Preservation Ohio is pleased to issue an official Call for Nominations to the 2013 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites.

This important list highlights important pieces of Ohio history that face an uncertain future, and which deserve the attention of all Ohioans as remnants of the past that merit preservation.

Each year, Ohio’s statewide preservation organization searches for houses, commercial buildings, governmental structures, bridges, historic roadways, landscapes, downtowns, neighborhoods and other important pieces of Ohio history that face a potentially risky future. The list serves to highlight those properties which are both historically significant and endangered — whether it be by threats of demolition, long-term disinvestment or neglect, insensitive governmental action, uncertainty or indifference.

Nominations for this important list have come from individuals, preservation organizations, downtown and neighborhood revitalization organizations, historical societies, historic road associations, local governments and other entities. In each case, the property is reviewed for both its value to local, regional, state or federal history, and the nature of the threat involved. Special attention is paid to those sites facing a threat which typifies one facing many of Ohio’s historic resources. Properties remain on the list each year until such time as the threat is lessened.

Designation is similar to that given for the country’s most endangered historic sites by the National Trust for Historic Preservation — the primary benefit of the list being public attention and focus. The list has received substantial media attention, including coverage in all of Ohio’s major newspapers, as well as in magazines, lifestyle publications and local media.

2013 marks the 20th anniversary year for this important designation.

Links:

• Nominate a property to the 2013 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites. Nomination deadline is April 26, 2013.
• Click here for additional information on the List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites, including a look at the 2011 and 2012 Lists.

The program is a hands-on opportunity for property owners to learn about techniques in preserving older structures. On the first day of a Building Doctor visit, experts conduct seminars and workshops on a variety of topics. Then, on the second day, the program goes “on the road” for in person visits to, as the site’s website reveals, “…examine problems and prescribe cures” – just like their medicinal counterparts.

In the January 2013 issue of Old House Journal, the Building Doctor program is referenced in an article, which includes an interview with one of the doctors, Mariangela Pfister of the Ohio Historic Preservation Office. The article discusses how the program is executed, and its uniqueness as the only one of its kind sponsored by a state historic preservation office.

In 2013, the Building Doctor is slated to visit the communities of Ellsworth, Groveport, Hamilton, Port Clinton, Vermilion, and Xenia. Click here for more information on the program.

In February of 2009, water leaks were discovered in the main building, Antioch Hall, an educational landmark dating back to the time of college founder Horace Mann. The leaks were part of a pattern of neglect for historic college buildings during the period of uncertainty when the future of then-closed Antioch College was being debated. Heat was left off, and other buildings suffered moisture damage as well.

Antioch Hall

Preservation Ohio visited Yellow Springs that year to see the status of college buildings, and took a tour of Antioch. The visit resulted in the listing of the College campus on the List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites.

What a difference four years can make. The college is now open and its second year of new students is now midway through the academic year. South Hall, one of a pair of original dormitories, was rededicated in 2010 following renovation.

Now it’s the turn for North Hall to see restoration and renovation efforts. A $5.4 million project is adding a full-service kitchen, larger bathrooms, and a reconfiguration of student living quarters. It will be the fifth building to be repaired and reopened in the college’s new incarnation.

Antioch College is making sustainable renovation a key part of its future and the planning documents to take it there. Click here to see its AC/2020 Strategic Plan.

The campus contains a wide variety of buildings, including ones designed by noted architects and firms Eero Saarinen and Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill. Almost all of the campus is either individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places or included in the Yellow Springs National Register Historic District.

As 2012 winds to a close, we look back on an interesting year for preservation in Ohio and for Preservation Ohio itself. We are also looking forward to the possibilities in the year 2013.

And as we look ahead, we’d like to share with you six great reasons why a statewide preservation effort is more critical than ever in today’s Ohio, and why we are sending you this letter asking for your membership and/or donations for the coming year.

