A Buckeye-Style Fourth of July

In honor of the 4th of July, here’s a quick review of websites related to places around the state where you and your family can learn first-hand about the men who have served as President of the United States who were born in, lived in, or are buried in, Ohio.

William Henry Harrison

Harrison Tomb, North Bend
Village of North Bend

Ulysses S. Grant

Grant’s Birthplace, Point Pleasant
Grant Boyhood Home, Georgetown
Grant Schoolhouse, Georgetown

Rutherford B. Hayes

Hayes’ Birthplace Marker, Delaware
Mrs. Murray’s School, Delaware (where Hayes attended as a boy; center of photo)
Hayes Presidential Center and Spiegel Grove, Fremont

James Garfield

Lawnfield - James A. Garfield National Historic Site, Mentor

Benjamin Harrison

Village of North Bend

William McKinley

National McKinley Birthplace Memorial, Niles
William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, Canton
Church of the Savior United Methodist, Canton
Lisbon, Ohio (homestead of William McKinley’s parental grandparents)

William Howard Taft

William Howard Taft National Historic Site, Cincinnati
Taft Museum, Cincinnati

Warren G. Harding

Presidential Inn, Blooming Grove (renovated 1917 schoolhouse on Harding Birthplace farm)
Harding Childhood Home, Water Street, Caledonia (still standing)
Harding Home, Marion
Harding Tomb, Marion

Other Places:

Ohio Historical Center, Columbus
National First Ladies’ Library, Canton

Photo: Joe Schlabotnik/Creative Commons License

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Taking to the Streets

Summer is here, and while the days are can be sweltering, the evenings can be a great time to do some serious walking.  All across the state, it is possible to combine exercise and education by taking a self-guided walking tour of one of Ohio's historic downtowns.

Here is just a sampling of such tours - we well as information on where you can locate a copy.  If your downtown has a self-guided walking tour which is not included, please let us know.

PRINTED:

Bowling Green - Main Street Bowling Green, 121 East Wooster Street
Canal Winchester - Victoria’s Attic, 11 South High Street
Delaware - Delaware County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 44 East Winter Street
Hamilton - Greater Hamilton Visitors Bureau, 1 High Street
Maumee - Lobby of the City of Maumee Police Department (entrance on Dudley Street near Conant Street)
Oxford - Oxford Visitors Bureau, 30 West Park Place, 2nd Floor
Sandusky - Eleutheros Cooke House, 1415 Columbus Avenue
Van Wert - Van Wert Convention & Visitors Bureau, 118 West Main Street

ONLINE AND PRINT:

Logan - Click here
Oberlin - Click here and then click on "Walking Tour of Oberlin"
Painesville - Click here, click on "Visitors," then "Attractions," and scroll to the bottom of the page for a link to the Walking Tour.

AUDIO:

Canton - Click here
Cleveland - City Prowl - Click here
St. Clairsville - Click here

SPECIALIZED:

“Building Stones” Walking Tour of Downtown Cincinnati - Click here
“Building Stones” Walking Tour of Downtown Cleveland - Click here

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Brutally Honest

Apparently the British are coming to grips with their “brutal” past -- their architectural past, that is.

Wikipedia defines Brutalism as “…an architectural style that spawned from the modernist architectural movement and which flourished from the 1950s to the 1970s… Brutalist buildings usually are formed with striking repetitive angular geometries, and often revealing the textures of the wooden forms used to shape the material, which is normally rough, unadorned poured concrete.”

In this article in the UK’s Guardian newspaper, architecture critic Steve Rose begins to notice a change in the way that modern architects interface with Brutalism.  Two landmark Brutalist British buildings are currently endangered, while another has seen a recent hugely successful renovation (clicking on the photo links is recommended).  It’s a common story -- architecture becomes appreciated only when sufficient time goes by, and then when successful renovation projects highlight the unique characteristics of a given style.

Of course, here in Ohio we have recently witnessed much the same story -- a Brutalist building, the Cleveland Trust Tower, went through asbestos abatement in preparation for demolition, and then was rescued in the eleventh (almost the twelfth) hour.  The plans for the Marcel Breuer-designed building -- the first recent-past property to be included on the List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites -- include the first Ohio “Hotel Indigo,” one of the most sought-after and innovative hotel chains nationally.

In Columbus, the Ohio Historical Center has received a facelift and is facing the coming decades in excellent condition.  Click here for a construction photos on America’s most architecturally unique state museum complex.

Photo: Poster from Ingenuity2007/Breuer (Cleveland Trust) Tower Design Competition -- jmuscatello/Creative Commons License

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Presenting the New, New Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit

With the recent passage and signing of Ohio’s economic development package, the somewhat confusing Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit situation has now been given some needed clarity.  According to the latest and most reliable information available, this is the way that what might be called the "new, new historic preservation tax credit" will function over the next three years:

1.  The total amount of money authorized under the package was $120 million, which will be given in two cycles.

2.  The 2008-2009 cycle is officially eliminated, and there will be two new funding cycles beginning on July 1, 2009 and July 1, 2010.

3.  Of the $60 million available in each of these two funding cycles, $45 million will be reserved for projects that were applied for in the 2007 cycle, but for which credits were not received before the cut-off.  The unused portion of this $45 million, if any, will be available for new projects.

