The historic preservation industry in the US focuses on safeguarding building heritage and cultural landmarks. This burgeoning sector includes nonprofits, government agencies, and for-profit companies specializing in restoration, fund management, and community engagement. As societal interest in revitalizing neighborhoods increases, investors are increasingly funding projects that emphasize sustainability alongside preservation. The industry has also seen a growing trend of integrating technology, such as digital archiving and 3D modeling, into preservation practices, making it more efficient. Engaging communities in the preservation process enhances public awareness and support, securing the future of our historical treasures for generations to come.


The historic preservation investor landscape includes a mix of corporate, venture capital, private equity, and nonprofit entities. Headquartered in regions like Washington D.C., New York, and San Francisco, these investors vary in size, from small foundations to major financial institutions. Established between 1849 and 2020, these organizations collectively made over 400 deals in 2024. Each investor brings unique financial perspectives, methodologies, and goals to their investments, reflecting a significant commitment to maintaining and revitalizing America’s historical sites and communities. This amalgamation of effort demonstrates a thriving dedication to safeguarding the past while shaping future communities.


Top 13 Historic Preservation Investors in the US


1. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing needs such as employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In 2023, the Government of Canada provided grants to various organizations, including the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum, which focuses on preserving agricultural heritage, and the Gitanyow Huwilp Society, which is involved in cultural preservation. These transactions highlight the government's commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to the preservation of Canada's historical and cultural heritage.


2. Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund)


The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) is a public entity established in 1994, located in Washington, D.C. It provides financial assistance and support to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to promote economic growth in underserved communities. The CDFI Fund offers various programs aimed at enhancing access to capital and financial services, addressing the needs of economically disadvantaged populations. Notably, the CDFI Fund has been involved in several transactions relevant to historic preservation, such as the $4,500,000 grant to the Preservation of Affordable Housing in October 2024, which likely supports the maintenance and rehabilitation of historic properties. Additionally, their funding to organizations like the National Housing Trust and the Providence Revolving Fund indicates a commitment to community development that can include historic preservation initiatives.


3. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses, agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing, with a strong emphasis on supporting entrepreneurs in underserved communities. In addition to their broader investment focus, Advantage Capital has been involved in several notable transactions within the historic preservation sector. For instance, they provided debt financing for Historic Restoration in 2011 and 1997, indicating a long-standing interest in supporting the restoration of historic sites. Furthermore, they financed the New Orleans African American Museum in 2016, showcasing their commitment to preserving cultural heritage. These transactions highlight Advantage Capital's role in facilitating the preservation of important historical and cultural landmarks while also supporting economic development in the communities they serve.


4. Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)

  • Website: arc.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1965
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 81
  • LinkedIn: appalachian-regional-commission

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a public entity established in 1965, dedicated to economic development and community capacity building in the Appalachian region. Based in Washington, D.C., ARC provides grants, research, and training programs to support local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions in addressing economic challenges and enhancing community development. In 2024, ARC has been involved in several significant transactions that align with historic preservation efforts, including grants to organizations like Youngstown CityScape, which focuses on revitalizing urban spaces, and Conserving Carolina, which received $450,000 to support conservation efforts. Additionally, the ClearWater Conservancy raised $2,000,000 in a grant to promote environmental stewardship, which often intersects with preserving historical landscapes. These transactions highlight ARC's commitment to fostering community development that includes preserving historical and cultural assets.


5. Wells Fargo

  • Website: wellsfargo.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1852
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 42
  • LinkedIn: wellsfargo

Wells Fargo & Company is a financial services company founded in 1852, headquartered in San Francisco, California. It offers a wide range of banking products, including checking and savings accounts, loans, and investment management services. In 2024, Wells Fargo has been actively involved in various grant transactions that support community and cultural initiatives. Notably, they provided grants to the Westside Future Fund, Greenwood Rising, and Greenwood Cultural Center, which focus on preserving the history and culture of the Greenwood District, a significant site in African American history. These transactions reflect Wells Fargo's commitment to community engagement and support for historic preservation efforts, highlighting their role as a corporate investor in this sector.


6. Blackstone

  • Website: blackstone.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: blackstonegroup

Blackstone Inc. is a leading investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for delivering lasting value through its extensive portfolio and strategic investment approaches. Among its notable transactions, Blackstone played a key role in the financing of the Terminal Warehouse redevelopment project in Manhattan's West Chelsea neighborhood, which involved a substantial loan package aimed at transforming this historic property into a modern office and retail space. This project highlights Blackstone's commitment to revitalizing historic sites while also pursuing profitable investment opportunities. Additionally, Blackstone's diverse investment strategy includes acquisitions across various industries, showcasing its ability to adapt and invest in a wide range of assets.


