Development News

After spending more than two years on a frustrating search for the ideal urban location in which to open a small-batch craft brewery, Tim Patton finally settled on a historic building with beer in its bones. Now, he’s only a few short months from opening Saint Benjamin Brewery.

Located in South Kensington near the corner of North 5th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue, the three-story, 14,000-square-foot building Patton bought for $395,000 was originally home to the Theo Finkenauer Lager Beer Brewery, which went out of business sometime around Prohibition. Technically, the space was home to the brewery's carriage house and stable, so Patton has been spending much of his time lately (not to mention his money; the project is largely self-financed) rehabbing the space. 

"The building itself was actually in very good shape," he says. "This was the first clean and dry building I had actually seen when I was looking at spaces." 

Still, certain infrastructure upgrades were necessary. The former carriage house has been outfitted with new electrical circuits, a sprinkler system, new sewer lines and a two-inch gas line, to name just a few of the recent improvements. And, as Flying Kite reported in April, Patton used crowdsourcing to fund a facade rehab.

The brewery hopes to officially open for business in early spring, distributing beer to pubs in Fishtown, Northern Liberties and Kensington. Saint Benjamin's will also offer the occasional brewery tour and tasting, and customers will be able to fill growlers onsite. 

Patton also has plans to eventually add a brewpub. Unfortunately, that step is still probably another year or two away.

Writer: Dan Eldridge
Source: Tim Patton, Saint Benjamin Brewery

Federal funding cuts are trickling down to Philadelphia -- notably in lack of maintenance for the city's affordable housing stock. To mitigrate the problem, the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) has submitted an application to participate in the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. If approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), PHA will be able to raise funds to rehabilitate aging affordable housing. 

PHA spokesperson Nichole Tillman estimates that PHA now receives 82 cents for every dollar that it needs to operate and maintain public housing. She calls RAD "the Obama Administration's plan to address the defunding of public housing." 

Operating funds for RAD developments will come from the Housing Choice (Section 8) program, which has historically been more stable and less prone to dramatic funding cutbacks. Under RAD, PHA could borrow against its rental income and HUD subsidies, which would generate funding for capital improvements. This would give PHA more funds to rehab properties and expand public housing, while creating an estimated 400 construction jobs.

Though RAD approval would create jobs for small businesses, it does not equal privatization for affordable housing. 

"A for-profit corporation will not own public housing," explains Tillman. "Like current tax credit sites, RAD developments will remain heavily regulated, and tenants will have substantial protections similar to those of public housing residents. PHA is likely to establish affiliated nonprofits, just like those at its existing tax credit sites. A long-term use agreement will guarantee that development rents remain affordable." (RAD requires that rent be set at no more than 30 percent of adjusted household income.)

Tillman said that if PHA gets HUD approval for RAD, the agency will invest the money in rehabbing site infrastructure and major systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and heating and ventilation. Other quality of life improvements would include upgrades to units' interior layouts; updated kitchens and bathrooms; and greening all systems to make them more sustainable.

PHA should hear about approval from HUD by Spring, contingent upon legislative action.

Writer: Nicole Woods
Source: Nichole Tillman, Philadelphia Housing Authority

With adjacent East Passyunk recently named best neighborhood for the second year in a row by Curbed Philly, and memories from Mummers' revelries a street over still fresh, it seemed a good time to check in on two-month-old bar and restaurant Moonshine in Pennsport.

The 46-seat establishment stands at the site of the former East Side Moyamensing Saloon, a no-frills dive bar that operated on the corner since 1935. Co-owner Rich Fattori said he jumped at the chance to buy the property, located about a half-mile south of The Industry and Federal Donuts. 

"We found the location because we were the vendors for the jukebox and Megatouch of East Side Saloon," says Fattori. "When we found out the previous owner was selling, we wanted to get in right away, because we thought it was a very up-and-coming area. There are lots of young professionals and new people moving in, but it still has the mystique of a typical South Philly neighborhood." 

Fattori was initially concerned about neighbors' reaction to losing a local institution. 

"I was a little nervous in how quickly it would take them to warm up to what we're trying to do here," he says. "We've owned another bar in Briarcliffe for ten years and the original clientele is still resistant to any changes."

