MyHometownOhio

Preservation Advocacy and Neighborhood Revitalization – Part Two - Mansfield

Staff — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:58:41 -0500

Several days ago, we posted about the challenges faced by proponents of preservation-based revitalization in the context of aggressive, large-scale demolition programs launched by federal neighborhood stabilization funding. This “NSP” money for larger cities comes with required Section 106 review, providing roles for both the Ohio Historic Preservation Office and for local consulting parties. Our previous post also referred to ongoing public discussion in Mansfield.

Some days after our post, we received information that the City of Mansfield would be hosting a public meeting on Thursday with the purpose of setting forth the city’s obligations and intentions pursuant to a recently-received $1.5 million dollar NSP grant. I attended the meeting for three reasons – first, as Ohio’s statewide preservation organization, we are extremely concerned over the ramifications of the use of such funds if spent on piecemeal versus strategically focused demolition; second, to find out first-hand not only how communities are using such funding, but justifying their approaches; and third, to support the strong downtown and neighborhood preservation programs in Mansfield.

Some aspects of the public meeting are shared at the same link that we provided in our previous post. Here, however, are additional objective perspectives from an “outsider” – someone who knows the city of Mansfield well but who is nevertheless not acquainted with any of the civic leadership in that community.

There are certainly positive aspects to report from the meeting. Although city officials shared and repeated that the meeting was to dispel rumors and allegations that the city was setting out to erase local history, it is commendable that the get-together was held. The invitation list was expansive, and included the city’s historic preservation commission, non-profit groups such as the Richland County Historical Society and Downtown Mansfield, Inc., other interested parties and local media. The City Development Director’s overview of Section 106 requirements, policies and procedures was comprehensive and spot-on.

That shared, there were several areas of serious concern, including the following:

•    Slides of Blight - First, there was a slideshow of “blighted” properties from around the city. I was immediately reminded of the “horror story” photos shared by school districts talking about the need for new school buildings – photos taken from the most alarming visual viewpoints, and not necessarily from the most revealing from a replacement or renovation point of view. For example - one photo showed a Mansfield house with trees obstructing its front view, with the observation that that growth rendered the house more susceptible to illegal activity. Instead of the obvious, easy and inexpensive solution, however – cutting down the trees – the unstated assumption was that demolition of the house provided the most logical answer.

Fully half of the photos showed properties that had no historic integrity or interest whatsoever; almost half, however, were properties which would likely be considered to be contributing structures in any potential National Register Historic District. These are not vernacular structures devoid of detail; many retain substantial amounts of original detailing, and some – including Greek Revival and Second Empire houses on South Main Street – are of a style which has almost completely disappeared from the community and should have strong preservation support.

•    A Need for Context - This last point brings up a major topic that was completely missing on Thursday evening – the idea of context. There was nothing shared in terms of the possible impact that demolition of selected properties would have on a neighborhood’s historic character, something which is integrally tied to its ability to attract both investment and incentives tied to listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

This is a time where the input and advice of the city’s own historic preservation commission could prove extremely important. By ordinance, the City of Mansfield Historic Preservation Commission acts “…in an advisory role to other officials and departments of local government regarding the protection of local cultural properties,” and “…as liaison on behalf of the local government to individuals and organizations concerned with historic preservation.” Section 1171.04, City of Mansfield Codified Ordinances. In other words, the HPC acts as the city’s own expert when it comes to such matters. Excluding it from the Section 106 consultation process and/or demolition review is not only counter-intuitive, it means that the city would be ignoring its best source of advice – the very body it created to provide that service.

In Mansfield, you also have a ready and willing non-profit partner – Downtown Mansfield, Inc. – ready to serve as the champion for a truly comprehensive neighborhood development initiative centered on capitalizing on historic integrity and character. No one, including DMI, is saying that just because a structure is old should render it immune from loss – rather only that a careful, considered approach is needed to maximize the benefits of selective demolition. The City of Mansfield is incredibly fortunate to have such a partner waiting in the wings.

•    Demolition for Demolition's Sake is Not an Answer - There appeared to be an overriding message that the only or even the best way to eradicate blight is to remove an offending property – in other words, to blame a structure for what happens inside of it. The Police and Fire Chiefs shared dramatic numbers about the problems associated with neglected structures. At the same time, however, their own statistics shared that with properly securing such properties, that risk would be substantially reduced. And, as the National Vacant Properties Campaign has shared, demolition does not eliminate blight, or the social costs inherent with it. The following is from their 2005 publication, “Vacant Properties: Their True Cost to Communities" (click here for the entire report).

“Demolishing crumbling vacant buildings does not completely eliminate the costs associated with abandonment. The resulting vacant lots still require maintenance. A study of vacant lots in Philadelphia estimated that the city and closely related public agencies spent $1.8 million annually on cleaning vacant lots. At the current level of activity and assuming a three percent inflation rate, this adds up to $49.6 million over the course of twenty years. The study only included the costs of five out of the fifteen agencies that have a role in vacant property management.

Rehabilitation is clearly a better choice. An examination of the St. Paul, Minnesota budget for maintenance and security costs associated with vacant buildings revealed that while demolition saves $4,697,25 the rehabilitation of a vacant building will save an estimated $7,141 in maintenance costs over a twenty-year period.”

The publication goes on to note that vacant lots dramatically reduce the property values and reinvestment potential of surrounding property, and profiles why piecemeal demolition is not the answer.

At the end of the meeting, an attendee questioned city officials on why their presentation centered on the idea of sharing the problems of “blight” which, he stated, needed no explanation. Indeed, the evening seemed to center on the problem, and not on the solution. The City of Mansfield could, if it chose, do something dramatic and pacesetting with this and future NSP grants. Unlike many other communities, it has citizens ready to help -- a trained and willing local historic preservation commission, and a non-profit partner with demonstrated expertise in downtown revitalization. It could – and should – examine the affected neighborhoods and ascertain their eligibility for National Register status (in fact, some of this work has probably already been done through the Ohio Historic Inventory process). It could – and should – allow a non-profit partner to review the affected neighborhoods and obtain expert advice on the best paths toward revitalization. It could – and should – set the model in Ohio for innovative and successful traditional neighborhood revitalization.

Photo: Downtown Mansfield - Creative Commons License

Answers... and More Answers

Staff — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:54:09 -0500

What happens when you ask the right questions of the right people? You get great responses, that’s what. Such is the case with the results of the Fall 2009 Survey recently conducted by Preservation Ohio.

The answers shared were a treasure trove of information – over 100 narrative answers were shared on various topics, in addition to those filling out only the multiple choice questions. From funding ideas, to partnership ideas, to suggestions for change and improvement, those answering the survey clearly showed their strong interest in empowering Ohio’s statewide preservation and revitalization movements. This past Saturday, Preservation Ohio’s Board of Trustees met and considered this input as it sat out to draft a vision for the coming year.

As promised, some of the answers are included below – including the results to every multiple-choice question. We have included a sampling of narrative answers as well to give you a taste of what was on the minds of Ohioans as they completed the survey - again, some of the questions generated dozens and dozens of narrative responses.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in our survey!

PRESERVATION OHIO FALL SURVEY

In your opinion, what are the greatest threats to or issues confronting historic preservation and preservation-based downtown and neighborhood revitalization in Ohio? (Please choose one or more, but no more than three).

