9 Reasons to Attend "How to Sell Historic Homes"

Is your new year’s resolution to learn something new? Perhaps it’s to finish those home improvement projects you’ve started but never been able to finish. Whether you want to act on your resolution or otherwise, “How to Sell Historic Homes” is a class you can’t miss. Here are 9 reasons to sign up today:

1. Impress your friends with architecture speak

Picture this: it’s Sunday afternoon and you’re driving with your friends through one of Macon’s many historic neighborhoods to grab a beer at Just Tap’d. “Wow. Look at the mansard roof on that beautiful Second Empire style house,” you say. Your friends look at each other with raised eyebrows and exchange looks of astonishment. “Where did you learn that?” they’ll ask. You’ll smile to yourself and be thankful you attended Historic Macon’s “How to Sell Historic Homes” because now you can properly describe the incredible buildings you see here in Macon on a daily basis. How’s that for conversation starters?

2. Learn what “tax credit” means

If you’re a supporter of Historic Macon, chances are you have heard and read this word more times than you can count. But at this point, you’re afraid to ask what it actually means. Never fear! During “How to Sell Historic Homes” this term, and many others, will be defined in a simple and approachable manner. So next time you get into a riveting conversation about preservation incentives, you can understand and participate with ease.

3. Take that definition and apply it to your home renovations

So now you know what tax credit actually means, how do you actually apply it to your everyday life? Historic Macon staff will present on the numerous preservation incentives available to owners of historic houses and how those incentives can save you cash money.

4. How to give your historic home some curb appeal

You have an idea of how you want to improve the façade of your house but you need a little help if it’s going to be completed and still be stylish. Sounds like you need a low-interest loan. Macon staff will explain who qualifies for low-interest façade loans, what work loans cover, and how the loan process works. If the paint is peeling on your historic home or you need a roof repair after recent monsoons, we highly suggest you pay attention to this part of the presentation.

5. Learn what DRB can and cannot do (and who you need to know)

DRB, or Design Review Board, is a board that advises what changes can be made to properties located in local historic districts. There are some misconceptions out there as to what changes can and cannot be made to your home if it is historic and if it is located within a local historic district or listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Clarification is on the way. A representative from Macon’s Design Review Board will explain DRB’s role in the renovation process. Meaning you’ll know how to start your rehab project and who you gonna call when it’s time to get started.

6. How to make your historic home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summerIn addition to Historic Macon’s façade loan program, we also manage a low-interest energy efficiency loan program. Loans from this program improve the overall efficiency of your home, making it easier to heat and cool that beautiful Victorian you’ve had your eye on. During “How to Sell Historic Homes” you’ll learn what properties and scope of work qualify for energy efficiency loans.

7. Why living in a historic neighborhood is literally the best

Okay, so maybe we’re a little biased at Historic Macon in regards to historic houses and neighborhoods. But evidence shows that preservation boosts economic development and creates more vibrant communities. Not mention, historic neighborhoods often define the character and soul of cities. We think it’s safe to say this course will teach you all about the many, MANY benefits of living in a historic neighborhood.

8. How to convince someone to purchase a historic home

We know that by the time noon rolls around and you’re ready to try some tasty El Camino tacos, you’ll be convinced that buying a historic home and living in a historic neighborhood is the best. We know that, you know that, now you need to convince your clients of that. Or, if you’re not a realtor, you need to convince all your friends who are still living in the ‘burbs or haven’t figured out how cool Macon is yet. This course will allow you to wax on eloquently about the numerous reasons to buy historic houses with numbers and anecdotes to support your claims.

9. Tacos

And did we mention you get a sneak peek of El Camino, one of the future amenities of historic downtown Macon? I mean, come on, tacos.

Signing up is easy! Visit this page to register online or contact Kim Campbell at kcampbell@historicmacon.org or 478-742-5084 to sign up. We’ll see you on January 15.