7. T.D. Jakes Foundation

  • Website: tdjfoundation.org
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Dallas, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: tdjfoundation

The T.D. Jakes Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2020, based in Dallas, Texas. It is dedicated to connecting underserved communities to life-changing opportunities through programs focused on financial inclusion, educational access, and workforce readiness. In 2024, the foundation has been actively involved in various grant transactions, including significant contributions to organizations that play a role in historic preservation. For instance, it provided a $25,000 grant to Greenwood Rising and another $25,000 to the Greenwood Cultural Center, both of which are pivotal in preserving the legacy of the Greenwood District, known for its historical significance in African American culture. Additionally, the foundation supported the Westside Future Fund with a $500,000 grant, which may also encompass aspects of community revitalization that can include historic preservation efforts. These transactions highlight the foundation's engagement in initiatives that not only empower communities but also preserve their historical narratives.


8. Aarp

  • Website: aarp.org
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1958
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: aarp

AARP is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1958, based in Washington, D.C., that advocates for individuals over fifty. It provides membership services that include access to discounts, insurance, and resources related to health, finance, and social security. In addition to these services, AARP has engaged in various grant transactions that support organizations focused on historical preservation and community development. Notably, AARP has provided grants to the Noxubee County Historical Society, Vermont River Conservancy, and Lawrenceville United, among others. These transactions reflect AARP's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for older adults by supporting initiatives that preserve historical and cultural resources, which are vital for community identity and heritage.


9. KeyBank

  • Website: key.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1849
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 33
  • LinkedIn: keybank

KeyBank is a financial services company founded in 1849, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. It offers a wide range of banking products, including checking and savings accounts, loans, and investment services, catering to both consumers and businesses. In recent transactions, KeyBank has demonstrated its commitment to community development and historic preservation through grants to various organizations. For instance, it provided funding to the Rural Preservation of Clinton County, which focuses on maintaining the historical integrity of rural areas, and to the Downtown Cleveland Alliance, which works on revitalizing urban spaces. These transactions highlight KeyBank's role as a supportive investor in initiatives that promote the preservation of historical sites and community heritage.


10. Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.


Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. is a prominent asset management firm based in Los Angeles, California, specializing in alternative investment strategies. Founded in 1995, the firm offers a diverse range of investment products, including credit, private equity, real estate, and listed equities, primarily catering to institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals. Oaktree is committed to delivering superior investment results while managing risk through in-depth research and a focus on client interests. Among their notable transactions, Oaktree played a key role in the financing of the Terminal Warehouse redevelopment project in Manhattan's West Chelsea neighborhood, which involved a significant loan package aimed at transforming this historic property into a modern office and retail space. This involvement highlights Oaktree's engagement in projects that not only seek financial returns but also contribute to the preservation and revitalization of historic sites.


11. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR provides asset management solutions to institutional investors and individual clients, helping them navigate complex investment landscapes. The firm operates globally, leveraging its extensive expertise to support clients' investment needs. Notably, KKR has been involved in significant transactions that intersect with historic preservation, such as the financing of the redevelopment of Terminal Warehouse in Manhattan's West Chelsea neighborhood. This project, which received $1.25 billion in construction financing, aims to transform a historic property into modern office and retail space, showcasing KKR's commitment to preserving and revitalizing historic structures. Additionally, KKR's investment in Resource Environmental Solutions and GeoStabilization International reflects their broader strategy of supporting sustainable and innovative solutions, which can also align with preservation efforts.


12. NBCUniversal

  • Website: nbcuniversal.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1912
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: nbcuniversal-inc-

NBCUniversal Media, LLC is a prominent media and entertainment company based in New York, founded in 1912. It operates across various platforms, including NBC, Universal Pictures, and the streaming service Peacock, providing a wide range of entertainment services. In addition to its core business, NBCUniversal has engaged in significant transactions related to historic preservation. Notably, they provided a grant of $45,000 to Historic Sotterley, a historic plantation site, and participated in another grant for Save Nature, further showcasing their commitment to supporting preservation efforts. These actions highlight NBCUniversal's role not only as a corporate entity in the entertainment industry but also as an investor in initiatives that promote the preservation of historical and cultural heritage.


13. Milliken & Company

  • Website: milliken.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1865
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 39
  • LinkedIn: milliken-%26-company

Milliken & Company, founded in 1865 and based in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is a corporate investor specializing in chemicals, textiles, floor coverings, and healthcare products. With a workforce of 5,001 to 10,000 employees, the company emphasizes research and development to provide innovative solutions across various industries, including automotive and healthcare. In 2024, Milliken & Company was involved in several grant transactions that reflect their commitment to community and environmental initiatives. Notably, they provided undisclosed amounts in grants to the Spartanburg Area Conservancy and Upstate Forever, both of which focus on conservation and sustainable development. Additionally, they supported the Roper Mountain Science Center, which plays a role in education and community engagement. These transactions highlight Milliken's involvement in efforts that align with historic preservation and community enhancement.



Historic Preservation Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)51-200199440
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)51-200196581
Wells FargoSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)10001+185242
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
T.D. Jakes FoundationDallas, Texas, United States (USA)11-50202015
AarpWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-5000195810
KeyBankCleveland, Ohio, United States (USA)10001+184933
Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)1001-5000199520
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
NBCUniversalNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+19122
Milliken & CompanySpartanburg, South Carolina, United States (USA)5001-10000186539


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