2022 Heritage Ohio Annual Conference
Registration Agenda Presenters Sponsorship Hotel FAQ
You’ll do better in Toledo! Join us in the Glass City October 3rd to the 5th for the Heritage Ohio annual Preservation and Main Street Conference, presented by Sandvick Architects & Coon Restoration. Engage in conversations around expanding the definition of preservation, and how and why we decide what to save. Take a fresh look at the Main Street approach to revitalization, and how strong neighborhoods support our historic commercial districts.
Our conference tracts this year are centered around Community Interest; Historic Sites and Properties; Community Involvement, Engagement, and DEI; Funding Resources; Historic Tax Credits; and Historic Preservation and Design Review. With nearly thirty sessions and six tours highlighting the best of Toledo and the revitalization community across Ohio, there’s something of interest for preservationists of every level, from beginner to seasoned pro.
The conference kicks off Monday with a deep dive into Historic Tax Credits, hosted at the restored Jones mansion in Findlay, Ohio. That evening, join us at the historic Toledo club for our Legacy Circle evening reception, where you’ll mingle with Heritage Ohio board members and many of our valued preservation partners. Tuesday will offer a full day of educational sessions and walking tours, along with a diverse vendor showcase and social mixer. Tuesday evening, we’ll travel to the historic Ohio Theatre in the Lagrange Neighborhood for keynote remarks from US Representative, Marcy Kaptur, followed by our annual awards ceremony and the inaugural Heritage Ohio film festival. Wednesday will feature more educational sessions and tours around Toledo.
Looking for Handouts & Presentations?
Visit our Dropbox folder for the conference materials.
Our Sponsors
Title Sponsors
Conference Friend
Conference Supporter
Legacy Circle Reception Sponsor
Ohio Main Street Program Networking Sponsor
Heritage Ohio Annual Awards Sponsor
Heritage Ohio Film Festival Sponsors
Additional Support
Exhibitors
Sash Mob! Update
In August 2019, Heritage Ohio partnered with Preserve! Toledo and the Lucas County Land Bank to host their Sash Mob! wood window restoration workshop at a Land Bank-owned Dutch Colonial on Collins Street in Toledo’s Old West End neighborhood. Lindsay Jones of Blind Eye Restoration lead the two-day workshop and participants learned the “ropes” from scraping, to reglazing, to replacing rope and reattaching weights. Kyle Sword of Pilkington, North America provided a glass-cutting demonstration and Pilkington generously provided all needed replacement glass.
Vacant for at least 4 years with decades of deferred maintenance, the window work was the first stop on the path to rehabilitation for the little (for the Old West End anyway) house. Post Sash Mob!, the Land Bank decided that it would handle the renovation of the property itself for sale to an owner-occupant. “Given the lower values in this part of the Old West End, we knew that the best way to save this home and create a homeownership opportunity would be by completing the work ourselves,” said David Mann, President & CEO of the Land Bank.
Though slightly delayed by COVID, work got underway in summer of 2020. ARK Restoration and Construction of Toledo served as the construction manager, overseeing the major repair items, including the replacement of one wall of the foundation, along with the Land Bank’s construction staff. Land Bank employees took care of a few smaller tasks, like painting, in part via a painting party in which everyone rolled up their sleeves.
The house was ready to hit the market in October and it didn’t last long! An offer was accepted after only three days for one of the highest prices per square foot in recent times. The sale closed on November 12th, and if the house could talk, we’d wager it would say it’s so excited to be a “home for the holidays” again!
This was Preserve! Toledo’s first hands-on preservation workshop and the organization is excited to offer more hands-on learning opportunities post-COVID. Empowering people to “do preservation” which can be as simple as learning the skills to keep their old homes in good repair is central to the organization’s mission.
As for the Land Bank, “creating homeownership by preserving our community’s housing assets has always been a core mission, but it truly comes to life in a project like this one!”
A special thank you to the sponsors of the 2019 Sash Mob! that helped make this project successful.
Sash Mob! Windows Workshop
|
Join us August 2 – 3 for this awesome wood windows workshop weekend!
They’re caked with paint, riddled with cracked glass, drafty, and they’ve been stuck shut longer than you’ve been alive. If we’ve described the window situation in your historic house, then it’s time to do something about it, and we don’t mean replace them.
Continuing Education
This 2-day workshop series offers up to 14 AIA HSW continuing education credits in total!
