Three months into 2008, and here’s a quick look at items making news in Ohio preservation and revitalization circles.

According to the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram, a one-room schoolhouse (pictured here) constructed in 1910 is slated for demolition in Avon (in metro Cleveland). The location is part of the site for a planned shopping center complex; local officials are shrugging their collective shoulders and saying that they cannot assist in preservation efforts.

Also in Cleveland, the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine Building in the University Circle area is now headed for demolition, after the University Circle Design Review Committee granted demolition permission to the Cleveland Clinic. The multi-story piece of local history will be replaced by a 206-car parking lot, according to the Plain Dealer.

While we shared recently that it is hard to say anything new about the unfolding Seneca County Courthouse tragedy in Tiffin – however, we stand corrected. In a masterfully-written editorial entitled “2 minutes to midnight,” the Toledo Blade has called on Governor Strickland to intervene and make a positive difference in the situation. It’s a great read.

Merion Village, a neighborhood on Columbus’ near South side, is contemplating applying to become one of the city’s new conservation neighborhood districts. Columbus City Council passed legislation recently creating the program, and authorizing three pilot neighborhoods. Click here to access our previous story on this initiative – and here to learn about Merion Village.

In an interesting move, the City of Solon is considering plans to dismantle its Architectural Board of Review. Properties will still be subject to the ordinance, however it would be administered by a more informal committee composed of Planning Department workers and other city staff.

No one can say that Upper Arlington is rushing into a historic preservation ordinance. The final reading of the proposed legislation has been delayed until August 25, so that a task force can have ample time to review the measure.

The City of Massillon has applied for a Certified Local Government grant to fund a structural report on the 1894 Five Oaks Historic Home.

The trial in the lawsuit concerning demolition of the former Galion High School in Galion is now set for early April, with the Judge encouraging the parties to come to a "win-win" solution.

Photo: Former Galion High School, Galion - Preservation Ohio File Photo