TODAY’S QURAN VERSE

Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you. Quran 102:1

Marine Hospital project a chance to preserve local history

In the Jan. 29 article “Building permit filed to begin historic Marine Hospital renovation,” The Commercial Appeal highlighted plans to rehabilitate and convert the historic buildings into apartments using the federal historic tax credit. The project is a great opportunity to preserve local history.

A statewide historic tax credit (HTC) program, garnering support from Memphis to East Tennessee, would make more projects like that proposed at the Marine Hospital possible. More than two-thirds of states have adopted a statewide HTC and experienced the economic benefits and preservation of local history as a result. Tennessee would be the 36th state with the initiative if the governor and state lawmakers include the program in the state’s budget. Email letters to letters@commercial appeal.com; mail Letters to the Editor, The Commercial Appeal, 495 Union, Memphis, TN 38103; or click on the “Submit Letter” link on the Opinion page atcommercialappeal.com.

Historic buildings in Shelby County, like Clayborn Temple for example, would be eligible for a 20 percent historic tax credit under the state program. Certified renovations of historic buildings in rural Tennessee would be eligible for a 30 percent credit with an additional 5 percent credit for historic rehabilitation projects. By enacting a state HTC, Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee legislature have the opportunity to repurpose many of the state’s historic buildings while creating new jobs and tax revenue.

Renee Kuhlman, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Blacksburg, Va.