4.  The “first-come, first-served” language has been removed, and the Ohio Historic Preservation Office will now serve only to review eligibility requirements.  The cost-benefit analysis previously required has also been removed, and the Department of Development is now required to “…consider the potential economic impact and the regional distributive balance of the credits throughout the state.”  No other guidelines are provided to govern the Department in granting or denying applications.

5.  Credits can be rescinded if an applicant fails to meet project benchmarks and timelines, but can be re-applied for in that eventuality.
 
6.  There is a new limit of $5 million per project (this may also be per owner).

7.  The credit will now be non-refundable, except as it applies to the corporate franchise tax.

Preservation Ohio will be updating its Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Resource Center in light of this new information.  For more information on the credit, please drop us an e-mail at: info@preservationohio.org.

Photo: Ohio Senate Chamber -- OZinOH/Creative Commons License

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Summer and Fall Preservation Events Schedule

An exciting slate of conferences, workshops and tours is slated for the remainder of the Summer and early Fall.  Here is a quick list of upcoming events where preservation and revitalization are front and center - with a link for more information on each.

Building Doctor Clinics from the Ohio Historic Preservation Office -- Findlay, September 11-12; Burton, September 25-26; Botkins, October 9-10; and Cambridge, October 23-24, 2008.

July 5 -- Ashland -- Historic Ashland House and Garden Tour -- Featuring homes and gardens along Center Street, with carriage and trolley rides.

July 16-19 -- Atlanta, Georgia -- League of Historic American Theatres’ 32nd Annual Conference -- The annual meeting of historic theatre enthusiasts and owners.

July 26 - Cleveland -- Celebration of Heritage -- The Cleveland Restoration Society sponsors dinner and entertainment to highlight Cleveland’s African-American heritage.

August 28 -- Columbus -- Ohio Vacant Properties Forum II -- ReBuild Ohio presents a look at “highlighting best practices in foreclosure prevention and redevelopment strategies.”

September 10 -- Columbus -- Restoring Our Prosperity: The State Role in Revitalizing Ohio’s Older Industrial Communities -- Presented by Greater Ohio and the Brookings Institute

September 11-13 -- Columbus -- 2008 Central Ohio Summit on Sustainability and the Environment -- Hosted by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, and featuring presentation by the Columbus Landmarks Foundation.

September 11-14 -- Albuquerque, New Mexico -- Preserving the Historic Road 2008 -- The leading conference dedicated to the identification, preservation and management of historic roads in the US and beyond.

September 18-21 -- Champion, Pennsylvania -- Frank Lloyd Wright and the Roots of Sustainability -- The annual conference of the Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy.

September 18-21 -- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania -- Rally 2008: The National Land Conservation Conference -- Rally is the largest land conservation training and networking event in America.

October 10 -- Cincinnati -- Fall Forum Luncheon -- The Cincinnati Preservation Association welcomes speaker Mayor Joseph Riley of Charleston, South Carolina

October 15-18 -- Providence, Rhode Island -- Civic Tourism II: Defining and Animating Whole Places -- A convening of international thinkers and doers in Tourism Development

October 16 -- Columbus -- Joseph B. Recchie Design and Preservation Awards Program -- Columbus’ annual event to honor excellence in local design, sponsored by the Columbus Landmarks Foundation.

October 21 -- Columbus -- OHPO Workshops -- I-Form, National Register, Section 106 and Online Mapping System

October 21-28 -- Tulsa, Oklahoma -- National Preservation Conference, presented by the National Trust for Historic Preservation

November 6-7 -- Ohio’s Preservation Conference -- A statewide preservation conference returns to Ohio, featuring workshops, tours and three keynote speakers; takes place at the Ohio Historical Center in Columbus.

Photo: By Travelin' Librarian/Creative Commons License

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Finding the Way

Local downtown revitalization organizations and governments often undertake surveys and studies designed to allow them to make choices based on as much hard data as possible.  Often, those surveys point to the need to make stores, eateries, attractions and amenities as easy-to-find as possible.  This is commonly known as “wayfinding.”

This Summer, in fact, two Ohio communities find themselves in a downtown planning frame of mind, and each is looking at ways to improve wayfinding.

In Norwalk, for instance, the local Main Street program brought in twenty students from nearby Ashland University, who conducted over 150 individual surveys of consumers and business owners.  The results reinforced the idea that the streetscape has contributed to a positive image for the downtown, however it also highlighted a real issue -- the fact that despite an abundance, consumers actually believe that there is a lack of available parking.  While not an uncommon observation for a small-town Ohio downtown, this has given Norwalk an opportunity to concentrate efforts on leading consumers to those open  spaces.

It has been a year since Chillicothe learned the results of a comprehensive downtown revitalization plan unveiled by Hyatt-Palma, a consulting firm hired by the community.  That study set out a very involved, five-year plan of action designed to bring renewed economic activity to downtown. This evening, the community is coming together for a “Town Hall” meeting to review the status of revitalization activities.

One key Hyatt-Palma recommendation was to improve wayfinding for potential visitors to downtown Chillicothe.  Local civic leaders were pleased recently when ten years’ work resulted in the erection of signage on US23 leading visitors to downtown.  Business leaders are now looking at ways to further orient those potential consumers to specific downtown locations, either through signage or by banners.

