Adjacent to the Columbus Metropolitan Library stands the Ohio Deaf School, an 1898 building designed by architects Richards, McCarty and Bulford. As an example of state institutional architecture, it represents one of a limited number of nineteenth-century state buildings remaining in Columbus. This article from the Columbus Dispatch reveals the decision of the Capitol South Urban Redevelopment Corporation to recommend sale of the building to Campus Apartments, Inc. of Philadelphia. The recommendation comes after a period of reviewing proposals for redevelopment, and, if approved by City Council, will pave the way for a $13 million transformation into apartments facing the city’s well-known Topiary Park.

In Springfield, one of two remaining historic downtown theaters may see a renewed lease on life. According to this article from the Springfield News, the long-vacant Regent Theatre, a 1920 legitmate theater designed by C. Howard Crane, was donated by the owner, Chakeres Theatres, to a consortium of interests including the Turner Foundation, Wittenberg University, Clark State University and the local arts council. The Regent, which sat 1,450 people, features dressing rooms where the signatures of Mae West and the Marx Brothers can still be found. The property was listed on the Springfield Preservation Alliance's "2006 Preservation Priorties List." While restoration is not a certain outcome, this donation creates an opportunity for a careful look at preserving this important piece of local history.

Photo: Regent Theatre, Sprngfield/Preservation Ohio File Photo

Governor Taft signed HB 149, the new Ohio Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit, into law on Tuesday, January 2. Click here to access our December 17 story on this new credit. The law becomes effective in 90 days.

Kudos go to the Ohio Historical Society, the Ohio Historic Preservation Office, Heritage Ohio and everyone else involved with this effort.

Three of Ohio’s local preservation organizations have recently published new and updated websites, and each provides an interesting look at preservation and revitalization in a specific corner of Ohio.

Preservation Dayton launched a new website this Fall. The site not only takes a comprehensive look at the organization, but also a number of other features, including a look at lost Dayton landmarks, a review of local endangered historic sites and buildings, and a discussion forum on local and national preservation issues.

The website of Progress Through Preservation in Akron details the current activities of the 300 member volunteer organization, which includes a feature on efforts to identify and promote the re-use of two key historic schools. Another section of the site provides owners and residents with a guide to researching the history of a local house or building.

In Canton, the new website of the Canton Preservation Society provides not only a look at that city’s landmark buildings, but also discusses two key projects – the ongoing restoration of the Hartung House and plans for the “2007 Show House for Preservation.”