In Massillon, plans have been announced for the construction of a dozen two and three-story townhouses in the Historic Fourth Street Neighborhood.  Proposed residences will not be exact reproductions, but a strong attempt has been made to capture feel and character of the area in hope of attracting creative class professionals to areas near downtown.  The townhouses will require a change in zoning, as this will be a mixed-use development which will include 900 square feet of retail.  The local neighborhood preservation organization has backed the proposal.

Rehabarama in Dayton will see a re-birth this Fall after a 5-year hiatus, as developers have committed $1 million to transform 6 to 10 houses in the Historic South Park neighborhood.  The project has received funding from the Dayton City Commission.  This is the second Rehabarama for the neighborhood; according to officials, property values have steadily increased since the first South Park Rehabarama in 2001.  According to the official Rehabarama website, the program has resulted in renewed interest in Dayton’s historic neighborhoods since its start in 1999, and has prompted reinvestment by showcasing both restored period houses and sensitively-designed infill housing.  Click here to visit the website of the South Park neighborhood.

Photo:  Proposed Massillon townhouse project, Massillon Independent

Preservation Ohio is pleased to bring “Economic Incentives for Historic Properties” to Toledo later this month through its Turner Institute for Historic Preservation.

Over the last two years, this excellent workshop has introduced owners of historic properties, government officials, civic leaders, architects, realtors and others to the complete set of financial tax incentives available for the rehabilitation and renovation of older buildings and homes. The workshop is led by Nancy Recchie and Jeff Darbee of Benjamin D. Rickey & Co., one of Ohio’s foremost historic preservation consulting firms, as well as Attorney John York, who helped to establish the preservation easement program of Landmarks Illinois, one of the largest such programs in the country. Together, Nancy, Jeff and John have unparalleled expertise and experience in working with property owners to realize the benefits of these federal programs.  Whether you own one historic rental house or an entire downtown of commercial buildings, this is invaluable information.

And – this year – there’s a new feature. Workshop leaders will discuss the new Ohio Historic Tax Credit, a 25% tax credit available for renovation of older properties that was recently passed by the Ohio General Assembly and signed into law by then-Governor Taft.

Please consider joining us on April 24 for this event.  The workshop is inexpensive, and there is a discount for Preservation Ohio members. Click here for online registration; if you would like additional information, please drop us a line at: info@preservationohio.org.