Preservation Loans
Successful historic preservation requires collaboration and a creative mix of resources. The Colorado Historical Foundation established the CHF Revolving Loan Fund to provide financing for preservation projects and the acquisition of historically designated properties. CHF Revolving Loan Fund loans can help manage cash flow for construction, as well as supplement grants, rehabilitation tax credits, and private investment. Read on to learn more...
Loan Uses
- Preservation, rehabilitation, restoration or adaptive reuse projects adhering to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Buildings, which are considered preservation best practices.
- Acquisition of an historically designated property in Colorado
- The property must be historically designated (National Register of Historic Places, Colorado State Register of Historic Properties, or locally designated through an ordinance)
Eligible Borrowers
If the project is eligible and meets our basic criteria, the Foundation is available to work with private owners, nonprofit organizations, public entities, commercial owners and developers.
Loan Terms
- Flexible repayment schedules and terms, generally up to five years
- Negotiable fixed interest rates, generally at or below prime
- Minimal down payments
- No early repayment penalty
- Secured - a lien on the property or owner guaranty is generally required
- Collateral options
Loan Administration
Preservation Loans are administered through the Colorado Historical Foundation's subsidiary, the CHF Revolving Loan Fund. Staff, in partnership with a volunteer Loan Committee, evaluates qualifying projects and provides consultation. The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) provides risk evaluation, loan closing and servicing. Loan terms and contracting are finalized with our legal counsel. The CHF Revolving Loan fund was established in part through a grant from the History Colorado State Historical Fund.
Download Loan Policy and Procedures. Contact Executive Director Cathy Rosset to request an application