Fattori and his team made a concerted effort to become part of the community. He even knocked on a neighbor's door to introduce himself: "Before I could even say anything else, she held up her hand and said, 'Stop. I know what you're doing, and I love it.'" 

The neighborhood's enthusiasm was documented by local press, such as Pennsporter and Passyunk Post, as Fattori's team completed renovations over the summer. Since opening, he estimates that about three-quarters of customers have been locals. This fits perfectly with his vision for Moonshine as a welcoming and friendly neighborhood spot. 

Fattori's strict adherence to Moonshine's concept, even when it means a loss in profit, was evident in his decision not to open on New Year's Day. Though the restaurant served lunch to a private party (the Holy Rollers N.Y.B. Mummers club), Fattori closed to the public partly based on the recommendations from neighbors and frequent diners.

"We didn't want to change to just open and make a ton of money," he says. "We wanted to keep our character and the vibe we have going here."

Moonshine is located at 1825 East Moyamensing Avenue; make reservations at moonshinephilly.com or by calling (267) 639-9720.

Writer: Nicole Woods
Source: Rich Fattori, Moonshine 

The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to redevelop three lots along Chestnut Street. Chestnut Street has long experienced some difficulty attracting and retaining businesses and storefronts. However, as previously reported in Flying Kite, successful residential communities have sprung up along the street in recent years.

Accoring to PHA President and CEO Kelvin Jeremiah, PHA has received several inquiries about the location in question, a vacant four-story building at 2012 Chestnut, and adjoining parcels formerly used for parking at 2014 and 2016 Chestnut. Executive offices in the four-story building relocated more than three years ago, and it has been unoccupied since. 

At a time when retail development is growing in the district, it is important to mitigate vacancies.

"It's in the best interest to redevelop this property to help maintain a vibrant, healthy atmosphere in Center City," says Jeremiah.

Proposals for 2012, 2014 and 2016 Chestnut Street may include the demolition or rehabilitation of the current building at 2012 Chestnut. Mixed-use, office, commercial and residential use will all be considered for the project; the winner will best utilize all three lots.

Under the terms of the RFP, PHA will continue to own the ground at the site, leasing it to the developer. The developer will finance, plan, design, construct, own and operate the building or buildings. 

Because the site is located in the Center City West Commercial Historic District, the winning developer must also comply with the historic review process. 

The deadline for submitting proposals is February 7, 2014; PHA plans on awarding a development contract in May 2014.

Writer: Nicole Woods
Source: Kelvin Jeremiah, Philadelphia Housing Authority

Last week, a major step was taken towards eradicating urban blight in Philadelphia. After almost two years, Bill No. 130156, which authorizes the creation of a Land Bank, was passed by the City Council.

Philly is home to 40,000 vacant properties; more than 9,000 are owned by the City. The Land Bank will have the authority to acquire vacant, tax-delinquent properties through sheriff's sale and expedite the process of making them available. It will be the largest municipal land bank in the country.

"Philadelphia is making history," said Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sánchez, the bill's prime sponsor. “Today, we get a step closer to creating a new tool to repurpose vacant, tax-delinquent properties and grow the city's tax base."
 
Passing this groundbreaking legislation was not easy. A dispute between Council President Darrell L. Clarke and Councilwoman Sánchez threatened to stall the Land Bank until after the new year. The issue centered around whether the Vacant Property Review Committee (VPRC), a Council advisory panel that holds monthly hearings on land transfers, would be included as part of the approval process when the land bank sells a property.

Rick Sauer, executive director of the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations (PACDC), explained that an agreement was reached by keeping the VPRC's approval in the bill but adding transparency to its workings.

"We realized that to get this done, we had to compromise," says Sauer. 

Land Bank supporters believe the legislation will greatly reduce the barriers to rehabilitation and sale of blighted properties. Flying Kite previously reported on the development of an advocacy group to help the bill's passage, PhillyLandBank.org.

The Philly Land Bank Alliance includes the following stakeholders: the Building Industry Association; City Wide NAC Alliance; Community Design Collaborative; Design Advocacy Group; Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors; Philadelphia LISC; Next Great City/PennFuture; Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations; Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia; Regional Housing Legal Services; and the Sustainable Business Network.

More details about the newly formed Philadelphia Land Bank will be announced in 2014.

