Historic Reno Preservation Society

The Neighborhood Preservation Fund, founded in 2010, will allow property owners the opportunity to apply for small grants for the rehabilitation of historical structures in a manner authentic with the original architectural style.

A timeline for the application process will be created annually. Applications are reviewed by an awarding jury of Historic Reno Preservation Society members. Their decisions are final. Priority will be given to projects that complement and enhance original historical neighborhood character and the original architectural style of the structure.

Guidelines

1. Structures must be located within Reno city limits, be at least 50 years old, or of historical and/or architectural significance.
2. Grants will be given for exterior improvements only (e.g., front door, front windows, porch details, etc.) and must be visible from the street. Grants are not intended for landscaping projects. Exceptions may be made, on a case by case judgment by the awarding jury, if the landscaping improvement is heirloom and appropriate to the original time frame of the building or has a direct impact on the preservation of the structure.
3. Improvements must be authentic to the style of the structure. For example, a new door or window for a Craftsman Bungalow, needs to be of Craftsman Bungalow style.
4. Grant monies must be matched by funds from the property owner. Grant monies must be spent on tangible items. No salaries, permits, architect or engineer fees, etc. may be paid for with grant monies. Exceptions may be made by the judgment of the awarding jury.
5. Grant monies can not be used for deferred maintenance repairs, lead based paint or asbestos abatement, the purchase of appliances, for the updating of plumbing, electrical, heating or cooling systems, or for fire or flood repairs. Funding for labor and roof repairs is subject to judgment by the awarding jury on a case by case basis. Funding for labor can only apply where specialized skills are needed to maintain the historical integrity of the structure. Funding for roof repairs/replacement can only apply when it is crucial to the preservation of the structure.
6. Any fixtures obtained through the Neighborhood Preservation Fund must remain with the property if it is transferred or sold.
7. In order for the board to consider a grant request in excess of $2,500.00, the property owner must furnish, along with the application, a structural and pest inspection report done by a licensed inspector of structures performed within 6 months of the grant request.
8. Awardee acknowledges receiving EPA lead based paint booklet and agrees to sign Hold Harmless Waiver.
9. The awarding jury is allowed to visit the site for review and feedback for a period of two years.
10. Work must be completed within 90 days of approval of application, unless otherwise indicated by the awarding jury. If repairs will take longer than 90 days, the applicant should specify the needed time extension in the application. 50% of the grant monies will be given to the rewardee prior to commencement of work, the remaining 50% will be given within 30 days of the completion of the project.
11. Bids, estimates, color schemes, paint chips and/or pictures of items being requested must be provided with the application.
12. The homeowner agrees to participate in appropriate publicity about the improvements, including photographs of the work. The work may be featured on the HRPS website, in the HRPS newsletter FootPrints and other publications.

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