2016 Preservation Resolutions

As we reflect on 2015, we had some major preservation wins and some losses. With 2016 around the corner, we’re thinking of ways we can improve upon our successes and learn from our mistakes. Historic Macon resolves to make sure the nation knows that #maconispreservation. Here’s how:

1. Lead the state of Georgia in the number of tax credit applications submitted for the fourth year in a row

The Stallings utilized tax credits to improve their bungalow in Vineville.

In the past three consecutive years, Macon has led the state of Georgia in the number of tax credit applications submitted. Tax credits are preservation incentives that make many residential and commercial rehabilitation projects possible. Historic Macon has played a large role in the number of tax credit applications submitted by providing consultation services for those interested in utilizing historic tax credits. Additionally, our work in promoting the many benefits of tax credits and Macon’s historic districts has also increased the number of applications submitted. Since adding a staff person to oversee our tax credit consultation program in 2014, Historic Macon is committed more than ever before to help Macon hold this record in 2016.

2. Complete the rehabilitation of 1388 Calhoun Street for an unforgettable Design House

The future 2016 Design House at 1388 Calhoun Street

Historic Macon began the rehabilitation project of 1388 Calhoun Street in the fall of 2015. This is the most ambitious rehab Historic Macon has taken on to date. The house will serve as HMF’s Design House in June 2016 and will be available for tours as part of Historic Macon’s signature fundraiser, Design, Wine and Dine. In 2016, we resolve to complete this project and showcase our best Design House yet.

3. Increase the number of low interest façade and energy efficiency loans awarded

Dr. Charlotte Thomas used a low-interest facade loan to paint her home

Historic Macon has awarded over 60 low interest loans to improve historic homes to date. Property owners in the College Hill Corridor can apply for low interest loans to improve the facades or the overall energy efficiency of their homes. Historic Macon has made this program more robust since Knight Foundation invested $3 million into Beall’s Hill revitalization efforts. In addition to funding rehabilitation projects and new builds in Beall’s Hill, Knight Foundation’s investment increased the loan fund and allowed Historic Macon to hire an additional staff member to oversee the program. In 2016, HMF resolves to award more low interest loans and market this program to those who are eligible to take advantage of it.

4. Find a preservation solution for Alexander IV and Cotton Avenue District and save more properties to be included in Macon’s Fading Five

The Ware House at 1107 Oglethorpe Street, a property on 2015's Fading Five, has been purchased by Historic Macon and will be rehabbed as a single-family home.

In 2015, we announced our inaugural endangered properties list, known as Macon’s Fading Five. Since that announcement in August, we have made steady progress and three properties have been purchased for rehabilitation. In 2016, we resolve to diligently seek out solutions for the two remaining sites on Macon’s Fading Five: Alexander IV and Cotton Avenue District.

We also resolve to publish a new list in the summer of 2016 and work with the same tenacity to find solutions for the properties that will be added to Macon’s Fading Five. This requires community support. Part of the success of 2015’s Fading Five can be attributed to the nomination process. Because community members identified the properties that were important and that needed saving, Historic Macon already had support to find appropriate solutions for properties on Macon’s Fading Five. We need you to nominate properties in July 2016 and help us identify those significant historic resources that have meaning and need saving.

5. Sell new builds in Beall’s Hill and increase the number of residents who love the neighborhood

New builds available for purchase in Beall's Hill

Currently, Historic Macon has 5 brand new houses for sale in Beall’s Hill on Ash Street and Calhoun Street. We resolve to sell these homes to new neighbors in Beall’s Hill who will be committed community supporters. Help us spread the word about these beautiful homes by sharing the Zillow postings on your social media accounts. Each time we sell a house we’re able to replenish the revolving fund and tackle another project. In Beall’s Hill we have over a dozen properties waiting to be redeveloped.

