The City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Exterior Rehabilitation Program aims to preserve historic buildings through proper rehabilitation, aligning with a broader mission to maintain the architectural heritage and character of the city. This grant program provides financial assistance to private property owners for exterior rehabilitation, repair, or restoration work on historic homes that continue to serve a residential purpose. The program's core philosophy prioritizes the retention of historic fabric by advocating for repair over replacement of significant architectural elements and materials, emphasizing the least degree of intervention possible.
The primary beneficiaries of this program are owners of historic homes located within city-designated historic districts or properties individually listed on the city’s historic property register. The impact goals are multi-faceted: to prevent further deterioration of historic properties, enhance the visual appearance of historic neighborhoods and individual significant properties, and encourage private investment in the preservation of these valuable assets. The program seeks to ensure that historic properties remain viable and contributing elements to the city's unique identity.
Priorities for funding are given to applications that clearly demonstrate adherence to the city’s Preservation Philosophy and General Design Guidelines for Historic Properties, utilize proper rehabilitation techniques based on historic preservation principles, and address the most critical physical needs of the building. Furthermore, applications that substantially improve the visual appearance of a historic neighborhood or streetscape, return a non-contributing property to contributing status, or encourage private investment are highly favored. The program also requires complete applications with detailed bids for all proposed work items.
Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of rehabilitated historic homes, a reduction in the rate of deterioration of historic building exteriors, and an overall improvement in the aesthetic quality of historic districts. The program anticipates stimulating private sector investment in historic preservation, fostering a greater sense of community pride, and contributing to the economic vitality of these areas by preserving historic assets. The ultimate theory of change is that by supporting individual property owners in maintaining their historic homes, the city can collectively preserve its heritage, enhance neighborhood character, and sustain a unique sense of place for future generations.
