MyHometownOhio

Preservation Ohio Asks for Your Support

Staff — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:16:09 -0500

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!

Answers... and More Answers

Staff — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:54:09 -0500

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!

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.

Surveying the Scene

Staff — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:24:23 -0400

We're turning to Ohioans for some advice and assistance.

Preservation Ohio warmly invites you to take our 2009 Fall Survey, which is designed to provide information to enable us to better serve Ohioans in the areas of historic preservation, downtown/neighborhood revitalization and heritage tourism. To assist you with the survey, we also invite you to read the list below of organizational achievements during the preceding 12 months.This survey is easy and quick to take, and is designed so that it can be taken in a completely anonymous fashion. Should you enter your name and contact information in the final survey response, however, you will be entered into a drawing for a limited edition set of "Moo cards" showcasing the 2009 List of Ohio's Most Endangered Historic Sites. The survey will remain online through November 5, and results will be released the next week, after Preservation Ohio's Fall Board Meeting in Columbus.The wider range of views and voices we can listen to, the better we can help Ohio's communities, organizations and individuals working to preserve the state's historic resources. Thank you for taking the time to help; click here to take the survey.

PRESERVATION OHIO GOALS AND ACHIEVEMENTS - OCTOBER 2008 TO OCTOBER 2009

LOCAL ASSISTANCE.

Preservation can transform Ohio’s cities and towns through fostering economic development and an outstanding quality of life. To do so, Ohioans need the latest and most effective tools for preservation and revitalization right in their own communities.

GOAL. Identify and share the latest and best preservation tools with as many communities as possible.

12-MONTH ACHIEVEMENTS:

Provided resource information, press releases and interviews for media in Toledo, Columbus, Mansfield, Dayton, Hamilton, Springfield, Athens and Cincinnati.
Presented to groups in Mansfield, New Philadelphia, Dayton, Galion and Yellow Springs.
Co-hosted “Financial Incentives for Historic Properties” with the Columbus Landmarks Foundation, Columbus’ first workshop on tax-based incentives for preservation in many years, as well as a day-long house renovation workshop in north central Ohio.
Became the first statewide preservation organization nationally to host “real-time” interactive online discussions on preservation issues and opportunities.
Worked directly with individuals, organizations and local government in over 20 Ohio communities.

ADVOCACY AND PROTECTION.

Ohio’s historic resources are threatened on a continual basis by demolition, neglect, lack of appreciation and/or misunderstanding.

GOAL. Continue effective programming and develop new efforts to promote the cause of significant endangered Ohio places.

12-MONTH ACHIEVEMENTS:

Compiled and issued the 2009 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites, a program now in its 16th year. During May and June, we made visits to listed and threatened properties in Columbus, Yellow Springs, Hamilton, Dayton, Springfield, and Tiffin.
Provided testimony, presence and support to our friends in Tiffin and the Courthouse and Downtown Redevelopment Group in their efforts to preserve the endangered Seneca County Courthouse.
Became the first and only statewide preservation organization in Ohio, and one of very few nationwide, to join local legal proceedings where important preservation issues are being considered. Because of potential legal precedent, our involvement was designed to protect the viability of historic preservation and design review ordinances in every Ohio community where the future of public buildings is being considered.
Participated on the planning committee of the annual Statehood Day, which gives Ohioans the opportunity to share the message that “History Works” with their elected representatives, and to seek both funding and preservation-friendly state policies.

BUILDING A STRONG STATEWIDE COMMUNITY FOR PRESERVATION.

Ohio’s preservation community suffers from a lack of cohesion and from multiple groups working in ways that waste resources and produce a disjointed message.

GOAL. Build a strong, vocal constituency for historic preservation in Ohio in all of its forms.

12-MONTH ACHIEVEMENTS:

Launched The Ohio Preservation Network, America’s first social network designed exclusively for statewide preservation and revitalization. Through the site, Ohioans can now easily share preservation news, stories, events, opportunities and enthusiasm, and gain access to key resources.
Forged new ground in the use of online social networking to build a strong, cohesive community for preservation, and to provide public relations opportunities for our members and affiliate communities:
Hosted the most-followed organizational Twitter page of any statewide preservation organization in the country. Each month, our stories and links are now re-posted, and our stories are clicked, over 1,000 times. We continue to build a strong presence on Facebook, Flickr, LinkedIn, YouTube and other forms of social media.
We continue to publish America’s first and oldest self-authored statewide preservation blog, MyHometownOhio, which celebrated its third anniversary this summer.
Worked with statewide and regional preservation organizations in other parts of the country to share best practices and tips on social media.
Hosted National Preservation Conference Twitter Central, the only location online for access to all Twitter entries from the 2009 Nashville Conference, including photos and videos.

First-Ever Live Blog on Social Media and Preservation

Staff — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:19:18 -0400

On October 23, Preservation Ohio will host its third "live blog" of the year -- this time with a topic of "Social Media Meets Preservation", which will look at the relationship between the world of social media on one hand, and Ohio preservation and revitalization on the other.