ANSWER PERCENT

Lack of available financial assistance for renovation 44

Absent of inconsistently applied local regulations 38

Lack of awareness about the benefits of historic preservation 60

Aggressiveness of and political clout of the development community 22

Lack of a strong statewide preservation non-profit organization 16

Confusion about costs of renovation versus replacement 33

Lack of awareness about the relationship between preservation and 42

sustainable development

Other:

· The general state of economy and business in Ohio

· Demolition policies

· Duplication by having 2 preservation statewide groups causes confusion

· Excessive demolition because of “blight”

· Lack of public ethic toward history, preservation or heritage

Which area of preservation is of particular interest to you? Please choose as many answers as apply.

Historic house or building renovation and restoration 69

Local preservation organizations and efforts 64

Supporting preservation and revitalization on a statewide basis 36

Revitalization of Ohio downtowns 73

Promotion of heritage tourism – locally, regionally or statewide 53

Revitalization of Ohio’s traditional neighborhoods 55

Other:

· Save Over-the-Rhine!

· Historic schools – preservation and reuse as something new

· Historic school renovation for continued use

· Presentation of preservation technology for homeowner

· Historic farmland preservation

Please indicate the geographical area of Ohio in which you live:

Northeast 36

Northwest 9

Central 31

Southeast 4

Southwest 20

In your opinion, what are the primary opportunities or services that a statewide preservation organization needs to address? Please choose no more than three answers.

Creating opportunities for local preservationists to connect for advice and support 50

Providing technical advice 33

Providing information on funding 58

Assistance with local advocacy 40

Help with downtown revitalization 33

Help with neighborhood revitalization 38

Organizational development assistance 15

Local downtown and preservation program management services 25

Other:

· Advocacy in Columbus at the state level

· All of the above

· Continued educational use of Ohio’s historic schools

· Lobbying state for preservation dollars

How can Preservation Ohio, as a statewide preservation organization, better serve you and your community? With what programs or services?

· Encouraging Springfield in their efforts to save and rehab our historical buildings and neighborhoods rather than their typical approach of destroy and "put up a parking lot." We need to save Memorial Hall and the old Springfield South High School buildings.

· Help Cincinnati overturn its aggressive, anti-preservation demolition policies; help promote Cincinnati's preservation bargains on a national level.

· I think it needs to support the local groups by lobbying and funding and then technical support.

· Provide sources or support for funding or financing for private individuals to engage in preservation efforts. Or, serve as a central organization to assist individuals with acquiring said financing.

· Local advocacy and offering alternative development strategies to demolition.

· Information on grants and lobbying at the state level, that no property with a historical designation could be destroyed with private money

· I think Preservation Ohio can better serve the communities of Ohio by informing citizens of the benefits of preservation. Not many people today know how much preserving our history can help us prepare for the future.

· Downtown revitalization and incentives

· Get the word out to communities that help IS available!

· I believe that there should be more public awareness about the importance of preservation/restoration.

· Directing us to appropriate tools and educating us about the processes we may undertake.

· More funding and tax incentives to preserve rather than tear down and build new, inferior structures.

· Highlight sources of funding & grant opportunities.

· Local governments need educated on long range benefits to the local communities by preserving our heritage for future generations and adaptive reuse of historic structures and their positive impact to the local economy including their architectural appeal.

· Merge with Heritage Ohio and engage a wider audience through effective planning and communications.

· Serve as central information clearing house.

· By helping remove the stereo-typical view that historic schools can not be renovated to provide a 21st century education.

· Merge with Heritage Ohio.

· Preservation Ohio is already doing a good job; please continue stoking the enthusiasm of the existing preservation community, and welcoming/encouraging future Ohio preservationists.

· We need greater advocacy on Preservation and a stop to demolition in our neighborhoods.

Are you currently, or have you been a member of Preservation Ohio (or the Ohio Preservation Alliance) within the past 5 years? (40 answers, 15 skipped).

Yes 25

No 75

Other:

· I just receive the e-mails as well as read the articles on the website.

· Our organization belongs.

. Will join shortly; however, currently only involved from a distance via the Internet.

Preservation Advocacy and Neighborhood Revitalization

Staff — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:15:29 -0500

Like many non-profit fields, supporters of historic preservation and preservation-based revitalization continue to be influenced by how they were made aware of the importance of historic resources. One typical avenue toward that awareness is the threat of demolition of an important local landmark, a place that contributes to a community’s sense of place – or, as noted urban advocate Ed McMahon calls them, “places of the heart.” When these demolition crises arrive, individuals and organizations mobilize and seek to influence owners to consider alternative paths. If that is unsuccessful, attention often shifts to encouraging local government officials to enact protections for historic resources.

The best advocacy, of course, is of the proactive variety. One of the key benefits of local historic preservation organizations is their ability to work toward creating “environments for preservation.” Such an environment is one where property owners are made generally aware of possible preservation financial incentives, of the importance of individual buildings and houses to downtowns and neighborhoods, and of the possibility of public outcry if they pursue demolition or insensitive renovation.

A real challenge exists when it is the local government itself that is the source of possible demolition. Such is the situation in Mansfield, where the city is pursuing an aggressive demolition program to combat blight, and local preservation advocates are seeking the opportunity to be a part of the process of evaluating the historic integrity and value of targeted structures. In fact, the ability to do so is written into federal law. Click here to read blog entries profiling this situation.

All over Ohio, local governments are using federal stimulus funds to combat the after-effects of the national foreclosure crisis – but in some cases, are doing so in a piecemeal fashion. Without paying attention to long-term neighborhood revitalization strategies, the net result may well be making the situation worse, not better. As the National Vacant Properties initiative has pointed out, simply creating a vacant lot can actually serve as a substantial long-term disincentive for investment in surrounding properties.

What is needed is a dialogue in Ohio communities on the best way to approach revitalization of traditional neighborhoods. What preservation and revitalization advocates can and should do is to seek ways to become a part of that conversation.

Surveying the Scene

Staff — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:24:23 -0400

We're turning to Ohioans for some advice and assistance.

Preservation Ohio warmly invites you to take our 2009 Fall Survey, which is designed to provide information to enable us to better serve Ohioans in the areas of historic preservation, downtown/neighborhood revitalization and heritage tourism. To assist you with the survey, we also invite you to read the list below of organizational achievements during the preceding 12 months.This survey is easy and quick to take, and is designed so that it can be taken in a completely anonymous fashion. Should you enter your name and contact information in the final survey response, however, you will be entered into a drawing for a limited edition set of "Moo cards" showcasing the 2009 List of Ohio's Most Endangered Historic Sites. The survey will remain online through November 5, and results will be released the next week, after Preservation Ohio's Fall Board Meeting in Columbus.The wider range of views and voices we can listen to, the better we can help Ohio's communities, organizations and individuals working to preserve the state's historic resources. Thank you for taking the time to help; click here to take the survey.

PRESERVATION OHIO GOALS AND ACHIEVEMENTS - OCTOBER 2008 TO OCTOBER 2009

LOCAL ASSISTANCE.

Preservation can transform Ohio’s cities and towns through fostering economic development and an outstanding quality of life. To do so, Ohioans need the latest and most effective tools for preservation and revitalization right in their own communities.

GOAL. Identify and share the latest and best preservation tools with as many communities as possible.

12-MONTH ACHIEVEMENTS:

Provided resource information, press releases and interviews for media in Toledo, Columbus, Mansfield, Dayton, Hamilton, Springfield, Athens and Cincinnati.
Presented to groups in Mansfield, New Philadelphia, Dayton, Galion and Yellow Springs.
Co-hosted “Financial Incentives for Historic Properties” with the Columbus Landmarks Foundation, Columbus’ first workshop on tax-based incentives for preservation in many years, as well as a day-long house renovation workshop in north central Ohio.
Became the first statewide preservation organization nationally to host “real-time” interactive online discussions on preservation issues and opportunities.
Worked directly with individuals, organizations and local government in over 20 Ohio communities.

