Mercantile Block Easement
228-236 High St,
Hamilton, OH 45011
Our easement program has been active since 2004 when we accepted our first easement on the Rawson Block in Findlay. Over the years we’ve seen how the program can be adapted: we’ve worked with owners in a variety of communities, and we’ve worked with a variety of property owners, including commercial property owners, nonprofit owners, and municipalities. Additionally, easements have been placed on buildings well before a full-scale rehab has been completed, and years after a large-scale rehab was completed.
In Hamilton, we accepted an easement on the Mercantile Block in 2011 as the owner was completing a full rehabilitation. The rehabilitation and subsequent leasing of the building represented a turning point in downtown Hamilton’s revitalization. Since the completion of the Mercantile Block, nearby buildings have been rehabilitated, and Hamilton’s downtown is enjoying a resurgence.
Director Joyce Barrett commented on the Hamilton project: “When the building owner came in, he had a vision for upscale housing that was non-existent in the downtown at the time. There were plenty of doubters who questioned whether he could ever rent the apartments, but he created a unique living opportunity downtown and tapped into a housing need that residents flocked to. We were excited to play a small part in downtown’s resurgence by placing an easement on the Merc.”
As the series of images below show, there’s no such thing as “too far gone” when a building owner leverages private capital with tax incentives and a vision for how a forgotten building can be reborn to once again play a key role in the vibrancy of its downtown.
Below you can see the transformation of the deteriorated interior into a modern working space. For even more pictures of the transformation take a look a this slideshow.
And the winner is…
Our voters have spoken and we thank you for voting. Our 2017 Preservation Month Photo Contest garnered the most votes ever, and we congratulate our winning entry submitted by Judith Khaner. As a past winner, Judith is no stranger to the photo contest and her entry this year once again struck a chord with our voters.
Stay tuned as we’ll feature Judith’s winning entry on the cover of a future issue of Revitalize Ohio.
Thanks again to our voters, and thanks to everyone who submitted an entry this year. We look forward to seeing the great entries you come up with in 2018!
Narrative: Midwest Railway Preservation Society, a non-profit corporation, is restoring and preserving Cleveland’s B&O Railroad Roundhouse, built in the early 1900s. Their restoration work on the railroad turntable, building, vintage locomotives and rail cars continues the important work of educating and entertaining people about railroad history in Ohio. I was fortunate to photograph these laborers during an informative Roundhouse tour.
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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Save the Places that Matter to You on #GivingTuesday
Thank you for being part of Ohio’s historic preservation and community revitalization movement. Like us, you want to save the places where your most cherished memories took place. Whether it’s in your hometown, or the place you call home now, we know how important these places are to you. On #GivingTuesday, November 29th, donate and say, “I want to save the places that matter to me and my family!”
What Your Donation Means:
Saving the Places that Matter – Heritage Ohio has worked to save hundreds of beloved historic buildings throughout Ohio. By returning these treasured buildings to use, we help your favorite small businesses succeed, as well as improve the quality of life in your community.
Building Community – All of us want strong, prosperous communities to live and work in. Heritage Ohio helps communities like yours succeed by using the unique buildings and talent that reside in your town. We provide the information and assistance needed to take the next step and make smart decisions that allow your community to thrive.
Living Better – Heritage Ohio advocates for you and your community at the local, state, and national levels. We are letting legislators and officials know what we need to make Ohio the best place to raise our families, create meaningful careers, and building a better life for all Ohioans.
How to Donate:
You can donate online now by clicking the button below:
If you would prefer to send a check, please mail your donation to:
Heritage Ohio
846 ½ East Main Street
Columbus, OH 43205
GIVE NOW | SAVE THE PLACES THAT MATTER
Webinar: Get Ready to Enjoy Cincinnati, A Preservation Wonderland!
September 7th, 2016, 1 pm – 2 pm
This webinar will preview the region of the conference and highlight some of the best known and least known historic sites of Cincinnati. You may think you know the place but if you haven’t been here in the past few years, we’re sure you will be surprised at amount of preservation completed and underway. We will give an overview of downtown so you will not miss any interesting buildings and will highlight a few of our favorites that are often overlooked.
This webinar is approved for 1 AIA continuing education credit.
Heritage Ohio Members Register Here
Not a Member? Join Heritage Ohio now to get access.