An increasing number of statewide and local preservation and revitalization organizations are waking up to the potential of social networking to generate positive awareness, support and revenue. Perhaps the most important benefit of this new area of communication is the ability to build community behind a mission or project. From Facebook to Twitter; from Tumblr to Flickr - as we near the end of the first decade of the 21st century, the potential of social media is outstanding. Learn about best practices, tips and ideas to use social media to your advantage, including exciting projects now launching that use social media to help to communicate the message of preservation and revitalization. We'd be thrilled to welcome statewide and local preservation, Main Street and other preservation-related organizations to the discussion as well.

Preservation Ohio is a national leader in the use of social media to advance the cause of statewide historic preservation. From hosting the country's first and oldest blog on preservation, to owning the most-followed Twitter page for any organization in America, to launching the country's first stand-alone social network for preservation -- we have alot to share! Join us on October 23, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, on any Preservation Ohio website -- including on the main website, on the Ohio Preservation Network, and on this page.

Ohio Preservation and Facebook Pages

Staff — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:23:24 -0400

Over the last few months, several Ohio preservation and downtown revitalization organizations have established a more thorough presence on Facebook with the creation of an official “Page.”

Facebook Pages are a more robust version of the former Facebook Groups, the latter of which basically allowed only static information, simple posts and some discussion. Pages have all of this and more, including the ability for those registered as “fans” to receive updates on their own individual sites. Pages can also be outfitted with applications, which provide increased functionality and features.

Both the Cincinnati Preservation Association and Columbus Landmarks Foundation have active Facebook Pages, which are updated often with news, event information, advocacy alerts and more. Fans can comment on these posts, can add their own content, and can embed posts them on their own pages.

Downtown revitalization organizations with Facebook Pages include Downtown Mansfield, Inc., Main Street Kent, the Heritage Centre Association (Mount Vernon), Main Street Oberlin, the Main Street Area Association (Hamilton), the Marysville Uptown Renewal Team, Main Street Canal Winchester, Main Street Medina, Main Street Orrville and Main Street Delaware.

Preservation Ohio’s Facebook Page includes all of the standard features, as well as our latest “Tweets,” the most recent photographs posted on our Flickr page, and the ability to easily invite friends to the page. The Preservation Ohio Facebook Page interconnects with both our website and the new Ohio Preservation Network. Together, through Twitter, Facebook, the Ohio Preservation Network, Flickr and our blog, MyHometownOhio, Preservation Ohio now enjoys between 2,000 and 3,000 friends, fans, followers and subscribers just through online social networking. All of this work is an attempt to build a cohesive and effective community for preservation and preservation-based revitalization in Ohio.

To access any of the Facebook Pages for the organizations referred to in this post, visit www.facebook.com/preservationohio and look for the “Favorite Pages” in the left-hand column. And, while you’re there, please become a “fan” of Preservation Ohio!

Starting a Great Conversation

Staff — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:37:12 -0400

Tuesday’s day-long workshop in Columbus, co-sponsored by Preservation Ohio and the Columbus Landmarks Foundation, turned out to be more of a conversation than a series of staid presentations. From the beginning breakfast panel discussion on local building issues in Columbus, all the way to the final session of the day, the emphasis was combining the latest information on financial incentives for preservation with the opportunity to dialogue with experts on each of those tools.

Speakers and panelists included the following:

•   Vince Papsidero - Planning Administrator, City of Columbus
•   Don DeVere - President, DeVere LLC
•   Laura MacGregor Comek, Esq. - Crabbe, Brown & James
•   Charissa W. Durst - President, Hardlines Design Company
•   Robert Loversidge - Principal, Schooley Caldwell Associates
•   Jeffrey Darbee and Nancy Recchie - Owners, Benjamin D. Rickey & Co.
•   Thomas Palmer - Executive Director, Preservation Ohio
•   Mark Lundine - Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program Coordinator, Ohio Department of Development
•   Judith Kitchen - Technical Preservation Services Department Head, Ohio Historic Preservation Office

Topics included use of the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit, Clean Ohio funding, the new Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit, the use of historic conservation easements, New Markets Tax Credits, and more.

Anonymous evaluations of the event included the following comments:

•   “All of these topics are very interesting. Very practical information.”
•   “This was the most useful presentation on historic preservation financial aid that I have ever seen. Many thanks for putting this all together.”
•    "Good! Program!"
•    "A great seminar."
•    "Terrific, well-informed speakers, good selection of topics for background information."

This was the first workshop of its kind in Columbus in some time, and participants were clearly anxious to continue the discussion after sessions and into the future. Preservation Ohio has been involved in similar workshops over the last three years in other Ohio locations, and is already lining up venues to continue the series in the coming months.

Photos: Preservation Ohio File Photos

Thinking Easements

Staff — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:13:44 -0400

by Thomas Palmer, Executive Director

On Tuesday, I will be speaking on the subject of historic conservation easements at “Financial Incentives for Historic Properties,” a day-long workshop on tax benefits for preservation work co-sponsored by Preservation Ohio and the Columbus Landmarks Foundation.

As you can imagine, easements have occupied my thoughts as of late as I prepared for this presentation. The attendees to the event will be diverse – including many to obtain continuing education credit for architects, lawyers and real estate professionals. And, as the event is taking place somewhere other than Cleveland or Cincinnati where historic conservation easements are better known, it is likely that for many this will be their first exposure to this important tool for preservation.

