Preservation Equity Project

Helping low- and moderate-income homeowners in historic districts retain ownership of their properties while protecting architectural character.

Preservation Durham's initiative, the Preservation Equity Project (PEP), helps low- and moderate-income homeowners in historic districts retain ownership of their properties while protecting architectural character. PEP provides small grants to fund maintenance and repair on National Register-listed dwellings that are owned by households with incomes less than 70 percent of the Durham metro area, median family income. PEP grants come with assistance in identifying appropriate repair methods and selecting contractors who understand historic houses. In return, owners agree to preservation easements aimed at maintaining historic and architectural character.


Our hope is that these small grants can help longtime homeowners maintain and repair their dwellings rather than sell. PEP grants can also help longtime owners age in place and maintain ownership through multiple generations, keeping people connected to their history. Owning one’s home is a primary source of building household wealth in the United States. Historically, lower-income families own homes for shorter periods and therefore benefit less. With this program, Preservation Durham hopes to bring some equity and access to the preservation movement.

Grant Process

The Preservation Durham Board will review completed grant applications and award historic house repair grant awards to eligible applicants, properties, and projects in the target area. The applicants will be reviewed on a monthly basis as funds are available.


When an application is approved, PD will work directly with pre-selected contractors.



Grant Amount

Grant funds will pay the contractor directly to complete the work. Grant awards range from $1,000 to $6,500 as determined by the review board. Funds for the grant were received by our generous donors. None of the funds were received from the government.

Eligibility

ELIGIBLE BUILDINGS

  • Single-family & duplex buildings
  • Contributing property in the College Heights National Register of Historic Places
  • PD-approved


ELIGIBLE PROJECTS

  • Repair of historic porch & porch features
  • Repair of windows & doors
  • Repair & update plumbing and/or electrical systems
  • Work generally approvable for historic rehabilitation tax credits


PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Grant amounts range from $1,000 to $6,500
  • Project must be able to be completed within 6 months of starting
  • Project budget must match the grant award amount

Interested in applying? We’re here to help!

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