Preservation Pays; look at the Missouri Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Act

A 2001 study of the effects of historic preservation on Missouri's economy bolsters the argument that most preservationists already know: preservation makes dollars and sense.

Still, it's nice to see that St. Louis has benefited so much from 1997's pivotal Missouri Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Act. It is likely the only proven economic development tool that the city has under its belt, which rendered the decisions to demolish Bohemian Hill, Gaslight Square, the Century Building, and McRee Town all the more frustrating.

Here are some maps from the report.



The above map shows that St. Louis, by 2001, had received an overwhelming share of the benefits of MHPTC activity.



The ZIP Code map reveals a Central Corridor bias.



Finally, this listing of the top zip codes reveals that 63104 (Soulard, Lafayette Square, Fox Park, McKinley Heights, LaSalle Park, some of Benton Park) had received the most MHPTC projects in the state.

63108 (Central West End) was number two. Other city ZIPS, including 63110 (Forest Park Southeast) and 63103 (Downtown West) also made the list.

Though this report was early on in the MHPTC's life, it nevertheless demonstrated an immediate and tangible impact. Those living in St. Louis don't need to read the report to realize that much.