Two facts highlight the importance of historic conservation easements – also known as “preservation easements.” First, unlike the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit, the tax incentive for easement donation is equally available to owners of non income-producing properties – that is, your family home if you so choose. Second, and perhaps most importantly, they represent the only “slam-dunk” path toward preserving the historic resources of a given property, for many reasons:

Placement on the National Register of Historic Places, or inclusion in a National Register Historic District, provides no protection against alteration or even demolition if federal funding is not used.
While many Ohio communities have historic preservation or design review ordinances that provide protection, not every community has the resources to provide ongoing monitoring.
Decisions of administrative boards can be appealed and can therefore have the potential to end up in politically-charged settings.
Not all design review or historic preservation ordinances protect against demolition. Even if an ordinance protects a property, many ordinances allow for an economic hardship appeal, and the decision may be challenged legally on that basis.
More than one Ohio community has actually rescinded a preservation ordinance.

Its little surprise that noted preservationist Arthur P. Ziegler, Jr. once said, “There are only two sure ways to save a building: you either have to own it or protect it through an easement.”

While the easement program nationwide has been in a state of flux over the last several years, some clarity is returning and the tool is again being used in many locations. Click here for an introduction to historic conservation easements on our website.

Photo: Pennsylvania House, Springfield - Preservation Ohio File Photo

Introducing... Kendra Scott Carty

Staff — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:02:22 -0400

This week marks the arrival of Preservation Ohio's newest staff member - our new Assistant, Kendra Scott Carty. Like the rest of our organization's staff, Kendra is a long-time Buckeye, born and raised in small-town Ohio. We're absolutely thrilled that she is with us, and happy to share a bit with you about her with our members and friends. Kendra's new e-mail is: kencar@preservationohio.org.

Kendra was born in London, Ohio and has lived most of her life here in Ohio. Her youth was spent in Caledonia, Ohio, a small farming community in Marion County. It was there she developed her love for nostalgia, a curiosity about the past. Much of her time was spent in the one-room library or on a neighbor’s porch listening to her elders share stories.

During her high school years, she moved to Galion, Ohio. Her parents were both born and raised in Crawford County, and many of her family members still reside there. Kendra, while researching her genealogy, is finding that much of her more recent family history lies in Crawford County.

After graduating from Galion High School, Kendra lived and worked in Columbus for a few years and then moved to Chicago, Illinois. It was there she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English at Loyola University and her Masters in Library and Information Science from Rosary College (now known as Dominican University). Upon graduation, Kendra worked downtown in the library of the Chicago Community Trust, a foundation that allocates funds to communities and social service groups in the city. This experience provided her an even broader scope of knowledge about the “Windy City’s” neighborhoods and history.

After several years, she and her family moved back to Columbus, Ohio. Kendra is a self-proclaimed “Ohioan at heart” and wanted her daughter to be closer to her extended families. Kendra wishes to instill in her daughter the sense of family and community her parents both shared here in Ohio.

After working for National City Corp in their systems department, Kendra is happy to have the opportunity to work for Preservation Ohio and to become more fully acquainted with Ohio’s communities and history.

Three Years!

Staff — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:15:35 -0400

Today marks the third anniversary of MyHometownOhio, the country’s first self-authored blog on statewide preservation and revitalization. When we launched on July 21, 2006, we were very much alone - even the blog of the National Trust for Historic Preservation would not appear until a year and a half later. Today, many statewide and local preservation organizations have their own blogs, and “PreservationNation” has been around for some time. We ourselves have joined MyHometownOhio with sites on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, MySpace and Flickr - as well as our own online social medium, The Ohio Preservation Network.

In the last three years, this site has covered both the "happy" and "sad" in preservation - the enactment of the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit, the beginning of demolition discussions for the Seneca County Courthouse, several devastating fires in Ohio downtowns, and much more. All in all, we have published some 387 stories in those three years.

As Preservation Ohio looks at some exciting new programming, we suspect that there will be a good deal to report in the year to come; we’re certainly hoping that a 4-year anniversary is in the offing for July of 2010. In the meantime, continued thanks go to our readers, as well as to the thousands of Ohioans involved in promoting the past as a means to generate economic development and an outstanding quality of life in this state we all love.

Social Media Meets Preservation

Staff — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:43:46 -0400

2009 has seen an amazing explosion in the area of social media. The phenomenon that is Twitter, for instance, has recently had an impact in everything from national politics to international relations. Far from a static tool, social media is constantly evolving, changing and adapting to meet new opportunities and new technologies - particularly in the area of the mobile web (cell phones, etc.).

In many ways, America’s non-profit organizations are leading the charge into the creative use of social media. Here is a recent conference presentation on the use of social media in the non-profit world. Note, however, that as these statistics are already 7 months old, that today’s numbers have risen exponentially.

Social Media for Non Profits

View more presentations from Primal Media.

Preservation and revitalization are, perhaps not surprisingly, lagging behind this trend. Pacesetting organizations such as the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training are attempting to identify and promote the use of social media by preservation organizations through their excellent Voices from the Past website and Preservation Today web casts, however many local, statewide and even national preservation and revitalization organizations seem to be stuck in Web 2.0 - if they have any online presence at all.