Photo: Downtown sign -- The Wandering Angel/Creative Commons License

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Preservation News Roundup

Here’s a quick look at some recent news affecting historic resources across Ohio.

Hauck Mansion Sells -- Great news in Cincinnati as a preservation-minded purchaser acquired the landmark Louis Hauck Mansion, quelling fears that it might be demolished for a building site.

Endangered Tower to See Renovation -- Deal has been signed for a new upscale hotel to occupy 14 floors of Marcel Breuer-designed Cleveland Trust Tower, which was included on the 2007 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites.

Concerns over Possible Demolition by Neglect -- Bloggers have written the Mayor of Youngstown in light of window removal in the landmark Stambaugh Building downtown.

Endangered High School -- Another blog is providing ongoing coverage of the ongoing discussion and legal proceedings concerning the endangered Warren G. Harding High School in Warren, on the 2008 List of Ohio's Most Endangered Historic Sites.

Sudden Collapse -- The northwest Ohio community of Delta suffered the loss of a key downtown building on Thursday, when the wall of a period corner building collapsed into the street.  No injuries were reported, however the building was immediately torn down.

Photo: Stambaugh Building, Downtown Youngstown - OZinOH/Creative Commons License

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BREAKING NEWS -- Tiffin Board Denies Courthouse Demolition Application

On Tuesday afternoon, June 10, the City of Tiffin Architectural Board of Review denied an application by the Seneca County Commissioners to demolish the Seneca County Courthouse, and imposed a 90-day mandatory waiting period.  During that time, Commissioners are required by law to meet with the Board to explore preservation-friendly demolition alternatives.  During the hearing, the City Law Director advised the Board that the County was subject to the local ordinance.

In addition to two city residents, the President of the Tiffin Historic Trust spoke against the demolition application, and introduced five experts for testimony -- Joyce Barrett, Executive Director of Heritage Ohio; Thomas Palmer, Executive Director of Preservation Ohio; Franklin Conaway, Preservation Consultant; Franco Ruffini, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, and Robert Loversidge, Principal of Schooley-Caldwell Architects.  Testimony centered on the damage that would be caused to the entire downtown through decreased economic development should the application be granted and the courthouse demolished.

Interestingly, this past Thursday Schooley-Caldwell was awarded the contract for developing a preservation master plan for the Colorado State Capitol building in Denver -- a building designed by Elijah Myers, architect of the courthouse in Tiffin (Myers also designed the Texas and Michigan Capitol buildings).

The Seneca County Courthouse leads the 2008 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites.  As always, MyHometownOhio will cover this very important story as it continues to unfold.

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Take a Stand for History

On Sunday, June 22, supporters of preservation from all across Ohio will descend on the lawn of the Seneca County Courthouse in downtown Tiffin.  Not only are you welcome -- bring your friends along with you.

There, on the grounds of a landmark facing imminent demolition, the statewide preservation community will collectively gather to take a “Last Stand” for this important building.  At 2:30 p.m., speakers will address those gathered about the numerous reasons why Ohio should not lose its first 19th century county courthouse in a generation.  At 3:00 p.m., we will take a giant group photo with signs proclaiming, “This Place Matters!.”

The bids have gone out to interested contractors for quotes on demolishing the courthouse, which leads the 2008 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites.

Photo: Seneca County Courthouse - OZinOH/Creative Commons License

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White Tower for Sale

Sometimes historic preservation necessarily includes relocation of historic buildings -- which can then lead to interesting opportunities.

Speaking of which -- here is a fantastic opportunity to own a unique piece of early 20th century American commercial architecture.

As a part of expansion plans for the local YMCA in Toledo, a wonderfully intact original White Spot Restaurant building is currently available for relocation.  The building retains its original white porcelain enameled steel exterior as well as its “original diner appearance” with a limited amount of interior alterations.

Details on the availability of this intriguing piece of Americana and local history can be accessed here.

Photo: White Tower Restaurant, 1002 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo

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An Endangered College Campus?

Yesterday, Preservation Ohio added the campus of Antioch College in Yellow Springs to our Endangered Watch List.

As reported this week in the Yellow Springs News, there appears to be a distinct possibility that the power plant to the campus will be shut down as early as this summer.  This move comes as college operations have concluded following a May 8 vote of Trustees to reject the latest offer of those working to keep Antioch open.  At the present time, there has been no indication if steps are planned to properly mothball the campus buildings so as to prevent deterioration and damage.

The campus of Antioch includes the venerable Antioch Hall, whose twin towers (shown here) were standing when noted educator and first Antioch president Horace Mann spoke on the college’s first day of operation in 1853.

Preservation Ohio will be monitoring the situation at Antioch and reporting on the Endangered Watch List (click here to access).

Photo: Antioch Hall/GNU License

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Property Rights

Almost everyone actively involved in the establishment of local historic preservation or design review ordinances has had opportunity to become engaged in a discussion of “property rights.”  When that phrase is mentioned, it typically refers to the idea that historic district legislation, like any land use or zoning regulations, affects the ability of an owner to use his or her property.  Sometimes, however, it also carries the additional erroneous connotation that such limitations are somehow inherently “wrong.”

