Sponsored by Commerce Bank and Spencer Fane Britt & Browne, LLP, the Missouri Coalition for Historic Preservation & Economic Development Kansas City fundraiser is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, 2008, from 5:30 to 7:30 in Commerce Bank's Walnut Lobby, 922 Walnut, Kansas City, Missouri.  Complimentary parking is available in the Tower Garage, 910 Walnut. 

Senate Bill 898, sponsored by Senator Dan Clemens, was amended by Senator Victor Callahan (D-20th) to include language that would sunset ALL tax credit programs in 2011!

House Bill 1551, sponsored by representative Bryan P. Stevenson (R-128th District) received a do pass vote on February 12, 2008.  It calls for a gradual elimination of the corporate income tax, with full implementation by January 1, 2013.

As long as historic preservation is viewed as a "cause" rather than an ongoing conversation about the value of the built environment, it will not have the meaning that it should.

A historic preservation plan completed in September of 2002 for Lee’s Summit, Missouri (http://www.lees-summit.mo.us/)identified 34 individually eligible historic structures and sites and 356 contributing structures with potential for 16 historic districts.  The “vision statement” regarding Old Lee’s Summit neighborhoods reads: “Old Lee’s Summit neighborhoods surround downtown, representing the roots of the community.  These neighborhoods, with their mix of block and lot structure, along with the diverse architecture, represent the historic roots and growth of the community over time.  The intimate neighborhood character of these neighborhoods will be retained into the future.”

Mark your calendars!  The HTC Coalition Legislative Session Kickoff Fundraiser is scheduled for Wednesday, January 23, 2008 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust Street, in downtown St. Louis.  Hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar will be available.

Come and show your support for Missouri's Historic Tax Credit program while helping to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this vital economic development tool. 

When Jeff Neal bought the Columbia Traders building near Fifth and Main streets three years ago, he admits the idea of reusing historic buildings in an effort to save downtown districts and make a profit was “dicey” at best, and says it still is in many ways. “We shopped a business plan for a year before we found a bank that would bite,” Neal said.

But standing next to two other men during Friday’s Regional Economic Summit at Missouri Southern State University who have made the downtown-loft concept work in other parts of the state, Neal said the idea of sustainability is growing in popularity.

According to a recent report by the National Park Service, developers invested more than $350 million in the rehabilitation of Missouri buildings certified for federal historic preservation tax credits in fiscal year 2004.
 
In fact, Missouri leads the nation. The $357,783,822 invested by developers here is $134 million more than in Pennsylvania, ranked second, and more than twice the $157 million invested by developers in Illinois, which ranked third.