Preservation Ohio has been at the forefront of this change since MyHometownOhio, the country’s first self-authored blog on statewide preservation, was launched in July of 2006. We currently have the most followed organizational page on Twitter of any statewide or national preservation organization, and have companion sites on Facebook, MySpace, Flickr and YouTube. This Summer we launched the country’s first self-contained social networking site for statewide preservation, The Ohio Preservation Network, and have forayed into the realm of live blogging for the recent announcement of the 2009 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites.

One thing about social media - the scene can change in just a few months. That’s why we are always looking a year down the road - to identify the social networking and media opportunities of the future that will better enable us to perform our mission.

Taking Time Out to Plan

Staff — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:35:18 -0400

As our readers know well, MyHometownOhio tends to be a compendium of news, trends and views on preservation across Ohio. On rare occasions in the last three years (so few, in fact, that they likely can be counted on two hands) we have also talked about Preservation Ohio as an organization - where we are, and where we’d like to be.

This Tuesday, the Executive Committee of Preservation Ohio met in Columbus to do just that. Composed of corporate officers and other elected members, the Committee meets in the interim between meetings of the Board of Trustees to deal with such subjects in depth. On Tuesday’s agenda was the proverbial “full plate” - from considering present needs to a long-term look at direction and programming possibilities.

Now moving into its 28th year of existence, there is a new energy at Preservation Ohio, so much so that at times it seems almost like a new organization. While fully affected by the dramatic economic downturn, there is also a general recognition by our Board that Ohio strongly needs a committed statewide preservation voice more than ever. Our recent trips to Mansfield, Hamilton, Yellow Springs, Columbus, Dayton and elsewhere have reinforced that sense of purpose. In community after community, we have discovered local individuals and organizations exploring new ways to preserve historic resources for a new economic reality. Many of these efforts are profiled, and will be profiled, in the pages of the Ohio Preservation Network, the country’s first statewide preservation-based social networking site. Its free and easy to register on the Network, by the way -- just click here.

If any of our readers would like to be a more involved part of the state’s preservation and preservation-based revitalization movements, you are more than welcome. From volunteers to Board membership, the door is open to you, your energy and your ideas. Its an intensely rewarding and enjoyable experience. For more information, please drop an e-mail to: info@preservationohio.org.

And - huge thanks to Falhgren Mortine for hosting today's Executive Committee meeting!

All Day, All Night

Staff — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:58:28 -0400

The Ohio Preservation News reader located on the left side of this blog provides an excellent way to learn what is happening in the word of preservation, downtown and neighborhood revitalization, heritage tourism, smart growth, archeology and local history not only here in Ohio, but across the country.

The site provides short descriptions and links to a wide range of media stories - many of which come from Ohio newspapers, online magazines and blogs. Because it uses RSS, or “Really Simple Syndication,” the reader is updated continuously throughout the day..and night...each time that a local newspaper or media source updates its own site.

To give a glimpse of what can be found - here is a small sampling of stories available just this afternoon from the Ohio Preservation News reader.

Rescue of a historic grandstand at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds

An effort to “save angled parking” in downtowns statewide

The third installment in a series about “Revitalizing Over-the-Rhine”

Efforts to create a quilt tour in Greene County

The unfolding and interesting situation concerning the auction of a historic house in Avondale

How an environmental assessment can aid in the renovation of a 300,000 former factory building in Cincinnati

Coverage of the Restoring Prosperity Conference in Cleveland

An upcoming lecture concerning the 1913 flood in Ohio

A Lincoln exhibit coming to the Auglaize County Public District Library

The summer schedule for the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

A look at a long-lost element of early Cleveland city planning

Video from a living history presentation in Mansfield

A look at what American cities are attracting the GenY generation

A critique of current urban “downsizing” by Richard Florida

The challenges of reaching consensus in local historic preservation legislation

An Announcement in Dayton

Staff — Sat, 23 May 2009 17:44:16 -0400

Preservation Ohio will be making an official announcement of the 2009 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites at the end of the month. The future of some properties is so tenuous, however, that a quicker unveiling of a particular listing makes real sense.

In this light, on Thursday, May 21 we took the occasion to visit Dayton as part of our series of trips across the state in honor of National Preservation Month. There we joined members of Preservation Dayton, the Five Oaks Neighborhood Association, the Friends of Julienne and other interested citizens for a press conference in front of the former Julienne High School. The school building, located at 325 Homewood Avenue in Dayton, is a massive educational facility constructed in 1927 connected adjacent to a convent. Used as a Catholic girls school for many decades, these buildings are now owned by Dayton Public Schools.

Dayton Public Schools are undergoing a large rebuilding program in conjunction with the Ohio School Facilities Commission, and have announced plans to replace Julienne with a small facility on the same site. Unlike what has occurred in other metro areas, however, including Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, almost no period educational buildings are being reused in Dayton. As a result, much of the history of the community, an outstanding opportunity to save taxpayer funds, and the ability to invest in buildings with longer potential lifespans have been lost.

