The future of the 20% rehab tax credit: brighter than I thought
If you’re like me, you’ve probably got a favorite Oscar Wilde quote. One of his memorable thoughts that has stuck with me through the years is this one, defining a cynic as someone “who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.” So today, I want to do just a little gentle revision to Wilde’s quote to read:
Beware the politician who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.
And why am I picking on politicians as a group (and specifically our Congressional body)? Because the 20% rehab tax credit is on the chopping block, courtesy of those men and women in Congress.
Why? Not because it’s an overly onerous regulation (it’s a voluntary tax incentive), not because it’s a drain on the federal treasury (in fact, the latest NPS report on the credit states the credit has generated 29.8 billion dollars in federal tax revenue, against 25.2 billion dollars paid out, over the course of the credit’s existence), not because it’s a job killer (when $1,000,000 spent on rehab creates more jobs than $1,000,000 spent on new construction), and not because Republicans today are trying to do right by the legacy of Reagan (indeed, Reagan talks up the tax credit in a clip, jazzed up with some National Trust commentary, here). And not because new construction is such a boon to payroll tax receipts. The opposite is true, but you’d think keeping an incentive that boosts payroll tax, creates jobs, and does our collective heritage right would be a no-brainer.
The rehab tax credit? It’s a great program! I’m afraid we’ll have to kill it.
No, I think it’s on the chopping block because we, as regular citizens, need another reason to plant our collective face in our palms while we mutter about the utter lack of common sense in DC. When it comes to tax credits at the federal level, the fewer the better, whether or not they help inject serious capital into worthwhile redevelopment projects, whether or not they bring more net dollars into the treasury than they cost, whether or not they help save a bit of our collective history here and there. It’s enough to make me want to beat my head against a wall at the sheer lack of thoughtfulness, or careful evaluation to determine where tax credits actually make sense for the greater good, and to keep those tax credits in place, much like the administration and Congress have done with the affordable housing tax credit.
So, while I’d like to think that politicians can be brought back to reality, and that if enough people explain the benefits of an incentive program that they’ve obviously missed or glossed over, the 20% rehab tax credit will be inserted with haste back into the tax bill, my personal outlook on this happening is very gloomy. I’m guessing that the people in power made up their minds long ago on who wins and who loses in the incentives game, and no amount of good information is going to change the outcome.
I think we’re right, as preservationists. I think we’re on the right side, and we’re going to lose anyway. And that reality of the political process just ups my level of pessimism when it comes to politics, making me into that cynic that Wilde was warning you about.
Update 1/4/2018: So, we all know what happened: the 20% tax credit was not killed, but saved, in the tax reform legislation. Politicians went to work, the DC sausage machine cranked up, and in the end we got a new tax law. Sure, maybe we got tax credit links when we were expecting patties. And, maybe we were expecting five, and only got four, but we have our sausage, er, tax credit incentive, still intact, and still a very strong tool in our redevelopment toolbox. Now, it’s just up to the smartest preservationists in the room to figure out how to maximize the effectiveness of the tax credit going forward.
With that in mind, the National Trust has scheduled a “Now What?” webinar to give us an understanding of how the revamped tax credit will likely operate going forward, and whether we can all take a breather regarding tax advocacy (Hint: No). We hope to “see” you there!
Tuesday, January, 2pm EST
Free Webinar: Understanding the Historic Tax Credit Post Tax Reform
To register, visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7285418309228831490
On December 19th, 2017, Congress once again acknowledged historic preservation as a valuable economic development tool when it retained the 20% Historic Tax Credit in its tax bill. The credit’s retention is a significant accomplishment for preservationists, architects, contractors, mayors, Main Street organizations, developers, and property owners of historic buildings in towns across America.
Join this webinar to hear a recap of the bill’s provisions, the possible impacts of phasing on historic rehabilitation projects and the potential legislative vehicles that might be available in the remaining months of the 115th Congress to make changes.
Save the Windows Webinar
November 8th, 2017
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Join Heritage Ohio and Indow Window to learn why you should save your historic windows. Learn why historic windows are the best option for your old building and how restoration and weatherization can save you money on your energy bills.
Moreover, you will learn how you can become an advocate for historic windows. See what has been effective in other states and get others to join the cause to save old windows.
This webinar has been approved for 1.0 HSW AIA Continuing Education Credits.
Register for the webinar here.
Historic Tax Credit Coffee in Northeast Ohio
MONDAY November 6, 2017
HISTORIC TAX CREDIT COFFEE
Have you been wondering about historic tax credit programs here in Ohio?
Wondering about the application and review process? Here is an easy introduction to the 20% federal historic tax credit and 25% Ohio historic preservation tax credit which you can use to rehabilitate your historic building.
Come chat at a quick informal get together to learn about how the historic tax credit programs work and meet the people who manage them.
9:30 – 10:30 Millersburg: Hotel Millersburg – 35 West Jackson Street
12:00 – 1:00 Canton: Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Room – 222 Market Avenue North
2:30 – 3:30 Akron: Compass Coffee – 647 East Market Street
5:00 – 6:00 Ravenna: The Hive – 160 North Chestnut Street
The Most Stunning Historic Theatres in Ohio
We love seeing historic theatres restored in Ohio to their former glory and once again a proud centerpiece of the community. Can you believe some of these theatres were once threatened with demolition to make way for parking lots? Thanks to the work of preservationists across the state, you can still visit these stunning Ohio historic theatres.
Northwest
The Ritz Theatre – Tiffin
The Ritz Theatre opened to great fanfare in December of 1928 in downtown Tiffin. The theatre’s design takes elements from the Italian Renaissance, including an artistic interpretation of a Roman villa in the concert hall. The theatre was renovated in 1998, bringing the theatre back to its original charm and elegance.
Today, the theatre offers a variety of performances including live music, classic films, and theatrical pieces. See the current schedule here.
The Holland Theatre – Bellefontaine
The Holland Theatre is one of the more uniquely designed theatres in Ohio. Both inside and out, the theatre transport the visitor to Holland, with classic Flemish design, including a dutch village-scape in the interior. The theatre opened in 1931 as The Schine’s Holland Theatre. While some alterations have occurred over the years, much of the original splendor of the theatre is intact and ready to wow.
