Federal Historic Tax Credit Program. The FHTC is the backbone of historic preservation efforts in Illinois and throughout the nation. Its elimination would bring a virtual halt to historic rehabilitation projects.
Photo: In 2014, the Woodstock Theater (1927) underwent a $1.5 million renovation by Classic Cinemas using the Federal Historic Tax Credit (credit: Jim DeWane)
Illinois currently does not have a statewide historic tax credit. However, the River Edge Redevelopment Zone (RERZ) Historic Tax Credit is available in five Illinois river cities: Aurora, East St. Louis, Elgin, Peoria and Rockford. To qualify for this River Edge tax credit, a structure must be historic and meet certain criteria. This program has been extended through 2021. Landmarks Illinois continues to advocate for a statewide historic tax credit available to qualifying historic preservation projects in every Illinois community.
Photo: Illinois State Capitol Building, Springfield (credit: Jim Peters)
Learn MoreIn March 2016, the Illinois Historic Preservation Legislative Caucus welcomed new co-chair Rep. Steve Andersson of Geneva, joining Sen. Pam Althoff, Sen. Andy Manar and Rep. Jerry Costello. Landmarks Illinois works with the caucus to advance preservation policy and legislation – most recently the focus has been the need to extend the River Edge Redevelopment Zone Historic Tax Credit program.
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