A positive approach on property rights is evident in the work of a task force in Columbus’ inside-suburb Upper Arlington, where the city has undertaken consideration of a new historic preservation ordinance.  Prompted by public outcry after recent demolitions and incompatible infill (sometimes referred to nationally as “McMansions”), Upper Arlington city leaders took the positive step of convening a working group composed of City Council, Board of Zoning Appeals and community members, with that group set to make recommendations back to the full Council.

In its initial meeting, the minutes of which can be accessed here, the group considered and agreed on three basic principles, the first of which was that “[historic preservation legislation restricts, limits, and in some cases prohibits what property owners can do to their buildings. It is a restriction or limitation on private property rights.”  The group also agreed that courts have routinely upheld such legislation if properly drafted and operated.

In considering the relationship between local historic preservation legislation and property rights, particularly the modern so-called “property rights movement,” one could look to an excellent overview available online by noted preservation economist Donovan Rypkema.  In a presentation entitled “Property Rights and Public Values” made to the Community Planning Association of Southeast Idaho (click here to access), Rypkema points out the long history of planning in the context of community development in America, dating back to the original days of settlement.  Instead of being “un-American,” he points out that from the time of the Pilgrims to the present, this type of land use regulation has always been a key part of the American experience, as it combines a recognition of public good with that of individual gain.  It is, in fact, quintessentially “American.”

The bottom line is that Rypkema’s talk is a great read, and it is a must-read for those working locally for enactment of local preservation legislation.

Photo: Upper Arlington streetscene - JulieHicks75/Creative Commons License

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Two New Blog Feeds Added

As we begin a series of changes and improvements to MyHometownOhio, our first step is to add two RSS feeds from two great blogs – one which has been around for a bit, and one brand new.

For some time we have been trying to bring you a feed from Building Cincinnati, which sets out to celebrate “…the Queen City’s built environment in words and pictures.” Kevin LeMaster always has something interesting and informative to share – he was the blogger, for instance, who broke the news about the lawsuit by several developers against the State of Ohio concerning the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit. We are proud to be on Building Cincinnati’s blogroll, and have been wanting to include Kevin’s site for sometime… but for some reason, the link will not “hold.” Our wonderful blog host (a great service, by the way) is just as perplexed as us on why that one feed will not work.. but we have solved the problem by adding Building Cincinnati via widget.

The other RSS feed is from a brand-new blog by someone well-known to the historic preservation community. When you talk about the interface between historic preservation and economic development, the name of Donovan Rypkema often comes to mind. In fact, Don wrote “the” book on the subjects – The Economics of Historic Preservation: A Community Leader’s Guide, which is apparently currently out of stock at Amazon.com (no surprise there, as it’s a popular resource guide). Don has just unveiled a new blog, which he writes and publishes out of his Place Economics website – and we have started to carry that feed via widget as well.

Both of these new widget feeds are located in the left column of MyHometownOhio.

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Northwest Ohio Groups, Companies and Individuals Honored

It is great to see the preservation activity and discussion taking place in Northwest Ohio. Toledo, in fact, has emerged as one of the true leaders among Ohio’s metropolitan areas in terms of local preservation efforts.

Many of the success stories – and the stories of those who have been valiantly trying to make a difference for historic resources – were celebrated at the recent Excellence in Preservation Awards, hosted by the Landmarks Preservation Council of Northwest Ohio. According to this story in the Toledo Blade, honorees included:

A bronze plaque to Tom and Al Wagener, who restored the Buttergilt factory building in Maumee.

A bronze plaque to owners of the Macy’s Warehouse Building in Downtown Toledo, converted into 27 condominium units.

Certificates were awarded to the following:

• Historic Church of St. Patrick in Toledo
• The Martin & Wood Appraisal Group
• Long-time local preservation activist Paul R. Sullivan, Jr.
• Tony Packo’s (which opened a new location in downtown Toledo)
• The 20 North Gallery

Also receiving certificates were the Save Our Courthouse Committee and the Toledo Blade, both in honor of their long campaign to preserve the Seneca County Courthouse in Tiffin.

For photo documentation of the renovation and restoration of the Historic Church of St. Patrick, including its new steeple, click here.

Photo: Downtown Toledo - fusionpanda/Creative Commons License

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Looking Around

After 266 consecutive articles about preservation, revitalization or heritage tourism in Ohio, we’re going to break the rules just once and take a quick peek at a handful of recent stories and sites concerning preservation across the US and the world. Not suprisingly, however, each of these stories and sites talks about opporutnities and challenges that mirror those right here at home.

You would think that if any historic resource was “safe,” surely that list would include the glories of Ancient Rome. The 300-mile long Appian Way in Italy, however, is being threatened by the construction of pleasure villas along its path and in the midst of a regional park. Ineffective and ignored governmental regulation has exacerbated the problem.

Bordentown, New Jersey has recently rejected amendments to local land use ordinances that would allow for additional residential units to be built in its historic downtown area, citing the need to maintain the historic character of the community. As a result, the community is seen to be “enabling sprawl."

Just to the north, the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan has been successful in using older downtown commercial buildings as incubator locations for entrepreneurs to start new businesses. It should be noted that two weeks ago, local officials announced that the community had been chosen for a dramatic expansion for a life sciences company; out of 3,300 new employees, at least 400 will be located downtown.