Reason One. Irreplaceable buildings continue to be lost. 2012 was the year which saw demolition of the first National Register-listed county courthouse in Ohio history. And, while the Seneca County Courthouse was certainly an important historic resource, it was hardly alone. From the county-owned Shawen Acres cottages in Dayton to the Civil War-era County Home near Delaware, to others around the state, pieces of Ohio’s past continued to disappear at a rapid pace.

Reason Two. Irreplaceable structures continue to be threatened. In Cincinnati, the James Gamble House holds on to life by the thinnest of threads, as does the oldest stone railroad bridge in Ohio in Ontario, Richland County and the Memorial Hall in Ironton, one of only a handful of surviving Civil War veteran memorial buildings. Thousands of similar buildings and sites have futures that hang in the balance. Each faces a variety of threats, including neglect, planned demolition, vandalism, insensitive development, lack of financial resources, and other factors.

Reason Three. Ohio’s statewide non-profit historic preservation efforts lag behind those of other states. Ohio’s statewide preservation community is smaller and boasts fewer resources than those in surrounding states, as well as most other states in the country. We’d love to be a part of finally seeing appreciation and support for Ohio history take its rightful place in decision-making across the state, and we need your help to make that happen.

Seneca County Courthouse demolition

Reason Four. We have resources to share, and need your support to do so. Our Board of Trustees and Staff have decades of cumulative experience in all aspects of historic preservation – from preserving individual properties to overall community revitalization. From working with legal situations to public relations; from advocacy assistance to in-person technical services, we have much to share – and need the capacity to do so. Ohio’s future needs Ohio’s past to make it economically viable and culturally rich.

Reason Five. We’ve got a brand-new membership fee structure that makes becoming a part of Ohio preservation easier than ever. This fall, Preservation Ohio announced its new membership fee structure. An individual membership is now only $15, with an entire family able to join for only $25. This change came about in an effort to make joining Ohio’s statewide preservation community as easy as possible in a challenging economic environment.

And with membership comes opportunity – opportunity to become involved through attending meetings, serving on our Board of Trustees, obtaining advice and assistance from our office, receiving our new membership newsletter, and more.

Reason Six. Your membership fee and donation is put to great use. In the last twelve months, Preservation Ohio has, among other accomplishments:

• Provided technical assistance and advocacy advice to Ohio communities and building owners;
• Spoken on preservation topics on radio, in print, and in person – including the front page of the Toledo Blade to the radio waves of Ashtabula County and even New York City;
• Assisted with state leaders on preservation financial incentive, including the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit;
• Issued the 19th Annual List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites;
• Co-hosted a successful Forbidden City Tour in Mansfield in May;
• Joined the Ohio Historical Society and other organizations in a successful application, thereby renewing our AmeriCorps member for the 2012-2013 year;
• Spoke at the Property Owners Conference in Mansfield on the opportunities of the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit.

We invite you to become a part of Preservation Ohio, and to make 2013 a banner and turning point year for Ohio’s historic resources. Membership and donation information can be accessed by clicking here. Please remember that as a 501(c)(3) organization, donations to Preservation Ohio are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Sincerely,

Thomas N. Palmer
Executive Director

Youngstown YWCA Building – Photo: Ohio Office of Redevelopment

Preservation Ohio is pleased to share news of the 2012 Ohio Historic Preservation Office Awards, given earlier this month in Columbus.

Ohio Historical Society Executive Director and State Historic Preservation Officer Burt Logan honored recipients with awards in two categories — Public Education and Awareness, and Preservation Merit — during a luncheon in historic Building 110 on the campus of the Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center in Columbus.

Located just east of downtown Columbus, historic Fort Hayes was a military base from the Civil War through the Vietnam War and has been adapted to educational use by Columbus City Schools, which has reused many of the 19th- and early 20th-century buildings as classrooms and for other purposes.

This year’s honors went to recipients from 10 communities:

Akron
Preservation Merit Award to Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, Colonial Brick Corporation, and George Wischt and Sons Construction for restoration of 16 chimneys at Stan Hywet Hall, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron.

