News

[Seattle] The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation is excited to announce it was awarded a grant from the Rhode Island based 1772 Foundation to support a feasibility study and business plan to assist the creation of a historic property redevelopment program in Washington State. Since its founding in 1976, the Washington Trust has identified real estate involvement as a method to further our mission, diversify funding, and assist preservation efforts around the state. We are thrilled for this unique opportunity to engage a consultant to assist the Trust in identifying how a historic property redevelopment program can benefit historic properties around the state of Washington and expand the reach and impact of our existing programs. “The Trust has been a statewide leader in saving historic resources through advocacy and education,” notes Chris Moore, executive director of the Washington Trust. “Adding the ability to actively acquire properties in need of rehabilitation is the logical next step for us organizationally and is directly aligned with our mission.” Mary Anthony, executive director of The 1772 Foundation explained, "The Foundation firmly believes that active real estate intervention of the kind practiced by historic properties redevelopment programs is critically important to the field of historic preservation. Our grant recipients partner with local stakeholders to work on issues of economic and community development, equitable housing, Smart Growth, and land conservation, to name a few. Their entrepreneurial approach means our grantees are saving more historic buildings than ever before." B. Danforth Ely, president of The 1772 Foundation, noted, "The 1772 Foundation has been making grants to historic properties redevelopment programs for more than a decade. This year, about a third of our grant recipients will use their awards to conduct feasibility studies or produce business or operating plans. 1772 is pleased to help more and more preservation organizations explore the revolving fund option and how it would be best implemented in their communities to save buildings and help turn around neighborhoods." Washington Trust for Historic Preservation is a statewide, tax exempt 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1976 to safeguard Washington's historic places through advocacy, education, collaboration and stewardship. For more information on the programs of the Washington Trust visit preservewa.org or call 206-624-9449.