Landmarks Illinois is coming to Aurora to explain a statewide  historic tax credit program and show Kane County residents the benefits available from the Federal Historic Tax Credit program.

“We encourage owners of historic commercial buildings, realtors, architects, city  planners, public officials, business and economic development leaders, bankers and accountants to attend this workshop about available incentives to reinvest in historic buildings,” the group said in a press release.

The workshop will be held from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014, at 43 W. Galena Boulevard, Aurora, and will highlight the findings of Landmarks  Illinois’ State Historic Tax Credit economic study, released in October 2013, which concluded that a statewide historic tax credit would not only create needed jobs, but also pay for itself.

The state’s existing River’s Edge Historic Tax Credit, available only in five cities — including Aurora and Elgin — is due to expire in January, 2017. The workshop will discuss how to get a project started before the deadline and highlight its successful use in Rockford.

The workshop will also highlight the usage of the Federal Historic Tax Credit, how it works, and the
need to preserve this critical program in Congress.

The presenters are Landmarks Illinois President Bonnie McDonald, Historic Preservation Consultant
Michael Allen of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and Gary Anderson of Gary Anderson Architects,
Rockford.

Landmarks Illinois is the state’s leading voice for historic preservation by promoting the reuse of buildings as a strategy for economic development and sustaining healthy communities, while expanding the public’s
understanding and stewardship of the built environment.

This workshop has been made possible through the generous support of the Richard H. Driehaus
Charitable Lead Trust.

Economic Development Opportunities from an Illinois Historic Tax Credit

• Host: Seize the Future Development Foundation
• When: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014
• Where: 43 W. Galena Boulevard, Aurora