6. Expand our neighborhood revitalization efforts to Mill Hill

A house in East Macon that will be rehabbed for artist residents

In 2015, Historic Macon partnered with the Urban Development Authority and Macon Arts Alliance to rehabilitate 4 properties in Mill Hill, as part of the East Macon Arts Village. Partnering with Urban Development Authority and Macon Arts Alliance is like dropping a stone in a pond for East Macon – Mill Hill will have a ripple effect in the area leading to revitalization and a more vibrant neighborhood. Paired with the momentum from the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative and the Macon Action Plan, this area will be transformed to a neighborhood with quality housing for a fair price. The work of these three organizations will help us place houses back on the tax rolls and create jobs. We resolve to apply our rehabilitation work to a new area with the help of the Urban Development Authority and Macon Arts Alliance, making for a better, stronger Macon.

7. We resolve to share the success of our work and communicate how the community can help us reach our goals

Firefighters pose for Historic Macon's "Macon is Preservation" campaign that launched in 2015.

As a non-profit preservation organization, our work is not possible without the support of our community. We resolve to continuously thank you for your support. We recognize that you as members and community supporters allow us to carry out our mission 365 days of the year and that you want to help us succeed. We resolve to let you know about the opportunities to give financially, donate your time, and to let you know how you contributed to our success.

Happy New Year to you and yours from Historic Macon!

Preservation Gift Guide

It’s the holiday season and that means it’s time to cross gifts off your list. Have a die-hard preservationist in your family? Or a friend obsessed with historic architecture? Or perhaps you need a small gift for the Macon lover in your office’s Secret Santa pool. Whatever the case, Historic Macon staffers are taking the stress out of your holiday for determining the best gift for that preservation nerd (and we use this term with the most love) on your gift-giving list.

FOR THE PRESERVATION ENTHUSIAST

Izola “Preservation” water bottle (available at Travis Jean!)

Want to show your preservation pride everywhere you go? Buy this classic water bottle from Travis Jean in downtown Macon to carry with you. Perfect for water, tea, or something stronger. You may just decide to treat yo’self for your next round of caroling and wassailing.

Subscription to Architectural Digest

Beautiful interiors and incredible architecture. This is the gift that keeps on giving the whole year round with monthly magazines showcasing interiors to die for. Subscribe here for a special holiday offer!

Historic Macon Membership (available at Cottage Christmas on December 10 from 4-7pm!)

What better way to celebrate the holiday season than by giving your loved one a membership to Historic Macon? Membership fees support Historic Macon’s of community revitalization by preserving architecture and sharing history. Not only are you supporting a mission that improves our community, the recipient also receives benefits throughout the entire year, including invitations to events, our quarterly newsletter, and special offers for our signature events. Plus, if you purchase a Patron-level membership or above, the new HMF member will be able to attend the Patrons’ Party on Thursday, January 21 at Terminal Station. Holiday gift memberships come with card to present to the lucky recipient.

A one night stay in one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Historic Hotels of America

Union Station Hotel, Nashville, TN

We know your vacations are full of historic walking tours and house museum visits so why not up the ante by staying in a historic hotel? The National Trust’s list of historic hotels includes places to stay in America’s major cities and everywhere in between. Book a night and receive a family membership to the National Trust!

Christmas at Historic Houses by Patricia Hart McMillan & Katherine Kay McMillian

Historic houses are beautiful all-year-round, but at Christmas, they’re almost magical. This book is a great addition to any coffee table during the holiday season. Buy it here!

Custom-made print by Little Mustard Seed

Athens artist Laura Deem creates colorful pieces that capture the unique spirit of historic homes. Perfect gift for a historic homeowner or a first-time homeowner. Custom orders fill up fast, but Athens and Charleston prints are always available. Buy your print here!

Fudge from Rachel’s Trammell House

Sweets Brownies and cookies and fudge…oh my! A portion of all proceeds goes to saving historic buildings, and it’s all made in Georgia. Win. Win. Get your fudge here!

