For Immediate Release
May 7, 2018
Alabama Historical Commission, Marketing & Public Relations Manager: Jacqulyn Kirkland, 334-230-2645 or jacqulyn.kirkland@ahc.alabama.gov
ST. FRANCIS STREET METHODIST CHURCH PROJECT APPROVED FOR FEDERAL TAX CREDITS
On April 11, 2018, the National Park Service approved St. Francis Street Methodist Church in Mobile, Alabama, for the twenty-percent federal rehabilitation tax credit program.
The St. Francis Street Methodist Church was listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The church and its annex building are also listed as contributing resources to the Lower Dauphin Street Commercial Historic District.
Construction on the church began in 1895 and was completed the following year. The church suffered damage during a 1916 hurricane that led to the loss of the upper spire but spared the truncated lower half. The church constructed an educational wing in 1953. The church held its final services in the building in 1993 and leased the building to other churches for several years thereafter.
The current owner rehabilitated the former St. Francis Street Methodist Church building and annex for use as an event space.
The exterior appearance remains much the same with its historic stained-glass windows adorning the facades. New compatible wood doors now fill the primary entrances at the corner of the church, and
the original woodwork has been repaired and repainted. The church sanctuary remains intact except for an expanded altar area used as a stage. The basement was improved to serve as additional meeting spaces. The church annex building also retains its original appearance on the exterior and interior. New aluminum doors and windows were installed at the entrance that are compatible with the 1953 design. New finishes were installed where needed, while existing finishes were refreshed and repainted.
The National Park Service oversees the Preservation Tax Incentive program jointly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). To qualify, the building has to be listed in the National Register, either individually or in a historic district. Additionally, the property must be used for income-producing purposes. For more information concerning standards and guidelines please visit
www.nps.gov/tps/tax-incentives.htm and
http://ahc.alabama.gov/federaltaxcredits.aspx
The Alabama Historical Commission manages the program for the National Park Service in the state of Alabama. The Commission administers the federal restoration guidelines so the historic materials and look of the building remain.
Renovating and reusing these historic buildings is a win-win situation for the owner and the community.
About the Alabama Historical Commission
Located in historic downtown Montgomery at 468 S. Perry Street, the Alabama Historical Commission is the state historic preservation agency for Alabama. The agency was created by an act of the state legislature in 1966 with a mission to protect, preserve and interpret Alabama’s historic places. AHC works to accomplish its mission through two fields of endeavor: Preservation and promotion of state-owned historic sites as public attractions; and, statewide programs to assist people, groups, towns, and cities with local preservation activities. For a complete list of programs and properties owned and operated by the AHC, hours of operation, and admission fees please visit ahc.alabama.gov
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