Writer: Nicole Woods
Source: Rick Sauer, PACDC

Over the course of the last decade, the Francisville Neighborhood Development Corporation has been extremely active. After working to eradicate blight, cut down on crime and bring affordable housing to the neighborhood (located just east of Fairmount and north of Spring Garden), the organization had pivoted towards economic development. The recent opening of Tela's Market & Kitchen at 1833 Fairmount Ave. is the most recent marker of their success.

Developer Daniel Greenberg and Chef Chad Williams (formerly of Jose Garces' Amada and Chifa) partnered to create the artisanal grocery and café. Canno Design's Gabrielle Canno and Carey Jackson Yonce (who also designed Wishbone in University City) created a warm and intimate feel in a single high-ceilinged room by carving out sections for multiple uses. A counter with prepared foods anchors the space, with seating for the made-to-order counter along the windows, and refrigerated cases along the back walls. 

Greenberg, who has lived in Spring Garden with his wife and two young children for the past five years, saw a need for fresh food in the area, and set his sights on a lot that had been vacant for more than 20 years. Greenberg pursued the project because of his passion for the area.

"I am a lifelong Philadelphia resident," he says. "And I think each great neighborhood should have a smaller, more neighborhood-scale specialty market... I started construction on the building in December of 2012. All ground-up construction in the city presents its unique set of challenges, and this project was no exception."

According to Greenberg, the neighborhood has been supportive of Tela's; the market is already drawing repeat customers. Several of the employees live in adjacent neighborhoods, including Francisville, Spring Garden, Fairmount and Brewerytown.

Greenberg's next project in the area will be even more ambitious -- he plans to break ground on a large commercial space with residential units at 1720 Fairmount Avenue in Spring 2014.  

"I am committed to this neighborhood, and look forward to identifying future development opportunities," he says.

Writer: Nicole Woods
Source: Dan Greenberg, Tela's Market and Kitchen

Flying Kite readers should remember the address 322 W. Chelten Avenue — the Germantown storefront was a site for our "On the Ground” program, a year-long initiative that activated underutilized spaces in under-covered neighborhoods. Thanks to a new loan program from the Commerce Department, 322 W. Chelten Avenue is now home to a thriving new business, Rose Petals Café & Lounge.

The InStore Forgivable Loan Program targets retail, food and creative businesses on commercial corridors that serve low- to moderate-income communities. The loans enable businesses to purchase equipment and materials in order to expand or open a new location. The Department of Commerce had previously offered grants for façade renovations through its Storefront Improvement Program, but a funding option for interior improvements did not exist.

"The program helps to revitalize Philadelphia's commercial corridors as the backbone of residential neighborhoods," says Jonathan Snyder, Sr. from the Commerce Department. "InStore Loans strategically invest in businesses that will increase foot traffic, improve the retail mix, enhance existing businesses, create jobs, and provide goods and services." 

The loans range between $15,000 and $50,000, and are forgiven if the recipient meets program guidelines for five years. For Rose Petals, the funding covered the cost of critical start-up supplies, including refrigeration units, a hood and exhaust system for the stove, new floors, shelving units, a copper ceiling and a coffee bar.

Rose Petals was selected because of its proximity to public transportation and distinction as one of the neighborhood's only sit-down restaurants. As the first business to receive an InStore Loan, the cafe influenced the program's development.

"They were selected as the pilot recipient to help us refine the application process to ensure it was as efficient as possible for future applicants," explains Snyder.

The InStore Program is now available for businesses on more than 88 eligible commercial corridors throughout the city. 

Writer: Nicole Woods
Source: Jonathan Snyder, Department of Commerce

Nostalgia opened its doors on October 19, right off South Street at the former site of Passional in Queen Village. The boutique could be easily mistaken as just another high-end consignment shop, but owners Rafael Rosado, Arielle Salkowitz and Danielle DiRosa position Nostalgia as an dynamic retail experience.

"Our idea was to bring back classic Americana style and mix it with quality accessories," says Salkowitz. "We wanted to create a lifestyle store that brings back positive memories."

The trio cultivates Nostalgia's brand through a combination of vintage items and contemporary American-made clothing. Salkowitz's own line of 1950s-inspired rockabilly gear, Earl Salko, is sold along with infinity scarves by DiRosa and original pieces from other local designers. Rosado's curated vintage collection includes a 1960s-era elementary school desk and a large selection of vintage eyewear.

