Here is a sampling of some preservation-related “good news” that has come to our attention recently.  At the end of what has otherwise been a difficult Summer for preservation in Ohio, its nice to observe that many local efforts are seeing successful outcomes.

At The Ohio State University, the multi-year funding drive to pay for the $108.7 million dollar renovation and expansion of the campus’ main library has successfully concluded, thanks to a $4 million dollar gift from the OSU Athletics Department.  The oldest section of the William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library was constructed in 1913, and contains an extraordinary large reading room that is being restored after spending multiple decades as two different spaces.  For some great photos of the renovation, including photos of the reading room, click here for a recent article in the Columbus Dispatch -- and then look for  “Web Extra” on the bottom right.

The Fairborn Performing Arts and Cultural Center is moving ahead with a project to renovate the 1948 Fairborn Theatre, an Art Moderne gem located on State Route 444 (Broad Street).  The building is constructed of tan brick with a front undulating wall and large front tower.  The FPACC website details their vision and includes photos of the theatre; this is a great photo of the façade on Flickr.

There is recent indication that a historic Catholic church building in Junction, Ohio (Paulding County) will be preserved in its present state, according to legal counsel for the Diocese of Toledo.  After some initial legal action was taken, attorneys for the Diocese and local parishioners have been in dialogue concerning the future of the local landmark, built in 1907.  At one point in the ongoing saga, 25 congregation members actually blocked doors to prevent removal of the building’s stained glass windows.

There is potential good news across the state, as the Ohio Department of Development has announced that applications in the “queue” for the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit’s first round will be reviewed by September.  This will also be the first occasion when new review criteria are used, including benefit to low to moderate income Ohioans and geographical distribution.  The Department plans to announce guidelines for the recently authorized 2009 and 2010 tax credit application rounds by October.  All of this comes as welcome news for those applicants who have been waiting for approval since July of 2007.

Photo:  Thompson Library renovation, OSU -- tommrkr/Creative Commons License