ADVOCACY AND PROTECTION.

Ohio’s historic resources are threatened on a continual basis by demolition, neglect, lack of appreciation and/or misunderstanding.

GOAL. Continue effective programming and develop new efforts to promote the cause of significant endangered Ohio places.

12-MONTH ACHIEVEMENTS:

Compiled and issued the 2009 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites, a program now in its 16th year. During May and June, we made visits to listed and threatened properties in Columbus, Yellow Springs, Hamilton, Dayton, Springfield, and Tiffin.
Provided testimony, presence and support to our friends in Tiffin and the Courthouse and Downtown Redevelopment Group in their efforts to preserve the endangered Seneca County Courthouse.
Became the first and only statewide preservation organization in Ohio, and one of very few nationwide, to join local legal proceedings where important preservation issues are being considered. Because of potential legal precedent, our involvement was designed to protect the viability of historic preservation and design review ordinances in every Ohio community where the future of public buildings is being considered.
Participated on the planning committee of the annual Statehood Day, which gives Ohioans the opportunity to share the message that “History Works” with their elected representatives, and to seek both funding and preservation-friendly state policies.

BUILDING A STRONG STATEWIDE COMMUNITY FOR PRESERVATION.

Ohio’s preservation community suffers from a lack of cohesion and from multiple groups working in ways that waste resources and produce a disjointed message.

GOAL. Build a strong, vocal constituency for historic preservation in Ohio in all of its forms.

12-MONTH ACHIEVEMENTS:

Launched The Ohio Preservation Network, America’s first social network designed exclusively for statewide preservation and revitalization. Through the site, Ohioans can now easily share preservation news, stories, events, opportunities and enthusiasm, and gain access to key resources.
Forged new ground in the use of online social networking to build a strong, cohesive community for preservation, and to provide public relations opportunities for our members and affiliate communities:
Hosted the most-followed organizational Twitter page of any statewide preservation organization in the country. Each month, our stories and links are now re-posted, and our stories are clicked, over 1,000 times. We continue to build a strong presence on Facebook, Flickr, LinkedIn, YouTube and other forms of social media.
We continue to publish America’s first and oldest self-authored statewide preservation blog, MyHometownOhio, which celebrated its third anniversary this summer.
Worked with statewide and regional preservation organizations in other parts of the country to share best practices and tips on social media.
Hosted National Preservation Conference Twitter Central, the only location online for access to all Twitter entries from the 2009 Nashville Conference, including photos and videos.

Buckeye Assets

Staff — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:27:46 -0400

The Ohio Historic Preservation Office recently announced the winners of their 2009 Preservation Awards, and recipients joined this week at the Palace Theatre in Marion to receive their honors.

These year’s list of winners covers a wide range of projects, many of them concentrated in the state’s three largest communities. Included were building renovation projects, educational efforts in both schools and for the general public, and for long-time service to local preservation efforts.

One award went to the new “Buckeye Assets” website, a joint project of the Ohio Department of Development’s Division of Informational Technology, Office of Environmental Services and the Office of Structural Engineering. The site is an interactive map of Ohio bridges – over 7,800 of them listed, with details as to construction type, age, and condition information. Included are the state’s many “historic” bridges, with specification made of those listed on the National Register of Historic Places, those eligible for listing, and those deemed “non-historic.” Most of the profiles also include photographs of a given bridge.

It really doesn’t get any better than this for fans of historic bridges, at least from a documentation point of view. Congrats to all involved for a valuable contribution to making information about Ohio history easily and freely available to all.

Buckeye Assets can be found at: www.buckeyeassets.org.

Photo: Screenshot of Buckeye Assets, showing National Register-listed bridges in Ohio.

First-Ever Live Blog on Social Media and Preservation

Staff — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:19:18 -0400

On October 23, Preservation Ohio will host its third "live blog" of the year -- this time with a topic of "Social Media Meets Preservation", which will look at the relationship between the world of social media on one hand, and Ohio preservation and revitalization on the other.

An increasing number of statewide and local preservation and revitalization organizations are waking up to the potential of social networking to generate positive awareness, support and revenue. Perhaps the most important benefit of this new area of communication is the ability to build community behind a mission or project. From Facebook to Twitter; from Tumblr to Flickr - as we near the end of the first decade of the 21st century, the potential of social media is outstanding. Learn about best practices, tips and ideas to use social media to your advantage, including exciting projects now launching that use social media to help to communicate the message of preservation and revitalization. We'd be thrilled to welcome statewide and local preservation, Main Street and other preservation-related organizations to the discussion as well.

Preservation Ohio is a national leader in the use of social media to advance the cause of statewide historic preservation. From hosting the country's first and oldest blog on preservation, to owning the most-followed Twitter page for any organization in America, to launching the country's first stand-alone social network for preservation -- we have alot to share! Join us on October 23, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, on any Preservation Ohio website -- including on the main website, on the Ohio Preservation Network, and on this page.

An Update - October 2009

Staff — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:55:01 -0400

A handful of items which have recently come across the Preservation Ohio desk – or items which we would like to bring to your attention:

LIVE BLOG – Preservation Ohio will be conducting additional “live blogs” this Fall, as we attempt to share the best ideas in advancing local preservation and revitalization efforts – without the need of travel and expense. Live blogs are easy to follow, free, and can be accessed at any of the Preservation Ohio websites, including the Ohio Preservation Network or here on MyHometownOhio.

On October 23 from 10:00 a.m. to noon, we will be looking at the increasing role of social media in preservation. Did you know, for instance, that downtown revitalization organizations in Ohio can easily use Twitter for creating innovative and free merchant advertising campaigns? Did you know that traditional neighborhoods across the country are using social media to generate effective programs to reduce crime, increase investment and connect neighbors? Or – did you know that in Ohio, you can easily ask questions of other preservation and revitalization organizations online? All this and more will be reviewed on the 23rd.

BOO! – All across Ohio, historic resources are the setting for “ghost tours” and other spooky-related events. Those include the 2009 Ghost Tour series from the Columbus Landmarks Foundation, Ghost Walks in Warren, and ghost hunts at Prospect Place near Dresden.

PROPOSED FEDERAL LEGISLATION – All across the country, preservation and revitalization advocates are hopeful in the Historic Homeowners Revitalization Act of 2009, introduced in the US House of Representatives this past week. If passed and signed, the bill would provide the following changes to the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit, according to the website of Preservation Action:

A credit of 20% of the "qualified rehabilitation expenditures made by the taxpayer with respect to a qualified historic home," with a cap of $60,000
An increase in the credit available for buildings in "high cost" or economically distressed areas
The ability of the credit to be transferred or assigned, and to be more easily integrated with state and local tax credits.
Availability of the credit for "for sale" housing.

HISTORY ON THE BALLOT – In a handful of Ohio communities, historic resources will be impacted by issues being considered by voters. That is the case in Cincinnati, where the Cincinnati Museum Center, which includes the venerated Union Terminal building, is the subject of a $16.2 million levy. At the same time, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer, the terminal is in need of some $120 to $140 million in repairs. If successfully, the levy will fund ongoing operations and some maintenance, although the larger repairs will remain unfunded.

Photo: Union Terminal, Cincinnati - cincyimages/Creative Commons License

Ohio Preservation and Facebook Pages

Staff — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:23:24 -0400

Over the last few months, several Ohio preservation and downtown revitalization organizations have established a more thorough presence on Facebook with the creation of an official “Page.”