With numerous performance throughout the year, you will have plenty of opportunities to visit the theatre. See the current schedule here.
The Sandusky State Theatre – Sandusky
The Sandusky State Theatre opened in 1938 as The Schine Theatre with a showing of Night Watch. The theatre fell into disrepair in the 1960s, but was extensively renovated in 1990. Theatre hosted a performance of Michael Bolton to celebrate its 75th anniversary. For its centennial anniversary, the Sandusky State Theatre hopes to be completely renovated to its original splendor.
The Sandusky State Theatre offers a wide variety of programming. See their upcoming events here.
The Pemberville Opera House – Pemberville
Resting on the second floor of the Pemberville Town Hall, the Pemberville Opera House opened to Jeptha’s Daughter, an adaptation of the Biblical story. The opera house was wildly popular in before WWII, especially after electric lights were added in 1899. Following years of neglect, renovations were started in 1998 to return the opera house to use.
Today, the Pemberville Opera House hosts several productions every year. See their current schedule at the link above.
The Huber Opera House & Event Center – Hicksville
The Huber Opera House started life as Mackey’s Brick Hotel in downtown Hicksville in 1882. After a fire destroyed the Pettit Opera House, the hotel was converted to an opera house in 1895. The opera house remained the center of community life well into the 1970s, before it became rundown. In 1999, a coalition of community members and businesses purchased the opera house, giving it a new lease on life.
You have plenty of opportunities to visit The Huber Opera House. See their current schedule here.
Southwest
The Victoria Theatre – Dayton
The Victoria Theatre in Dayton traces its roots to The Turner Opera House, opened in 1866. The Turner only existed a few years before being destroyed in a fire. After the opera house was rebuilt, it underwent a series of name changes: The Music Hall in 1871, The Grand Opera House in 1885, The Victoria Opera House in 1899, and The Victoria Theatre in 1902. After surviving the Flood of 1913, another fire destroyed the building in 1918. After being rebuilt, it became The Victory Theatre. It thrived up into the late 1950s, but was marked for demolition in 1972. The community stepped up to save the theatre and the Victory Theatre Association began renovations in 1976. The theatre was transferred to the Arts Center Association in 1988 and was renamed again, back to The Victoria Theatre.
The Victoria Theatre offers extensive programming throughout the year. You can see their current schedule here.
The Murphy Theatre – Wilmington
The Murphy Theatre opened in downtown Wilmington in 1918. After operating as a Vaudeville theater, it was leased to Chakeres Theaters in 1929. In 1989, the theatre was purchased by a local group of citizens who sold stock options to save the theatre. Since the great work of these enterprising citizens, the Murphy Theatre continues to operate to this day.
The Murphy Theatre has numerous films and presentations every month. See their current schedule here.
The Baum Opera House – Miamisburg
The Star City Opera House was constructed by German immigrant Charles Baum in 1884, and quickly became the epicenter of life in Miamisburg. Like many other theaters and opera houses after WWII, it went through a series of name changes and uses, including housing a dinner theater, bowling alley, skating rink, and a few bars. It was slated for demolition in the early 1990s, but was purchased at a Sheriff’s sale. Since then, the Baum Opera House Association has managed the opera house and has fully renovated and restored the space to its former glory.
The Baum Opera House hosts several plays, musicals, and dances throughout the year. See their current schedule here.
The Cincinnati Music Hall – Cincinnati
Music Hall opened with a performance of Christoph Willibald Gluck’s Alceste in 1878. More commonly known as Cincinnati Music Hall, the concert hall is the defining structure of Washington Park in Cincinnati. With the decline of the Over-The-Rhine neighborhood, Music Hall’s future came into doubt. It was listed on the 2006 National Trust for Historic Preservation‘s 11 Most Endangered List. Through a grant from the City of Cincinnati, The Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program, and the generous donations of thousands of people, Music Hall has recently been renovated and will continue to serenade Cincinnati.
To see the current schedule of events at Music Hall, click here.
The Majestic Theatre – Chillicothe
The building that currently houses The Majestic Theatre was built in 1853 as a Masonic Hall. In 1876, the Masons designed an opera house to be built within the Masonic Hall. This opera house became the foundation for The Majestic. In 1904, the Masonic Hall and Opera House were sold, and sold again in 1915. The new owners changed the name of the theater to The Majestic Theatre and it soon became a cinema. After a sale of the building in the 1970s, the structure was renovated, and in 1990, the current non-profit association took control of the theatre.
Today, the theatre still shows films, as well as live performances. You can see the theatre’s full schedule of events here.
Paxton Theatre – Bainbridge
The Paxton Theatre is located on the upper floor of the Paxton Township Hall, opening around 1910. Soon after opening, the space was leased to show motion pictures, continuing under different operators until the early 1950s. In later years it was used as rental and entertainment space. In 1992, it was sold to host the Paint Valley Jamboree, which still takes place in the theatre. The building was recently sold and the current owners plan to make it the center of the community for years to come.
The Paxton Theatre continues to host the Paint Valley Jamboree, as well as numerous other musical guests and Shrek Jr. See all of the Paxton’s events here.
Central
The Ohio Theatre – Columbus
The Spanish Baroque-style Ohio Theatre opened as a Loew’s movie house in 1928. Opening at the end of the silent era of film, the theatre boasted its own orchestra and theater organ. The Ohio remained a cinema until the early 1960s and was threated with demolition by the end of the decade. The citizen-led “Save the Ohio’ campaign raised over $2M in less than a year and the Columbus Association for Performing Arts (CAPA) purchased the theatre. Today, the Ohio Theatre is the crown jewel of Columbus theatres, and hosts The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, BalletMet, The Broadway Series, and more than 100 CAPA events each year.
See CAPAs current schedule here.
The Midland Theatre – Newark
Opened in 1928, The Midland Theatre began its life showing Vaudeville shows and silent films. Interestingly, it was only a week later that the theatre premiered its first “talkie”. The theatre quickly transitioned into a full-time cimema, rotating films on a 3-day schedule. After years of decline, the theatre closed after the Blizzard of ’78 killed the boiler in the theatre. In 1992, The Longaberger Company purchased the theatre and renovated it. It entrusted the theatre to The Newark Midland Theatre Association to be stewards to the theatre and to provide quality programming for Newark.