Friday and Saturday Hands-On Workshop
If you’ve ever wanted to learn about making your old windows functional, energy efficient, or just more attractive; or, if you’re ready to tackle your own windows DIY project, but don’t know where to begin, then the weekend hands-on workshop is the answer for you! Over the course of two days, you will learn about:
– the basics of window anatomy,
– freeing up your stuck windows,
– installing weather stripping,
– repairing weight ropes and chains,
– cutting and replacing glass, and
– re-glazing window sash.
Find more information and register for the weekend HERE!
Event Location
This weekend workshop will be held at a property currently held by the Lucas County Land Bank,
Location:
625 Collins Street
Toledo, OH 43610
Go Outside and Play: Ohio’s 23 Best Parks
The Best State Parks and Metro Parks Across Ohio
Ohio has natural beauty in spades! We ought to know, we spend much of our year traveling around the state, and the team at Heritage Ohio has some pretty strong opinions on the best parks in Ohio. Here’s our favorite state, city and metro parks, organized by region:
Northeast Ohio Parks
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is Ohio’s only national park, but you couldn’t ask for a better example of Ohio’s natural splendor. Just a short drive south of downtown Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley has plenty to offer any visitor. A few highlights of the park are the 65-foot high Brandywine Falls, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, and the historic village of Peninsula.
Ohio’s National Park covers 33,000 acres of parkland, leaving you and your family many weekends of exploration.
Where to Stay at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
We say get closer to nature and camp or rent an RV when exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park! Find all the details to plan your trip here.
Liberty Park – Twinsburg
Just outside of Twinsburg is one of the hidden gems of Northeast Ohio. Liberty Park has a diverse offering of natural spaces for a suburban park. Visitors will delight in the natural beauty of the Tinkers Creek Nature Preserve and the towering Twinsburg Ledges area, both located in the park. You can explore both and more on the numerous trails within the park.
Holden Arboretum
Holden Arboretum is just a short drive from historic downtown Chardon in Geauga County. The arboretum will be a unique experience for many visitors, including Ohioans. Some of the many offerings of the Holden Arboretum include a butterfly garden, several rhododendron gardens, a hedge collection, and the famous Canopy Walk.
Mill Creek Park
It may be hard to believe, but Mill Creek Park in Youngstown rivals other large metropolitan parks like Central Park in terms of absolute beauty and depth. The sprawling park covers 4,400 acres and has diverse areas and topography. Highlights of the park for new visitors include Lanterman’s Mill, several historic bridges, the Wall Garden, and many archaeological sites from Youngstown’s steel-making history.
Franklin Mills Riveredge Park
Located in downtown Kent, Franklin Mills Riveredge Park is small compared with other parks on this list, but will surprise you with its design and features. The main focus of the park in the Cuyahoga River with an arched stone dam. You can explore the river along a boardwalk that follows the river. There are plenty of observation areas, as well as benches and tables to enjoy your day in downtown Kent.
Bonus: Killbuck Marsh
Located between Millersburg and Wooster, Killbuck Marsh is a hidden gem just south of Route 30. The area has an extensive natural history, and several Ice Age animals such as mastodon have been unearthed. Some of these animals can be seen at the Killbuck Valley Museum, just down the road.
Southeast Ohio Parks
Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills is quite possibly the most famous of all the Ohio State Parks. Within minutes of arriving, you will certainly see why. The park is divided into five sections, but really they are parks within parks and all worth a visit. Absolute must-see features include the falls at Old Man’s Cave, the Cantwell Cliffs, and the nearby Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve.
Beyond the parks, there are rustic cabins to stay in the area and lots of unique small towns to explore.
Where to Stay in Hocking Hills
Hocking Hills has a wealth of lodging options, including treehouses, luxury yurts, cabins, and even a cute vintage train car!
Lake Hope State Park
Just south of Hocking Hills State Park is Lake Hope. The park is encapsulated by Zaleski State Forest, making for some beautiful scenery. The beach is a great place to relax and go for a swim. The area has numerous hiking trails and connectors, including a trek up to the famous Moonville Tunnel. You can also visit the restored Hope Furnace, a blast furnace that sits near one end of the lake.
Salt Fork State Park
Just a few miles from historic Cambridge, is Salt Fork State Park, Ohio’s largest state park. The Park surrounds much of Salt Fork Lake and offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, boating, horseback riding, and golf.
Where to stay at Salt Fork State Park
The Salt Fork Lodge is a great place to stay with the family, as well as host a conference.