Facebook Pages are a more robust version of the former Facebook Groups, the latter of which basically allowed only static information, simple posts and some discussion. Pages have all of this and more, including the ability for those registered as “fans” to receive updates on their own individual sites. Pages can also be outfitted with applications, which provide increased functionality and features.

Both the Cincinnati Preservation Association and Columbus Landmarks Foundation have active Facebook Pages, which are updated often with news, event information, advocacy alerts and more. Fans can comment on these posts, can add their own content, and can embed posts them on their own pages.

Downtown revitalization organizations with Facebook Pages include Downtown Mansfield, Inc., Main Street Kent, the Heritage Centre Association (Mount Vernon), Main Street Oberlin, the Main Street Area Association (Hamilton), the Marysville Uptown Renewal Team, Main Street Canal Winchester, Main Street Medina, Main Street Orrville and Main Street Delaware.

Preservation Ohio’s Facebook Page includes all of the standard features, as well as our latest “Tweets,” the most recent photographs posted on our Flickr page, and the ability to easily invite friends to the page. The Preservation Ohio Facebook Page interconnects with both our website and the new Ohio Preservation Network. Together, through Twitter, Facebook, the Ohio Preservation Network, Flickr and our blog, MyHometownOhio, Preservation Ohio now enjoys between 2,000 and 3,000 friends, fans, followers and subscribers just through online social networking. All of this work is an attempt to build a cohesive and effective community for preservation and preservation-based revitalization in Ohio.

To access any of the Facebook Pages for the organizations referred to in this post, visit www.facebook.com/preservationohio and look for the “Favorite Pages” in the left-hand column. And, while you’re there, please become a “fan” of Preservation Ohio!

Time and Change Will Surely Show - Updated

Staff — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:28:27 -0400

In October of 2007, MyHometownOhio took a look at the state of preservation on the campus of Ohio’s largest college, The Ohio State University. At that time, this is what we wrote:

"Fall has finally hit Ohio in earnest. As we head into November, thoughts turn to colder temperatures, Thanksgiving, and for Buckeye fans, the Ohio State – Michigan game. This year’s contest is on November 17 in unfriendly territory “up North.”

Ohio’s flagship educational institution is located on a campus where tradition and history live. Although not without a few preservation missteps (University Hall comes to mind), the University has a good overall record in saving important elements of its past – with some particularly good success stories.

One of those positive stories is currently being written with the $79 million renovation and expansion of the William Oxley Thompson Main Library on the Oval at OSU. The original portion of the Main Library opened in 1913, and was designed by the Boston architectural firm of Allen and Collens. In 1951, the familiar 11 story bookstack tower was added to the rear of the original building, and various additions have followed. In the renovation project, the original grand reading room, long-since divided into smaller spaces, will be completely restored to its original two-story appearance....

And, for a trip through the architectural history of The Ohio State University, click here to visit the University’s “Interactive Historical Campus Map.” By adjusting the timeline, visitors to the site can view the physical evolution of the OSU campus from 1871 through 2001.

"The seasons pass, the years will roll; Time and change will surely show, how firm thy friendship - O-HI-O" -- from Carmen Ohio, the OSU Alma Mater."

The intervening two years have made quite a difference – and it could well be said that the University has taken a couple of steps back and one forward from how things stood in October of 2007. As detailed in an article from earlier this year, OSU recently took the unfortunate step of demolishing two of its oldest structures, Lord Hall and Brown Hall, the former designed by noted Columbus architect Frank Packard. As noted in this 2003 story from the OSU Lantern, the building was “…a historical reminder of the early days of the Ohio State campus.” When Preservation Ohio joined the Columbus Landmarks Foundation and Heritage Ohio for discussions with the building department of OSU just before the demolition, officials pointed to in-house analyses of the buildings’ condition, but did not allow for outside structural analyses to be made. The historic buildings have been replaced with green and utilitarian space, not with new structures.

This month OSU Trustees approved a $1 billion expansion project for OSU Medical Center, which is envisioned to create as many as 15,000 short and long-term jobs. Unfortunately, plans call for the demolition of Means Hall, a 1951 design by noted architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. The building was constructed at an important time for the firm, just a year before the well-known Lever House in New York City, called by Wikipedia “…the quintessential and seminal glass box International Style skyscraper.” While not a high-rise structure, Means Hall appears to exhibit elements of the International Style in its use of concrete, glass and aluminum elements. It likely is suffering the fate of many "recent past" buildings, many of which merit preservation.

Recently, however, OSU also unveiled the finished William Oxley Thompson Main Library renovation and expansion project (with a final price tag of $109 million) referred to above – which features some visually stunning new spaces interspersed with restoration of important interior elements. Among the latter, the restored Grand Reading Room is a must-see, with its large windows looking out over the Oval. As noted above, prior to the project this was actually divided into two floors of space. Click here to take an interesting video tour of the “old and new” library, and here to see a dramatic full-screen photo of the Reading Room.

As Ohio’s flagship public university, the state’s preservation community continues to hope that OSU will adopt and adhere to policies which will place it at the forefront of efforts to preserve Ohio’s rich collegiate academic history.

Photo: Grand Reading Room, OSU Main Library, Columbus - jslander/Creative Commons License

Starting a Great Conversation

Staff — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:37:12 -0400

Tuesday’s day-long workshop in Columbus, co-sponsored by Preservation Ohio and the Columbus Landmarks Foundation, turned out to be more of a conversation than a series of staid presentations. From the beginning breakfast panel discussion on local building issues in Columbus, all the way to the final session of the day, the emphasis was combining the latest information on financial incentives for preservation with the opportunity to dialogue with experts on each of those tools.

Speakers and panelists included the following:

•   Vince Papsidero - Planning Administrator, City of Columbus
•   Don DeVere - President, DeVere LLC
•   Laura MacGregor Comek, Esq. - Crabbe, Brown & James
•   Charissa W. Durst - President, Hardlines Design Company
•   Robert Loversidge - Principal, Schooley Caldwell Associates
•   Jeffrey Darbee and Nancy Recchie - Owners, Benjamin D. Rickey & Co.
•   Thomas Palmer - Executive Director, Preservation Ohio
•   Mark Lundine - Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program Coordinator, Ohio Department of Development
•   Judith Kitchen - Technical Preservation Services Department Head, Ohio Historic Preservation Office

Topics included use of the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit, Clean Ohio funding, the new Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit, the use of historic conservation easements, New Markets Tax Credits, and more.

Anonymous evaluations of the event included the following comments:

•   “All of these topics are very interesting. Very practical information.”
•   “This was the most useful presentation on historic preservation financial aid that I have ever seen. Many thanks for putting this all together.”
•    "Good! Program!"
•    "A great seminar."
•    "Terrific, well-informed speakers, good selection of topics for background information."

This was the first workshop of its kind in Columbus in some time, and participants were clearly anxious to continue the discussion after sessions and into the future. Preservation Ohio has been involved in similar workshops over the last three years in other Ohio locations, and is already lining up venues to continue the series in the coming months.

Photos: Preservation Ohio File Photos

Thinking Easements

Staff — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:13:44 -0400

by Thomas Palmer, Executive Director

On Tuesday, I will be speaking on the subject of historic conservation easements at “Financial Incentives for Historic Properties,” a day-long workshop on tax benefits for preservation work co-sponsored by Preservation Ohio and the Columbus Landmarks Foundation.

