Easements

Easements are a way to preserve the historic and architectural features of a building in perpetuity. Usually donated to non-profit organizations such as Historic Columbia who can monitor the building annually, preservation easements are legally binding contracts that benefit the entire community. While a property owner is giving up their right to dramatically alter the building, they are guaranteeing that a piece of the past will remain undisturbed for current and future generations. For owners who donate the easement, there is a possibility of a federal income tax credit. (The owner should contact their tax attorney to determine their eligibility and to obtain any available tax credit.)

Easement Information

1. The building has to be listed on the National Register, or be a contributing structure in a district listed on the Register, or be eligible for listing.
2. The building will be monitored by the Historic Columbia Foundation and must be maintained according to terms agreed upon in the easement document.
3. There is a donation that must be made to Historic Columbia at the time of the easement. This money goes towards the documentation process and photography necessary for the easement, but also for monitoring the property in the future.
4. The easement is a perpetual agreement that runs with the land. Subsequent owners will be held responsible for the terms of the easement, and it must be included in the deed of the house when it changes ownership. Only the owner that donates the easement is eligible for tax credits.

Read Frequently Asked Questions about easements.

Historic Columbia Foundation holds two easements currently, one on the Whaley’s Mill Apartments and the Mt. Vernon Mill, now known as the State Museum. These two buildings have changed very little since their construction thanks to the protection of preservation and conservation easements.