FOR THE TRUE PRESERVATIONIST

Ghosts of Grandeur by Michael W. Kitchens

We may have used this for the Summer Reading List, but it’s still a classic for any Georgia preservationist, especially since it documents lost buildings. (And, it’s in the Side Porch Gift Shop! Buy it during Cottage Christmas on December 10 between 4 and 7pm.)

DSLR Camera

High quality photographs of historic buildings is a big part of the historic preservation business. A DSLR camera is the ultimate gift for the preservationist in your life.

Telescoping lens for said DSLR camera

And why not deck out that DSLR camera with the appropriate accessories? A telescoping lens will help capture all the details that make historic buildings unique. And it will prevent your preservationist from standing in the middle of the street to take photos.

Tripod

A tripod is a great tool for taking crystal clear photos, rather than shaky, blurry ones, of the the important buildings in your life.

Louis Stettner: Penn Station, New York

This newly published book portrays photographer Louis Stettner’s collection of 1950’s images of New York’s Penn Station. It’s a great collection to see the station before its demolition, which spurred the modern-day historic preservation movement. Buy it here!

FOR THE MACON LOVER

Macon Arts Alliance Gift Card

Prints, jewelry, pottery, and even cards all made by local artists are available at the Gallery. The best part about shopping at the gallery? You’re supporting the arts in Middle Georgia.

Signature baked goods prepared by Historic Macon volunteers

Don’t have time to make cookies or a cake for your neighbors? Let Historic Macon volunteers take the stress out of your holiday and purchase all your baked goods and tasty party treats during Cottage Christmas this Thursday, December 10 from 4-7pm.

Tour of Hay House at Christmas

The Hay House is beautiful throughout the year, but it’s absolutely stunning decorated for Christmas! A holiday tour to this National Landmark is a perfect gift for any preservationist who loves historic interiors at Christmas.

Why Preservation?

by Lauren E. Mauldin

Ever since I could remember, I’ve always been fascinated with old things, especially historic buildings. Whether it was walking through New Orleans antique stores as a four-year-old, taking family vacations to places like Colonial Williamsburg and Charleston, or studying history in college, my passion for historic preservation has evolved throughout the years.

My family and I (I’m the short one) look so thrilled… Was this supposed to be a family pic or just an excuse to take a picture of this New Orleans building? Who knows?

Make Up Your Mind Already

For years leading up to college, I wanted to study historic preservation, but decided to be slightly more practical and study journalism (emphasis on slightly). Well after a few months, I discovered I hated journalism, switched my major to Advertising, and decided to add History as another major.

Clearly, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do.

But, I was still interested in preservation. Living in a place like Athens, with its plethora of historic buildings, I was always aware of preservation. My senior year, I took a graduate-level Introduction to Historic Preservation class, where I confirmed I wanted to work in preservation. That semester, I applied to graduate schools.

How can you not fall in love with UGA with its wonderful historic North Campus? Credit: Lauren Mauldin

Grad School: Is This Real Life?

The city of York (my home for a year) as seen from the medieval city walls. Credit: Lauren Mauldin

I decided to study Conservation Studies at the University of York in the United Kingdom. Because, what better place to study preservation than in England, where there is literally a historic building everywhere you turn? (Or, that’s at least what I told the Customs Officer…) Studying in York was absolutely one of the most surreal experiences of my life. With built heritage dating from the Romans, York was a living, breathing laboratory for an enthusiastic conservation student. I lived within the shadows of York Minster, studied in a medieval monastery, and researched and wrote about a beautiful Georgian town house for my dissertation. My work at York taught me that historic buildings are reflective of each generation’s changing attitudes to design and living and ongoing preservation efforts provides a medium to foster continual change.

Me during a scaffold tour of repairs to Holy Trinity Goodramgate with the Minster in the background.

