IN IN BRIEF BRIEF
Restoration Redux
The National Park Service
reports steep declines in the
use of tax incentives for historic
preservation. Restoration
activity totaled $2.4 billion in
1985. But it dropped to $927
million 1989. The Park Service
attributes this decline to
the Tax Reform Act of 1986.
Housing continued to be the
most important use for rehab
credits. Since 1979, over
110,000 housing units have
been rehabbed.
More Frills in New Homes
Builders expect to increase
amenities in new homes,
according to a recent survey.
The frills include fireplaces,
jacuzzis, and two-car garages,
said 87% of the builders
polled. Only 58% expected to
build homes with more square
footage.
Building Activity Drops
Building activity in 14 of the
nation's top 20 housing markets
dropped 3.9% from last
year's