Today, The Midland Theatre shows a variety of performances including live music and musicals. To see the Midland’s schedule, click here.
The Southern Theatre – Columbus
Just a few blocks south of The Ohio Theatre is another fantastic theater in downtown Columbus. Opened in 1896, the Great Southern Fireproof Hotel and Opera House filled a large gap in theaters in downtown. In the years prior to construction, 5 theaters were lost to fires in just 4 years. Other than being “fireproof”, meaning it was constructed with “fireproof” tile, brick, iron, steel, and concrete, the theatre was one of the first commercial buildings in Columbus to use electric lighting. In 1931, the theatre was converted to a cinema. After years of struggling, the theatre was closed in 1979. In 1982, the Great Southern Hotel was purchased and the owners offered the theatre to CAPA. After a combined effort of state and city funding, as well as donations from numerous donors and businesses, the Southern Theatre reopened in 1998.
See CAPAs current schedule here.
The Marion Palace Theatre – Marion
The Marion Palace opened as a cinema and Vaudeville theater in 1928, premiering with 4 Vaudeville acts and the film, Excess Baggage. The theatre is designed in Spanish Colonial Revival-style, and has several Roman and Greek statues designed by Pietro Caproni. Following several successful years as a cinema and multiple owners, the theatre needed extensive work to maintain its splendor. In the mid-1970s, a group of business owners, dubbed The Palace Guard, started a funding campaign to revitalize the theatre. The Palace Cultural Arts Association has operated the Marion Palace Theatre since then, and continues to provide new and exciting performances for Marion.
The Marion Palace Theatre shows films and live performances several times a month. See their schedule here.
The Lincoln Theatre – Columbus
Located just to the east of downtown Columbus, in the historic African-American neighborhood of King-Lincoln Bronzeville, is The Lincoln Theatre. Opened in 1928 as The Ogden Theatre, the Egyptian Revival theatre originally was used for Vaudeville performances and musical acts, but quickly transitioned into a cinema. It was renamed The Lincoln Theatre in 1939. Following several hard years, the theatre was closed in the early 1970s. The theatre reopened in 2009, with funding assistance from The City of Columbus and Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits, and was widely seen as a catalytic revitalization project for the neighborhood.
See CAPAs current schedule here.
Northeast
The Akron Civic Theatre – Akron
In 1919, construction of a new theatre began in downtown Akron called The Hippodrome. In addition to a theatre, there were 30 planned shops inside an arcade. The project went bankrupt before it was complete. Soon after, Marcus Loew purchased the partially constructed Hippodrome and completed the newest Loew’s Theatre in Akron, designed by architect John Eberson. The interior is designed to resemble a Moorish castle, with Mediterranean elements throughout and is only one of a handful of surviving atmospheric theaters. After several ownership changes and nearly becoming a parking lot in the 1960s, the Akron Civic Theatre was extensively renovated in 2001, it reopened to fanfare with a new partnership with The University of Akron.
The Akron Civic Theatre has many live performances each month. See their current schedule here.
The Brecksville Theatre – Brecksville
The Old Brecksville Town Hall was built in 1874. In the 1940s, performances by the Brecksville Little Theatre began to be held in the town hall building. Paul Newman, yes, that Paul Newman, directed the comedy, Here Today in 1951 there. In 1975, a second theater group, Theater on the Square was established. Tragically, the old town hall was damaged in a fire in 1976, but was repaired. In 2017, it was announced the two theater groups were merging into The Brecksville Theatre and will continue to perform in the old town hall.
The new Brecksville Theatre has several shows lined up this fall. See the schedule here.
The Canton Palace Theatre – Canton
Like The Marion Palace Theatre and The Akron Civic Theatre, The Canton Palace Theatre was designed in a Spanish Colonial Revival style. It is also one of a few surviving atmospheric theatres. The Canton Palace Theatre opened in 1926 as a movie house and Vaudeville theatre. After a period of decline, the theatre closed on its 50th anniversary in 1976 and was soon scheduled for demolition. The Canton Jaycees saved the building and held it in trust until The Canton Palace Theatre Association was formed to operate the theatre. It reopened in 1980 and over $4M in renovations have taken place.
The Canton Palace Theatre continues to show films and have live performances. Their schedule of events can be viewed here.
The Gordon Square Arts District – Cleveland
The Gordon Square Arts District composes three theatres in the Detroit Shoreway: The Capitol Theatre, The Cleveland Public Theatre, and The Near West Theatre.
The Capitol Theatre opened in 1921 as part of the Gordon Square Arcade. As new cinemas arose, the arcade and theatre declined. A parapet collapsed in 1978, damaging both the arcade and Capitol. It was slated for demolition, but the building was saved by the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization. The Capitol closed in 1985. It was reopened in 2009 with the help of Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits, and become a catalyst toward neighborhood redevelopment.
The Cleveland Public Theatre was founded in 1981. In 1994-95, The Cleveland Public Theatre moved into two adjoining buildings on Detroit Avenue, including The former Gordon Square Theatre building, one of Cleveland’s oldest standing theatres.
The Near West Theatre sprang to life in 1978, using the third-floor ballroom of the St. Patrick Church Club Building as performance space. The newly constructed Near West Theatre building in The Gordon Square Arts District opened in 2015.
Lions Lincoln Theatre – Massillon
The Lincoln Theatre opened in 1915 during the silent era of film. It switched ownership several times during its life as a cinema. By the late 1970s, it was closed and waiting to be demolished. The Massillon Lions Club acquired the theatre in 1982, saving it from destruction. After extensive renovations, the Lions Lincoln Theatre was reopened and continues to entertain audiences.
The Lions Lincoln Theatre currently shows classic films and live performances. To see their current schedule, click here.
The Historic Ohio Theatre – Loudonville
The neoclassical Loudonville Municipal Hall and Opera House opened in 1910, with the opera house located at the rear of the building. The first performance at the opera house was The Flaming Arrow. The opera house was renamed The Ohio Theatre in 1931. Renovations of the theatre are ongoing with fundraising for a new lighting system underway.
