The Historic Loan Program: Keeping Families in Their Homes

As Sarasota continues to grow and evolve, communities across the region face increasing development pressure. While growth brings new opportunities, it also raises important questions about how we preserve the history, character, and cultural identity of the neighborhoods that helped shape our community.

One neighborhood at the center of this conversation is Newtown, Sarasota's historic African American community. Established in the early twentieth century, Newtown became Sarasota's primary African American community during segregation and remains an important cultural and historical asset to the region. Many of the homes within the district represent generations of family ownership and community history that cannot be replaced once lost.

Today, many longtime homeowners face challenges associated with aging properties, rising maintenance costs, and redevelopment pressures. Without access to financial resources, some families may feel forced to sell homes that have been passed down through multiple generations.

To help address these challenges, the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation (SAHP), in partnership with community organizations and local supporters, developed the Historic Loan Program.

The program provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners within the Newtown Historic District to help preserve and rehabilitate historic properties. By assisting with critical repairs and improvements, the program helps homeowners maintain the historic character of their homes while remaining in the community they have helped build.

Beyond preserving buildings, the program helps preserve stories, family legacies, and generational wealth. Maintaining homeownership can be one of the most effective ways to create long-term financial stability and pass assets from one generation to the next. When historic homes are preserved and families are able to remain in place, entire neighborhoods benefit.

The Historic Loan Program also reflects a broader vision of community preservation. Rather than replacing older homes with new development, the initiative seeks to strengthen existing neighborhoods while honoring their historical significance. It demonstrates how preservation and progress can work together to support both community growth and community identity.

While the Historic Loan Program is currently focused on preserving properties within Sarasota's historic Newtown community, it also demonstrates how preservation, homeownership, and community investment can work together. Programs such as this may serve as a model for other communities seeking to preserve neighborhood character, support long-term residents, and protect local history while accommodating growth and redevelopment.

For REALTORS®, programs like the Historic Loan Program demonstrate how housing preservation can complement community development by helping residents maintain homeownership, preserve neighborhood character, and protect generational wealth. These efforts contribute to stronger communities while ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from the history and character that make neighborhoods unique.

The Diversity Committee encourages members to learn more about the Historic Loan Program and the important work being done by the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation. Additional information is available at preservesrq.org.

For those interested in experiencing the history and culture that preservation efforts seek to protect, Newtown was recently recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can explore the Newtown Historic District on a self-guided tour or participate in the Newtown Alive Trolley Tour, which highlights more than 100 years of Sarasota's African American history, heritage, and community contributions. Learn more at newtownalive.org.

Diversity Challenge

The Diversity Committee is committed to connecting members with resources, organizations, and initiatives that strengthen our communities. We also encourage members to participate in the RASM Diversity Challenge, which promotes education, awareness, and engagement with the diverse communities we serve. To learn more about the Diversity Challenge and available courses, visit www.myrasm.com/p/diversity.