As you can imagine, easements have occupied my thoughts as of late as I prepared for this presentation. The attendees to the event will be diverse – including many to obtain continuing education credit for architects, lawyers and real estate professionals. And, as the event is taking place somewhere other than Cleveland or Cincinnati where historic conservation easements are better known, it is likely that for many this will be their first exposure to this important tool for preservation.

Two facts highlight the importance of historic conservation easements – also known as “preservation easements.” First, unlike the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit, the tax incentive for easement donation is equally available to owners of non income-producing properties – that is, your family home if you so choose. Second, and perhaps most importantly, they represent the only “slam-dunk” path toward preserving the historic resources of a given property, for many reasons:

Placement on the National Register of Historic Places, or inclusion in a National Register Historic District, provides no protection against alteration or even demolition if federal funding is not used.
While many Ohio communities have historic preservation or design review ordinances that provide protection, not every community has the resources to provide ongoing monitoring.
Decisions of administrative boards can be appealed and can therefore have the potential to end up in politically-charged settings.
Not all design review or historic preservation ordinances protect against demolition. Even if an ordinance protects a property, many ordinances allow for an economic hardship appeal, and the decision may be challenged legally on that basis.
More than one Ohio community has actually rescinded a preservation ordinance.

Its little surprise that noted preservationist Arthur P. Ziegler, Jr. once said, “There are only two sure ways to save a building: you either have to own it or protect it through an easement.”

While the easement program nationwide has been in a state of flux over the last several years, some clarity is returning and the tool is again being used in many locations. Click here for an introduction to historic conservation easements on our website.

Photo: Pennsylvania House, Springfield - Preservation Ohio File Photo

Back from the Brink

Staff — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:27:36 -0400

Its always a pleasure to report on positive news concerning current and former listings on the annual List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites – and we’ve heard some over the last several weeks that we’d like to share.

The Seneca County Courthouse news from Tiffin has been well-covered in this space and elsewhere on the web. Although not a certainty, the Commissioners did give the “green light” for renovation, and indicated that should that funding be available, that this is the route that will be chosen.

Over the last few weeks we also learned that the proposed transfer of Antioch College to college alumni had been successfully concluded, a transaction which included the historic college campus in Yellow Springs. After raising over $10 million, the group is looking at enrolling students as early as the fall of 2011, and is committed to preservation of college buildings dating as far back as 1854. Click here for coverage of the news from the Los Angeles Times.

On September 11, you have your last chance to see buildings comprising the historic Dayton Arcade before their $30 million restoration. Closed for several years, the buildings have been opened only once before on “Urban Nights,” an event celebrating downtown Dayton. Click here to read about the tour in the Dayton Daily News, and be sure to check out the related stories on the left for more information about the building and local efforts to re-open the landmark.

While moved from its original location which, because of its connection to the Underground Railroad was an integral part of the structure’s historic integrity, Sylvania’s Lathrop House is at least seeing a complete, phased restoration. Channel 13TV in Toledo recently covered the work being performed by the Toledo Area Metroparks together with the Friends of the Lathrop House group. Click here for coverage.

Photo: Dayton Arcade entrance - OZinOH/Creative Commons License

Historic Stadiums Dot the State

Staff — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:07:51 -0400

This story was first published on MyHometownOhio on August 31, 2006:

A sure sign of the impending arrival of Autumn occurs this weekend as the college football season begins. All across Ohio, from NAIA to Division I programs, the sights and sounds of marching bands and cheering fans will fill stadiums that have witnessed decades of tradition.

At the University of Cincinnati, the Bearcats play in venerable Nippert Stadium, the fifth-oldest college football stadium in the country. Nippert was constructed between 1916 and 1924, and was named for the grandson of a founder of Proctor & Gamble, who died of injuries received during a game.

In Delaware, an $800,000 gift to Ohio Wesleyan University allowed for needed upgrades to Selby Field, home of the Battling Bishops since 1921. The gift, part of the “Remembering Mr. Rickey” campaign to fund athletics and recreation departments, funded the installation of a new artificial playing surface and leveraged other improvements.

And, of course, this Saturday marks another football season at the ‘Shoe – otherwise known as Ohio Stadium, home of the Buckeyes. The “newest” stadium in this trio, Ohio Stadium was opened in 1922, and since that time has welcomed over 30 million rabid fans to watch one of college football’s most storied programs. Ohio Stadium was extensively renovated a few years ago, however an effort was made to keep a great deal of the original stadium intact. To re-kindle a bit of Buckeye fever, click the "play" arrow on the image below to watch the OSU Marching band perform “Script Ohio.” For our subscribers, click here to access the same video. As a point of interest, Preservation Ohio Executive Director Thomas Palmer is marching in this video, taken during his freshman year at OSU.

Photo Credit: Nippert Stadium, University of Cincinnati/plemeljr, Creative Commons License

Ohio's Preservation Community Celebrates with Tiffin

Staff — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 07:40:41 -0400

The first time that a post appeared on MyHometownOhio concerning the Seneca County Courthouse was on February 16, 2007. The post featured a video which had been placed on YouTube which lamented both the condition of the Tiffin landmark as well as its endangered status.

Over the two and a half years which followed, this blog chronicled the ongoing saga of the building - including the work of the Tiffin Historic Trust, the incredible efforts of the Courthouse and Downtown Redevelopment Group, and Preservation Ohio’s own involvement. We have joined our friends in Tiffin in rallies, speeches and presentations, have spoken to the Commissioners, have provided testimony in design review hearings, filed an amicus curiae brief in ongoing legal action, and joined with others to sponsor the Ohio Courthouse Summit in late 2007.

Yesterday, the Seneca County Commissioners voted 3-0 to support the renovation of the Seneca County Courthouse - the first building to be selected to lead the annual list of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites. This honor was made in recognition of its importance to the local community and county, the quality of its architecture, and because we knew that the eyes of many across the state were tuned toward Tiffin as they looked at their own facilities.

Preservation Ohio applauds the three Seneca County Commissioners, members of the Courthouse and Downtown Redevelopment Group including their point person Franklin Conaway, members of the Tiffin Historic Trust, and everyone else who has played a role in this effort. Franklin is a co-founder and former Board President of Preservation Ohio, and we're thrilled to recognize him for his role in this project.

The work continues, as funds must be raised for the courthouse tower and other improvements. MyHometownOhio will continue to follow this story - and we will be there on the day in the hopefully not-too-distant future when we can cover the opening of the newly renovated Seneca County Courthouse.

For Toledo Blade coverage of this story, including video of the actual vote, click here.

Photo: Seneca County Courthouse, Tiffin - circa 1884

Disappointing News from Greenhills

Staff — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:16:25 -0400

Preservation Ohio received word yesterday concerning two pending demolitions in Greenhills.

The Greenhills Village Council has apparently voted to demolish two additional buildings in the historic district -- both multi-unit frame houses on Dewitt Court. Ironically, the buildings in question were occupied until a month ago; according to neighbors, some of the tenants didn't want to leave. There are no plans for re-use of the vacant land.

For more information on these demolitions, and how they have the potential to impact pending National Historic Landmark status for this unique pre-war experiment in planned development, visit the "Endangered Places" page of the Cincinnati Preservation Association website by clicking here (scroll to the bottom of the page).

The Village of Greenhills has been included on the List of Ohio's Most Endangered Historic Sites since 2008 - click here for the most recent listing.

Photo: Buildings scheduled for demolition, Greenhills - Courtesy of the Cincinnati Preservation Association

Statewides Online

Staff — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:00:23 -0400

On a regular basis, Preservation Ohio visits websites, social media pages and other online locations for our sister statewide historic preservation organizations across the country. These sites often reveal the “personality” of each organization, as several statewides have developed strong programming in a particular area.