The Ohio Theatre currently has live performances and movies. View their current line-up here.
Playhouse Square – Cleveland
Playhouse Square, the “world’s largest theater restoration project,” and the country’s largest performing arts center outside New York City, composes 5 historic theatres: The Allen Theatre, The Hanna Theatre, The Ohio Theatre, The Palace Theatre, and The State Theatre. Playhouse Square draws more than 1 million people annually to its 10 performance spaces while contributing in excess of $43 million in local economic impact every year exclusively from its performing arts activity
The Allen Theatre opened in 1921 as an Italian Renaissance silent movie house. The first film shown at The Allen was The Greatest Love starring Vera Gordon. It continued to show films until it closed in 1968. It was reopened in 1994 and underwent renovations in 1998 and 2011.
The Hanna Theatre opened in 1921 with a performance of Mark Twain’s The Prince and The Pauper. The theatre was designed in French Imperial style. It closed in 1988. It was reopened in 1997 and was fully renovated in 2008.
The Ohio Theatre was designed as an Italian Renaissance theatre. It opened in 1921 with a performance of The Return of Peter Grimm. It closed in 1969 and was reopened in 1982.
The Palace Theatre was opened in 1922 as a French Imperial-styled Vaudeville theatre. It was adapted to show films in 1926. It closed in 1969 and reopened in 1988 as The Connor Palace Theatre.
The State Theatre opened as an Italian Renaissance Loew’s theatre. The first film show was Polly with a Past. The theatre contains 4 murals by James Daugherty and a 320-foot long lobby, one of the longest in the world. The theatre closed in 1969. It was nearly demolished with The Ohio Theatre in 1972, which led to the revival of Playhouse Square. The KeyBank State Theatre reopened in 1984.
To view current events for Playhouse Square, click here.
Southeast
The Markay Cultural Arts Center – Jackson
The Markay Theater opened in 1930 with a showing of Playboy of Paris. The Art Deco theatre features 6 prominent panels depicting life in Jackson. It closed in the early 1990s, but reopened with the help of the Southern Hills Arts Council in 1997. An extensive renovation of the theatre took place and a grand reopening of the theatre occurred in 2015.
Currently, the Markay has several live performances and classic films. For a complete list of events, click here.
Peoples Bank Theatre – Marietta
The Hippodrome Theatre opened in downtown Marietta in 1919 as a Vaudeville theatre and movie house with a showing of the film, Daddy-Long-Legs. In 1949, it was renamed the Colony Cinema. In 1957, it hosted the world premiere of Battle Hymn, starring Rock Hudson. The Colony Cinema had numerous ownership changes and ultimately closed in 1985. The Hippodrome/Colony Theatre Association spent 15 years raising funds for the theatre, including an Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit for the project. Peoples Bank Theatre reopened in 2016 and hosted the State of the State address the same year.
Peoples Bank Theatre hosts live performances and film viewings. View their full line-up here.
Stuart’s Opera House – Nelsonville
Stuart’s Opera House opened in 1879 and was named after George Stuart. It continued operating until 1924, when the local coal economy crashed, bring down the opera house with it. In 1977, the Hocking Valley Museum of Theatrical History bought the opera house and began to restore the historic property. Following a fire in 1980, the process of restoring the property was begun anew. The opera house was officially reopened in 1997, after 20 years of hard-fought restoration work.
Stuart’s Opera House offers a variety of live performances to the Nelsonville community. For the current list of events, click here.
Twin City Opera House – McConnelsville
The Twin City Opera House opened in the late spring of 1892 to Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado”, sharing space in the mammoth building with the McConnelsville town hall. Nearly 20 years after opening, the first silent movies were shown in the opera house, and the first sound system was installed around 1930 using Vitaphone technology. In 1936, the opera house was updated to install sound projectors and renovate the auditorium to accommodate a new projection booth. This was the only time the opera house was closed to the public in its long history.
The Twin City Opera House continues to show films and hosts live performances, including The Ohio Valley Opry. Check full schedule for details of upcoming performances.
The Ariel Opera House – Gallipolis
The Ariel Opera House opened in 1895, just blocks from the Ohio River in downtown Gallipolis. After struggling in the post-WWII era, the opera house closed in the 1960s. Local citizens, led by local professional musician Lora Lynn Snow, banded together in the late 1980s to restore the opera house, and it reopened in 1990, becoming home to The Ohio Valley Symphony. In 2006, the Ariel was rededicated as The Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre, after local resident Ann Carson Dater purchased the opera house and presented it to the community as a permanent home for The Ohio Valley Symphony and for use as a performing arts center.
The Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre continues to be the home of the Ohio Valley Symphony and has theatrical performances as well. See their current events here.
What’s Happening on Main Street – September 2017
Recurring Events
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Ohio Oktoberfest Festivals
This September, celebrate the beginning of fall with a bit of German heritage and a beer.
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Ohio Main Street Program Farmers’ Markets
This summer, explore the unique downtowns and find tonight’s dinner at a farmers’ market in a Ohio Main Street & Downtown Affiliate community.
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Take a Hike – Cleveland
Take a Hike offers five (FREE!) guided walking tours of distinct neighborhoods in downtown Cleveland! Weekly tours explore the Gateway District, Warehouse District, Civic Center, Playhouse Square neighborhood and Canal Basin Park in the Flats. Each tour lasts approximately one and a half hours in length, and features actors and actresses portraying historic figures from Cleveland’s past. Check the website for the full schedule of tours.
September 1
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First Friday: 6th Annual Pet Walk – Delaware
Main Street Delaware’s Sept. 1 First Friday celebration features the sixth annual downtown pet walk and a hands-on display of public works equipment.
Registration is available now for the pet walk. The cost is $10 per pet, which nets the pets (and their parents) a treasure map to downtown businesses providing special treats along with a doggie bag to collect their loot. Pet walk registration will be limited to the first 100 animals.