It is well-known that buildings that are occupied tend to enjoy longer life-spans that unoccupied structures. Imagine, then, trying to preserve an actual ghost town – Discover Magazine profiles efforts to safeguard the future of the past in Brodie, California, which it calls “The Most Famous Ghost Town in America.”

He’s outspoken and somewhat controversial, but James Kunstler is someone who regularly speaks his mind on issues surrounding smart growth, the quality of architecture and other urban issues. His new “Kunstlerkast,” available via I-Tunes, allows his to expound verbally on his theories; a recent episode featured the numerous surface parking lots in downtown Columbus. That podcast, as well as Kunstler’s always-humorous “Eyesore of the Month” (think the Remuddling backpage of Old House Journal but for commercial and public buildings) is available here.

Preservation Online reports that the site of the primary supply depot for Colonial troops during the Revolutionary War in Fishkill, New York is slated to become home to – a strip mall. A local organization is working hard to preserve 8 acres of the site – out of an original 70.

Photo: Appian Way - hankword/Creative Commons License

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Clearly Worth Preserving

It is not uncommon when communities consider adopting local preservation ordinances or a given building is scheduled for demolition, for a discussion to emerge about whether a given building or area is sufficiently “historic,” and therefore worthy of protection. Various measures are used in that process, among them National Register of Historic Places criteria, which set out an objective framework for that conversation.

Consider, however, the following qualifications of a currently at-risk building, just added to the Preservation Ohio Endangered Watch List:

When built in 1844-1846 it was the largest dwelling in all of Ohio – and over one million bricks were used in its construction. The building is the only large residential house left in the state that was built by and for use of the Shakers, the Protestant communal denomination. It was the centerpiece of Union Village, the largest Shaker settlement west of the Alleghenies, and remains one of very few buildings that survive from that community.

The building in question is now known as “Bethany Hall,” but was originally known as the “Center House.” Surely the brief history referred to above strongly suggests that the building deserves serious preservation consideration – however the opposite may be the case, as the property’s owners, Otterbein Homes, Inc., is considering possible demolition of Bethany Hall. The building is located on their residential campus, which is located near Lebanon in Warren County.  The building is not in unsound condition, however Otterbein is indicating that it would be prohibitively expensive to renovate for assisted living use.

The Western Shaker Study Group has launched an effort to encourage Trustees of the organization to take a “time out” to consider alternatives to demolition. A call for support from the Study Group, as well as a sample letter to the Board of Trustees and other material can be found on the Bethany Hall section of the Endangered Watch List, which can be found here.  Please take a moment and add your voice to those advocating for this important piece of Ohio history.

Photo: Bethany Hall (Center Hall), Lebanon - Cincinnati Enquirer

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Towpaths

Ohio’s remarkable network of canals in the early 19th fueled development of the state’s interior cities. Places like Delphos on the Miami and Erie Canal, Milan on the Milan Canal and Akron on the Ohio and Erie Canal enjoyed many of the advantages of serving as a port on Lake Erie.

One of the features of canal operation and life was the towpath, defined by Wikipedia as “….a road or track that runs alongside the banks of a river, canal, or other inland waterway. The purpose of a towpath is to allow a land vehicle, beasts of burden, or a team of human pullers to tow a boat, often a barge.” Because they ran alongside canalways, towpaths were usually flat, and therefore in those places where canal beds remain intact, towpaths provide outstanding opportunities for modern trail use.

Such is the case with the Ohio and Erie Canal towpath, particularly the stretch between Cleveland and Akron. According to this interesting recent story in GreenCityBlueLake, a remarkable effort is underway to create a fully functional path, even in the midst of some intimidating post-canal obstacles – including metal barricades and train tracks. As the saying goes -- when there is a will, there apparently is a way.

According to the website of the Ohio Canal Corridor, the towpath along the Ohio & Erie Canal will eventually run some 110 miles, from Cleveland to New Philadelphia, and several additional man-made hurdles exist along the trail’s path. Funding is being sought to make this plan a reality; over $50 million has already been raised and spent on the project, creating 70 miles of towpath trail.

Photo:  Canal towpath -- Joe Hatfield/Creative Commons License

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Thirteen to Save

Preservation Ohio has announced the 2008 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites, the state’s official listing of historic properties in peril. This list is compiled from submitted nominations, as well as extensive research and review. Each site represents the story of a significant piece of Ohio history that faces an uncertain future.

As the first list was published in 1993, this marks the 15th Anniversary year for Ohio’s Most Endangered. This year marks the first time that properties have been retained on the list that still face an imminent threat.

Each property below will be featured on the Most Endangered website, with one page activated each day. The first page, for the Seneca County Courthouse in Tiffin, is now accessible.

The 2008 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites includes the following:

• Seneca County Courthouse – Tiffin, Seneca County
• Arcade Buildings – Dayton, Montgomery County
• Greenhills Historic District – Greenhills, Hamilton County
• White-Haines Building – Columbus, Franklin County
• Over-the-Rhine Neighborhood – Cincinnati, Hamilton County
• Shawnee Historic District – Shawnee, Perry County
• 1917 Galion High School Building -- Galion, Crawford County
• 1868 School House – Burton, Geauga County
• Mehrum-Lindley Block – Hamilton, Butler County
• South High School – Springfield, Clark County
• Edgerton Town Hall – Edgerton, Williams County
• Warren G. Harding High School – Warren, Trumbull County
• Deardurff House – Franklinton/Columbus, Franklin County
  

The new site includes a revised Endangered Watch List and the new Ohio's Most Endangered Interactive Map.  To access the new 2008 Most Endangered website, click here.