A visit to the new website of Preservation North Carolina, for instance, quickly reveals that PNC has a two-decade long emphasis and expertise in the acquisition and sale of historic real estate across the state. By clicking the first tab, “Buy Properties,” visitors can access a list of current properties for sale – each of which has either been acquired in fee simple by the organization, or is available through a transferable purchase option. PNC President Myrick Howard has twice visited Preservation Ohio to talk about the unique program, and members of our staff have traveled to Raleigh to experience their endangered properties program first-hand.

One of the best new websites for statewides was recently unveiled in New York. The site of the Preservation League of New York State includes a section for their legal services initiative, the only one of its kind in the country. Information on the program can be accessed under “Explore our Programs” on the bottom left of the site.

It is always informative to visit the website of Landmarks Illinois, an organization which is often involved in creative programming and cutting-edge issues in preservation. Currently, for instance, their lead stories include a feature on an alternative proposal developed by the organization for the proposed 2016 Olympic Village in Chicago, as well as a look at a hands-on renovation project involving Landmarks Illinois on the opposite side of the state. “Illinois Restoration Resources” (see icon near the bottom of the page) gives visitors the chance to search a database of preservation suppliers and professionals working in Illinois.

The website of the Utah Heritage Foundation in Salt Lake City includes coverage of the organization’s strong emphasis on tours, education and advocacy roles – as well as their new programming in “recent past” architecture. Also included are links to the organization’s collection of slideshows available for school groups, as well as to what is likely the only interactive game featured on any statewide preservation organization website in the country – the “Kearns Mansion and the Secret Silver Game.”

Photo: Screenshot of the website of the Preservation League of New York State

Courthouse Coverage

Staff — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:46:33 -0400

In the aftermath of the July 20 presentation of the Seneca County Courthouse and Downtown Redevelopment Group, there has been a great deal of activity in Tiffin as Commissioners consider the renovation proposal, and the public hears and reacts to the plan. Not surprisingly, the matter, which has been extensively covered in media over the last three years, has continued to generate substantial coverage. Here is a sampling of recent articles and letters to the editor on the subject:

"Cost Effectiveness is determining factor" - Letter to the Editor by Seneca County Commissioner Ben Nutter - "... As a Seneca County commissioner, my position in relation to the courthouse has been exactly the same from the moment I took office, and that is; I will support the course of action that is most fiscally responsible in providing space to the judiciary of Seneca County..."

Advertister-Tribune editorial – “Majority just want the issue to be over” - "Arguments and legal wrangling over the 1884 courthouse have resulted in a false dichotomy. The county, it may seem, is split into two camps: Those who favor renovating the "grand old lady" and those who favor removing "big ugly"..."

“Courthouse lines in the sand have become scars” – Advertiser-Tribune - "When a line is drawn in the sand, who has the courage to scratch it out?..."

“Figues, opinions change” – Advertiser-Tribune - "...The long journey of decision-making in the commissioner board room has inspired the passions of county residents on two distinct sides of a divided county..."

“Seneca County Courthouse report is full of details to make the case” – Toledo Blade - "The head of a group aiming to save and restore the abandoned Seneca County Courthouse turned in his final report Monday, a thick photo-and-drawing-filled document stuffed with the kinds of details supporters hope will win over hesitant county residents..."

“Seneca County diverts $687,000 in courthouse funds” – Toledo Blade - "More than $687,000 set aside to tear down and replace Seneca County's 1884 courthouse was diverted to the county's general fund yesterday to cover expenses in the sheriff's office and department of job and family services...."

“Seneca County’s renovation foes rethink positions” – Toledo Blade - "...Based on the best information we had available two years ago, it was cheaper to remove and replace," Mr. Nutter said. "But based on the information we have today, it may very well be less expensive to renovate and provide more space and still be able to keep a building and our sense of cultural identity..."

Photo: Seneca County Courthouse - Preservation Ohio File Photo

Two Historic College Campuses

Staff — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:01:01 -0400

Yesterday we were on two historic Ohio college campuses - Kenyon College in Gambier, and Denison University in Granville. On an extraordinarily beautiful day, we took a handful of photos in each location, and would like to share the same with you. For our subscribers, click here to access the photo slideshow.

Enjoy!

Its True - All Preservation Is Local

Staff — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:34:51 -0400

You have to hand it to the folks with the Tuscarawas County Heritage Homes Association - they hosted an excellent local educational event on preservation and renovation this past Saturday.

Billed as “THAT Old House,” the day of workshops at the Tuscarawas County Center for the Arts featured presentations on identifying architectural styles, researching house and building histories, paint preparation and choice for period homes, masonry repair and restoration, window glazing, faux painting, interior design and more. Speakers included both local experts and representatives from companies involved in restoration trades. The walls were lined with displays on local architectural history, as well as exhibits from vendors from across the state.

Preservation Ohio was pleased to be a part of the event. Executive Director Thomas Palmer provided opening keynote remarks on the importance of preservation, including both its intangible and tangible benefits. The night before, Thomas journeyed with Board members of the TCHHA to the small western Tuscarawas County town of Ragersville, where the group awarded three of their coveted plaques to properties in the village, among which was the town’s original schoolhouse, built in 1830.

We took plenty of pictures during the day, and several are included below. Click here to reach the website of the Tuscarawas County Heritage Homes Association, sponsors of the event. Congratulations again to the TCHAA for an excellent program.

All pictures - Preservation Ohio File Photos, All Rights Reserved

Introducing... Kendra Scott Carty

Staff — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:02:22 -0400

This week marks the arrival of Preservation Ohio's newest staff member - our new Assistant, Kendra Scott Carty. Like the rest of our organization's staff, Kendra is a long-time Buckeye, born and raised in small-town Ohio. We're absolutely thrilled that she is with us, and happy to share a bit with you about her with our members and friends. Kendra's new e-mail is: kencar@preservationohio.org.

Kendra was born in London, Ohio and has lived most of her life here in Ohio. Her youth was spent in Caledonia, Ohio, a small farming community in Marion County. It was there she developed her love for nostalgia, a curiosity about the past. Much of her time was spent in the one-room library or on a neighbor’s porch listening to her elders share stories.

During her high school years, she moved to Galion, Ohio. Her parents were both born and raised in Crawford County, and many of her family members still reside there. Kendra, while researching her genealogy, is finding that much of her more recent family history lies in Crawford County.

After graduating from Galion High School, Kendra lived and worked in Columbus for a few years and then moved to Chicago, Illinois. It was there she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English at Loyola University and her Masters in Library and Information Science from Rosary College (now known as Dominican University). Upon graduation, Kendra worked downtown in the library of the Chicago Community Trust, a foundation that allocates funds to communities and social service groups in the city. This experience provided her an even broader scope of knowledge about the “Windy City’s” neighborhoods and history.

After several years, she and her family moved back to Columbus, Ohio. Kendra is a self-proclaimed “Ohioan at heart” and wanted her daughter to be closer to her extended families. Kendra wishes to instill in her daughter the sense of family and community her parents both shared here in Ohio.

After working for National City Corp in their systems department, Kendra is happy to have the opportunity to work for Preservation Ohio and to become more fully acquainted with Ohio’s communities and history.

Two Months of Preservation Events

Staff — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 22:06:52 -0400

As this Summer moves on, and the “back to school” sales begin to hit Ohio stores – it seems a good time to look ahead for the next couple of months of preservation-related events in Ohio from August 5 to the end of the September.