As they check-in, registered pets will be photographed for posting in a Main Street Delaware Facebook album. The pet receiving the most “likes” will be named the “Furry Marshal” of Main Street Delaware’s Dec. 3 Christmas Parade. Pets are encouraged to dress up for a secondary prize, “Geekiest Pet.” The costumed pet receiving the most online votes will win a prize basket, provided by Delaware County District Library. -
First Friday: Theater on Third – Greenville
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, family, and friends for an outdoor movie night! Theater on Third is an outdoor movie experience and will be located in the city parking lot behind Bach to Rock. The movie will be projected onto the Nature’s Heart Yoga building (120 W. Third St.). The event is free and open to all.
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Front Porch Concert Series – Lakewood
Come hear legendary jazz musician Ernie Krivda! Attendees are encouraging to bring their family, friends, blankets, chairs and snacks for an entertaining evening at this open-air venue.
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First Friday: Bring Forth a Pioneer – Marietta
With about 22 restaurants and 40 active retailers, plus two hotels and a number of venues for night life, historic downtown Marietta is a destination for everyone and anyone to enjoy a night out on the town. A popular program in many Main Street communities, First Fridays are a celebration of small business, community, art, music, and all that makes downtown Marietta special.
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First Friday: Dog Day Downtown – Middletown
Downtown Middletown is going to the dogs, again! Join us in downtown Middletown for the Third Annual First Friday: Dog Day Downtown! An evening all about you and your best friend! Bring your BFFFF’s to downtown Middletown to enjoy loads of free treats, free vaccinations, $20 Microchipping, explore multiple animal rescues and more!
Check-in with us at Governors Square (corner of Central Ave & Broad St) to grab your Doggie Bag and guide for the evening. From there, you can collect free dog treats and goodies from local businesses downtown. -
First Friday: Live Music & Classic Car Cruise-In – Mount Vernon
Enjoy a wonderful evening in downtown Mount Vernon with dozens of classic cars from yesteryear.
September 2
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Street Art Saturday – Portsmouth
Shop, eat, and stroll down the street to see local art and hear music that reflects our community the first Saturday of summer months.
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Home Grown Tomato Fest – Tipp City
Join us downtown at Canal Lock Park as we kick off the first annual Home Grown Tomato Fest, sponsored by Tip Top Canning, where tomatoes are the center of attention and all activities are BYOT (bring your own tomato).
Local bartenders will be facing off as we see who will be known for having the Best Bloody Mary. This adults only portion of the fest will take place inside the historic Roller Mill. Purchase your tickets to sample and vote. Along with drinks, there will be food trucks offering tomato inspired eats.
Free activities include a contest to see who can throw and make the LARGEST SPLAT with a tomato (BYOT), a FAMILY TOMATO TOSS where teams face off to see who ends up with the farthest successful toss to their teammate (BYOT), and see who will have the LARGEST HOME GROWN TOMATO! For the grand finale, the fest will end with a giant TOMATO FIGHT (BYOT) amongst any who want in on the battle grounds.
Clean up and complete your day by heading over to the Tipp City Eagles Park for Tippapalooza with live music beginning at 6pm!
September 3
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YOLO Festival of Races – Greenville
Head to downtown Greenville for the 4th Annual YOLO Festival of Races. Pick your race distance:
5K (3.1 miles)
15K (9.5 miles)
Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
Tour the historic sites of Greenville, Ohio as you walk or run the course.
Register today at: www.YOLOorg.com
September 8
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Front Porch Concert Series – Lakewood
Come hear The Havana Nights Orchestra, which will heat up the summer evening with Cuban flair and salsa-style music! Attendees are encouraging to bring their family, friends, blankets, chairs and snacks for an entertaining evening at this open-air venue.
September 9
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Second Saturday: Hike, Bike, or Trike – Chardon
Get moving and explore scenic downtown Chardon and Geauga County on bike or on foot.
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Fall Cruise-In Car Show – Greenville
Check out classic cars in historic Downtown Greenville.
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Run the World 5K – Kent
The new Run the World Race Series is a collaborative effort between the colleges and regional campuses within Kent State University and the Office of Global Education to raise money for study abroad student scholarships. The inaugural Series will consist of the third annual Run the World 5K held on Kent State’s Kent Campus.
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Kent International Festival -Kent
Head downtown for fun festivities in downtown Kent. All are welcome! Run the World 5K participants, visitors and community members are invited to downtown Kent to explore the businesses on the Passport Excursion, or to just enjoy free, live multicultural performances and fun photo opportunities at the Dan Smith Community Park.
For just $5, get a passport at “Customs” in the Dan Smith Community Park and go out to explore eleven downtown businesses, each themed a different country with special decorations and displays, and offering special discounts, food and drink samples for passport holders. Get your passport stamped at each location and return it to “Customs;” the first 200 people to return a completed passport will receive a Kent International Festival glass. -
Amish Country Challenge – Millersburg
The ride will begin at the Trail Depot in Historic Downtown Millersburg for the Amish Country Challenge. This organized bike ride, touring Amish County in Scenic Holmes and surroundings counties, showcases the beauty and charm of the area. Choose between a relaxed 25 mile routs, a challenging metric century, or step up to the 5000 feet plus vertical gain of the full century. Century riders enjoy lunch and aid stations hosted by local Amish families and businesses in addition to a post-ride authentic Amish meal.
September 10
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8th Annual Paul Johnson Memorial Fund Soiree – Portsmouth
The 8th Annual Paul E. Johnson Memorial Fund Soiree will be held on Sunday, September 10 at the home of Barry & Jean Carlson (3026 North Hill Road). Admission is $30 at noon and the event will run until 3 p.m. This Champagne Brunch will feature a tasty brunch and wine, Mimosas and more. In addition, there will be a silent auction of fine wines and other items.
The Paul E. Johnson Fund is managed and utilized by Main Street Portsmouth for the sole purpose of beautifying downtown Portsmouth with flowers, plants, trees and much more. Residents and visitors to Portsmouth see, as they walk about, beautification “Hot Spots” around town with signs noting that the beautification was provided for by Paul’s fund, Main Street Portsmouth and the City of Portsmouth. To date, Paul’s fund has raised nearly $70,000 dedicated to downtown beautification.