Julienne represents an opportunity for Dayton Public Schools to make a positive statement for neighborhood stability, history and the educational needs of local students. If the present building represents more space than is needed, opportunities exist for combining uses to secure funding for renovation. If a new school is constructed elsewhere on the expansive grounds (over 12 acres, as can be seen in the photo to the right), the buildings represent an extraordinary resource for adaptive reuse - and several developers have already expressed interest in such a project. The complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Preservation Ohio was pleased to announce the inclusion of Julienne on the 2009 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites at the event, which also included a review of efforts to preserve the school (including an unsuccessful attempt at obtaining local landmark designation), a discussion of available options, and a statement by the Friends of Julienne alumni group. An interior tour of the school was conducted after the press conference.

Click here for coverage of the announcement in the Dayton Daily News. A slideshow of the press conference and photos taken during the post-conference tour is featured below (for our subscribers, this slideshow is available here).

Photo: Former Julienne High School, Dayton - Windows Live Local; All other photos are Preservation Ohio File Photos

May and Our Trip to Hamilton

Staff — Tue, 19 May 2009 22:44:45 -0400

Working in historic preservation tends to parallel “real life” - May and September are two of the busiest months of the year, packing in conferences, workshops, tours, and other opportunities to become engaged in preserving Ohio’s past. As May is also National Preservation Month, there is typically an added “boost” to this month’s event schedule.

Staff and Board members of Preservation Ohio have been incredibly busy over the last 20 days; many of those trips and events have been profiled in previous posts - and the rest of the month provides little change to that schedule. In less than two weeks we have hosted two live blogs, traveled for talks in Mansfield and Hamilton, conducted easement monitoring, and joined the Columbus Landmarks Foundation for site visits to two of the properties on the 2009 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites. Later this week we travel again to Southwest Ohio to join with preservation-minded individuals and groups in two additional Ohio communities - Dayton and Yellow Springs.

This past Monday, we also enjoyed a treat -- lunch with two staff members from Heritage Ohio, Ohio’s other statewide preservation organization. This was the first time we have joined our friends there for a meal, and the experience was a pleasure.

We are pleased to share with you some views of our trip to Hamilton on Saturday, May 16, where we were fortunate to join with participants in the Butler County Preservation Roundtable. This annual event brings together representatives from the county’s numerous historical societies and local preservation organizations, each of whom provide reports on recent activities. Preservation Ohio gave a presentation on statewide preservation issues and opportunities.

Clockwise from the top left, these photos represent:

1. Participants in the roundtable joined in the historic Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in downtown Hamilton.

2. Each organization spoke in turn concerning recent preservation-related activities.

3. After the event, Preservation Ohio conducted in-person monitoring of its historic conservation easements in Hamilton, which protect the historic integrity of two early 19th century brick residences.

4. The Anthony Wayne Hotel, which Preservation Ohio acquired in the late 1990s and marketed to a preservation-friendly developer. This property is now a highly successful senior living facility.

5. The Mehrum-Lindley Block in downtown Hamilton was retained on the 2009 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites. After the Roundtable, we walked the short two blocks to the site with nominator, Miami University student Nathaniel Kaelin, to take a closer look at the structure, which continues to have an uncertain future.

6. Preservation Ohio Executive Director Thomas Palmer detailed the work of Preservation Ohio across the state.

Photos: All Preservation Ohio File Photos

Preservation Ohio Goes "On the Road"

Staff — Sat, 09 May 2009 00:16:02 -0400

Over the next several weeks, Preservation Ohio goes "On the Road" to visit many corners of Ohio. Some of our visits will coincide with the release of the 2009 List of Ohio's Most Endangered Historic Sites; in others, we will be talking about issues relating to statewide preservation issues, financial incentives for older properties, and downtown & neighborhood revitalization.

Here's a quick look at some of our upcoming trips:

May 13 - Mansfield - Downtown Property Owners Conference

May 16 - Hamilton - Butler County Preservation Roundtable

May 18 - Columbus - Announcement of two properties on the 2009 List of Ohio's Most Endangered Historic Sites.

May 21 - Springfield, Dayton and Yellow Springs - Additional Most Endangered announcement visits.

July 31/August 1 - New Philadelphia - THAT Old House Preservation & Restoration Workshop

Several more trips are being planned. In each community, we plan to chronicle stories of communities coming together to recognize and work for the future of their historic resources. Stay tuned to this site, MyHometownOhio and the Ohio Preservation Network for photos, video and more.

Playing Our Part

Staff — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:43:00 -0400

This post is an update to our previous entry dated April 24, in which we revealed Preservation Ohio’s decision to file a motion in a pending legal action in the Seneca County Court of Common Pleas. That motion asked the Court for permission to act as amicus curiae, or “friend of the court,” which would allow the organization to file briefs on relevant legal points in the case.

This type of involvement in important legal issues involving historic resources is a staple of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Legal Defense Fund. The Fund’s January 2009 Update, for instance, which can be accessed here, profiles the Trust’s amicus involvement in cases involving, among others, the donation of land containing significant archaeological resources, landmark designation for a church building in Washington, D.C., and a property owned by Preservation Delaware, Inc.. A handful of other statewides have filed such actions in local cases, including the Preservation League of New York State.

