The Development Fund saves endangered historic properties from demolition by securing their sale to buyers who agree to restore and preserve them.

In some cases, we buy properties or they are donated to us. When we resell them, the money goes back into our “revolving fund” to be used again to save more historic homes, commercial buildings and other structures. In other situations, we act as a facilitator for the owner in finding a preservation-minded buyer. We’ve even received donations of historic properties that needed to be moved to avoid demolition.

The Fund's volunteer board partners with the City of Greensboro, nonprofits and businesses to find buyers committed to preserving endangered buildings. Together, we've rescued and preserved properties in several Greensboro neighborhoods, including Cedar Street, the College Hill Historic District, the Fisher Park Historic District, Glenwood, Irving Park, South Elm Street, and Southside. We’ve also assisted planning efforts in Southside and the Summit Avenue Historic District.

In addition, the Fund partners with property owners to protect historic structures through preservation easements. An easement is a legal document in which the property owner agrees to maintain the historic integrity of the building and gives the Fund the right to enforce the conditions of the easement and to monitor the property.

The Fund began in 1988 as an initiative of the Greensboro Preservation Society, funded by local foundations. It’s now an independent organization.