September 11
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Cash Mob Monday: Speed Mob – Marietta
Show your support for local downtown businesses by coming out for Cash Mob Monday: Speed Mob! This month, three different business will be selected as our destinations. Once inside each shop, cash mobbers must commit to spending at least $10 inside the store. What makes it so fun? Not only do you get to pal around downtown with your friends and neighbors, but you won’t know the shop locations of the Cash Mob until you show up!
Speed Mob participants will receive fun giveaways, get to visit at least (3) different downtown shops, and enjoy a ride on the trolley to each destination!
September 12
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Websites Worth Their Weight in Gold Workshop – Marietta
This seminar will discuss why all companies need a website today. From there, we’ll talk about what makes an effective website and how to make your website really work for you.
September 14
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Knowing Your Home: Plumbing 101 – Lakewood
Join LakewoodAlive for our Inaugural plumbing workshop. We will focus on:
– plumbing as a system;
– how the system works;
– what types of materials plumbing is made out of;
– common problems and repairs;
– updating and what that means;
– water-saving options.
Our discussion will be led by our good friend, Fred Cortright. Please feel free to bring questions and photos with you. Knowing Your Home is an educational series focused on best sustainability and home maintenance practices empowering residents to tackle necessary repairs and improvements.
September 15
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Front Porch Concert Series – Lakewood
The final week of the 2017 series is a Kids Concert with Rock On Band featuring Nance Sias! Attendees are encouraging to bring their family, friends, blankets, chairs and snacks for an entertaining evening at this open-air venue.
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Piqua Bike Fest – Piqua
In downtown Piqua, check out bikes, delicious food, vendors, motorcycle stunts, and live entertainment from Clark Manson, The Classic Rock Experience, SkipperGrace, Ithika, ReFlektion, Latter, Hollow – Alice In Chains Tribute, Strategy, Animal Grace, Come Hell or High Water, High South, Desert Star, Barstool Brown, Seth Canan & The Carriers, The Roadhouse Mafia, ThunderTaker & MORE!!!
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Rock The Bike Music Festival – Troy
Live music, food, wine, and beer, all in the heart of Historic Downtown Troy, Ohio!
September 16
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Piqua Bike Fest – Piqua
In downtown Piqua, check out bikes, delicious food, vendors, motorcycle stunts, and live entertainment from Clark Manson, The Classic Rock Experience, SkipperGrace, Ithika, ReFlektion, Latter, Hollow – Alice In Chains Tribute, Strategy, Animal Grace, Come Hell or High Water, High South, Desert Star, Barstool Brown, Seth Canan & The Carriers, The Roadhouse Mafia, ThunderTaker & MORE!!!
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Vermilion Tour of Homes – Vermilion
Spend a day in beautiful Vermilion touring some of most beautiful homes and places of interest in our lakeside community.
It’s easy to order your tickets on line. You can also buy them in person at Main Street Vermilion, 685 Main Street or by calling 440.963.0772. Tickets are also sold at Brummer’s Chocolates at 672 Main Street in Vermilion. -
Wooster Art Jazz Fest – Wooster
In its 14th year, the Wooster Arts Jazz Fest will feature over 50 artists, along with children’s activities — including a Kids Creative Station and Balloon twisting by Noah Sholl — music, and gourmet food. This free festival, which draws visitors from throughout the Northeast Ohio region, will take place on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, from 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. in historic downtown Wooster.
September 23
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A Day of Harvest – Greenville
Fall has arrived in downtown Greenville with the annual A Day of Harvest event.
Overflow your senses with fall favorites found in downtown Greenville! Be sure to check out all of the fall inspired items in the quaint shops and restaurants; including unique home decor, cozy fall fashions, and delicious autumn flavors!
An array of activities are planned to tempt everyone’s interest.
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Kent Oktoberfest – Kent
The 4th annual Kent Oktoberfest will take place on Franklin Ave., between Main St. and Erie St., featuring German food, seasonal beers, polka music & dancing, and other great local bands thoughout the evening. Entry to the event is free. Delicious food will be available for purchase from: Erie Street Kitchen & Brimfield Bread Oven, Pierogi Joe’s, Grazers, Popped!, Ray’s Place Kent, and Scratch, free range food. Commemorative beer mugs and beer tickets will also be available for purchase.
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Groovy Gourd Bike Tour – Piqua
The 5th Annual Groovy Gourd Bike Tour makes its way through beautiful Miami County!
Join us for a Bike Tour beginning and ending in downtown Piqua. Take a 25, or 50-mile bike ride through the rolling fields of Southwestern Ohio.
September 24
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Dog Fest Walk’N Roll – Medina
Celebrate the community of people and dogs that make it possible for Canine Companions to show that the most advanced technology capable of transforming the lives of people with disabilities has a cold nose and a warm heart.
Spend your afternoon with local graduates, volunteer puppy raisers and supporters from the Cleveland area and help us raise funds for Canine Companions in Ohio and around the country.
September 29
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Mid-Ohio Valley Entrepreneurship Expo – Marietta
Are you a business owner looking for new ideas & inspiration?
Are you eager to share your expertise or promote your services or products?
Are you thinking about starting or expanding your business?
Are you interested in obtaining tools and resources to help solve business challenges?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, please attend the Mid-Ohio Valley Entrepreneurship Expo -
1st Annual Downtown Troy Chocolate Walk – Troy
Enjoy chocolate bites, wine tastings and dessert samples at each of the 15 sweet stops along the walk. Troy’s Downtown Merchants are opening their doors for you to enjoy sweet treats while browsing their shops.
Ticket will go on sale soon.
Historic Tax Credit Coffee in South Central Ohio
MONDAY August 21, 2017
HISTORIC TAX CREDIT COFFEE
Have you been wondering about historic tax credit programs here in Ohio?
Wondering about the application and review process? Here is an easy introduction to the 20% federal historic tax credit and 25% Ohio historic preservation tax credit which you can use to rehabilitate your historic building.
Come chat at a quick informal get together to learn about how the historic tax credit programs work and meet the people who manage them.