Although Nostalgia's vintage wares are most prominently displayed in its display window, Earl Salko is the store's X-factor. Salkowitz created the line after graduating from Philadelphia University in 2011. Her inspiration for the collection was 1940s motorcycle clothing. The line includes pants, jackets and dresses riffing on 1950s circle skirt dresses (a perfect match for those denim jackets). 

Salkowitz sews much of Earl Salko's collection by hand; the denim items are manufactured at a factory in Kensington. Until Nostalgia opened in October, she primarily sold items through Etsy and at local markets, including last summer's Brooklyn Flea at the Piazza. 

As Rosado assisted Salkowitz at vending opportunities over the last two years, he began building his vintage collection. All the pieces gelled in September when DiRosa spotted the vacancy left by Passional. 

"The store is in a great location, so we knew it was a great opportunity," says Salkowitz. "The area gets a lot of foot traffic and you can see the storefront when you round the corner from 3rd street onto Bainbridge. We all wanted to stay in South Philly, and Queen Village is a great area." 

The team signed the lease in late September, and managed to open Nostalgia in three weeks. The store's design complements the inventory: the shelving, clothing racks and furniture are all repurposed, including a large showcase made from an antique gun display Rosado found on Craigslist.

Nostalgia, 704 S. 5^th St., Philadelphia

Writer: Nicole Woods
Source: Arielle Salkowitz, Nostalgia

In a classic case of necessity as mother of invention, Temple Fox School of Business student Ofo Ezeugwu has developed a website for renters to rate landlords. He observed that students living in Philadelphia were often vulnerable in the rental process. 

"I hatched the idea in February 2012 when I was running for Temple's VP of External Affairs," says Ezeugwu. "Many of my dealings had to do with students' relations with off-campus entities and opportunities. I thought it would be great if students could rate their landlords the same way they rate their professors on RateMyProfessor.com."

WhoseYourLandlord.com launched in October 2012 with fellow Temple student Nik Korablin as web developer. The startup's unusually spelled name regularly raises questions, but Ezeugwu explains that the choice of homonym is intentional — the possessive form of the word 'who' signifies a return of ownership to tenants.

Since its launch, the website has grown to include users in multiple schools across different states. A "fall tour" of East Coast colleges promoted the site and encouraged users to rate landlords in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., North Virginia and New York. Students can also rate on-campus housing such as dorms and residential halls.

Next steps include launching a mobile app in early 2014, and incorporating a way for landlords to respond to comments users leave on their profiles. The growing company also plans to hire in the new year.

Writer: Nicole Woods
Ofo Ezeugwu, Whose Your Landlord

If you were to make a list of the public infrastructure projects Philadelphians most wish for this holiday season, it might include the Reading Viaduct, completion of Schuylkill Banks (at least that one is on the way), token-less SEPTA travel and a buffered north-south bike lane running from deep South Philly up past Girard (OK, that one’s from my personal list). Oh, and don’t forget the extension of the Broad Street line to the Navy Yard, a project that would liberate a growing fleet of workers from their cars and ignite residential development in the waterfront city-within-a-city. 

Well, Senator Bob Casey certainly agrees with the last one. He recently sent a letter to the Federal Transit Administration, urging them to discuss the project with SEPTA, the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corp. (PIDC) and local labor organizations.

A 2007 feasibility study completed by PIDC and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission estimated the cost of a subway extension at $370 million; the project would attract 8,000 more regular riders. That price tag might sound high, but the Navy Yard is already a hotbed of job growth and innovation — imagine if companies no longer had to contend with shuttles (or the long walk from the final stop, under I-95, to the Navy Yard).

Mostly, this is newsworthy because it’s good news — it’s a public official wanting to fund a large-scale transportation project. It’s a moment of musing about the future, and imagining a financial picture for the city that involves surplus funds for infrastructure additions (not just repairs).

Writer: Lee Stabert
Source: Philadelphia Daily News

Recently, Flying Kite has covered a surge in residential and mixed-use development in University City. The University City District's 2012 Annual Report showed an increase of 22,000 new jobs over the last decade, with a 10 percent population increase projected by 2015. Successful new outposts of popular brands, such as Yogorino and Shake Shack, have followed this trend and opened in the neighborhood. 

