Thank you for your interest in the preservation of downtown Social Circle’s architectural and historic resources. Downtown Social Circle is the heart and soul of our community providing a unique business, shopping, dining, and recreational experience. Please contact us, we look forward to discussing and helping to facilitate your investment in downtown Social Circle!

Local Preservation Grant Programs

Hood/Sprinkler/Wiring/Plumbing System

Incentive: 50% or up to $5000 in a five-year period per location

Guidelines

• Zoned B-3 in historic district. CBD properties may be considered based on availability of funds.
• Grant amount determined by available funds and number of requests under consideration:
• Commercial buildings 50 years or older
• Improvements are to remain in place and maintained
• All property taxes and licenses are current
• Applicant responsible for the project

Façade Grant

Incentive: 50% or up to $3000 in a five-year period

• Available for exterior restorations/repairs
• Grant amount determined by available funds and number of requests under consideration
• Available for commercial property owners and business owners within the locally designated DDA area zoned B-3 and CBD
• Government buildings and national franchises not eligible
• Improvements are to remain in place and maintained
• All property taxes and licenses are current
• Applicants are responsible for ensuring the project and result in restorations are appropriate for the building, contributing to the success of the current business and repair the building’s façade to positively contribute to the appearance and vitality of Downtown

Projects must:

• Preserve architectural integrity of the structure and if possible restore the original façade
• Match preservation guidelines outlined by the US Secretary of the Interior Standards
• Meet all local governmental rules, regulations and laws, including the Social Circle Historic Preservation Ordinance and Design Guidelines
• Use the gentlest methods available for exterior surface cleaning
• Consider unique qualities of the individual building

Monitored Fire Alarm System

Incentive: 50% or up to $500 in a five-year period per location

• Zoned B-3 in historic district
• Grant amount determined by available funds and number of requests under consideration
• Improvements are to remain in place and maintained
• All property taxes and licenses are current
• Applicant responsible for the project

Bronze History Plaque Program – Social Circle Stories

Incentive: 50% of the plaque cost

• Property is within the locally designated downtown development and within the historic central business district
• Available for commercial property owners and business owners. Government buildings and national franchises not eligible

Financing Tools

Georgia Department of Community Affairs

The Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund (DD RLF), from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, is to assist cities, counties and development authorities in their efforts to revitalize and enhance downtown areas by providing below-market rate financing to fund capital projects in core historic downtown areas and adjacent historic neighborhoods where DD RLF will spur commercial redevelopment. The Social Circle Downtown Development Authority may serve as sponsor for qualified products within the Historic Central Business District.

The Georgia Cities Foundation

The Georgia Cities Foundation, established in 1999 as a 501(c)(3) organization, is a non-profit subsidiary of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). The mission of the Foundation is to assist cities in their efforts to revitalize and enhance downtown areas by serving as a partner and facilitator in funding capital projects through a revolving loan fund. The Social Circle Downtown Development Authority may serve as sponsor for qualified projects within the Historic Central Business District.

Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs

Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) was founded on vision to provide access to capital for those hard working, committed and persistent individuals who have a dream to own and operate a small business. ACE aims to provide small business loans, financial education programs, coaching and connections so that people can fulfill their dreams, create economic security for their families and contribute to their communities.

Georgia Regional Commission

Georgia Regional Commission provides financing for the private sector development to create new jobs and retain existing jobs. New companies and expanding companies are eligible borrowers.

State & Federal Preservation Tax Credits / FAQ Tax Incentives

The Georgia Preferential Property Tax Assessment Program for Rehabilitated Historic Property allows eligible participants to apply for an 8 1/2 -year property tax assessment freeze.

The Georgia State Income Tax Credit Program for Rehabilitated Historic Property allows eligible participants to apply for a state income tax credit equaling 25% of qualifying rehabilitation expenses capped at $100,000 for personal, residential properties, and $300,000 for income-producing properties.

Note: Historic residential and commercial properties are eligible to participate in both programs. A property must be a "certified structure," which means it must be listed in the National/Georgia Register(s) of Historic Places. The Historic Preservation Division must certify the rehabilitation.

Two federal tax incentive programs (Public Law 99-514) currently apply to preservation activities: the Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit (RITC) program, and the Charitable Contribution Deduction.

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