Various Saturdays and Sundays through October – 2009 Walking Tours – Columbus – Columbus Landmarks Foundation continues their outstanding look at commercial and residential neighborhoods

August 5 – Walking Tour of the South Fountain Historic District – Springfield – Presented by the Springfield Preservation Alliance, this tour will showcase one of the city’s most affluent late 19th century neighborhoods.

August 6 to August 8 – Lincoln Highway BUYWAY – Statewide – As many as 750 individual yard and garage sales across the original Lincoln Highway in West Virginia, Ohio and Indiana.

August 8 – Preservation Ohio Summer Board Meeting -- Yellow Springs

August 8 – Walking Tour of Snyder Park – Springfield – Presented by the Springfield Preservation Alliance, this event will discuss the history of Springfield’s premier place for “recreation and reform.”

September 5 – Tour of Peterloon Estate -- Cincinnati/Indian Hill – Rare tour of an outstanding early 20th century Georgian Revival mansion, including John Singer Sergeant and Charles Dana Gibson artwork – presented by the Cincinnati Preservation Association.

September 9 – Show Me the Money – Portsmouth – Quarterly Ohio Main Street Program session, this one focusing on funding sources for civic and building improvements.

September 15 - “Financial Incentives for Historic Properties” -- Columbus -- Co-sponsored by Preservation Ohio and the Columbus Landmarks Foundation. Continuing education credits applied, pending or approved for architects, real estate agents and attorneys.

And coming up:

October 16-18 – The Friends of Freedom Society, Inc. 13th Annual Summit – Hudson – This year’s theme is: “Freedom: The Ultimate Price: The 150th Anniversary of the Death of John Brown.”

October 13-17 – National Preservation Conference – Nashville, Tennessee

Photo: House, South Fountain Historic District, Springfield - Cindy Funk/Creative Commons License

Traveling to Hillsboro

Staff — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:46:43 -0400

Yesterday evening Preservation Ohio Executive Director Thomas Palmer joined Heritage Ohio Executive Director Joyce Barrett on a trip to the beautiful southwest Ohio county seat town of Hillsboro. There, they met with members of the Highland Community Preservation Group (HCPG) to discuss the group’s plans concerning the landmark Bell’s Opera House building.

As profiled in this 2007 Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Site listing, the building was a gift to the community from local industrialist Charles S. Bell. It opened in 1895, and served the community for decades. Unlike many comparable facilities, the opera house was never remodeled - and when the last curtain closed on performances, it was largely sealed and forgotten.

In March, 2004, Preservation Ohio was present at the inaugural meeting of the HCPG where the vision of turning Bell’s into a community arts facility was first introduced. The group is continuing at full speed with their long-range planning, having chosen a company to complete a master planning process and also developing acquisition options. At last night’s meeting, a full range of renovation funding opportunities for any Ohio property were reviewed, with special attention given to those, both local and non-local, potentially available for performing arts facilities. The group has obviously put substantial time and effort on preparing themselves for a successful project.

Unfortunately, the trip also brought news of another property in downtown Hillsboro deserving of preservation and needing immediate attention - the Parker House hotel on West Main Street. The city has deemed the building unsafe and is seeking demolition. The owner has countered with his belief that the building is structurally sound. Coverage of the situation in the local press can be accessed here.

Click here to read more about efforts to preserve the Bell’s Opera House, and for a further link to the HCPG.

Photo: Bell's Opera House, Hillsboro - Seth Gaines/Creative Commons License

Three Years!

Staff — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:15:35 -0400

Today marks the third anniversary of MyHometownOhio, the country’s first self-authored blog on statewide preservation and revitalization. When we launched on July 21, 2006, we were very much alone - even the blog of the National Trust for Historic Preservation would not appear until a year and a half later. Today, many statewide and local preservation organizations have their own blogs, and “PreservationNation” has been around for some time. We ourselves have joined MyHometownOhio with sites on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, MySpace and Flickr - as well as our own online social medium, The Ohio Preservation Network.

In the last three years, this site has covered both the "happy" and "sad" in preservation - the enactment of the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit, the beginning of demolition discussions for the Seneca County Courthouse, several devastating fires in Ohio downtowns, and much more. All in all, we have published some 387 stories in those three years.

As Preservation Ohio looks at some exciting new programming, we suspect that there will be a good deal to report in the year to come; we’re certainly hoping that a 4-year anniversary is in the offing for July of 2010. In the meantime, continued thanks go to our readers, as well as to the thousands of Ohioans involved in promoting the past as a means to generate economic development and an outstanding quality of life in this state we all love.

A Wal-Mart in the Wilderness?

Staff — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:58:33 -0400

Once and a while, Preservation Ohio learns of and reports on a national preservation issue which truly transcends state lines -- one which, while occurring in another state, nevertheless has an Ohio impact.

Such a situation has been occurring over the last several months in Orange County, Virginia. There, Wal-Mart Corporation has announced their intention to construct a 138,000 square-foot Supercenter immediately adjacent to the Wilderness and Chancelorsville Battlefields. And, with the ancillary development that typically accompanies such a store, the grounds of the battle itself are seriously threatened with loss.

According to Wikipedia, The Battle of the Wilderness took place from May 5 through May 7, 1864, and involved some 162,000 soldiers. While estimates vary as to the number of casualties, most place losses in the range of 15,000 to 18,000 for the Union troops, with approximately 10,000 losses for the Confederacy. It was a bloody battle that represented the first between Generals Grant and Lee during the former’s Virginia Overland Campaign. Ohio was certainly there at this battle, as it was in almost all of the war, including the valiant 8th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a unit raised from the cities and fields of Seneca County.

The fight to save the battlefield’s historic integrity has been ongoing, with an initial planning decision going in favor of the Wal-Mart developers. Without question, the primary resource for this situation has been provided by the Civil War Preservation Trust, the country’s leading non-profit advocate for preserving the land of the Civil War. On their “Save the Wilderness Battlefield” page visitors can get up-to-the-minute details on the struggle. The goal has been to encourage the company to choose an alternative location for their store more removed from the battlefield, not to stop it from building in the area.

Preservation Ohio strongly recommends becoming informed about this issue, and doing what you can to make a difference.

Photo: Painting, Battle of The Wilderness - Public Domain

Scavenger Hunt Featured During Lincoln Highway BUY-WAY

Staff — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 13:37:18 -0400

The following Press Release was received this week at Preservation Ohio:

The Ohio Lincoln Highway has brought back some "Fun Things to Do Along the Lincoln Highway" as prizes for the upcoming winners of another Buy-Way yard sale scavenger hunt-- to be played during this year's BUY-WAY Yard Sale.

For the third year, participants will travel and shop the BUY-WAY and find some common, inexpensive items; photograph them and submit them for the chance to win a first, second or third prize; each prize package consisting of an overnight stay, restaurant and retail gift certificates, free passes to museums, and more...all along the Lincoln Highway in Ohio.

A list of items to "scavenge" will be available on the byway's website, www.historicbyway.com, on Wednesday, August 5 just prior to the opening of the sales on the morning of the 6th.

This fun three-day shopping and touring event, August 6, 7 and 8, will showcase America's first coast-to-coast highway. The "Lincoln" was created by private efforts in 1913 to demonstrate that building paved automobile roads were needed for the country's growing auto trade. The Lincoln Highway was built by improving existing roads and connecting them together for "the shortest and safest" path from New York to San Francisco.