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Four Dollar Gas and Heritage Tourism

Now that May is here, the combination of higher gas prices and a weak economy are on the minds of potential summer vacationers. For those involved with operating and marketing heritage-related attractions, such considerations are fostering no small measure of concern.

Across the country, the impact includes the following:

There is an increase in camping reservations in New York’s state parks this year – up a full 16%.

Construction and property values increases have slowed in ex-urban areas in places like Atlanta and Washington D.C., but areas closer to town, with access to public transit and amenities, are holding their own.

Officials in Michigan speculate that higher gas prices will translate into more local tourism, with people staying closer to home – and as a result they are advertising across the Midwest.

The same conclusion has been reached in Florida, where in-state advertising will be strong this year.

On May 1, Ohio State Tourism Director Amir Eylon shared his views on how this impacts visitors to and from Ohio. According to Amir,

“Business travel is slowing down compared to last year. This is really being felt in our lodging sector right now. Consumer confidence has declined to the point where people are indicating second thoughts about vacation plans. Could this mean an increased focus on short (2- to 3-day) regional getaways? Rising gas and other consumer prices are beginning to cause consumers to re-allocate their travel expenditures. Initial indicators by national experts point to folks “downsizing” their experiences in order to still complete their travel needs.”

To read Amir’s very interesting look at the upcoming peak travel season in the current edition of BuckeyeLine, click here.

Photo: Buggy - Sleestak66/Creative Commons License

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1808 Mansfield 2008

The Bicentennial celebration in the city of Mansfield is well under way, and by the looks of it, it is going to be an outstanding summer of fun and history in north central Ohio.

In South Park, the landmark 1812 Mansfield Blockhouse is undergoing complete restoration, and will be re-dedicated at a community birthday celebration on June 11. Other community events include a mobile museum of community history, choir concerts and other music, a downtown festival, vintage baseball games, laser light shows, and much more.

Speaking of baseball, Mansfield’s rich past became a bit “richer” earlier this year when the location of Davey Park was discovered, which may well be the location for the first professional baseball game ever played - anywhere! The year was 1869, and the Cincinnati Red Stockings, the first professional team, went on the road for their first game – to Mansfield.

There’s much to see and do during the Bicentennial, in addition to the amazing schedule of events. Oak Hill Cottage is an extraordinary piece of antebellum Gothic Revival architecture that is open to the public, as is the renowned Ohio State Reformatory. The beautiful Kingwood Center, located some blocks west of downtown, includes 47 acres of formal gardens, fountains and greenhouses, and features the 1926 lavish mansion of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kelly King. And don’t miss Richland Carrousel Park, home to the country’s first hand-carved wooden carrousel since the 1930s (it opened in 1991), and the adjacent Historic Carrousel District for food and shopping.

To visit the Mansfield Bicentennial website, click here.

Photos:  Oak Hill Cottage and Kingwood Center, Mansfield - Preservation Ohio File Photos

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A Treasure Trove About Northeast Ohio

Those looking for background historical information about a community in Northeast Ohio, or perhaps some vintage photographs to use in guiding the renovation of a period house or building, might take a look at the outstanding online collection maintained at “Ohio’s Heritage Northeast.”

The site includes a searchable compendium of digital resources, including photos, audio and video, that come from a variety of archival settings in the northeastern quarter of Ohio. Those collections include digital contributions from public libraries in Cleveland, Akron, Westlake and Shaker Heights, as well as collegiate archives at Cleveland State, John Carroll University and Oberlin College. The newest additions focus largely on the Akron area, and include a collection of hundreds of vintage postcards and 130 photographs documenting the arrival and rise of the mass transit system in Summit County.

It’s a fascinating place to do some searching, even if one doesn’t hail from Kirtland or Parma!  To visit, click here.

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Ohio's Most Endangered Announcement Scheduled

At their Spring meeting this morning, the Board of Trustees of Preservation Ohio approved the final selection of properties to be included in the 2008 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites.

Since 1993, this list has served as the official register of significant historic properties in Ohio that face an uncertain future due to a variety of threats, including announced plans for demolition, failure of a property owner to maintain the property, uncertain funding, and other challenges.

In celebration of National Historic Preservation Month, the list will be publicly unveiled on May 9 (including on this site). At the same time, we will announce those properties which are being removed from the Most Endangered List because of the removal of imminent threat.  For members of Preservation Ohio, including residents of Affiliate communities -- a preview of the Most Endangered List will be posted on the new Member Resource Center on May 2.

At the same time, four new properties have been added to Preservation Ohio’s Endangered Watch List, including buildings on the campuses of both the Ohio State University and Oberlin College. Information on those sites can be accessed in the menu to the right.

Photo: White-Haines Building, on 2007 List of Ohio's Most Endangered Historic Sites - Preservation Ohio File Photo

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Riverfront Makeovers

2008 marks the launch of projects in both Cincinnati and Columbus that will result in dramatic changes for frontage along the Ohio and Scioto Rivers, respectively.

