CHF Revolving Loan Fund: 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, historic rehabilitation tax credits, CPACE financing, and other public or private investment. Read on to learn more...
Loan Purposes
- Construction Loan/Gap Financing: 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 best practices for preserving a building's historic character.
- Leverage grants, other sources of private and public financing
- The Colorado-based property must be historically designated (National Register of Historic Places, Colorado State Register of Historic Properties, or locally designated through an ordinance)
- Acquisition of historically-designated properties protected by covenant, easement and/or local ordinance will be considered in limited circumstances.
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. Applicants must demonstrate a business plan or other ability to pay off the loan.
Loan Terms
- Flexible repayment schedules, up to five years - no prepayment penalty
- $100K - $750K
- Low fixed interest rates
- 1.5% Commitment Fee
- Minimum 10% owner equity
- Secured Loans - a property lien and/or owner-guaranty generally required
- Other collateral options will be considered
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 and servicing. Loan terms and contracting are finalized with our legal counsel. The CHF Revolving Loan fund was established in part through grants from the History Colorado State Historical Fund.
Download Procedures for Loan Application, Closing & Servicing.
Contact Executive Director Catherine Stroh to discuss your project and request an application form.