Resources

Finding a contractor might not be hard to do. But finding a contractor intimately familiar with historic preservation and restoration can be difficult. We know that as you take on a project for your historic property, you give it the extra care and detail it deserves. And you expect a knowledgeable contractor to do the same. We can help connect you with a contractor who will help you successfully complete a project you can be proud of.

You can also check out the contractors listed in a PDF on the Cedar Rapids Historic Preservation Commission website.

If you love the charm and character of your historic property but need to relocate it, we can help. Too often, historic properties of significant value to the community fall by the wayside because they’re located somewhere that no longer suits it for one reason or another. Thankfully, there are solutions to this common obstacle. We can connect you with the resources to help you relocate your home or structure—big or small.

You can also check the State Historical Society of Iowa website for information on relocating a historic property.

The National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s official list of historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate and protect America’s historic and archaeological resources.

We can help you decide if you want to seek this distinction.

You may qualify for certain preservation and restoration grants as a historic property owner. We have the experience to help guide and refer you to available resources so you can successfully improve and care for your property.

Other resources you can investigate include:

• Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation
• Linn County Historic Preservation Commission

When a building can’t be saved, the irreplaceable materials that make it historically unique can still live on. We can help remove wood flooring, trim, windows, cabinets and more. These materials can then be used in other construction projects so we can infuse a sense of historical significance into future growth and development. Ultimately, salvaging keeps materials out of landfills and helps retain the craftsmanship of our past.

Where to Buy Salvaged Materials

If you need historic materials to help you complete your restoration project, there are several locations in the area that specialize in salvaging them from buildings slated for demolition so their spirit can live on in other properties. Those locations include:

• Salvage Barn – 2401 Scott Boulevard SE, Iowa City, IA 52240
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Cedar Rapids – 350 6th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Iowa City – 2401 Scott Boulevard SE, Iowa City, IA 52240

Your property may qualify for certain historic tax credits. But navigating the process to take advantage of these credits can often be confusing and overwhelming. We offer knowledge and referrals to help you take advantage of the programs intended to support your efforts.

For a list of available tax credits, you can also explore the State Historical Society of Iowa website.

Whether tackling a small weekend project or planning a major restoration, we can connect eligible projects with volunteers to assist renovation efforts. From scraping paint to salvaging materials, our network of restoration enthusiasts dedicate their time and energy to help complete approved projects.

These efforts benefit homeowners, our community and our collective mission to preserve and enhance the fabric of our neighborhoods.

One of the programs we’ve worked with is Habitat for Humanity’s A Brush with Kindness, which paints, landscapes and performs minor repairs on eligible historic homes.