Today: Getting to Work

It may have taken a little bit of time for me to finally realize that I wanted to pursue preservation as a career, but I’ve never looked back. Ultimately, I believe preservation is more than stately grand mansions and house museums. Preservation can serve as an impetus for community revitalization. Using preservation tools and incentives leverages the feasibility and success of communities, which is clearly evident in Beall’s Hill. It is this exciting and innovative work in Beall’s Hill that attracted me to Historic Macon Foundation. As Loan Fund Manager, I enjoy reinforcing our preservation and revitalization work, whether it is through façade loans, down payment assistance, or easement monitoring. Ultimately, I see our work as crucial to ensuring continued use and preservation of these historic buildings for future generations.

Why We Give

by Heather Moore, past chair of the Board of Trustees

Andy and I have joked that our gifts to HMF often feel selfish. Since we’ve lived in the Intown Macon historic district, we’ve directly benefited from so many of HMF’s programs. As our neighbors have participated in the façade loan program and taken advantage of HMF’s tax consulting services, our neighborhood seems to get more beautiful each time we walk around the block. While we enjoy the improved aesthetics, practically, we’ve watched our personal home value rise as the area continues to become more desirable due to newly restored properties. In addition, getting properties back on the tax rolls means our community has more dollars to re-invest in services and infrastructure that make Macon an even better place to live. The many public-private partnerships that HMF has fostered are helping to build a preservation ethos in Macon that will ensure we’re good stewards of our city’s biggest asset – its historic architecture. Preservation is economic development!

Andy & I believe in Historic Macon’s mission to not only revitalize neighborhoods and properties, but to tell their stories, and we understand that while we’ve been able to experience HMF’s programs first hand, the economic impact reaches far beyond just our neighborhood. We give because the continued vitality of our historic districts is critical to our success as a city and the quality of life of its residents.

Heather and Andy purchased their home from Historic Macon after it served as the Decorators' Showhouse in 2011.

#MaconFleaFinds | Instagram's Top Picks

We’ve been posting and you’ve been liking! This week’s #maconfleafinds post showcases the items that have gotten the most buzz on our Instagram account through likes and comments. We couldn’t agree with you more.

1. Don’t be green with envy, Instagram! Buy this mint dresser this weekend!

2. It’s never been easier to furnish your man cave, Instagram.

3. That’s right @halesbails, our prices are incredible.

4. Stuff on stuff on stuff, Instagram approves.

5. We should have known Instagram would like this bar/server.

6. A chair that would look great in any room, Instagram.

7. Why yes this side table is exquisite and beautiful, @quintontard and @tfromtifton.

8. Instagram is ready for a dinner party.

9. The Old Clinton pick-up caught everyone’s attention

10. Someone from Dallas is ready to purchase this item #hottytoddy

What? You don’t follow us on Instagram? That needs to change. Our Instagram showcases more than just great #maconfleafinds. We also post updates of our rehabilitation projects, educational programming and all those things that your Flea Market dollars fund to make Macon a better place.

Come to the Historic Macon Flea Market this weekend, October 2-4 at 536 Third Street. You can see all these and more, in person. Until the Flea Market, flea on!

#MaconFleaFinds | Fabulous Furniture

The Flea Market is only a week away! Now is the time to purchase your Flea Market Preview Party tickets to ensure you get some of our best deals. This week, you’re seeing not 5, but 10, furniture pieces we know you’ll love and want to take home with you.

1. Get comfy on a rosy sofa.

2. Display the other Flea Market treasures you’re sure to find in a new hutch.

3. A throne fit for a king (or queen) of the castle (and by castle, we mean your home in Macon).

4. Stash away your sundries in a retro metal cabinet.

5. Entertain in style on this beautiful table

6. Turn an old trunk into a coffee table and sitting area centerpiece.

7. Show off your conversation starters on another great hutch.

8. You’ll have sweet dreams in this king bed.

9. Sit pretty in a set of 6 dining room chairs.

10. A darling desk ready for you to write (or type) your next novel.

Did we mention that 77¢ of every dollar you spend at the Flea Market goes straight back to Historic Macon’s operating expenses? That means 77¢ of your dollar goes directly to the work that we do best -revitalizing our community by preserving architecture and sharing history. You can rest easy in that new-to-you bed or chair from the Flea Market knowing you got an incredible deal and you also supported an organization committed to making Macon a better place.

