April has been a busy month for preservation and revitalization news… here’s a sampling a stories that have caught our attention as the month has progressed:

Today’s Plain Dealer included the most thorough story yet on the termination of Ohio’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit program. It is well-researched, contains photos of projects that “missed out,” and worth a read; click here.

The once (and perhaps future) endangered 1971 Marcel Breuer-designed Cleveland Trust Tower’s future took a positive turn this past week, when the Cuyahoga County Commissioners accepted a bid to purchase the landmark structure. Plans of the new owner, K&D Group, call for a mixed-use complex (left) that involves renovation and new construction, with the Breuer Tower becoming home to 170 hotel rooms and 200 apartments. Click here to access a story covering the sale, and here to reach the website of K&D.

Speaking of large-scale downtown renovation, the Ohio Department of Insurance is the latest tenant to move into the former Lazarus building in downtown Columbus. Click here for details.

And, speaking of recent past preservation, there was good news on that front earlier this month as the Ohio Historical Society received a Preserve America grant to help them document mid-20th century building trends and architectural styles (click here for coverage). Concentrating on the Dayton area, the Society will use this opportunity to create a database of information as communities take a look at many of these resources for the first time.

On a lighter note, the Ohio University Press has announced publication of “Our First Family’s Home,” a volume (right) profiling the Ohio Governor’s Mansion and grounds – as well as the nine governors that have occupied the residence since 1957. Click here to access a very interesting web page presenting the book, which includes a link to a downloadable landscaping plan for the house, access to photographs and virtual tours, and much more.