Central Ohio Parks
Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve
Named for a famed, and lost, Native American petroglyph that was found in the gorge, Blackhand Gorge is one of the most beautiful areas in Central Ohio. The preserve has many hiking trails to explore, as well as remnants of its past, including a section of the Ohio & Erie Canal locks and an interurban tunnel. Visitors can also explore the area via canoe or kayak on the Licking River.
Buckeye Lake State Park
Renowned in Central Ohio for boating, Buckeye Lake State Park is a water lover’s paradise. The lake is surrounded by quaint communities, and has plenty of activities for non-boaters as well. You can even visit Cranberry Bog, which is a natural marvel. Tours of the bog usually occur in June.
Mohican State Park
Located between the historic communities of Wooster, Millersburg, Mount Vernon, and Ashland, Mohican is a forested oasis and perfect for a weekend getaway. The park has several hiking trails, campgrounds, and even a covered bridge.
Where to Stay at Mohican State Park
For a unique place to stay during your visit, check out the treehouses at The Mohicans.
Dawes Arboretum
Just east of Columbus, you will find a true gem of a park, Dawes Arboretum. The Arboretum seems to have it all: historic Daweswood Farm, numerous trails, a nature center, formal Japanese garden, and even a driving tour. It’s a definite stop for any nature lover, and best of all, it’s free to visit!
While in the area, make sure to visit the newly revamped downtown in Newark and catch a show at the historic Midland Theatre.
Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve
Located just south of Lancaster, Rhododendron Cove Preserve sits on an unassuming hill, but offers a bounty of beauty once you make it to the summit. Atop the hill are dozens of Rhododendrons nestled amongst rocky outcroppings, making for great photography. After visiting Rhododendron Cove, travel down the road and visit two additional parks: Wahkeena Nature Preserve and Clear Creek Metro Park.
Bonus: Topiary Park
On the east side of downtown Columbus, The Topiary Park is a living art installation on the grounds of the former Ohio Deaf School campus. Visitors can either take docent-led tours or explore the park on their own. In addition to the numerous plant sculptures, there is also a “tree walk” visitors can take to see the many types of trees within the park. Choosy Traveler has details on some other worthwhile parks in the Columbus area, including Battelle Darby Creek, where you can see wild bison, and Shrum Mound.
Where to Stay in Columbus / Central Ohio
Columbus has a number of incredible hotels to suit every taste, from the stunning historic art deco Leveque Hotel, to the beer-tap-in-every-room Doghouse Hotel, and quaint vacation rentals in the historic German Village neighborhood.
Southwest Ohio Parks
John Bryan State Park – Clifton
Located near the historic Village of Clifton, John Bryan State Park is defined by the Little Miami River and the Clifton Gorge area it carved out. The striking features of the gorge and the forested landscape surrounding it make for some beautiful hiking scenery year-round. The next time you visit Clifton Mill, make sure to stop by John Bryan State Park.
Caesar Creek State Park
Nestled between Waynesville and Harveysburg, Caesar Creek State Park is a fossil hunter’s playground. You will need to apply for a fossil collecting permit to hunt fossils at the park, but it is well worth the effort. Some common finds include trilobites, brachiopods, and corals. In addition to fossil hunting, the park also offers camping, swimming, and boating. Other attractions in the area include historic downtown Lebanon and Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village.
Fallsville Wildlife Area
Like the name suggests, the prominent feature of the Fallsville Wildlife Area is a large, serene waterfall. The small park packs in the beauty and is perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll to the eye-pleasing waterfall and old mill site.
While in the area, check out the historic downtown of nearby Wilmington. There are a lot of great shops and the inside of the Clinton County Courthouse is stunning.
Ault Park
When you look at “must-see” lists of Cincinnati, you will undoubtedly come across Ault Park. A visit to the park will certainly show you why. As you arrive, you will immediately notice the large and picturesque Renaissance-style pavilion, popular with wedding parties. Beyond the pavilion, you will find several walking trails, a beautiful botanical garden, and plenty of relaxing space.
Where to Stay Near Ault Park in Cincinnati
Even if you only stop by to gawk at the truly incredible art deco lobby, Cincinnati’s Netherland Plaza Hotel is not to be missed!
Northwest Ohio Parks
Side Cut Metropark
Side Cut Metropark is steeped in history. The park occupied land that was once part of a side cut of the Miami & Erie Canals. You can still visit 3 of the 6 locks from the canals, having been restored by WPA workers in the 1930s. Beyond the historic locks, the park offers picturesque scenery, an extensive network of trails, and plenty of wildlife.