So be sure to purchase your Preview Party tickets today and come out to the sale on Saturday, October 3 from 8am to 3pm and on Sunday, October 4 from 1pm to 5pm at 536 Third Street.

Until next week, flea on!

#MaconFleaFinds | Festive Fall

Fall is in the air. The days are a bit shorter and the temperature outside is bearable again. Which means it’s time for pumpkin-flavored treats and festive decorations. The Flea Market has everything you need to ring in this season in style.

1.  This guy will be a the perfect greeter for trick-or-treaters.

2. Time for a new wreath on the door! These twig ones would look great plain or with some festive embellishments.

3. A lamp that looks like it belonged to the Addams family can easily be updated for a fresh fall look.

4. Find plenty of accessories for your game day look or your Halloween costume.

5. We’re all smiles at Historic Macon because the Flea Market is only 2 weeks away! Buy your Preview Party tickets today.

You can find these items and so much more at Historic Macon’s Flea Market. The Flea Market takes place October 2-4, 2015 in the former Karsten-Denson Hardware Store building at 536 Third Street. Buy your tickets for the Flea Market Preview Party to make sure you get the best deals.

Also follow #maconfleafinds on Instagram and Twitter to see more items. Until next week, flea on!

#MaconFleaFinds | Get Yo' Retro

Mad Men may be off the air, but mid-century modern styles are going strong at Historic Macon’s Flea Market. Lovers of vintage and retro items will have a hay day the first weekend in October when they shop to support preservation in Macon.

1. Find a new perch with a pair of love birds.

2. Say cheese for this vintage camera, complete with case and lens cap.

3. Who says camping means roughin’ it? You can have your coffee while experiencing the great outdoors with this portable and light camping kit.

4. Perfect for the set of Mad Men, this Widdicomb table and chairs will provide mid-century modern elegance to any dining room.

5. Take home an icon of American design when you purchase this replica Eames lounge chair and ottoman.

You can find these items and so much more at Historic Macon’s Flea Market. The Flea Market takes place October 2-4, 2015 in the former Karsten-Denson Hardware Store building at 536 Third Street. Buy your tickets for the Flea Market Preview Party to make sure you get the best deals.

Also follow #maconfleafinds on Instagram and Twitter to see more items. Until next week, flea on!

#MaconFleaFinds | Rustic Revival

You never know what you’ll find when you go on a Flea Market pick-up. Last week, staff members and volunteers ventured out to Old Clinton to one of the oldest houses in the historic town. That feeling of history happened here was palpable as we walked through the home and grounds. Ethiel and myself had the pleasure of speaking with descendants of the family that owned and occupied the house for over 150 years.

Ethiel, HMF director, and Jim pose with the Historic Macon truck after a few hours of treasure hunting.

Needless to say, there was quite a lot to find for Historic Macon’s Flea Market. See just a few of the items we uncovered in this week’s edition of #maconfleafinds. There’s more where that came from!

1. Whether you’re trying to hide buried treasure or just want a cool coffee table, we have several antique trunks that fit all your needs.

2. Oh baby! What a cute chair!

3. Just a swingin’ -this wooden swing would be a great addition to any front porch. Mint juleps not included.

4. Walk right in, sit right down…on these primitive chairs.

5. Red never looked so good on handmade side table.

You can find these items and so much more at Historic Macon’s Flea Market. The Flea Market takes place October 2-4, 2015 in the former Karsten-Denson Hardware Store building at 536 Third Street.

Also follow #maconfleafinds on Instagram and Twitter to see more items. Until next week, flea on!