Historic Preservation Demonstration Project Program Grant

Historic Preservation Demonstration Project Program Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: City of Phoenix
Amount: More than US $10,000
Last Updated: March 16, 2026

Summary

The Historic Preservation Demonstration Project Program, funded by the City of Phoenix, aims to rehabilitate significant historic buildings while preserving their architectural integrity. The program provides up to 50% funding for eligible projects, encouraging restoration and reuse of historic properties such as museums and churches. By adhering to the city's General Design Guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, the program supports sustainable preservation efforts that enhance community heritage and promote responsible development.

Overview

Historic Preservation Demonstration Project Program The Demonstration Project Program uses Historic Preservation Bond funds to encourage rehabilitation and reuse of significant historic buildings such as museums, non-profit offices, churches, etc. The program pays up to 50% of eligible rehabilitation costs for projects which substantially preserve, restore, and rehabilitate significant Phoenix historic properties. This program provides funding assistance for historic rehabilitation projects which best demonstrate city historic preservation goals and objectives. The purpose is to encourage projects which retain historic building materials and features, reverse inappropriate alterations, reconstruct missing historic details, and return a building to its historic appearance. All projects must meet the City of Phoenix General Design Guidelines for Historic Properties, as well as the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The Historic Preservation Office (HPO) will consider funding requests over $10,000, with the maximum funding amount based on the extent to which the project meets the project selection criteria, the extent of the project's needs, and the availability of funds. Program Goals And Principles The Demonstration Project Program provides funding assistance for historic rehabilitation projects which best demonstrate city historic preservation goals and objectives. The program purpose is to encourage those historic rehabilitation projects which retain historic building materials and features, reverse inappropriate alterations, reconstruct missing historic details, and return a building to its historic appearance. All projects are required to meet the city's General Design Guidelines for Historic Properties (PDF), as well as the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligible Improvements The program's primary focus is to assist projects that substantially rehabilitate the exteriors of significant historic buildings. All projects must result in the stabilization, preservation, restoration, rehabilitation or in-kind reconstruction of the building's exterior skin.Eligible exterior work items include: Exterior Wall Repairs Roof Repairs/Replacement Window and Door Rehabilitation and Weatherization Improvements Structural Reinforcement Exterior Woodwork Masonry/Stucco Repairs Porch and Step Repairs Cornices and Parapet Repairs Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Alterations Storefront Restoration Foundation Repairs Historic Outbuilding Rehabilitation Reversal of Previous Inappropriate Alterations Demolition of Non-Historic Additions Reconstruction of Original Architectural Porch and Step Repairs Elements Based on Historic Documentation or Physical EvidenceQualified interior work and architectural and engineering costs.These costs are eligible for funding provided they amount to no more than 35 percent of the project's total eligible costs:Qualified Interior Work includes structural work necessary to stabilize or protect the building's historic exteriors provided that a licensed structural engineer provides written documentation that these improvements are needed to prevent physical damage to the building. The program can also fund the restoration of unique, character-defining interior historic features provided there is public access to the inside. The HPO determines which interior items are eligible for reimbursement. Interior work cannot exceed 25 percent of the project's total eligible costs. Architectural and Engineering includes design work, special architectural and structural studies, and construction drawings and specifications related directly to eligible work items, provided that costs amount to no more than 10 percent of a total request. This does not include pre-agreement or construction administration costs. An owner cannot be reimbursed for architectural or engineering services provided by the applicant or an immediate family member. All eligible architectural and engineering services must be performed by appropriate licensed professionals.Please note that the following additional funding conditions apply: The applicant must provide evidence that sufficient funds are available to complete the project at time of project application, including financial commitments from investors and lending institutions, and a description of the proposed financing. The applicant must notify the city if funding circumstances change after the application for the demonstration funds is made. The applicant must agree to execute required legal agreements, including a program agreement and conservation easement, with the city as a condition of funding. Also, prior to entering into a program agreement, the city requires all lien holders on the property to sign consent agreements. The city will only accept applications which propose funding for future work items. No retroactive funding will be considered for work commenced prior to making an application with the city. The applicant must agree to execute a conservation easement as specified below based on the following levels of city participation: $50,000 or less, 20 years; $50,001 to $100,000, 25 years; $100,001 to $400,000, 30 years; $400,001 and above, 40 years.The applicant must sign all required agreements with the city within six (6) months after receiving City Council approval for a project and initiate work within six (6) months after executing agreements, or risk losing the funding. Owners are required to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness or Certificate of No Effect from the HPO prior to finalizing legal agreements. City building permits may also be needed prior to initiating work. No construction activity on work items approved for funding may occur until City Council approval is obtained and all required city agreements are fully executed. The city will only provide funding for completed project work. To receive payment, the HPO must first certify that the work was completed as agreed and that it meets required historic preservation standards. Applicants need to complete all approved work in at least 24 months once work has started or risk losing the funding. Applicants can request a one-time six (6) month extension from the HPO in writing using a form provided by the city. Additional time extensions may be provided on a case-by-case basis. Properties must be listed on the Phoenix Historic Property Register prior to city reimbursement of funding for any grant-funded work items. The city may hold back up to 10 percent of the total amount awarded until all work items in the Program Agreement are completed, or until the project receives a Certificate of Occupancy/Completion.

Ineligibility

Ineligible Expenses. This program does not fund acquisitions, landscaping, fencing, site improvements, or additions/new construction other than historic reconstruction work Painting is only eligible if directly related to another eligible work item. The HPO determines the eligibility of all proposed work items.