The “Scioto Mile” will create a $38 million transformation of the east frontage of the Scioto River as it winds its way through downtown Columbus. The project has two primary features. First is a mile-long walking promenade that will extend from the Arena District on the North to the Galbreath Bicentennial Park on the South, which will include the restoration of the 1920s limestone balustrade, and with decorative lighting, pavilions, benches and other amenities along the route. Bicentennial Park will experience an $18 million overhaul with amazing new fountains that can create geometric designs, a glass-enclosed restaurant, and more. Click here for the website of the Scioto Mile, which has a wealth of information, renderings, etc..

A much larger project is taking place along the banks of the Ohio in downtown Cincinnati. “The Banks” is a massive transformation of eight city blocks of vacant land situated in the middle of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the two large downtown sports venues – the Great American Ball Park and Paul Brown Stadium. On April 2, ground was broken for the first phase of development that will eventually cost at least $800 million. It is a true mixed-use project, with hundreds of new residences planned, as well as millions of square feet of retail and office space. Click here to read a review of the history of this important area in the Queen City, first known as “The Bottoms” (and a list of links to other stories on The Banks), and here for the home page of the project.

Photos: Above - The Scioto Mile/City of Columbus ; Below - The Banks/Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority

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April Showers

April has been a busy month for preservation and revitalization news… here’s a sampling a stories that have caught our attention as the month has progressed:

Today’s Plain Dealer included the most thorough story yet on the termination of Ohio’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit program. It is well-researched, contains photos of projects that “missed out,” and worth a read; click here.

The once (and perhaps future) endangered 1971 Marcel Breuer-designed Cleveland Trust Tower’s future took a positive turn this past week, when the Cuyahoga County Commissioners accepted a bid to purchase the landmark structure. Plans of the new owner, K&D Group, call for a mixed-use complex (left) that involves renovation and new construction, with the Breuer Tower becoming home to 170 hotel rooms and 200 apartments. Click here to access a story covering the sale, and here to reach the website of K&D.

Speaking of large-scale downtown renovation, the Ohio Department of Insurance is the latest tenant to move into the former Lazarus building in downtown Columbus. Click here for details.

And, speaking of recent past preservation, there was good news on that front earlier this month as the Ohio Historical Society received a Preserve America grant to help them document mid-20th century building trends and architectural styles (click here for coverage). Concentrating on the Dayton area, the Society will use this opportunity to create a database of information as communities take a look at many of these resources for the first time.

On a lighter note, the Ohio University Press has announced publication of “Our First Family’s Home,” a volume (right) profiling the Ohio Governor’s Mansion and grounds – as well as the nine governors that have occupied the residence since 1957. Click here to access a very interesting web page presenting the book, which includes a link to a downloadable landscaping plan for the house, access to photographs and virtual tours, and much more.

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Make a Pledge - Save a Building!

Word was received this morning about a pledge drive aiming to make the difference for a key building in the Over-the-Rhine district of Cincinnati.

The building in question is the “Meiners Flats.” According to the Cincinnati Preservation Association, the structure “…at 1502 Vine Street was built c. 1875 by a family of German-American stonemasons as an investment. With an intricately carved stone façade, “The Big One” was a giant five-story advertisement for their business. For two decades, the magnificent Neo-Grec-style edifice has been empty, a sad presence on a hard-luck street. A series of owners have tried, and failed, to make it work. So rain and snow blew through missing windows. Wood sagged and bricks fell. Last month the City, fearing for the public’s safety, barricaded the sidewalk. Soon it could meet the fate of so many others in OTR: an empty lot.”

In response to this impending loss, an enterprising approach has been devised where individual pledges are being accepted to create a pool of funds to in turn leverage private and public funds for emergency repairs and stabilization. This is not an investment with a rate of return – this is an expression of direct support where your dollars can actually make the difference between a future and a wrecking ball for a significant piece of Cincinnati history. Pledges must be raised by April 23, so time is of the essence.

For more information, and to make a pledge, click on one of these two links (each represents a differing pledge amount):

www.pledgebank.com/Over-the-Rhine or www.pledgebank.com/1500Vine

Photo: Meiners Flats, Windows Live Local

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OHPO Announces Workshops

The Ohio Historic Preservation Office has announced dates for its traditional series of workshops for property owners, developers, communities, and organizations interested in the future of historic properties in Ohio. Those dates and workshops include:

May 20, 2008

• Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits (Includes new information and work sessions)
  
• I-Form Advanced: Creating and Editing Digital Images for I-Form
  
• Online Mapping System Training Session
  
• Fundamentals of Section 106 Reviews

July 22, 2008

• Ohio Historic Inventory: I-Form Basic Data Entry Training
  
• National Register Digital Submission Standards
  
• Section 106 Review Project Summary Form Training Class
  
• Ohio Archaeological Inventory: I-Form Basic Data Entry Training

October 21, 2008

• I-Form Advanced: Creating and Editing Digital Images for I-Form
  
• National Register Basics
  
• National Register Advanced: Levels of Significance and Historic Context
  
• Section 106 Review Project Summary Form Training Class
  
• All-New Online Mapping System Training Session

Additional information, and online registration, can be obtained here.