Cincinnati
Preservation Merit Award to Bloomfield/Schon + Partners and Turnbull-Wahlert Construction for preservation and rehabilitation of the 1921 American Can Company Building, 4101 Spring Grove Ave., Cincinnati, as the American Can Lofts.

Cleveland
Preservation Merit Award to Holden Parks Trust, the City of Cleveland, Chambers Murphy Burge Architects and M-A Building and Maintenance Co. for restoration of the Wade Park Avenue Bridge in Cleveland’s Rockefeller Park.

Cleveland
Preservation Merit Award to MRN Limited and City Architecture for preservation and rehabilitation of the Cleveland Club Building, 10660 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, as the Tudor Arms Hotel.

Columbus
Public Education and Awareness Award to Columbus Landmarks Foundation for the exemplary programs its Education Committee has created to foster awareness of the city’s history and architecture.

Elyria
Preservation Merit Award to Lorain County Historical Society and Arkinetics Inc. for rehabilitation of the 1857 Horace Starr House, 284 Washington Ave., Elyria.

Lorain
Preservation Merit Award to United Property Management and Arkinetics Inc. for preservation and rehabilitation of the 1906 Duane Building, 397-401 Broadway, Lorain

Materials Park (Geauga County)
ASM International, The Chesler Group and Dimit Architects for preservation and rehabilitation of the ASM Headquarters and Geodesic Dome, 9639 Kinsman Rd., Materials Park.

Niles
Preservation Merit Award to National McKinley Birthplace Memorial and Library and Balog, Steines, Hendricks & Manchester for restoration of the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial, 40 N. Main St. Niles.

Toledo
Karp & Associates and Prater Development for preservation and rehabilitation of the 1906 Standart-Simmons Hardware Company Building, 34 S. Erie St., Toledo, as the Standart Lofts.

Youngstown
Preservation Merit Award to YWCA of Youngstown and Balog, Steines, Hendricks & Manchester for preservation and rehabilitation of the 1911 Youngstown YWCA Building, 24 W. Rayen Ave., Youngstown.

About the Awards
The Ohio Historic Preservation Office Awards have been presented annually since 1983 on the basis of nominations from throughout the state.

The Public Education and Awareness Award is for increasing interest in historic preservation. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, media, newsletters, publications, interpretation, original research, educational programs and special events which have substantially increased public understanding and awareness of historic preservation at the local, regional or state level.

The Preservation Merit Award is for preserving Ohio’s prehistory, history, architecture or culture. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, restoring, rehabilitating or otherwise preserving an important building or site, longtime stewardship of a property, promoting protective legislation, funding preservation projects, offering leadership, support or service and furthering preservation at the local, regional or state level.

The new website of the Ohio Historical Society now has an even newer page dedicated to the Fund. On it, links will take interested readers to additional pages which look at how the fund is set up, what entities are eligible to receive funding, the application process, and instructions for applying.

Applications for the initial round of grants is due October 29. Click here to access the new site.

As profiled in the materials, grants are available in three categories: Organizational Development, Programs & Collections, and Bricks & Mortar. Potential funding amounts differ by category, as do matching amounts.

Preservation organizations and owners of historic properties are encouraged to review any area which might fit a particular property. While one category’s funding requirements might not correspond to a given building (not listed on the National Register of Historic Places or locally designated, for instance), it might nevertheless qualify for some funding if it houses archival collections.

For more information, contact the Ohio Local History Office or Preservation Ohio.

Photo: Downtown Chillicothe — dok1/Creative Commons License

Preservation Ohio releases List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites to raise public awareness and save properties with uncertain futures.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (August 17th, 2012) – Preservation Ohio has released the 2012 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites. The annual list highlights historically significant Ohio properties that face a risky future due to demolition, disinvestment or indifference.

The organization hopes that a site’s placement on the endangered list will raise public attention and provide a focus on preservation. Over the years, the list has proven successful in saving some of Ohio’s architectural, cultural and natural heritage. Recognition of the Westcott House in Springfield, a Frank Lloyd Wright design, led to a multi-million dollar restoration. The Anthony Wayne Hotel in Hamilton and the Masonic Temple in Columbus share similar stories.

