Save Tax Credits That Helped Shape Delmar Loop

St. Louis residents who don’t want to see a tax credit program used to preserve historic buildings reduced have stepped up to action and they’re ‘calling’ upon you.

A new Senate bill cuts Historic Preservation tax credits from $140 million each year to less than $50 million, St. Louis Public Radio reported. These tax credits are applicable to properties listed on the National Register, or within a certified local historic district.

Supporters hosted three ‘call parties’ across St. Louis to raise awareness of the cuts, St. Louis Business Journal reports. So it was fitting that one of the events was held at the Loop’s Pin-Up Bowl, 6191 Delmar Blvd., which itself benefited from historic tax credits, according to Christian Frommelt, who organized a call party at the Delmar bowling alley and cocktail lounge.

More opportunities to participate are on the way. Another call party is scheduled for next Wednesday evening from 4-6 p.m. at Space Architecture and Design, 4168 Manchester Rd.

Whether you can attend the meetings or not, organizers are encouraging everyone to contact local and state legislators.

“Among the leaders in calling for a reduction in the HTC are John Lamping (24th District) and Maria Chappelle-Nadal (14th District). Despite the fact that the Historic Tax Credit has had a direct or catalytic impact on the rehabilitation of areas in their districts, including the Delmar Loop's commercial spaces and key residential areas in University City, Clayton, Westood, and Ladue, and essential redevelopment throughout the region at large. Furthermore, in nearly every corner of Senators Lamping and Chappelle-Nadal's districts are historic buildings and neighborhoods, such as Ladue Estates, Parkview Gardens, and Wydown-Forsyth District that will benefit in future sustainability through use of the Historic Tax Credit,” Frommelt writes on the event page.

Read more about efforts to spread the world on the Space Architecture and Design and the Preserve the Missouri Historic Tax Credit blogs.

View photos of buildings and historic areas that have benefited from the tax credit.

Do you think legislators should give more thought to preserving the tax credit program?