And now, as they say, a word from our sponsor.

Today Preservation Ohio launches its annual year-end membership and donation drive.

Each year, it is the generosity of our members and friends that drives our organization. As is the case with many non-profit organizations across Ohio and the country, the last twelve months have seen a dramatic reduction in resources for Preservation Ohio to accomplish its mission of using education, partnership and advocacy to secure a future for Ohio’s historic resources. This year, instead of a campaign with clever slogans and catch-phrases, we are making a simple, heartfelt request for your support.

Some time ago we published a List of Achievements we have realized over the last twelve months (click here to access). While we are proud of what we have done, what remains undone is what concerns us. Every week we are contacted by individuals, organizations and communities seeking advice and assistance on preservation-related projects and issues – and Preservation Ohio provides a unique perspective to the task. Our Board and Staff include individuals who have started and managed local preservation organizations, served on local historic preservation commissions and design review boards, created and obtained success for Main Street and other downtown revitalization organizations, litigated on behalf of preservation issues, served as city planners, worked as architects in preservation projects, and more – all right here in Ohio.

Again, while proud of our work to date, it is nothing compared to what we would like to do. With your support, these achievements can become just the beginning point for bigger and better projects and work throughout Ohio. Please click here for more information on joining and/or donating to Preservation Ohio – both can easily be accomplished online, or by printing and sending in a membership form.

As a thank you, this year you will also receive one of our new 2009 Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites membership cards – it’s the only way to get one!

What happens when you ask the right questions of the right people? You get great responses, that’s what. Such is the case with the results of the Fall 2009 Survey recently conducted by Preservation Ohio.

The answers shared were a treasure trove of information – over 100 narrative answers were shared on various topics, in addition to those filling out only the multiple choice questions. From funding ideas, to partnership ideas, to suggestions for change and improvement, those answering the survey clearly showed their strong interest in empowering Ohio’s statewide preservation and revitalization movements. This past Saturday, Preservation Ohio’s Board of Trustees met and considered this input as it sat out to draft a vision for the coming year.

As promised, some of the answers are included below – including the results to every multiple-choice question. We have included a sampling of narrative answers as well to give you a taste of what was on the minds of Ohioans as they completed the survey - again, some of the questions generated dozens and dozens of narrative responses.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in our survey!

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PRESERVATION OHIO FALL SURVEY

 

In your opinion, what are the greatest threats to or issues confronting historic preservation and preservation-based downtown and neighborhood revitalization in Ohio? (Please choose one or more, but no more than three).

 

ANSWER                                                                                                                                               PERCENT

 

Lack of available financial assistance for renovation                                                                  44

 

Absent of inconsistently applied local regulations                                                                       38

 

Lack of awareness about the benefits of historic preservation                                                  60

 

Aggressiveness of and political clout of the development community                                    22

 

Lack of a strong statewide preservation non-profit organization                                              16

 

Confusion about costs of renovation versus replacement                                                         33

 

Lack of awareness about the relationship between preservation and                                     42

sustainable development

 

Other:

 

·         The general state of economy and business in Ohio

·         Demolition policies

·         Duplication by having 2 preservation statewide groups causes confusion

·         Excessive demolition because of “blight”

·         Lack of public ethic toward history, preservation or heritage

Which area of preservation is of particular interest to you? Please choose as many answers as apply.

 

Historic house or building renovation and restoration                                                                 69

 

Local preservation organizations and efforts                                                                                 64

 

Supporting preservation and revitalization on a statewide basis                                              36

 

Revitalization of Ohio downtowns                                                                                                    73

 

Promotion of heritage tourism – locally, regionally or statewide                                               53

 

Revitalization of Ohio’s traditional neighborhoods                                                                       55

 

Other:

 

·         Save Over-the-Rhine!

·         Historic schools – preservation and reuse as something new

·         Historic school renovation for continued use

·         Presentation of preservation technology for homeowner

·         Historic farmland preservation

Please indicate the geographical area of Ohio in which you live:

 

Northeast                                                                                                                                              36

 

Northwest                                                                                                                                              9

 

Central                                                                                                                                                   31

 

Southeast                                                                                                                                              4

 

Southwest                                                                                                                                             20

In your opinion, what are the primary opportunities or services that a statewide preservation organization needs to address? Please choose no more than three answers.

 

Creating opportunities for local preservationists to connect for advice and support            50

 

Providing technical advice                                                                                                                33

 

Providing information on funding                                                                                                    58

 

Assistance with local advocacy                                                                                                        40

 

Help with downtown revitalization                                                                                                   33

 

Help with neighborhood revitalization                                                                                            38

 

Organizational development assistance                                                                                        15

 

Local downtown and preservation program management services                                        25

 

Other:

 

·         Advocacy in Columbus at the state level

·         All of the above

·         Continued educational use of Ohio’s historic schools

·         Lobbying state for preservation dollars

How can Preservation Ohio, as a statewide preservation organization, better serve you and your community? With what programs or services?

 

·         Encouraging Springfield in their efforts to save and rehab our historical buildings and neighborhoods rather than their typical approach of destroy and "put up a parking lot." We need to save Memorial Hall and the old Springfield South High School buildings.

·         Help Cincinnati overturn its aggressive, anti-preservation demolition policies; help promote Cincinnati's preservation bargains on a national level.

·         I think it needs to support the local groups by lobbying and funding and then technical support.

·         Provide sources or support for funding or financing for private individuals to engage in preservation efforts. Or, serve as a central organization to assist individuals with acquiring said financing.

·         Local advocacy and offering alternative development strategies to demolition.

·         Information on grants and lobbying at the state level, that no property with a historical designation could be destroyed with private money

·         I think Preservation Ohio can better serve the communities of Ohio by informing citizens of the benefits of preservation. Not many people today know how much preserving our history can help us prepare for the future.

·         Downtown revitalization and incentives

·         Get the word out to communities that help IS available!

·         I believe that there should be more public awareness about the importance of preservation/restoration.

·         Directing us to appropriate tools and educating us about the processes we may undertake.

·         More funding and tax incentives to preserve rather than tear down and build new, inferior structures.

·         Highlight sources of funding & grant opportunities.

·         Local governments need educated on long range benefits to the local communities by preserving our heritage for future generations and adaptive reuse of historic structures and their positive impact to the local economy including their architectural appeal.

·         Merge with Heritage Ohio and engage a wider audience through effective planning and communications.

·         Serve as central information clearing house.

·         By helping remove the stereo-typical view that historic schools can not be renovated to provide a 21st century education.

·         Merge with Heritage Ohio.

·         Preservation Ohio is already doing a good job; please continue stoking the enthusiasm of the existing preservation community, and welcoming/encouraging future Ohio preservationists.

·         We need greater advocacy on Preservation and a stop to demolition in our neighborhoods.

Are you currently, or have you been a member of Preservation Ohio (or the Ohio Preservation Alliance) within the past 5 years? (40 answers, 15 skipped).

 

Yes                                                                                                                                                         25

 

No                                                                                                                                                           75

 

Other:

 

·         I just receive the e-mails as well as read the articles on the website.

·         Our organization belongs.

.      Will join shortly; however, currently only involved from a distance via the Internet.