The state-designated historic byway's director, Mike Hocker, suggests as many as 750 group and individual sales will appear again this year across all alignments of the original Lincoln Highway in Ohio, and in Chester and Newell, West Virginia as well as parts of Indiana.

A free BUY-WAY travelers guide is available at www.historicbyway.com under the header, "YARD SALE." General information may be obtained at 419-468-6773.

Photo: Courtesy of Ohio Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor

Social Media Meets Preservation

Staff — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:43:46 -0400

2009 has seen an amazing explosion in the area of social media. The phenomenon that is Twitter, for instance, has recently had an impact in everything from national politics to international relations. Far from a static tool, social media is constantly evolving, changing and adapting to meet new opportunities and new technologies - particularly in the area of the mobile web (cell phones, etc.).

In many ways, America’s non-profit organizations are leading the charge into the creative use of social media. Here is a recent conference presentation on the use of social media in the non-profit world. Note, however, that as these statistics are already 7 months old, that today’s numbers have risen exponentially.

Social Media for Non Profits

View more presentations from Primal Media.

Preservation and revitalization are, perhaps not surprisingly, lagging behind this trend. Pacesetting organizations such as the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training are attempting to identify and promote the use of social media by preservation organizations through their excellent Voices from the Past website and Preservation Today web casts, however many local, statewide and even national preservation and revitalization organizations seem to be stuck in Web 2.0 - if they have any online presence at all.

Preservation Ohio has been at the forefront of this change since MyHometownOhio, the country’s first self-authored blog on statewide preservation, was launched in July of 2006. We currently have the most followed organizational page on Twitter of any statewide or national preservation organization, and have companion sites on Facebook, MySpace, Flickr and YouTube. This Summer we launched the country’s first self-contained social networking site for statewide preservation, The Ohio Preservation Network, and have forayed into the realm of live blogging for the recent announcement of the 2009 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites.

One thing about social media - the scene can change in just a few months. That’s why we are always looking a year down the road - to identify the social networking and media opportunities of the future that will better enable us to perform our mission.

An Incalculable Loss

Staff — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:39:39 -0400

This article was originally posted on MyHometownOhio in 2007. The tragedy herein described continues to this day, making this post even more poignant to all Ohioans.

There has been much written about the loss of older school buildings across Ohio in the last few years. “Ohio’s Historic Schools” have had a secure place on the list of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites since 2002, and rightfully so – the listing represents the greatest systematic loss of historic resources in Ohio since the days of urban renewal. And, in many ways, the loss of school buildings is more insidious, as it takes place in urban settings and rural crossroads alike. Schools are falling victim to a massive building program that wastes money by discounting opportunities for renovation, and which then subsidizes demolition. Outside of Ohio’s largest cities, few historic school buildings are being renovated, and most are succumbing to the wrecking ball.

Actually, in conveying the size and pervasiveness of the loss of Ohio’s historic schools, we believe that pictures can say more than words. So, rather than try and describe the situation, or the quality of architecture that is at issue, we invite you to visit a new website we have discovered. The folks at www.oldohioschools.com have collected an outstanding collection of photographs of Ohio’s school buildings – those that are endangered, those that have already been lost, and also a collection of former schools that have found new life through adaptive re-use.

A warning, though – these pictures "tell it as it is." A box of tissues might be in order.

Taking Time Out to Plan

Staff — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:35:18 -0400

As our readers know well, MyHometownOhio tends to be a compendium of news, trends and views on preservation across Ohio. On rare occasions in the last three years (so few, in fact, that they likely can be counted on two hands) we have also talked about Preservation Ohio as an organization - where we are, and where we’d like to be.

This Tuesday, the Executive Committee of Preservation Ohio met in Columbus to do just that. Composed of corporate officers and other elected members, the Committee meets in the interim between meetings of the Board of Trustees to deal with such subjects in depth. On Tuesday’s agenda was the proverbial “full plate” - from considering present needs to a long-term look at direction and programming possibilities.

Now moving into its 28th year of existence, there is a new energy at Preservation Ohio, so much so that at times it seems almost like a new organization. While fully affected by the dramatic economic downturn, there is also a general recognition by our Board that Ohio strongly needs a committed statewide preservation voice more than ever. Our recent trips to Mansfield, Hamilton, Yellow Springs, Columbus, Dayton and elsewhere have reinforced that sense of purpose. In community after community, we have discovered local individuals and organizations exploring new ways to preserve historic resources for a new economic reality. Many of these efforts are profiled, and will be profiled, in the pages of the Ohio Preservation Network, the country’s first statewide preservation-based social networking site. Its free and easy to register on the Network, by the way -- just click here.

If any of our readers would like to be a more involved part of the state’s preservation and preservation-based revitalization movements, you are more than welcome. From volunteers to Board membership, the door is open to you, your energy and your ideas. Its an intensely rewarding and enjoyable experience. For more information, please drop an e-mail to: info@preservationohio.org.

And - huge thanks to Falhgren Mortine for hosting today's Executive Committee meeting!

All Day, All Night

Staff — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:58:28 -0400

The Ohio Preservation News reader located on the left side of this blog provides an excellent way to learn what is happening in the word of preservation, downtown and neighborhood revitalization, heritage tourism, smart growth, archeology and local history not only here in Ohio, but across the country.

The site provides short descriptions and links to a wide range of media stories - many of which come from Ohio newspapers, online magazines and blogs. Because it uses RSS, or “Really Simple Syndication,” the reader is updated continuously throughout the day..and night...each time that a local newspaper or media source updates its own site.

To give a glimpse of what can be found - here is a small sampling of stories available just this afternoon from the Ohio Preservation News reader.

Rescue of a historic grandstand at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds

An effort to “save angled parking” in downtowns statewide

The third installment in a series about “Revitalizing Over-the-Rhine”

Efforts to create a quilt tour in Greene County

The unfolding and interesting situation concerning the auction of a historic house in Avondale

How an environmental assessment can aid in the renovation of a 300,000 former factory building in Cincinnati

Coverage of the Restoring Prosperity Conference in Cleveland

An upcoming lecture concerning the 1913 flood in Ohio

A Lincoln exhibit coming to the Auglaize County Public District Library

The summer schedule for the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

A look at a long-lost element of early Cleveland city planning

Video from a living history presentation in Mansfield

A look at what American cities are attracting the GenY generation

A critique of current urban “downsizing” by Richard Florida

The challenges of reaching consensus in local historic preservation legislation

New and Updated Websites

Staff — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:23:26 -0400

The new website of the Civil War Preservation Trust includes a variety of features that engage visitors in the effort to save historic battlefields nationwide. Materials for educators and students, a battlefield search tool, and detailed information about efforts to save Civil War history are included, as is an outstanding collection of online battlefield maps. Its well worth a visit.

The Columbus Landmarks Foundation has a newly-updated site designed to acquaint visitors with local preservation issues and efforts. The site was an excellent tool during the recently-concluded City Hop, and includes reference to the Foundation’s other online sites. Links allow visitors to combine learning about sponsored events - including their well-known walking tours - with actual ticket purchasing.

Downtown revitalization websites launched or updated in the last several months include the sites for The Downtown Bellfontaine Partnership, Main Street Medina, and Downtown Fremont.

The website of the University District of The Ohio State University has information on just about everything you would need to enjoy living, working and playing in the area of OSU… from a map of local wi-fi hotspots to the latest on area investment and rental opportunities -- and home preservation efforts.

And - as profiled in a previous post - the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Resource Center has been updated with information and links to the latest on this important financial incentive for older property rehabilitation. Click here to access.

Photo: Screenshot, CivilWar.org