The area's latest delicious amentity? Fried chicken. On October 28, chefs Alan Segel and Dave Clouser opened Wishbone at 4034 Walnut Street and sold out of food within hours. That pattern continued for the first few days, but resolved when Clouser began placing chicken orders exceeding 300 pounds.

"Penn students come from over 100 countries, and every culture and cuisine has some form of fried chicken," says Erica Hope, general manager at Wishbone. "It's something everyone gets."

Wishbone's location -- at the former site of neighborhood institution Lee's Hoagie House, which closed in July after 28 years -- is integral to its business plan. Both Drexel alums, Segel and Clouser hope to model Wishbone's relationship to the community after its predecessor. 

"Lee's was a huge member of the community, not just due to their food but also because of the people behind the counter," recalls Hope, also a Drexel alum. "They set the standard for interaction, which we strive to meet and exceed."

One of the most direct ways that Wishbone will carry on Lee's legacy is in hiring Donald Klipstein, who worked at the sandwich shop for 27 years. Klipstein's experience has made him an "irreplaceable" employee; he creates Wishbone's housemade juices, teas and dipping sauces, and will be kickstarting its delivery service in the near future.

Wishbone is also fostering a relationship with Penn's Greek community, offering complete buy-outs of the restaurant for their private special events.

For Segel and Clouser, the decision to open in University City felt natural, especially after successful stints in fine dining on the Main Line. "We are all from Philly, so we want to stay in Philly," says Segel. "With Wishbone, we get to indulge our creative culinary side, while also building a lasting local presence."

"We feel like freshman entering a new semester in school -- we are eager to meet our new neighbors and exchange ideas," he adds. "Beyond just great food, we are looking forward to being a local hangout. We have a lot of cool ideas up our sleeve that we will roll out bit-by-bit.”

Wishbone is currently hiring. Interested candidates should call (215) 921-3204 or email [email protected].

Writer: Nicole Woods
Source: Erica Hope, Wishbone

From November 20 through 22, the world's largest conference dedicated to green building practices will take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center with the Delaware Valley Green Building Council (DVGBC) as official host. Greenbuild 2013 marks the conference's 20th year. 

DVGBC's Heather Blakeslee believes that Philadelphia was chosen to host GreenBuild's anniversary year because of the Pennsylvania Convention Center's expansion and upcoming LEED certification. In addition, the region has become a hotbed for innovative sustainable architecture and design.

In an attempt to extend the event's impact on the region, DVGBC issued a challenge in May 2012, asking local businesses to "green" themselves in practical, quantifiable ways by November 2013. These pledges are now showcased in a public exhibit at the Independence Visitor Center Corporation and will be highlighted at Greenbuild.

"We really wanted to put together a program that would allow the larger sustainability community to participate in the lead-up to Greenbuild," says Blakelee. "Any agency, school, business or residential community who wanted to participate could do so. We received 150 pledges from around the region." 

Other free community events surrounding Greenbuild include a "Community-based Sustainability Forum" on Wednesday, November 20 (9 a.m. – noon); "Neighborhoods Go Green! Scaling up Sustainability Exhibit Opening" on
Wednesday, November 20, 2013 (6 - 7:30 p.m.); and a "Faith-based Professional Peer Group" on Thursday November 21 (9 – 11 a.m.).

Stay tuned: Flying Kite will have a full report from Greenbuild 2013 in an upcoming issue.

Writer: Nicole Woods
Source: Heather Blakeslee, DVGBC

After shuttering dozens of local schools this fall, the Philadelphia School District has placed many of those buildings up for sale. Following months of speculation (including some by Flying Kite), the search for buyers is on. Quite a few have serious residential development potential and some are in up-and-coming neighborhoods such as East Passyunk Crossing and University City.

The media has been abuzz with gossip on the potential sales: Passyunk Post reported on the buildings in its purview, including Bok, Vare and Smith. City records put Bok's market value at $17.8 million dollars.

Bok Technical, an imposing art deco monster, is 338,000 square feet over eight floors on a 2.2-acre site. The information provided notes its proximity to Passyunk Avenue and the Snyder Avenue subway stop (about half a mile each). "Surrounding the Avenue is a surging residential and development market." True.

