About HistoricalTaxCredit.com
Real Experience. Real Projects. Real Results.
My name is Antonio Cilino, and I have spent more than 30 years in real estate development, navigating everything from conventional financing to grants, incentives, and complex redevelopment structures.
Over the course of that work, I discovered what I believe to be one of the most powerful—and least understood—tools in real estate development: the Historic Tax Credit.
Like many investors, I initially encountered historic tax credits surrounded by uncertainty, conflicting information, and widespread misconceptions. But through research, execution, and firsthand experience, it became clear that these credits—when used correctly—can turn otherwise marginal projects into viable, profitable developments.
From Discovery to Execution
My first historic tax credit project was executed in Rochester, where I led the redevelopment of a historic downtown property using the federal historic tax credit program.
This was not a theoretical exercise.
I took the project from:
- Property acquisition
- Through planning and approvals
- Into construction and rehabilitation
- And all the way through stabilization and the five-year exit strategy
That process gave me a complete understanding of how historic tax credit projects function in the real world as well as how to stack multiple grants and incentives from municipalities and utility companies.
Building the Right Team
One of the most critical lessons I learned early was that execution matters more than theory.
To do these projects correctly, I:
- Researched and engaged experienced historic tax credit investors
- Identified accounting firms that specialize specifically in historic tax credits
- Worked with attorneys familiar with the legal and compliance requirements unique to these deals
- Structured projects to meet both preservation standards and investor expectations
- Located architects with historical experience
- Engaged a bank that works with Historical Tax Credits
Understanding how each of these professionals fits into the process was essential to making the project successful.
Hands-On Development Experience
My first historic tax credit project was completed with myself serving as the Developer and the General Contractor.
This hands-on role allowed me to:
- Control construction quality and costs
- Ensure compliance with historic preservation standards
- Fine-tune design decisions in real time
- Fully understand how rehabilitation decisions affect both tax credits and long-term asset value
By working directly on the building itself, I developed not only as an investor, but as a historic tax credit developer with practical, ground-level experience.
Expanding the Model
Once the first project was underway, the broader utility of historic tax credits became clear.
Using the same principles, I was able to:
- Launch additional historic tax credit projects
- Apply the model across different properties
- Refine the process for efficiency and repeatability
With multiple projects completed and more in development, historic tax credits became a core strategy—not an exception.
Why This Site Exists
Historic tax credits are often misunderstood, avoided, or dismissed as “too complicated.” In reality, they are one of the most effective tools available for:
- Revitalizing historic buildings
- Creating housing in urban cores
- Preserving architectural heritage
- Making challenging redevelopment projects financially viable
HistoricalTaxCredit.com exists to share real-world insight into how these projects are actually done; from acquisition to completion; so investors can make informed decisions based on experience, not myths.
Experience Matters
Historic development rewards preparation, patience, and precision. When approached correctly, it offers opportunities that few other real estate strategies can match.
This site is built on experience, not speculation; and designed to help others understand what historic tax credits can truly accomplish.
Questions or Interested in Learning More?
If you have questions about historic tax credits, project feasibility, or how these incentives can be applied to a potential development, you’re welcome to reach out.
You may fill out the contact form below, or contact me directly at
tonycilino@historicaltaxcredit.com.
I’m always happy to discuss historic tax credit projects and share insight based on real-world experience.