On Tuesday, April 28, the Court granted Preservation Ohio’s motion. Coverage of this decision from the Toledo Blade can be accessed here.

This is the first time that an Ohio statewide preservation organization has taken this important step. Such action is consistent with Preservation Ohio’s ongoing commitment to work for the future of Ohio’s past through education, partnership and advocacy. In the case, we are seeking to protect the legal and practical integrity of local historic districts, which, in turn, can have an impact in your own community.

Thank You!

Staff — Fri, 01 May 2009 22:16:37 -0400

Our great thanks to all who participated in the “Preservation in Ohio” Live Blog, which took place this morning on this site, as well as on the main Preservation Ohio website and on the Ohio Preservation Network. Please join us next Friday for “Revitalization in Ohio,” the second in our series of live blogging events.

This morning’s blog included 181 comments from Preservation Ohio Staff, 73 comments shared by participants from across Ohio and the country, 3 audio tracks, 24 images and 4 videos during the two-hour event!

Preservation Ohio to Host Two Live Blogs

Staff — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:10:12 -0400

Welcome to a step into the future of preservation. In honor of National Preservation Month in May, as well as our 27th birthday on April 27, Preservation Ohio has announced that it will host two “live blog” events during the first two Fridays of the month.

“Live blogs” are a means of interacting with site visitors in real time. The site moderator is able to provide a continuous feed of information, while those visiting the site can ask questions and add comments, which appear instantly on the blog. The moderator can also post links, pictures, videos – or even news stories. Twitter feeds can also be added, giving Twitterers a chance to participate as well.

The live blog will appear simultaneously on the following sites:

•   The main Preservation Ohio website at: www.preservationohio.org
•    Here on our blog, MyHometownOhio, located at: myhometownohio.blogharbor.com (please note: no www).
•   The Ohio Preservation Network at: www.ohiopreservationnetwork.com

The two sessions, and the topic for each, will be as follows:

•   Friday, May 1 – 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – “Preservation in Ohio Live Blog” – A general look at the state of historic preservation in Ohio today. Visitors will also get a sneak peek at properties listed on the 2009 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites.

•   Friday, May 8 – 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. -- “Revitalization in Ohio Live Blog” – A look at preservation-based downtown and neighborhood revitalization in Ohio communities. From Main Street to your street, we’ll answer your questions and share information.

It is believed that this may be the first time that live blogging has been used by a preservation organization in this fashion. Preservation Ohio was also the first statewide preservation organization in the country with a self-written blog (begun in mid-2006), and currently has almost 900 fans, followers and friends on social networking sites. This May we officially launch the Ohio Preservation Network, an online meeting place for friends of preservation in Ohio.

We look forward to having you join us for this exciting foray into interactive technology.

Preservation Ohio Files Motion in Seneca County Courthouse Action

Staff — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:11:45 -0400

The following Press Release was issued this afternoon:

"Preservation Ohio has announced that this morning it filed a motion in the Seneca County Court of Common Pleas seeking recognition as an amicus curiae party in a pending action involving the Seneca County Courthouse. In specific, the organization is asking for the opportunity to provide briefs to assist the Court in its deliberations.

Some weeks ago, Seneca County Commissioners filed a Complaint seeking the Court to declare that it had complied with the City of Tiffin architectural review ordinance, which governs external changes to buildings located within the downtown historic district. Last week, the County, together with the City of Tiffin, presented joint stipulations of fact that supported the Commissioners’ contention. If granted, the relief requested would mean that the county could proceed to demolition of the courthouse without further obligations under the ordinance.

In its motion, Preservation Ohio shared its willingness to share information with the Court relative to the matters being considered, including the impact of the demolition on the fabric and development potential of the downtown architectural review district. Further, the organization stated that:

“We know of no reported cases in Ohio where the interface between levels of state government interests have been weighed in the context of historic preservation or architectural review ordinances, as distinguished from zoning ordinances. As such, this case will likely have substantial precedential import as other communities consider the future not only of county courthouse facilities, but of other county and state-owned properties…. It is therefore in the best interests of the entire state that the decision reached in this case be based on a complete consideration of all relevant facts, and not just those included in the submitted Stipulation of Facts.”

It is important to note that the County has granted permission for an independent group to develop a renovation and funding strategy for the courthouse, which must be presented by mid-July, at the same time that it is pursuing this ruling. The Seneca County Courthouse, designed by noted architect Elijah Myers, has been included on the List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites since 2005.

Preservation Ohio is celebrating its 27th anniversary this month as Ohio’s statewide historic preservation organization. Through education, advocacy and partnership, it seeks to promote a future for the state’s rich collection of historic resources to promote both economic development and a high quality of life. More information about Preservation Ohio can be found on its website, located at www.preservationohio.org."

Photo: Seneca County Courthouse - Preservation Ohio File Photo, All Rights Reserved

Trustees and Officers Elected

Staff — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 22:08:49 -0400

Amid wonderful weather, great homemade refreshments and seeing friends from across the state, the 27th anniversary Annual Meeting of the Ohio Preservation Alliance, Inc., the non-profit corporation that presents Preservation Ohio, was held this past Saturday in historic downtown Dublin.

