Celebrate Black History Month in Northern Virginia -- February 2010

The Workhouse Arts Center is mounting an exhibition of works by several well-known African-American artists.  The Center is located in Lorton on the site of the defunct prison.

Sully Mansion in Chantilly, built in 1799, offers guided tours which highlight the lives of its early 19th century owners, tenant farmers and slaves, whose original quarters have been preserved.

Guides at Mount Vernon Estate emphasize the lives and contributions of the resident slaves.  Be sure to visit the gift shop for further materials highlighting the African American experience in America in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

Attend gospel music concerts, movies and cultural celebrations in Arlington County.

Visit the website of the Arlington County Publc Libraries for a list of exhibits, programs, brochures and suggested readings in Black History.

Check out the Alexandria Black History Museum at 902 Wythe Street.  Its collection includes documents related to the first public schools for African Americans, records of Civil War exploits by black soldiers, a large collection of historic photographs and even some African artifacts.  The Robert H. Robinson library was originally established in 1940 because the Alexandria public libraries were segregated.  The museum and library also have their own adjacent park.  Then take a walk through beautiful, historic Old Town.

Finally, cross the river to celebrate the life Frederick Douglass--abolitionist, businessman and journalist.  Frederick Douglass House is located on the banks of the Anacostia River.  On February 14 historians will celebrate Douglass' birthday with readings, tours, films and music.

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Into Fitness?

Athletes, would-be athletes and nature lovers should head south from Old Town Alexandria.

Stretching along the Potomac River from the southern border of Old Town to Mount Vernon Estate is the Mt. Vernon bike path.  Eight miles of asphalt allow locals and visitors to walk, run or bike while enjoying river views and wildlife sightings.  Bald eagles, ospreys, blue heron, cormorants, egrets, ducks and geese are among waterfowl commonly spotted along this corridor, while deer, groundhogs and fox sightings are frequent.  Combine cardio and conservation by following a nature trail through Dyke Marsh.

 Along the bike path is a fitness course and several points of access for canoes or kayaks.

Businesses in the nearby Belle View shopping center allow you to rent a bike, tone up at Curves or take karate lessons.  Adjacent to Belle View is the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, which provides Fairfax County residents with an indoor pool and ice rink.  Farther south on Route 1 is a Gold's Gym.

Local communities such as River Towers, Porto Vecchio and Belle View also offer their residents tennis, swimming and basketball facilities as well as their own in-house gyms.

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The Marina Towers of Alexandria

Located at 501 Slaters Lane in Alexandria, Virginia, Marina Towers is a large condominium community consisting of approximately 500 residents. Marina Towers is located along the north side of Old Town Alexandria, where residents can enjoy boutique shopping, antique galleries, and a wide selection of restaurants and entertainment. In addition, the Potomac Landing Sailing Marina and two bicycle paths are located just a short walking distance from Marina Towers as well.

Marina Towers is located near many of Northern Virginia's major thoroughfares and is positioned conveniently close (only 3 miles away) to Reagan National Airport, making the Marina Towers every commuter's dream. The Marina Towers condominium units are spacious and modern, and the condominium grounds feature a host of amenities including a riverside swimming pool which features free water aerobics classes; a fitness center; a convenience store/drycleaners; a party room; a tiki bar and a gazebo. Between the exceptionally convenient location of Marina Towers and their close proximity to shopping, mass-transit and the Potomac River, this is a must-see condo community for anyone looking to live in Northern Virginia!

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Tax incentives for historic preservation

If you're considering buying a home in Old Town Alexandria, or if you're moving to an older neighborhood anywhere in Northern Virginia, you might want to consider this before taking on a historic preservation project.

Properties with historical significance may qualify for a tax credit worth 10% or 20% of the renovation costs. Image: Jon Skvarka, Rebuilding Together New Orleans

Tax breaks at the federal and state levels are available to homeowners to encourage the preservation of historic properties. The incentives range from tax credits that reduce dollar for dollar the amount you owe the IRS, to easements that can increase deductions and decrease estate and property taxes.

The tax rules are complicated---some incentives apply to investment properties only, while others include owner-occupied homes---but the financial rewards can be worth the effort. Be prepared to do significant research, file a lot of paperwork, and quite possibly seek out professional help.

Federal tax credits for historic investment properties

The federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program offers tax credits equal to either 10% or 20% of qualifying renovation costs. Depending on what you own, you may be eligible for one or the other, but not both. The main drawback is the tax credits don't apply to owner-occupied homes. Investment properties qualify, however.

