Spent 20 years at Kentucky Heritage Council/State Historic Preservation Office
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 8, 2016) — Scot Walters has retired from the Kentucky Heritage Council/State Historic Preservation Office after 20 years of working with individuals and communities interested in preserving historic buildings, revitalizing their Main Streets and utilizing best design practices.
For the past six years, Walters has served as site development program manager responsible for administering historic preservation incentives, coordinating educational conferences and overseeing historic preservation easements.
Working with the Department of Revenue to implement the Kentucky Historic Preservation Tax Credit after it was signed into law in 2005 by then-Gov. Ernie Fletcher has been a highlight of his achievements, he said.
“The simple fact that the state stepped to the plate to offer the credit was a huge incentive for building owners, and it has helped save many historic properties as well as build momentum for other economic development projects in these communities,” Walters said.
Under Walters’ leadership, since the state tax credit was implemented, 614 buildings across the state have been rehabilitated with $368 million of private funds invested through $28 million in credits. Kentucky has also been a leader in the use of the Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit, ranking 9th nationally in 2015 with 28 projects generating statewide investment of $34,586,413.
Walters joined the agency in March 1996 as restoration project manager and has worked under five appointed state historic preservation officers. He joined state government in 1994 as design technician principal for the Kentucky Division of Real Properties, and prior to that served an internship in Venice, Italy, sponsored by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, and as a design draftsman for the Cosanti Foundation Inc. in Phoenix. He earned a B.A. in architecture from the University of Kentucky and grew up in Versailles.
In 1998 he invested in the historic Mucci Building, located at 241 W. Main, which he rehabilitated and put the ground floor commercial space back into use. Two years later moved into the upper stories with his wife, Marnie, and they purchased the adjacent corner building in 2006.
“I know I speak on behalf of the entire staff, board and commissioners when I say that Scot has been a highly respected colleague and an exceptionally valuable member of our team,” said Craig Potts, KHC executive director and state historic preservation officer. “Scot has fought tirelessly for good architectural and urban design, quality craftsmanship and principled preservation practice. He inspired and challenged his fellow managers, staff and the public to place a high value on Kentucky’s historic assets and to recognize and capitalize on their inherent qualities. We wish Scot the very best and extend our gratitude for his years of service to the commonwealth.”
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