In the business meeting which was conducted by Alex Bobersky, outgoing President of the Board of Trustees, the following individuals were elected to full three-year Trustee terms:

Michael Manoloff, Springfield
Carol Merry, Columbus
Marian Vance, Springfield

Michael Manoloff recently retired after a teaching career in the Springfield Public School system. Mike has a strong passion for the past and has already brought important perspectives to the organization.

Carol Merry is a Vice-President with Fahlgren Mortine, a public relations firm in Columbus. A fan of many types of history, Carol also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Columbus Landmarks Foundation.

Marian Vance was Preservation Ohio’s Director of Development until this meeting. She is a past member of the Ohio Historical Society Board, the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board, and now serves on the Ohio National Road Association and Springfield Preservation Alliance Boards.

After the election of Trustees, the following individuals were elected to full terms as Officers of the corporation:

President - Marian Vance, Springfield
First Vice-President - Mo Orsatti, Lewis Center
Second Vice-President - Alex Bobersky, Warren
Secretary - Carol Merry, Columbus
Treasurer - Jim Beier, Columbus

Those is attendance included two of the three incorporators of the organization back in 1982 - current Trustee Bruce Goetzman of Cincinnati, and Franklin Conaway of Chillicothe.

After the business meeting, Executive Director Thomas Palmer shared a presentation entitled “Opportunity,” which encouraged attendees to consider the current state of non-profit preservation activities across Ohio - particularly in those areas of the state outside of major metropolitan areas.

Why "Most Endangered?"

Staff — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 08:37:17 -0400

This week staff has been busy prepping for the Preservation Ohio Annual Meeting coming up this Saturday. The event always serves as a great chance to step back for a minute, take a look at the “big picture,” and discuss the future of our organization and its mission. This year, that meeting will include a presentation entitled simply, “Opportunity.” Opportunity is an interesting creature; it can actually lurk almost invisibly in the wide open, waiting to be noticed.

Immediately after our Annual Meeting, the Board of Trustees will engage in their Spring Meeting, which always includes a vote on the annual List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites. The Trustees take this responsibility very seriously, but also thoroughly enjoy reading the stories of communities coming together to advocate for the future of important local resources. This year’s list of nominations is a strong one, including new types of resources that have never been included before.

The role of a list of endangered historic resources is a time-tested and effective approach to preservation advocacy. Each year, the National Trust for Historic Preservation issues its list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Places and does so, according to its website, “as a powerful alarm to raise awareness of the serious threats facing the nation’s greatest treasures. It has become one of the most effective tools in the fight to save the country’s irreplaceable architectural, cultural and natural heritage.” In a 2007 survey of statewide preservation organizations conducted by the Trust, it found that some 24 statewides use endangered properties lists in the same fashion.

In some locations, such compilations have been replaced by other types of lists which emphasize the potential of buildings to generate investment. While certainly a great idea, and while older buildings obviously need revenue to survive, this approach may not necessarily consider sites from certain other perspectives -- the importance of the site to the history of the locality, region and/or state, the way that a given condition highlights serious issues facing similar historic resources in other locations, as well as the willingness of supporters to come together to support preservation efforts to say, in essence, “this place matters.” In short, Preservation Ohio feels that the remotest Underground Railroad site in Ohio that faces imminent demolition is certainly just as newsworthy and deserving of highlight as the vacant older commercial building sitting in a prime location in a major city. We try to highlight both the “opportunities” and the “challenges.”

The 2009 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites will be unveiled beginning in early May -- National Preservation Month -- on our main website, the Ohio Preservation Network, and here on MyHometownOhio. This year, the list will be just the beginning of major announcements from Preservation Ohio that will take place throughout the month -- all designed to fulfill our mission to assist local preservation-minded individuals and organizations working all over Ohio. We invite you to stay tuned.

Time for Something Brand New...

Staff — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:04:20 -0400

In honor of our new main website which launched today at: www.preservationohio.org, we are featuring a “double post” on that site and here on MyHometownOhio.

It was 27 years ago this May that a group of Ohioans decided to make a difference. These individuals, which included some twenty representatives from a variety of interest groups, had one goal - the creation of a statewide preservation organization for Ohio. They named their new organization “Ohio Preservation Alliance, Inc.,” reflecting their belief that the best kind of statewide preservation entity was one which concentrates not on its own existence, but rather on assisting local organizations reach their own success. And, where no local preservation group existed, they envisioned a movement which would work to bring like-minded people together for that purpose.

A great deal has changed in the last quarter-century while we, now known as Preservation Ohio, have continued to pursue those same ends. The setting in which our work takes place has changed dramatically, not only in terms of technology, but in the field of preservation itself. Once limited to the realm of house museums and significant landmarks, the word “preservation” has come to embrace sustainable community development that concentrates on promoting existing assets. “Preservation” now includes downtown and neighborhood revitalization, heritage tourism, and much more. “Preservationists,” as a term, is now best applied to those individuals who are always looking ahead, always envisioning a community’s potential and striving to attain it. Preservation Ohio is very proud of its name and its legacy of service to Ohio and Ohioans.