The 20% tax credit is for properties certified as historic or in a historic district, as approved by the National Park Service. Although certification is a national program, owners have to go through their state historic preservation office. Eligible properties, including rowhouses and wood-framed homes, must be rehabilitated for commercial, industrial, agricultural, or rental residential purposes.

Essentially, a home has to be at least 50 years old with minimal changes from the past to be eligible for the 20% tax credit. It should be associated with important historic events or people, for example, or display significant aspects of architectural history. Renovation expenses must total at least $5,000.

The three-part certification process can be involved---and expensive. There's a $250 processing fee. A second fee, which can run as high as $2,500, is based on the total cost of the project and is due when the renovation is completed. Fees are waived for projects under $20,000. The initial review by the National Park Service and your state historic preservation office can take as long as 60 days.

But if you are certified and follow the technical guidelines, Uncle Sam essentially reimburses 20% of the cost of renovations. As NPS spokesman Michael Auer explains, if you spend $200,000, you reduce your tax liability by $40,000. You may be able to carry forward part of the tax credit to future years, or even back a year. Consult a tax adviser.

The 10% tax credit is for any structure built before 1936 that doesn't qualify as historic under the 20% program. The property can only be used for non-residential purposes. However, use as a hotel is considered commercial, not residential, so an old home converted to a bed-and-breakfast, for example, would likely be acceptable.

For either tax credit, use IRS Form 3468. Owners of historic properties should consider hiring a professional consultant to help with everything from architectural drawings and photographic documentation to accounting and paperwork. Needs will vary greatly. North Carolina's state historic preservation office estimates you may require a consultant's help for one to two weeks at a rate of between $50 and $100 per hour. Consulting and application fees alone can hit $10,000 or more.

State tax breaks for owner-occupied historic homes

Unlike the federal tax credits, which are limited to investment properties, many states offer incentives geared toward the preservation of owner-occupied historic homes. Check with your state historic preservation office.

In Virginia, for example, if your home is listed on the state and national registers of historic places---the two lists usually overlap---you can get a 25% state tax credit for approved renovation expenses. Homes that aren't individually listed but are located in historic districts may also qualify. Virginia has more than 400 historic districts.

Covered costs are spelled out in great detail. Virginia uses the same renovation standards as the National Park Service. If you fail to follow the guidelines, such as using materials that don't convey the proper visual appearance, you can lose the credit. Application fees can add up to as much as $3,000, depending on the total cost of a renovation.

Virginia also has an easements program, which in effect offers owners of historic properties tax incentives in exchange for signing away rights to alter the historic character of the properties. Easements are usually permanent and binding on all future owners.

There are considerable financial advantages. An easement will likely reduce a property's value, so you might be able to take the difference as a charitable deduction on your federal tax return. Your local property taxes will likely fall as well. Estate taxes could be lowered too, since the value of the property you leave to your heirs would've declined.

New York, too, has tax breaks specifically for owner-occupied historic houses. The state offers a tax credit worth 20% of qualified rehabilitation costs. Effective in 2010, the value of the credit can go as high as $50,000.

Homes must be owner-occupied and listed on the state or national register of historic places, either individually or as part of a historic district. The program is aimed at economically distressed areas. Among other stipulations, the project must cost more than $5,000 and be pre-approved by the state historic preservation office.

This article provides general information about tax laws and consequences, but is not intended to be relied upon by readers as tax or legal advice applicable to particular transactions or circumstances. Readers should consult a tax professional for such advice, and are reminded that tax laws may vary by jurisdiction.

Richard J. Koreto is a freelance writer. He has been editor of several professional financial magazines and is the author of Run It Like a Business, a practice management book for financial planners. He and his wife own a pre-Civil War house in Rockland County, N.Y.

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Snow falls at the Torpedo Factory Condos

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Snow in Old Town

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Abingdon Row in the Snow

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Old Town Shopping Guide for condos and communities ...

Looking for a home in Old Town with a price between $200,000 and $300,000? Then you're probably looking for a condominium. Some of the first places you should check are:

• Braddock Rd. Metro --- There are several condos very close to the metro with great prices.
• Canal Place --- It's hard to find one here for less than $300k but this is the place to check. Canal Place offers brick garden-style condos at the north end near the Potomac.
• Port Royal --- Port Royal is older, but trendy and youthful. Condo fees include all utilities.
• Potowmack Crossing --- Brick garden-style condos near the George Washington Parkway.

