By Kevin Shannahan

There was a standing room only crowd at the Natchitoches Historic Foundation’s informative presentation on various programs designed to encourage the preservation of historic buildings Wednesday, June 5. Brian Davis, Director of the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation, gave a presentation on what his organization does to save historic buildings. His presentation featured several before and after examples that were truly amazing. Allison Saunders of the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development’s Division of Historic Preservation, gave a talk detailing the various tax credit and abatement programs and the criteria a project needs to meet in order to qualify. Her presentation likewise featured examples of how credits and abatements can significantly reduce the cost of renovating a qualifying historic structure.

Jill Leo then spoke on Natchitoches’ Cultural and Historic Districts and their effect on our parish’s economy and quality of life. Lastly, Juanita Fowler, Planning and Zoning Director for the City of Natchitoches, spoke about the various regulations that govern property use, building and renovation.