With these changes comes a need for something brand new in 2009. Changes in the way that Ohioans obtain and share information give us the opportunity to work toward our mission in ways that our founders could have little imagined. As the first statewide preservation organization in the country with its own blog, and as one of the first on almost every leading social networking site, Preservation Ohio has long been actively seeking new ways to reach local communities, organizations and individuals. This spring, we are launching two new websites, including the country’s first comprehensive statewide preservation networking page, The Ohio Preservation Network, and the upcoming Ohio Classic Properties, home for buyers and sellers of historic and traditional real estate in Ohio. We are also pleased to share this new main website, which will serve to bring the others together into a single setting.

Preservation Ohio’s Staff and Board members have unparalleled experience in helping Ohio communities advance the goals of preserving historic resources. Our Staff’s background provides over 40 years of collective training and practical application — from launching and maintaining “Main Street” and other preservation-based downtown revitalization programs, to conducting preservation potential assessments for individual buildings, districts and communities, to service on historic preservation commissions and design review boards. Our Staff has successful, practical experience working in their own Ohio communities, efforts which have resulted in millions of dollars in public and private investment into historic resources. We know Ohio.

We invite you to learn more about Preservation Ohio through this new site, and we warmly invite your involvement in Ohio’s statewide preservation movement.

Photo: redver/Creative Commons License

A Recap of Statehood Day 2009

Staff — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:41:01 -0500

This past Tuesday, Preservation Ohio joined other statewide history, preservation, revitalization and archival organizations in hosting the annual Statehood Day. Over 200 representatives from across the state came together at the Ohio Statehouse for a day full of activities designed to promote the idea that “History Works For Ohio.”

Preservation Ohio was represented by three staff members, a member of our Board of Trustees, and several individual members. Among our staff attending was Scott Crider, who was subsequently interviewed about his experiences by the Marion Star. The story, which can be accessed here, contains a very good description of the day’s activities.

During the morning’s talks and the luncheon speech by OSU Football Coach Jim Tressel, we did a bit of “live blogging” from the Statehouse via Twitter, providing a running stream of highlights and quotes.

For a copy of this year’s Statehood Day Legislative Agenda, click here. This document formed the basis of conversation for individual meetings with legislators and staff throughout the afternoon.

Photo: Preservation Ohio Executive Director Thomas Palmer speaking to the Statehood Day gathering on one of the legislative priorities - Preservation Ohio File Photo

Introducing... Marian Vance

Staff — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:06:31 -0500

MyHometownOhio will be taking a look over the coming weeks at some of the people involved in Ohio's statewide preservation movement. Today our new Project Manager, Rachel Mendell, shares a conversation with Preservation Ohio's Director of Development, Marian Vance.

Marian Vance has been involved with the work of Preservation Ohio for many years.

“I admire the work of the organization,” she said, “which has done so much through the years – during a time it was all volunteer driven.” Marian admires the work and vision of past presidents.

“We look hard at every old building that comes down,” said Marian. She sited the example of the string of working class homes nestled in behind the Frank Lloyd Wright home in Springfield. These 1800s homes “really speak of how the neighborhood looked before the Frank Lloyd Wright home was built.” The homes are a snapshot of the era, and Preservation Ohio would like to see them saved.

At the time Marian became involved, president Ann Antenen was instrumental in saving the Anthony Wayne Hotel in Hamilton, Ohio, now a senior citizens living facility. The hotel was donated to Preservation Ohio, which was able to find a developer to restore the historic building.

“I like the educational programming that Preservation Ohio has always been involved in,” said Marian. She mentioned two of her favorite programs the organization has put on: “Courthouse Revisited” and “Managing Change.” Many of these conferences have resulted in new preservation groups around Ohio that are still meeting today.

Recently, Preservation Ohio was able to salvage architectural details from homes that were scheduled to be demolished for the new hospital that is to be built downtown Springfield. The salvage is now being sold through the ReStore, which is run by Habitat for Humanity. The historic neighborhood, 144 buildings in all, was branded for demolition when Community Mercy Health Center decided to build.

Preservation Ohio was able to negotiate a contract with the city of Springfield and a group from Preservation Ohio was allowed to go into the historic homes and salvage pieces of historic value – pillars, windows, mantle pieces, doors, and trim.

“I also served on the City of Delaware’s Historic Landmarks Commission,” said Marian. “Dublin was really the first I had had a chance to work for the creative reuse of old buildings.”

Marian helped raise money to build the church in Ohio Village and served on the board of the Ohio Historical Society for nine years. She was also president for the historic preservation group Columbus Landmarks Foundation that served as an advocacy group to save the Masonic Temple on Third Street and three historic homes on Broad Street in Columbus.

“My husband and I restored an old home in Springfield three years ago,” said Marian, “at the same time that Preservation Ohio moved its offices there.”

Marian is excited about the New Year for Preservation Ohio. “I’d like to see the educational workshops put on across Ohio,” said Marian. “I’d like to get back to the educational focus that is the root of Preservation Ohio.”

“I’d like to see us raise enough money to help small communities with the revitalization of their downtown areas.”

“The board is really strong right now,” she said. “I think this will be an exciting year for Preservation Ohio.”

-- Rachel Mendell, Project Manager

Photo: Preservation Ohio's Marian Vance, right with Board Member Cyndie Gerken - taken at the ReStore in Springfield, January 2008