Historic Preservation

Landmark Rehabilitation 0% Interest Loans

The goal of the loan program is to assist owners in improving and maintaining the integrity of Fort Collins Historic Landmarks. Since these historic buildings represent a source of pride for the community, a high standard of preservation is expected for these structures. The program provides 0% interest loan funds to residential and non-residential historic properties to help complete those projects. Recipients match their loan dollar-for-dollar, but can repay the loan on their schedule, or when they sell or transfer the property. Funds returned to the City are recycled back into the program, providing an ongoing source of dollars for additional projects.

Guidelines

Eligibility

The property to be rehabilitated must be designated as Fort Collins Historic Landmark or a contributing structure in a City Landmark District. Properties listed on the State or National Registers, or within State or National Register Districts, are not eligible unless they are also a Fort Collins Landmark. Properties must be designated before a loan can be approved.

Not sure if your property is a Fort Collins Landmark? Check here.

Think you have a property that is eligible for Landmark status but hasn't been designated yet? Find out more about applying for Landmark designation. 

Program Details

• The program is governed under Chapter 14, Article V of the Fort Collins Municipal Code.
• The maximum loan amount for any property in a single year is $7,500. There is no minimum loan amount. There is no application fee.
• There are no restrictions on the number of loan awards an applicant may receive.
• Loans are 0% interest.
• Applicants must provide a cash match of at least the same amount requested in loan funds (i.e., 50% match). A larger cash match will improve the chances of being funded. Funds provided by other organizations, such as History Colorado, can be used to match the City's loan.
• Loan repayment is made in a single lump-sum at the recipient's discretion, or when the property is sold, transferred, or refinanced (if the owner receives cash or equity). 

Application Process

• A pre-application submittal meeting with City staff should occur at least one week before the submittal deadline. The meeting is intended to help you with preparing a quality application and to clarify the eligibility of any proposed work. Some projects may require design assistance through the City's Design Assistance Program. Please contact Maren Bzdek at bWJ6ZGVrQGZjZ292LmNvbQ== to set up a meeting.
• Application Submittal. Applications are due at the beginning of February (specific dates for 2020 will be announced later in 2019). Applications must be postmarked on or before the deadline or hand-delivered by 5:00 p.m. on that date. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) review. The LPC typically holds one or two hearings in February and March to review the design of loan-related projects. The applicant or his/her representative is required to attend the meeting. The selection process is based on a simple ranking system and, depending on available funding, not all qualifying projects are guaranteed to receive funding. Some projects may receive less than the amount requested.

Please submit all applications to:
Maren Bzdek, Senior City Planner - Historic Preservation
Phone: (970) 221-6206
Email: PGFjbGFzcz0=">bWJ6ZGVrQGZjZ292LmNvbQ==

Drop-Off Location:
281 N. College Avenue
Fort Collins

Mailing Address:
City of Fort Collins
P.O. Box 580
Fort Collins, Colorado 80522

View loan applications