In 2000, the MacArthur Foundation began the Window of Opportunity, a 20-year, $187 million philanthropic initiative intended to help preserve privately owned affordable rental housing. The authors of this report assess whether the initiative achieved its goals and identify lessons learned about effective preservation practices, as well as about the implementation of large-scale philanthropic initiatives generally.

Shows communities how to take advantage of two tax credit programs for the preservation of buildings and the development of affordable housing. Part One, presents an excellent guide to effective combination of the historic rehabilitation and low-income housing credits. Part Two assembles six informative case studies that showcase successful cooperative efforts by nonprofit and for-profit groups to return blighted but beloved local landmarks into high-quality affordable housing. 33 photos.