Kentucky Ag Connection - KHC Site Development Program Manager Retires

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KHC Site Development Program Manager Retires
Kentucky Ag Connection - 02/09/2016

After 20 years of working with individuals and communities interested in preserving historic buildings, revitalizing their Main Streets and utilizing best design practices, Scot Walters has retired from the Kentucky Heritage Council/State Historic Preservation Office (KHC), effective in January.

For the past six years, Scot 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.

"Bringing high-profile speakers to Kentucky in the last two years has also been something I've been very proud of," Walters said, including Jeff Speck, author of "Walkable Community: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a time," and Charles Marohn, founder and president of Strong Towns, a national nonprofit that promotes public policies to create enduring prosperity for cities, towns and neighborhoods.

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.

Early in his career, Scot became acquainted with Frankfort by walking around downtown on his lunch breaks. 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.

Investing in downtown personally and professionally has been his life's mission, he says, and he will continue to be involved as an advocate for Frankfort and engaged in local organizations dedicated to downtown improvement.

"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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