Why Preserve?

Historic preservation strengthens communities, supports local economies, and protects the environment. A 2012 study conducted in Columbia, Missouri, demonstrated the powerful benefits of preservation for economic growth, job creation, and sustainability.

Over the decade studied, rehabilitation of historic buildings through tax credit programs generated:

  • $90 million in private investment

  • 5,000 jobs created

  • $200 million in total economic activity

Heritage tourism also proved a strong economic driver—supporting 120 jobs annually, $2.8 million in direct spending, and $3.3 million in household earnings each year.

Since 2001, property values of rehabilitated downtown buildings increased by 117%, more than double other areas, and tax revenue rose by 104%.

Preservation remains one of the most sustainable forms of development. Studies show new construction uses 15–30 times more energy than operating existing buildings—making restoration both an economic and environmental investment in the future.

Development Strategies. (2012). Economic impact of historic preservation in Columbia, Missouri (Report prepared for City of Columbia Historic Preservation Commission). City of Columbia. Retrieved from https://www.como.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/20120801_Economic-impact-of-historic-preservation-report_CMD.pdf

PRESERVATION CREATES

  • Identity & Place

    Historic buildings tell the story of who we are. They give communities a sense of identity, continuity, and belonging that can’t be replicated by new construction.

  • Sustainability & Stewardship

    Preserving what already exists is the ultimate form of recycling. It saves energy, reduces waste, and honors the craftsmanship and materials of earlier generations- much of what we cannot reproduce today.

  • Economic Vitality

    Preservation revitalizes neighborhoods, supports local trades, boosts property values, and attracts heritage tourism — turning history into a living economic asset.

  • Education & Inspiration

    Historic places are tangible lessons in architecture, culture, and innovation. They inspire creativity and help future generations understand the value of what came before.

GET INVOLVED

What are the benefits of historic preservation for property owners in Missouri?

  • Missouri Historic Preservation Tax Credit (MHPTC)
    Missouri offers one of the strongest state historic tax credit programs in the country. Owners of income-producing and owner-occupied residential properties may be eligible for up to 35% of qualified rehabilitation expenses as a state tax credit when restoring a certified historic structure through the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office.

    Key benefits:

    • Credits can often be sold or transferred if the owner cannot use them directly.

    • Eligible for both residential and commercial properties.

    • Can be paired with the Federal Historic Tax Credit (20%) for income-producing properties, significantly reducing overall project costs.

    In many cases, these incentives make rehabilitation more financially viable than demolition and new construction.

    Check out more here

  • Historic properties tend to:

    • Appreciate more consistently than comparable non-historic properties.

    • Perform well during market downturns.

    • Command higher rents or sale prices due to character, craftsmanship, and location.

    Buyers and tenants increasingly seek authentic, walkable neighborhoods with architectural integrity—qualities that historic districts naturally provide.

  • Preserved properties may qualify for:

    • Preservation-focused grants and revolving loan funds

    • Local incentives such as property tax abatements, façade grants, or permit fee reductions (varies by municipality)

    • Priority consideration for certain community development or housing programs

    Local designation often unlocks tools unavailable to non-historic properties.

  • Historic buildings were typically constructed with:

    • Dense, old-growth lumber

    • Masonry walls with long service lives

    • Repairable systems rather than disposable components

    Preservation emphasizes repair over replacement, which:

    • Reduces material waste

    • Avoids the high cost of full system replacement

    • Preserves value rather than resetting a building’s lifespan

    A well-maintained historic building can outlast many modern structures.

  • Local historic designation helps:

    • Prevent incompatible development next door

    • Protect neighborhood character

    • Stabilize property values over time

    Design review ensures that surrounding changes support—not undermine—your investment.

  • While preservation standards are sometimes perceived as restrictive, many Missouri communities:

    • Allow administrative approvals for routine work

    • Provide clear guidelines that reduce guesswork

    • Offer staff or commission guidance early in the design process

    This can result in fewer surprises and smoother project planning compared to unregulated renovations.

  • Reusing existing buildings is inherently sustainable:

    • Demolition waste is reduced

    • Embodied energy in materials is preserved

    • Upgrades (insulation, storm windows, mechanical improvements) can dramatically improve efficiency

    Preservation is often the greenest building option available.

  • Historic designation can:

    • Differentiate a property in the market

    • Support branding for businesses, rentals, or developments

    • Increase eligibility for heritage tourism and placemaking initiatives

    For commercial owners, historic character often translates directly into higher foot traffic and stronger tenant appeal.

  • In Missouri, historic preservation is not just about saving buildings—it’s a financial, strategic investment tool. With strong tax credits, stable appreciation, access to incentives, and long-term durability, preservation frequently offers better ROI than demolition or generic new construction, especially in established neighborhoods.

THE STATS

  • Preservation is one of the most sustainable forms of development. Studies show that constructing a new building uses 15–30 times more energy than operating an existing one. Reusing historic structures conserves “embodied energy”—the resources already invested in the materials, fabrication, and craftsmanship of older buildings.

    “The greenest building is the one that’s already built.”
    — Carl Elefante, FAIA

    By extending the lifespan of existing structures, preservation reduces construction waste, lowers carbon emissions, and ensures durable craftsmanship continues to serve future generations.

  • Historic preservation drives local investment, job creation, and sustainable development. A 2012 study by the City of Columbia found that rehabilitation projects supported through historic tax credits produced:

    • $90 million in private investment

    • 5,000 jobs created through construction and related industries

    • $200 million in total economic activity across the city

    Heritage tourism adds even more value—supporting 120 jobs annually, generating $2.8 million in direct spending, and creating $3.3 million in household earnings each year.
    (City of Columbia, Economic Impact of Historic Preservation, 2012)

    “Historic preservation isn’t a cost—it’s an investment that keeps money local, supports skilled labor, and strengthens community identity.”

  • Neighborhoods with preserved historic character consistently outperform those without.

    • In Columbia’s downtown historic districts, property values of rehabilitated buildings rose by 117%—more than double the rate in other areas.

    • Tax revenue from these properties increased by 104% over a decade.

    These trends are seen nationwide: preservation stabilizes neighborhoods, encourages reinvestment, and makes communities more desirable places to live and work.

  • Historic structures were built to endure—using dense, old-growth lumber, locally quarried stone, and hand-crafted details that are now rare or impossible to replace affordably.

    • Today, reproducing historic materials or features can cost up to twice as much as using modern substitutes.

    • Skilled labor makes up roughly 60% of total cost in preservation work (vs 55% in new builds) because of the specialized craftsmanship required.
      (MGAC, Cost Drivers of Historic Adaptive Reuse Projects)

    Once these original materials are lost, they can’t truly be replicated—only imitated at great expense. Protecting existing craftsmanship is both an economic and cultural responsibility.

  • When historic buildings are demolished, communities don’t just lose architecture—they lose identity, skilled labor opportunities, and valuable, sustainable assets. Preservation isn’t a roadblock to progress; it’s a smarter, longer-lasting path forward that keeps our city’s heritage alive while fostering economic growth and environmental responsibility.

    “Preservation connects the past with the present—ensuring what we build today will still matter tomorrow.”

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