Well, a lot of things have been happening lately!

We did our “homework” and applied for a Nebraska VIP (Valuation Incentive Program) which is:

What is it? VIP assists in the preservation of Nebraska’s historic places. The program allows a property tax “preference” for a historic property that has been rehabilitated. The preference can be described as a temporary “hold” on increases in property tax assessment that result from improvements made to preserve a historic property. The Valuation Incentive Program (VIP) is a property tax incentive that assists in the preservation of Nebraska’s historic buildings.

So, a property tax “freeze” for eight year after the renovation….YIPPEE!!! Then an increase of 25% for four years to reach the new renovated property tax assessment. The Project Manager, from the State Historic Preservation Office and other staff members, are coming on February 21 to tour the Hotel!! WOW…things are starting to MOVE!!!

Another wonderful thing we have applied for is the TEA (Transportation Enhancement Grant) for $500,000. We sent the Intent-to-Apply form in last week. We’ll keep you posted! Can you image what half a million dollars can do with this beautiful Hotel??

The other major event that we are working on is the RDC (Renovation Development Conference) on April 26 at the Hotel. The Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office will be here and we are flying in the Architect and the Commercial Electrical Firm. All the local contractors and suppliers are being invited to this informational “think tank”. We hope to map out the renovation plans and steps!! It should be an awesome day!

Anyways, we are working hard to get this HUGE project moving. It is such a great Hotel. It will be wonderful to see it full of life again. One sad note though….we just got called from the police department. A front window had been smashed! We went over and boarded it up…..YUCK! Why would anyone do that???

Til’ next time America.….Sue