Preservation Trust urges community trusts to preserve village stores and revitalize downtowns

Ben Doyle, president of the Preservation Trust of Vermont, told the House Committee on Commerce & Economic Development on Jan. 14 that his organization helps small towns preserve historic buildings and assemble funding for redevelopment. "I just like to think of us as a small town's first and longest friend," Doyle said, describing the Trust’s long‑term technical assistance and subgranting role.

Doyle used the East Calais general store project as an example: after decades of deferred maintenance the community organized a nonprofit community trust, secured an option agreement, raised philanthropic and federal funds, and renovated the property to include a commercial store and three permanently affordable rental units. Doyle said the project’s total capital stack reached about $2.7 million and that the work required multiple funding sources and two project…