If your budget is a bit bigger and you're looking in Old Town for a home priced between say $300k to $400k, you might check out some of the following residences.

• 1600 Prince --- Very convenient condominiums near the King St. Metro. Condo fees are relatively low here owing to minimal amenities.
• Bearings South --- Brick garden-style condos at the South End of Old Town
• Braddock Rd. Metro ---As above, there are several choices here.
• Canal Place -- Interesting architecture and green courtyards in the north end of Old Town.
• Harbor Terrace -- Garden-style condos between the GW Parkway and the Potomac River
• Port Royal --- If you can catch a river view, you'll get one of the best bargains in Old Town
• Potowmack Crossing --- This end of Old Town provides a quick commute into DC and Arlington.

The following list features communities with homes that range in price from $400,000 to around $500,000

• 900 N. Washington --- "Green" condos for the eco-conscious.
• 1600 Prince --- Balconies and smart floorplans between the metro and Whole Foods.
• Abingdon Row --- The outside looks like Old Town, but the insides are sparkling new and beautiful.
• Alexandria House --- The biggest balconies in Old Town, many with views of the Potomac.
• Arch Hall --- Quaint, Old Town styled condos take you back in time.
• Colecroft --- On the Braddock Metro.
• the Duke at Old Town --- At the periphery of the Carlyle District. Under construction and newly constructed.
• Marina Towers --- On the Potomac at the North End of Old Town.
• Old Town Village --- Tucked in a hidden corner at the Southside of Old Town
• Porto Vecchio --- Riviera-styled condos on the Potomac at Cameron Run
• Prescott --- In the center of Old Town, just paces from everything.
• St. Asaph Square --- Brick condos around a central courtyard not far from Balducci's.
• Tannery House --- Understated exterior with stately interiors, the condos are south of King Street and west of Washington St.
• Torpedo Factory Condos --- No better location in Old Town. Paces from the Potomac, the trolley and King St.
• Watergate of Alexandria --- A private community within the Old Town Community.

For those seeking the finest Old Town has to offer the following communities are suggested:

• 900 N. Washington -- Upscale "green" condos with easy access to DC and Arlington
• Ford's Landing -- Some of the finest residences in Old Town are found near the water with view of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge
• General Washington Club -- A small community of condos in a converted manor in the Southside of Old Town
• Harborside --- Another desirable waterfront community.
• Liberty Row --- Brick, colonial stylings with traditional accents with an upscale feel and location.
• Old Town Crescent --- Another of Old Town's gems.
• Potomac Greens --- Tucked between the GW Parkway and Rt. 1 with easy access to points north.
• Torpedo Factory Condos --- Old Town's flagship address.

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Plaques on Historic Homes of Alexandria VA

During the era of Federal Urban Renewal programs, which threatened the demolition of the oldest parts of Alexandria, the Historic Alexandria Foundation initiated a program of marking early historic buildings with oval bronze plaques. Intense lobbying by the Foundation in conjunction with the Old Town Civic Association served to limit the advance of Urban Renewal destruction in the 1960s to three blocks along King Street, and today historic homes and shops are being restored instead of demolished.

This program continues today, with additional structures judged on their merits for inclusion within the ranks of plaqued houses. If you think your house merits a bronze plaque, call the Historic Alexandria Foundation at 703-549-5811 or the Office of Historic Alexandria at 703-838-4554 to learn more about this program.

Check here for a map of homes for sale in Old Town Alexandria VA.

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The Prescott Condominiums in Old Town Alexandria

The Prescott Condominiums in Alexandria, Virginia, is a luxury condo building located at 1115 Cameron Street featuring 64 units including 58 two bedroom units and 6 one bedroom units. The Prescott features include 9-foot high ceilings, hardwood floors, brushed chrome fixtures, and designer kitchens such as stainless steel appliances, maple cabinets and granite countertops. The 64 condominiums at The Prescott feature such amenities as a rooftop terrace with grilling areas, views of the Masonic Temple, and controlled access underground parking. The Prescott is ideally located one block off of King Street at the intersection of Cameron Street and North Henry Street in the Old Town neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia. With its central Old Town Alexandria location and fully equipped homes, The Prescott is a great value for anyone looking to live in Old Town.

The Old Town district in Alexandria includes more than 4,000 historic buildings that are outstanding examples of early American architecture and that now house small businesses and gracious homes alike to create a modern, yet neighborhood and community-centered feel. The Prescott is therefore a good buy for many young families and young professional alike.

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