Wildwood Metropark
Wildwood Preserve was once the home of Champion Spark Plug founder, Robert Stranahan. The park has an amazing wooded trail network and the property still has the Georgian Colonial Manor House Stranahan built. It is a must visit park in the heart of Toledo.
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area
Every spring, thousands of migratory birds visit Magee Marsh on their way to their summer nesting spots. Located on the shore of Lake Erie, the marsh is not only a destination for birders, but the extensive trail network of the wildlife area and nature center make for a great afternoon out with the family.
North Bass Island State Park
Unlike other parks on this list, getting to North Bass Island is a bit challenging to get to, but worth the hassle. Currently, the only means to get to the island are boat and airplane. Once you get to the island, you’ll be able to take in the gorgeous, untouched wilderness. Fishing is permitted on the island, as well as hiking and camping via permit.
More Ohio Love:
Shop Local: Best Ohio Gifts and Souvenirs from Local Artisans
Toledo Club Easement
235 14th Street,
Toledo, OH 43604
When Heritage Ohio took its first easement, an agreement executed in 2004 on the Rawson Block in Findlay, the scope of the easement covered changes to the façade, only. However, easement agreements can cover the entire exterior of a building; indeed, the IRS subsequent to 2004 required a conservation easement agreement to cover the entire exterior of a building, if the building owner wanted to treat the easement agreement as the equivalent of a charitable contribution to Heritage Ohio). Easement agreements can also cover the interior of a building, and even specific elements within a building. When Heritage Ohio accepted an easement on the Toledo Club in July of 2012, it marked the first instance of an easement agreement that included not only the protected exterior, but also included protected interior spaces. It also marked the first instance of a non-profit donating an easement to Heritage Ohio.
Toledo Club Exterior
If you’re not familiar with the Toledo Club, it’s just as amazing on the inside as it is the outside. A fine example of Georgian Revival architecture, the club has been housed here since the building’s construction in 1915. 2012 Legacy Circle Reception attendees may remember the Red Room at the Toledo Club, with its warm oak paneling, and coffered ceiling with intricate stencils. And each room could be considered a piece of architectural artwork.
Centennial Room in the Toledo Club
Joyce Barrett, executive director of Heritage Ohio, commented on the Toledo Club easement: “Our collaboration with the Toledo Club shows how flexible an easement agreement can be, and that the property owner concerned with the long-term preservation of their historic building, whether for-profit or not-for-profit, could benefit by partnering with Heritage Ohio.”
For more information on Heritage Ohio’s easement program, contact Frank Quinn at fquinn@heritageohio.org or at 614.258.6200.
Happy Preservation Month! Enter our Preservation Month photo contest!
Happy Preservation Month to you! Each May preservation organizations across the country, including Heritage Ohio, celebrate historic preservation with special events and activities. Our Preservation Month 2012 Photo Contest aims to highlight our state’s heritage while recognizing the talented photographers that capture the heritage.
Have you submitted your entry yet? If not, click your winning image and go to www.heritageohio.org/programs/2012-photo-contest/ to submit your entry.
We’ll accept entries through Friday, May 4, choose our finalists, and open the online voting for the winner on May 9, when we open our Annual Conference in Toledo (another great Preservation Month activity you should check out if you can). Online voting closes on May 16 and we’ll announce the winning entry on May 18.
Some guidelines to remember:
- The subject matter of the photo must be physically located in Ohio
- Judging criteria for choosing photo finalists include originality, subject matter, and artistic merit
- We encourage photos that bring attention to current issues in preservation and revitalization
- We also encourage photos depicting historic buildings in use
Again this year, we’ll feature the winning entry on the cover of Revitalize Ohio, so here’s your chance for Ohio photographic fame. Good luck!
Heritage Ohio 2012 Conference: This year's flash drive!
For the last couple years we’ve been able to add a nice perk for everyone attending our annual conference: a conference flash drive containing conference session presentations. This year we’re happy to announce that all attendees will once again receive a conference flash drive, thanks to the generous support of conference sponsor McGladrey.
Each 2GB flash drive has ample capacity for our session presentations. Plus, you can add your own files (such as powerpoints, word documents, or images) without having to erase the existing files, up to the 2GB capacity.
Even if you haven’t yet registered for the conference, we do still have space available. Click here to go our website and register for the conference!
Revitalization Conference Session Topics
Aaron Domini of OHM & John Grossmann with EG&G Inc. discuss the importance of education, regulation, public spaces and the role of the Design committee in Ohio Main Street Communities at our Annual Revitalization Conference May 8-10 in Toledo. For more information on our conference sessions visit our website here.