The New York Times also covered the school properties, confirming our information that Drexel is eyeing University City High School. Turns out they are not the only local college getting into the vacant school game"

But Drexel University has said it wants to buy University City High School for an undisclosed price, and restore it as a public school. Temple University has expressed an interest in the former William Penn High School, close to its Temple campus on the north side of central Philadelphia. Buyers interested in the eight properties undergoing an expedited sale have until Dec. 17 to respond to a request for qualification, the district said. For the other properties, buyers must submit an expression of interest by that date.

As disruptive as the school closings were for neighborhoods, it is a good sign that the city is moving forward with putting the buildings up for sale. In the end, a vacant behemoth is far worse for communities than a large redevelopment project.

Writer: Lee Stabert
Source: Passyunk Post; The New York Times 

Every week brings news of another exciting development along the Delaware River. In May, Flying Kite reported that the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DWRC) had plans to create a park at Pier 53 called Washington Avenue Green, which would have similar uses to the Race Street Pier, but with a more "ecological twist."

At the end of October, DRWC hosted an official groundbreaking ceremony for Washington Avenue Green. Mayor Michael Nutter attended, and DRWC President Tom Corcoran officially opened the site for construction.

DWRC's Lizzie Woods said the park will help grow the local economy, especially the adjacent Washington Avenue corridor.

"The underlying philosophy of all DRWC public works projects is that investing in a quality public realm provides incentives to and increases the value of private development," says Woods. "A successful park at Pier 53 will help spur development at sites along Washington Avenue, especially the Sheet Metal Workers Union Hall and the site of the former Foxwoods Casino."

When Flying Kite last reported on Pier 53, three elements of the park's design were unfunded: an elevated boardwalk allowing visitors to pass over the wetland habitat below; a "welcome spire" at the entrance; and public art by artist Jody Pinto titled "Land Buoy," a 55-foot spire that responds to the wind and sun. Fortunately, DWRC has since raised the necessary funds and the park will feature all of the desired design elements. 

Other features will include panoramic views of the Delaware River and Center City; a path allowing visitors to reach the tip of the pier and touch the water; interpretive signage relating the site's history as the nation's first navy yard and an immigration station. Construction is expected to be completed in summer 2014.

Writer: Nicole Woods
Source: Lizzie Woods, DWRC

In 2008, the Delaware Valley Planning Commission (DVRPC) launched the Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia initiative to recognize the cultural significance and economic impact of historical small towns in the region. The program was designed to foster regional growth by promoting these communities as alternative places to live, work, patronize and visit. 

The DVRPC uses defining characteristics to determine which towns qualify, including character, culture and convenience. Ranging from colonial settlements to college towns, these hamlets showcase an alternative to suburban sprawl. 

Oxford Borough in Chester County is the most recent addition to the Classic Towns program. Less than two square miles in area, this close knit community is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers seasonal events for residents and visitors. Nestled in an agricultural area halfway between Philadelphia and Baltimore, Oxford experienced a great deal of growth after the railroad arrived in the 19th century. It is currently well regarded for its walkability and family-oriented community.

"It's a small, unique community that we wanted to highlight because it offers a historic downtown in a wonderful rural community, which appeals to lots of different types of people,” said Alison Hastings from the Office of Strategic Partnerships at DVRPC. "Also, Oxford's business community recently started a main street program, which shows its civic commitment to reinvesting in downtown communities."

Once named a Classic Town, a locale enjoys benefits such as inclusion on the DVRPC's website, "Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia," and in the "Classic Towns Times"; inclusion in calendar listings and activities; and inclusion in promotions such as Plan Philly's Trolley Tour of Chester County's Classic Towns.

Because the program is entering its fifth year, the DVRPC is beginning an evaluation process to see if the designation is associated with economic growth. The evaluation may be somewhat skewed because of the 2008 recession; that said, preliminary findings indicate the program has had a positive impact.

“What we’re hoping to see is that housing values at least remained steady, instead of declining," says Hastings. "We believe that if each community gained one household due to the ‘Classic Towns’ program, it was well worth it."

The evaluation process should be completed in Spring 2014.

Writer: Nicole Woods
Source: Alison Hastings, DVRPC