the mustering of the militia at 11 a.m.. Play colonial cricket, enjoy colonial song and dance, suttlers' selling wares, and food from local vendors! For information, click here. Feb. 18, 2016 - Coastal Nature, Coastal Culture Symposium - Savannah The Ossabaw Island Foundation is organizing the "Coastal Nature, Coastal Culture: Environmental Histories of the Georgia Coast" symposium. The event will have ten national speakers share their insight on the intersection of coastal cultural history and the environment. including two related to African American heritage. UGA Press will publish the proceedings and the Georgia Historical Society will develop the program into their next award winning teacher education program. To register or learn more, visit www.gacoast2016.org. March 8, 2016 - HPC Training - Athens Through a shared partnership, the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Downtown Association will offer a one-day educational training as a component of the Georgia's Downtown Conference. The Spring 2016 Historic Preservation Commission training will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2016. Register here.
Want to Contribute?
- Submit a Guest Article Preservation Posts is published to inform the public about historic preservation issues and developments from the perspective of the SHPO. In keeping with that purpose, HPD has inaugurated a new policy of occasionally soliciting guest articles that are directly related to our statutorily mandated programs. Please note that we do not publish opinion pieces. We also retain editorial control as well as the right to reject any submission. To pitch or submit a piece, or ask questions concerning an idea, email HPD Public Affairs Coordinator Jeff Harrison at jeff.harrison@dnr.ga.gov.
Weekend for Wildlife 2016
- Sights from January's annual event supporting Georgia DNR Learn more
www.georgiashpo.org
Title image: The Cloister Resort on Georgia's Sea Island. In January, the resort again played host to the annual Weekend for Wildlife event held to support the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Copyright 2016 DNR Historic Preservation Division, All rights reserved.
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