Small towns in Ohio, like their counterparts across the country, have a preservation dynamic unlike their larger sister cities.  On one hand, the impact of renovating one building, or one group of buildings, can have a strong impact on an entire village.  Of course, the reverse is also true, as one mistake - such as the loss of a single iconic structure or the resistance of one politician - can be more difficult to overcome.

Preservation economist Donovan Rypkema recently took a look at one small town that really understands preservation-based community development.  Story City, Iowa (population 3200) has a success story in 1880 brick commercial building on the prime corner downtown, a renovation project that happened because of what modern economists call “crowd-sourcing” -- a number of individuals made the difference when local government stepped out of the picture.  The building now has a fantastic tenant - RVP1875 - a manufacturer that specializes in furniture from a 15-year period in American history.  Click here to visit a fascinating small-town merchant.

Iowa is also home to the smallest community in the country with a functioning Main Street program -- the village of Bonaparte, with a population of approximately 500.

Does Ohio have small towns that understand the power of place to fuel economic development and enhance quality of life?  While there are several that may fit this mold, one that quickly comes to mind is the Auglaize County community of New Bremen, population 3,000.  New Bremen prides itself on using its past and its character to generate interest and attract investment.  The community website is a good indication of that outreach - it is more comprehensive than the sites of many Ohio communities many times its size.  And it is not just "spin" -- New Bremen prides itself in telling its unique story.  The village boasts the Bicycle Museum of America, an excellent local history museum housed in the 1837 William Luelleman House.  The village has also recently completed a renovation project for Lock One of the Miami & Erie Canal, which includes excellent interpretive signage.

Does it work?  You bet.  Not only has local manufacturer Crown Equipment restored much of downtown for corporate offices, adding sensitive infill, but the community has attracted other investment as well.  Crown itself received the Preservation Merit Award from the Ohio Historic Preservation Office for their investment and renovation work.

Photo: Screenshot, Bicycle Museum of America