City's Historic Home Repair Loan Application Opens Today

Published on January 02, 2025

Following the pilot program’s success last year, the City of Sioux Falls is opening the next round of applications for its Historic Preservation Loan Program. The program, which aims to rehabilitate and restore the exterior of historic residential properties, offers a zero-interest loan to qualified homeowners who live in a historic district or individually listed historic residence. Applications open today, Thursday, January 2, 2025. 

“We received a great response from the first year of this program, and we are excited to continue this funding opportunity to help preserve historic homes in our community,” said Diane deKoeyer, the City’s Neighborhood and Preservation Planner. “Oftentimes, funding is limited and competitive for restoring and rehabilitating historic properties, which is why we felt it was important to offer another solution. When we preserve our city’s history, maintain existing housing options, and enhance a neighborhood, everyone wins.” 

Homes must be located in one of the city’s five residential historic districts, including All Saints, Cathedral, Hayes, McKennan Park, and Sherman, or an individually listed property on the National Register of Historic Places. Only single-family, owner-occupied applicants qualify for the program. Homeowners can verify their property is located within a district or individually listed here:  

The program has $100,000 available to be distributed to at least four projects with a maximum of $25,000 each, although the exact distribution of the loans will depend on the projects’ scope and impact. Approved work includes exterior restoration or rehabilitation for windows, doors, roofing, gutters, stucco, masonry, siding, trim, stairs, railing, porch/deck, painting, handicap accessibility, and/or other items that may be deemed necessary for site or structural improvements. Interior work is not allowed. 

The application process is conducted in phases, and applicants need approval to move from one phase to the next. Projects cannot start until after the loan is awarded, and construction must be completed within one year of the loan approval. This year’s applications are due Monday, February 10, 2025. 

The City’s Board of Historic Preservation oversees the application process and final loan approvals. The application process is open once per year. Loan approvals are based on program funding availability and the proposed projects’ impact on historic properties. 

In the program’s first year, five loans totaling just under $99,000 were provided to homeowners in Cathedral, All Saints, and Sherman historic districts and one individually listed historic property. Loans went toward exterior home improvement projects, including window, roof, and door replacements, stucco repair, and tuckpointing. 

For additional information and to apply for the loan, visit www.siouxfalls.gov.