Preservation Ohio is Ohio’s original statewide preservation organization, founded in 1982 to promote a positive future for the state’s historic resources, and is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites has been issued on either a biannual or annual basis since 1993. More information on the organization and Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites program can be found online at www.preserveohio.com.

The 2012 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites includes the following:

• Gunning House – Reynoldsburg, Franklin County – An outstanding example of mid-20th century architecture designed by trained apprentices of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Gunning House is vacant and remains unsold after extensive marketing.
• Sheet & Tube Company Homes – Campbell, Mahoning County – A unique and important relic of Ohio’s industrial past, these reinforced concrete houses were set to be replaced with a low-income housing complex.
• James N. Gamble House – Westwood/Cincinnati, Hamilton County – The Gamble House is a rare surviving example of Victorian country villa architecture. Greatly deteriorated, the home has recently been involved in discussions of demolition and is the focus of current litigation over its future.
• Memorial Hall – Ironton, Lawrence County – Constructed in 1892 as a memorial to Civil War soldiers by the Grand Army of the Republic, Memorial Hall was abandoned in 1996.
• Stanley Block – Cleveland, Cuyahoga County – The Stanley Block represents one of few surviving commercial buildings in Cleveland with a stone façade. It is now surrounded by a casino parking garage.
• Warner & Swasey Observatory – East Cleveland, Cuyahoga County – The Warner & Swasey Observatory is a unique building and prime example of early 20th century observatories. It has failed to sell at auction and may well face demolition in its near future.
• Zoar Historic District – Zoar, Tuscarawas County- Few such settlements in the US are as well preserved as Zoar and have such distinctive architectural and historic features. Founded in 1817 by German religious dissenters, the village sits at the base of a levee constructed nearly 75 years to hold potential floodwaters. That levee is in need of repair and the village is threatened.
• Knox County Infirmary – Mount Vernon area, Knox County – Constructed in 1875 to house the county’s less fortunate residents, the Infirmary, since its closing, has served many different purposes including housing the Mount Vernon Bible College. The building has suffered severe structural damage and is currently vacant and in a dilapidated condition.
• Midland City Depot – Midland, Clinton County – Built in the 1880’s as both an interlocking tower and a passenger/freight for the Cincinnati & Marietta railway, later the B & O Railroad. The depot is currently boarded up and faces possible demolition by neglect.
• Unionville Tavern – Madison, Lake County – Established in 1798, the Tavern served as a focal point for travelers to the Western Reserve. It remains the oldest Tavern in Northeast Ohio, possibly the state. In the 1820’s the Tavern served as a “station” on the Underground Railroad, with ties to Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The poor condition of the building, continued deterioration and neglect by the current owner are endangering this landmark.
• Rock Bridge – Ontario, Richland County – One of the oldest – and likely the oldest – rock bridge in Ohio. Built in 1863, it is a one lane stone structure. Damage to the structure in 2011 has required the road beneath it to be closed. The railroad along with the insurance company for the company that caused the damage has decided to tear the bridge down.
• Shawen Acres Cottages – Dayton, Montgomery County – Shawen Acres, also known as the Montgomery County Children’s Home is a historic complex that was added the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. Originally designed as an orphan’s home, it was built in 1926. The 10 cottages owned by the County are abandoned and unmaintained. The County has submitted a planned development for demolition to the city of Dayton.

The annual list highlights historically significant Ohio properties that face a risky future due to demolition, disinvestment or indifference. The organization hopes that a site’s placement on the endangered list will raise public attention and provide a focus on preservation. Over the years, the list has proven successful in saving some of Ohio’s architectural, cultural and natural heritage. Recognition of the Westcott House in Springfield, a Frank Lloyd Wright design, led to a multi-million dollar restoration. The Anthony Wayne Hotel in Hamilton and the Masonic Temple in Columbus share similar stories.

The List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites has been issued on either a biannual or annual basis since 1993. More information on the organization and Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites program can be found online at www.preserveohio.com.