11:00- 12:00 Jackson: The Spot on Main – 298 East Main Street
Solar Eclipse Break
2:30-3:30 McArthur: Vinton Co. Commissioners Development Dept. – 205 South Market Street
5:00 – 6:00 Logan: Hocking County CIC – 140 East Main Street
Wright-Patt Air Force Base Public Meeting Announcement: June 27 & 28
Public Hearing Announcement
Public Hearings
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
88th Air Base Wing
Holding Public Hearings on the Housing Program
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
The United States Air Force (Air Force) invites the public to attend public hearings on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) Housing Program.
The Air Force will hold two public hearings to present the findings of the Draft EIS and to solicit input from the public. The Air Force proposes to build new or renovate, privatize, lease, or demolish its current government-owned housing units to support housing needs for WPAFB’s 30 key and essential personnel that meets Air Force housing standards. Eighty-nine Brick Quarters Historic District homes built in 1934-1937, Foulois House built in 1874, and ten homes on Yount Drive built in 1975 are included in the Housing Program effort.
The public hearings will be held on 27 June 2017 and 28 June 2017, at the Fairborn High School Media Center, 900 East Dayton Yellow Springs Road, Fairborn, OH 45324. An open house will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m.
The public is encouraged to offer comments and input on the Draft EIS which is available for download and review at http://wpafbhousingeis.versar.com. Comments made during the public hearing will be considered in preparation of the Final EIS. Written comments may be made at the meetings, and meeting attendees can offer comments verbally by turning in a speaker request card at the meeting. Additionally, written comments will be accepted by mail or e-mail through July 17, 2017.
For more information, to request handicap assistance or translation services at the meetings, or to submit comments, please contact:
Theodore Theopolos
88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office
5135 Pearson Road, Building 10, Room 253A, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433
Phone: 937-522- 3252; E-mail 88abw.pa@us.af.mil;
or the project website located at: http://wpafbhousingeis.versar.com
HISTORIC TAX CREDIT COFFEE IN NORTHWEST OHIO
MONDAY June 19, 2017
HISTORIC TAX CREDIT COFFEE
Have you been wondering about historic tax credit programs here in Ohio?
Wondering about the application and review process? Here is an easy introduction to the 20% federal historic tax credit and 25% Ohio historic preservation tax credit which you can use to rehabilitate your historic building.
Come chat at a quick informal get together to learn about how the historic tax credit programs work and meet the people who manage them.
9:00- 10:00 Upper Sandusky: Wyandot Chamber of Commerce, 108 East Wyandot Avenue
11:30- 12:30 Kenton: Jitters Coffee Company, 23 North Detroit Street
2:30-3:30 Wapakoneta: Marley’s Downtown, 15 Perry Street
5:00 – 6:00 Lima: The Met, 306 North Main Street
Sash Mob! Windows Workshop
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Join us May 19-21 for this awesome wood windows workshop weekend!
Heritage Ohio is partnering with Marsh Building Products, Marvin Windows and Doors, Habitat for Humanity Cincinnati, and Community Matters to teach window restoration while giving back to Lower Price Hill
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. Heritage Ohio is excited to announce that we’re bringing old windows guru Jim Turner back to Ohio to help us conduct a #SashMob2017 in Cincinnati in May, and you’re invited.
Continuing Education
This 3 day workshop series offers up to 20 AIA HSW continuing education credits in total!
Friday Sessions
The sessions taking place on Friday the 19th will be classroom style and cover everything you need to know about wood windows, including how you can make them more energy efficient without replacing them and how to be safe when dealing with the potential of lead paint. Considering a restoration project? Don’t miss Chick McBrien, Marvin Windows and Doors, talk about research, planning, window assessment, standards, and historic tax credits with concern to historic restoration projects.
We will have window restoration specialist and National Trust Advisor Jim Turner, of Turner Restoration, talk about window restoration and will be available at the end of the day for an “Ask an Expert” session. If you have old windows that you would like to get advice on or an expert’s opinion about, please bring your pictures and your information with you to this workshop and ask Jim! He can answer your questions about both wood and steel windows. If you don’t need expert advice than you can join us for a tour of the Community Matters complex and learn about the amazing projects and work that this organization has been able to do in the Lower Price Hill neighborhood.
Find more information and register for Friday HERE!
Friday Night
Join Heritage Ohio and the Cincinnati Preservation Collective for a happy hour at The Mockbee! As part of the Sash Mob! Windows Workshop Weekend these preservation forces are teaming up to welcome the many preservation professionals from across the nation, who are coming to work in the great city of Cincinnati.
The happy hour will start at 6 pm with a tour of this fantastic building and we will wrap up the night by 9 pm. After all, we have some windows to save the next morning!
Saturday and Sunday 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 May 20 and 21 you will learn about:
– the basics of window anatomy,
– freeing up you stuck windows,
– installing weather stripping,
– repairing weight ropes and chains,
– cutting and replacing glass, and
– re-glazing window sash.
Window restoration specialist and National Trust Advisor Jim Turner, of Turner Restoration, will lead the workshop.
Find more information and register for the weekend HERE!
Event Location
Friday’s sessions and portions of the weekend workshop will take place at The Sanctuary at Community Matters. The majority of the weekend workshop will take place at two buildings nearby where we will be restoring windows on-site.
Community Matters- 2110 St Michael St, Cincinnati, OH 45204
Stoddart Block Easement
260 S 4th St,
Columbus, OH 43215
In December of 2013, Heritage Ohio received a conservation easement on the Stoddart Block, and the adjoining Zettler Building, in downtown Columbus. For a building that began life as a furniture store, the newest chapter in its history would depend on millennials in search of a vibrant downtown.
As millennials continue to descend on downtown locations to live (and Columbus is no different than other big cities) the cost of prime downtown rentals continues to increase. To stem the rising rental cost, developers have turned to a new model: micro-living.
Trading off a living room in your apartment with a downtown “living room” full of entertainment options, the apartments’ modest square footage is ideally suited for the typical 20-something that hasn’t accumulated a lifetime of stuff or children! And pricing remains affordable—you can net a downtown Columbus address for less than $1,000 a month.
Beginning its existence as the Frohock Furniture Company, the building was well-suited for a conversion to residential use. From a financial standpoint, granting a conservation easement to Heritage Ohio provided the charitable deduction to the building owner that ultimately helped the project move forward. However, both the federal and state tax credits also provided critical sources of capital to make the project a reality.
