Elected officials in Sandusky, Tiffin, Portsmouth and Toledo have been considering the future of local landmark buildings -- and last week voters made their feelings known on at least two of those projects.  Here’s a quick review…

Sandusky City Council has voted to reject a Community Development Block Grant for renovation of former Sanduskian Hotel into the Rieger Lofts, citing “lack of visible progress,” according to this story in the Lorain Morning Journal.  Click here to access the project website.

The two Seneca County Commissioners who previously voted to demolish the landmark Seneca County Courthouse were reelected last Tuesday, one defeating Jackie Fletcher, who was one of six plaintiffs in a lawsuit concerning the decision to demolish the building.  The entity working on a renovation plan for the building has a December 10 deadline to develop and present their proposal to Commissioners..

Voters in Portsmouth rejected a tax issue to fund renovation of the former Martings Department Store building into a new city administration facility, a plan which would have also included retail development.  According to this article in Saturday’s Portsmouth Daily Times, city leaders are now looking at new construction.

Kudos to voters in the Toledo Public School District, who authorized funding to renovate the massive, historic Scott High School, constructed in 1913.  Additional funding was required as the Ohio School Facilities Commission refused to pay for some renovation expenses - but would paradoxically pay for two new buildings to replace Scott.  After the vote, the Toledo Board of Education voted unanimously to preserve and renovate the landmark building.

Photo: Toledo Scott High School, circa 1925/Public Domain