Click here to access the official site of the 2012 List, which includes information on the program, nomination, and an easy-to-use online form. Nominations are being accepted through June 8.

Preservation Ohio is Ohio’s original statewide preservation organization, founded in 1982 to promote a positive future for the state’s historic resources. It is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2012 as one of America’s 25 oldest statewide preservation organizations.

What lurks behind those walls?

A secret skylit atrium with balconies. A former mill building. A traditional lodge hall with a cavernous meeting room lined with detailed trimwork, carved plaster eagles, and a stage. A former mortuary building with interior spaces sure to tempt the ghost hunter.

Find out during a unique type of tour, one which showcases properties with powerful preservation development potential while providing outstanding urban exploration and photography opportunities.

On Saturday, May 5, the second installment of a singular statewide experience is taking place along the streets of downtown Mansfield. Known as the “Forbidden City Tour,” the event will showcase the interior of several properties which are have not been seen by the public in many years — and in some cases, several decades.

The Forbidden City Tour is co-sponsored by Preservation Ohio and Downtown Mansfield, Inc.. The first such tour took place in Springfield in 2010, and drew visitors from across the state.

The tour will take place on Saturday, May 5 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.. Preservationists, urban photographers or just plain curious, this tour is for you! Tickets are $20 per person, and may be purchased in advance online through a link at the following information page: http://www.facebook.com/events/281881215233393/, or at the day of the event at Engwiller Properties, located at 4 West Fourth Street.

Guests should plan to begin their self guided tour at the Engwiller Properties Building, where maps and information about each location will be available.

Buildings include:

• City Mills building, 160 North Main Street
• Eagles Building, 133 North Main Street
• City News building, 98 North Main Street
• City Grille building, 37 East Fourth Street
• Charles Schroer Mortuary Building, 131 North Diamond Street

Participants are advised to wear appropriate clothing and shoes. The spaces are safe and free of debris, but require walking and are currently undeveloped. Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about the spaces and flashlights will be shared when appropriate.

For additional information, please contact 419-522-0099 or: info@downtownmansfield.com.

The Knox Hill Neighborhood Association (KHNA) is pleased to announce that due to the generosity of one of Knox Hill’s Board members, the Historic Chas Winkler House, located at 1855 Knox Street will be saved from the city wrecking ball.

1855 Knox Street today, left, and as envisioned, right.

The home is a 4 story 3200 square ft. Second Empire single detached town home with many great original details and has 4 bedrooms. The home has many historic features including a rare original “servants tunnel” at street level. This home is the only home in the Knox Hill neighborhood with this historic feature.

As part of the agreement with KHNA, the exterior of the home will be restored to the Secretary of the Interior standards for historic preservation. As part of the stabilization process the vinyl siding will be removed and the original clapboards will be restored, historically correct doors will be installed, the original side porch will be recreated, the servants tunnel entrance will be restored and gated and the home will have new steps and repairs to the stone retaining wall at the front. Neighborhood Volunteers will be assisting in yard cleanup and landscaping materials are being donated. The home enjoys a dramatic view of the city and Lick Run valley.

Victorian Antiquities and Design/Restoration Consultants will prepare a restoration plan for the project and Cathy Frank, of Comey-Sheperd Realty, has been asked to handle the eventual sale of the stabilized home.

The stabilized home will have a 50-year protective historic deed covenant that requires the exterior to be maintained to Historic standards and it must remain a single family home. The new owner will be responsible for completing the interior restoration within an agreed to time frame.

The 1800 block of Knox Street I experiencing a renaissance, and several restorations are currently underway. The “Save-not Raze” project by Knox Hill encourages the preservation and restoration of historic assets rather than their demolition. Knox Hill believe in the utilization of historic preservation as an economic development tool and represents a time proven approach to neighborhood turnaround rather than city policies of Blight=Bulldozer. This partnership to save property is about residents taking control of their own neighborhood’s direction, and no longer accepting failed city policies.

More information can be obtained by contacting KHNA President Paul Willham at victiques@gmail.com.