Commented director Joyce Barrett, “The Stoddart and Zettler renovations brought new downtown living options, and a couple popular eateries, but also showed how historic buildings created for a specific use can be creatively repurposed to meet today’s needs.”
For more information on Heritage Ohio’s easement program, contact Frank Quinn at fquinn@heritageohio.org or at 614.258.6200.
Ohio's Best Historic Bars to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day
image via Happy Dog at Euclid Tavern
1. The Euclid Tavern – Cleveland
Referred to locals as “the Euc”, the Euclid Tavern has operated in University Circle since 1909. It’s long had a reputation of being a hangout for college students and blue collar workers.
In the 80s and 90s, the bar hosted some of the famous names of the era including Green Day, Helmet, and Ween. It was also a filming location in the Michael J. Fox movie, “Light of Day”.
After several changes in ownership, the Euclid Tavern is now home to Happy Dog, but still retains the vibe and classic neon sign.
image via ClutchMov
2. Harmar Tavern – Marietta
Located in the historic Harmar Village on the westside of Marietta, the Harmar Tavern has been operating since 1900. It is a casual neighborhood bar and home to the “Soon to be Famous Fried Bologna Sandwich” and reportedly, a few ghosts.
The Harmar Tavern is a favorite among college students and locals alike, and has an amazing patio too.
image via The Backstretch
3. The Backstretch – Delaware
A great place for a bite to eat and a beer, The Backstretch has called downtown Delaware home since 1982. The bar is the latest to operate out of this historic space. The space housed other famous spots, including Buttsy’s Bar and Grill and Holly’s Place.
A favorite among locals, we recommend you stop in on your next visit to Delaware.
image via OTR Matters
4. Arnold’s Bar & Grill – Cincinnati
Since Simon Arnold opened up in 1861, Arnold’s Bar & Grill has been a legendary haunt in downtown Cincinnati. The tavern survived prohibition by opening a kitchen and has remained popular for both food and drink, as well as live music, ever since.
image via Kent Wired
5. Ray’s Place – Kent
Ray’s Place has been a fixture of downtown Kent since 1937. Fans of sports bars should make a pilgrimage to Ray’s. It is considered to be one of the first, if not the first sports bar in the US. There is even a book detailing the history of this Kent landmark.
Ray’s Place is also the namesake of the Ray’s Place Entrepreneurship Scholarship at Kent State University, promoting entrepreneurship and business innovation.
image via Elevator Brewing
6. Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus- Columbus
Located in the historic Columbia Building in downtown Columbus, the Elevator Brewery and Draught Haus is one of the most visually striking bars in the city. The bar started off as the Bott Brother’s Billiards 1897, operating until prohibition. It later became the famous The Clock Restaurant, before opening as Elevator in 2000.
Unlike the other bars on this list, this one has an interesting award that very few in the US can boast. The back-bar won a blue ribbon for craftsmanship at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893!
Elevator’s beer is brewed just a few blocks away on North Fourth Street and you can visit their 13th Floor Taproom on site.
Heritage Ohio holds a historic conservation easement on the Columbia Building.
Image via Ye Olde Trail Tavern
7. Ye Olde Trail Tavern – Yellow Springs
The Ye Olde Trail Tavern is Ohio’s oldest tavern and second oldest restaurant behind the Golden Lamb in Lebanon. Opened in 1827 to serve travelers moving between Columbus and Cincinnati, the tavern is a must-stop historic destination in downtown Yellow Springs.
Like the Harman Tavern, this location is home to a few friendly spirits too.
image via Cleveland.com
8. Ontario Street Cafe – Cleveland
The Ontario Street Cafe, in the historic Gateway District in downtown Cleveland, is like stepping back in time. Not much has changed in the historic bar, which should be part of the appeal to any history loving bar-goer. Beyond the historic appeal, the Ontario is renowned for fantastic corned beef sandwiches and reasonably priced drinks. Cheers!
image via Courthouse Inn & Restaurant
9. Courthouse Inn & Restaurant – Lisbon
I don’t think I have ever told someone to visit a place to check out a bathroom, but you have to see the bathroom! The Courthouse Inn & Restaurant in downtown Lisbon is a sight to see. Housed in the historic Hamilton Building, the Courthouse Inn serves up amazing vegetarian fare that even a carnivore can love, and great cocktails, too. They also have an amazing patio, so make sure to pay them a visit on St. Patrick’s Day and again in warmer weather.
Back to the bathrooms. It, like most of the place, is very artistically designed. Quite possibly the most luxurious bathroom in all of Ohio. Trust us, just go see it.
Shop Local on Main Street & Etsy! St Patrick’s Day Picks from Ohio Shops:
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Julian Building Easement
272 S Front St,
Columbus, OH 43215
In December of 2013, Heritage Ohio received a conservation easement on the Julian, a former shoe factory located at the corner of Main Street and Front Street, in downtown Columbus. And anyone who had spent time downtown prior to 2013 remembers what the building looked like.
With a history as a builder of new retail and residential buildings, Casto, the building owner, was embarking on a new venture: namely, a historic rehab. And it’s safe to say that their first Columbus target was one of downtown’s ugliest buildings, the former Julian and Kokenge Building (or Lape and Adler, as it was known for a portion of its history). It’s also safe to say their foray into rehab turned out to be an unqualified success!
To see the building today, you might not realize that the windows are replacements, comprising a design painstakingly replicated to be faithful to the original. And you might not realize the extent of concrete and masonry restoration work that went into repairing the exterior elements.
We were especially excited to promote the building’s amazing transformation in October of 2015 as the venue for our Legacy Circle Reception, kicking off our annual conference. Attendees gathered on the ground floor for networking, and had the opportunity to tour model units.
“We know that preservationists have a keen vision for ‘what could be’ but I think even ardent preservationists had a hard time envisioning just how good the Julian Building could look, after rehab. But the Casto developers pulled it off, and now we all get to enjoy this beautiful historic building once again, gracing the downtown streetscape,” stated Joyce Barrett, director of Heritage Ohio.
For more information on Heritage Ohio’s easement program, contact Frank Quinn at fquinn@heritageohio.org or at 614.258.6200.