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The Tax Credit Queue

As a follow-up to last week’s story about the announcement of potential new monies in the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit program, Preservation Ohio has since learned that the exact details of that possible $120 million allocation will go have not been specified. Details about the current discussion are available on the Preservation Ohio Member Resource Center, which can be accessed by clicking here.

One thing is clear, however. At the outset, the question of the remaining applications in “the queue” – those tax credit applications submitted on or after July 1, 2007 for the first cycle of funding, but not included among those that the Ohio Department of Development approved before the trial program was closed – are at the forefront of concern. These projects represent approximately $91 million in additional tax credits.

Because properties were required to be in a fee simple ownership status at the time of application, and because applicants had to aver that the project would not take place but for the granting of the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit, this has left dozens of properties in a perilous condition – owners wanting to develop but not able to proceed. This week, owners of properties in Cincinnati, Dayton and Cleveland responded by filing a request with the Ohio Supreme Court for a Writ of Mandamus, a legal action which would, if successful, require the issuance of a tax credit should an applicant/plaintiff meet the requirements of applicable statues. For a review of that action on Building Cincinnati, click here. The case itself can be followed (and the legal pleadings read in their entirety) by visiting the Ohio Supreme Court’s website (click here), clicking on “Clerk of Court & Case Information,” and “Online Docket,” and entering the case number 2008-0675.

A look at the queue itself is illustrative of the importance of the program. Based on the 25% tax credit, these remaining unfunded projects represent a minimum of $364 million in investment in Ohio – investment, mind you, occurring in the middle of an economic downturn nationally and in Ohio. Because many of these projects would also use the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit, these projects also represent the missed opportunity for tens of millions in Federal dollars flowing to Ohio. And, because renovation of historic buildings generates an average of 32.2 jobs for every million dollars of expenditure, this represents a potential loss of well over 11,000 jobs!

MyHometownOhio will continue to post updates on the tax credit as they become available. For Preservation Ohio members, additional detailed information will be regularly posted on the Resource Center.

Photo: Ohio Statehouse Dome - Public Domain

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Ohio's IOOF Buildings

Ohio has had a history of community involvement with civic and fraternal organizations since 1790, the year that the first Masonic lodge in the Northwest Territory was established in Marietta (and which is still going strong). In the last two hundred years, such organizations have blossomed across the state, and in addition to the Masons and other fraternal orders, many Ohioans are involved in Eagles, Elks, Moose and associated clubs.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is a direct descendant of similar fraternal lodges existing in 18th century England. With a goal “To Improve and Elevate the Character of Man,” the IOOF was the first national fraternity to include both men and women, according to the website of the Sovereign Grand Lodge. Without question, the Odd Fellows movement, and its counterpart for women, the Rebekahs, enjoyed many decades of strength and prosperity in Ohio.

As proof of the large number of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs chapters in the Buckeye State, you need look no further than the outstanding collection of Odd Fellows buildings which still line Main Street in many Ohio communities, large and small. Waymarking.com has a collection of photographs of IOOF buildings taken across the country. Out of some 82 pictures, a full 20 are from Ohio – from Put-in-Bay in Lake Erie to Amelia, outside Cincinnati. The site is an interesting look at a slice of Ohio history that is rapidly disappearing. To access the Odd Fellows photographs, click here.

Photo: IOOF Building, Galion - Preservation Ohio File Photo

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Go Tunneling in Downtown Cleveland This Saturday

In the mood for a different view of history? How about… from inside and underneath?

The 114-year-old Cuyahoga County Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in Cleveland’s Public Square, topped by a 125-foot tall piece of marble and designed by architect Levi Scofield, will be open this Saturday – all of it. The base is regularly open to the public, and features significant pieces of relief sculpture. This weekend, however, visitors will have the added opportunity to learn behind-the-scenes information about the construction of the memorial, and will also be able to voyage inside the tunnels that run underneath the monument. You might want to get there right when it opens at 10:00 a.m.; last year’s event proved so popular that lines formed during the day.

For more information, click here or call 216.621.3710.

Photo: Soliders' and Sailors' Monument, Public Square, Cleveland --Ann Althouse/Creative Commons License

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Two Significant Historic Properties For Sale -- Quickly

Among the historic Ohio properties currently available for sale are two landmarks that both present exciting opportunities for adaptive reuse. In each case, however, time is of the essence.

The Plantation Inn in Maumee, constructed in 1836, is the second-oldest commercial building in all of Lucas County. The Inn has a storied history which includes purported room rentals by Presidents Lincoln, Grant and Hayes, as well as service as an Underground Railroad stop and a Prohibition-era speakeasy, according to this Toledo Blade article. The story lists a number of possible uses for the structure, which is in excellent condition. An online sales site for the Plantation Inn states that the sale must take place by May 30.

On the opposite end of the state, the Cincinnati neighborhood of Sharonville has a maginificant piece of local history for sale. In this case, however, because the appraised value of the land itself is close to the sales price, there is a distinct possibility that if not sold soon, the Hauck Mansion will be demolished. The 4 story, 10,000 square foot mansion is an amazing piece of Ohio history; the pictures on the marketing website show that the property has extraordinary woodwork, stained glass and tilework. Click here to visit, and be certain to then click on the link which states “Click here for additional information.”

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