Exterior of Loretto Heights, an ornate brick school building transformed into housing.

Preservation Tax Credits

Colorado has had a state historic rehabilitation tax credit in place since 1990.  The current state statute that governs and guides the program was signed into law in 2015, was amended in 2018, and underwent modifications in 2024.  The latest modifications have been in effect since January 1, 2025.

Click here to learn about Preservation Tax Credits Success Stories→

Programs

Colorado offers four programs that tie to historic preservation tax credits.  All programs are managed by and in partnership with the National Parks Service (for Federal Commercial) and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (for State Commercial and Housing).  To learn more about each program, click on the program name.

State Residential Credit→

State Commercial Credit→

State Housing Historic Credit→

Federal Commercial Credit→

What guidelines are used in reviewing my project?

 

Calkins School Apartments

Located in the Four Corners region, Calkins School was built in 1909 to serve the growing community of Cortez.  By 2008, the school fell into a vacant status and was purchased by the Housing Authority of the County of Montezuma.  In collaboration with a private developer, the school was converted into twelve affordable housing units.  The developer was also able to build two new apartment buildings next door in order for the project to be financially feasible and best serve the needs of the community.

Boys and Girls Club of Weld County

Historically known as the Warnoco Skating Rink, the building is now home to one of the newest Boys and Girls Club of Weld County teen centers.  Having sat underutilized for years, the building now provides a safe location for local teens to learn life skills and participate in afterschool activities. While the building no longer serves as the Warnoco Skating Rink, the Club retained many features characteristic of the skating rink era including the open wood truss ceiling, wood flooring, and the joy the space brings to the youth of the community.

 

 

Pancratia Hall; Loretto Heights

What was once the southwest edge of Denver, stood Loretto Heights, a campus dedicated to providing educational opportunities to young ladies beginning in the late 1800s and closing in 1941.  Pancratia Hall served as classrooms and dormitories for the attendees.  After a multi-year project, the rehabilitation of the building into 74 affordable housing apartments ranging from 1-3 bedroom units was completed in 2022.

Montrose Potato Growers Association

Out on the Western Slope in Montrose you will find a vibrant community that is all about preserving their heritage.  One of those projects is The Montrose Potato Growers Association Building.  Having sat vacant for decades, the owner of Storm King Distillery saw the potential to transform the building into a social space providing food and beverage vendor spaces, rooms for parties, and a place for the community to recognize as part of their history.  From a building with a collapsed room and a basement that flooded to a fully rehabilitated building with new windows, decks, roof, and interior finishes, the building is a place to visit the next time in Montrose.

Plaza Block

The Plaza Block is the last extant nineteenth-century building on Highway 50 in La Junta.  Considered an eyesore since the 1970s, some believed tearing it down was the easiest solution to its dilapidated state.  However, when demolition funding was denied, local organizations united to create a rehabilitation plan, breathing new life into the building.  The building will provide a much needed space for community gatherings on the first floor including a full commercial kitchen and on the second floor there are two one bedroom apartments.