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Preservation Is a Good Idea!

Historic preservation provides many benefits to our community:

• Protects irreplaceable structures
• Promotes livable neighborhoods
• Increases property values
• Provides affordable housing
• Conserves natural resources
• Stimulates economic growth
• Fosters pride in community

Founded in 1993, the Heritage Trust supports historic preservation in our community through Education, Action, and Advocacy.

Education
Spreading the word about preservation is crucial to fostering an appreciation of our wealth of historic architecture. Educational initiatives include:

• Old house seminars for owners wishing to learn more about restoring their historic properties.
• Informational programs on topics such as Sears catalogue houses and local architects.
• Donation of preservation-related materials to the Burlington Public Library.
• The annual Tour of Homes, giving visitors a close-up look at some of Burlington’s treasures.

Action

The Heritage Trust has taken a lead role in a number of high profile historic preservation activities:

• Adaptive reuse of the former St. Patrick’s Church as Hibernia Hall. Once named to Iowa’s Most Endangered Historic Sites list, the building has a new life as a community rental facility.
• Financial support of local restoration projects such as the Capitol Theater and Crapo Park’s Curly Q slide.
• Preservation Station, the Trust’s architectural salvage operation. Historic building materials are rescued and sold for reuse in the program, which has received statewide awards.

Advocacy

We encourage the restoration and reuse of historic buildings through:

• The Perk Up Your Porch grant program. Homeowners can receive matching grants of up to $2500 for porch restoration.
• Public support for the preservation of local historic structures.
• The Great Unveiling program, encouraging the removal of secondary siding and restoration of a home’s original exterior appearance through matching grants of up to $2500.
• Pledging outright grants for high profile preservation cases.