Historic district adds buildings, expands tax credit

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Springfield officials have passed the first major expansion of a downtown Springfield historic district since it was created nearly 40 years ago.

The (Springfield) State Journal-Register (http://bit.ly/1A9zLvX ) reports the 83 additional buildings being added to the district could qualify for federal tax credits for redevelopment.

Officials say the buildings will be included with the 75 already a part of the Central Springfield Historic District. The 20 percent credit is a draw for developers looking for a tax break.

City officials started examining the expansion last summer. The federal tax credit has helped restore about 20 downtown buildings have been restored over the last two decades.

Most of added buildings are from the '50s and '60s. The district has not received an update since 1977.