PRESENTER BIOS
Paul Muller, AIA has been the executive director of Cincinnati Preservation Association since 2011. Mr. Muller is an architect with extensive experience in preservation and civic projects. He served on the board of the Port Authority of Greater Cincinnati, the entity which created the master-plan for the central riverfront development known as “The Banks”. He currently serves on the Urban Design Review Board for the City of Cincinnati and the Union Terminal Restoration Advisory Committee for Hamilton County.
Margo Warminski is Preservation Director of Cincinnati Preservation Association, a position she has held since 2004. She serves on the board of Cincinnati Form Follows Function, a Modernist advocacy group, and the Dayton, KY, Board of Architectural Review. Margo is co-author with Debbie Mills and the Greenhills Historical Society of Images of America: Greenhills, published by Arcadia Publishing in 2013.
Our Preservation Month Photo Contest is open for entries!
Preservation Month is just around the corner…well, OK, still a few weeks off, but, our 7th Annual Preservation Month Photo Contest is now open for entries! We’re looking for great subject matter capturing the spirit of preservation & revitalization in our communities.
And while we’re hoping to capture the spirit of preservation & revitalization, this year we’re also co-opting the #iwanttoberecycled campaign (you can check out the campaign here). So, submit a picture of a great historic building in your community waiting to be recycled, or a photo of a building that has been recycled for a new use and given a new life. We preservationists know that the value of recycling isn’t limited to that plastic shampoo bottle or empty soda can, so let’s broaden the conversation.
When you get that perfect shot, submit it to us. We have a limit of one entry per person, so you have to send us your very best! You can enter here (we have the form at the bottom of the page) or post your entry on our Facebook wall using the hashtag #heritageohiophotocontest. You can also enter through Instagram, again using the hashtag #heritageohiophotocontest. Add the #iwanttoberecycled hashtag, too, and help broaden the conversation about the things we use that deserve to be recycled.
We’ll accept entries through Friday, April 29. Online voting for your favorite finalist begins Saturday, May 7, and closes at 5 PM on Friday, May 13. Our photo contest winner, bringing preservation fame and a featured spot on the cover of Revitalize Ohio, will be announced Monday, May 16.
New this year, when we name our finalists on Saturday, we’ll have in-person voting for a Peoples’ Choice Cash Award at the Old House Fair. The finalist image that receives the most votes (dollars) during voting at the Old House Fair gets to keep their “votes.” So, if you’re at the Old House Fair, check out the finalists and put a buck or two toward your favorite.
Some guidelines to remember: be creative and original with your photo composition…we love photo entries depicting historic buildings in use (or, for this year, historic buildings waiting to be in use); make sure your image highlights Ohio subject matter; and finally, use your best judgment as to whether or not you should get permission from the building owner before photographing your subject matter.
Our 2015 winner, Judith Khaner, captured the architectural beauty of The Arcade in Cleveland
Good luck!
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Giving Tuesday
We hope that you and your family had an incredible Thanksgiving holiday this year and you survived Small Business Saturday shopping! Thankfulness and generosity are part of what make the holiday season great. Tuesday, December 1 is Giving Tuesday and we hope you will make 2016 a brighter year for the State of Ohio.
You may be aware Heritage Ohio has created a revolving loan fund called Save Ohio’s Treasures to help protect historic buildings in community’s like yours. With generous contributions from The Turner Foundation and The 1772 Foundation, we have the framework of the program in place, but now we need your help to raise the funds to make the program effective. We have begun fundraising for the first $10,000 installment to the program and are asking for your generous support to get there!
There are two ways you can help reach our goal this giving season:
- Send a check to:
Heritage Ohio
846 1/2 East Main Street
Columbus, OH 43205 - Make an online donation. Just fill out your personal information, whether you would like to make it a one-time donation or a recurring gift, and the amount you would like to give in the OTHER box.
We know with your support, we can protect and restore many of the threatened historic structures that make Ohio great! Thank you for helping save the places that matter!
2015 Annual Conference
The Heritage Ohio Annual Revitalization and Preservation Conference returns to the historic Westin Columbus October 5-7 in downtown Columbus, Ohio.
This year’s conference will once again present great learning opportunities for preservationists, community revitalization volunteers, and development professionals. There will be many activities such as field sessions, educational workshops, hands on training, and the chance to network with like-minded community members. In addition, AIA credits will be offered on many of the sessions.
Conference Presentations
2015 Conference Registration Fee Chart
Conference_Agenda
Heritage Ohio Annual Conference Sessions
2015 Annual Conference Accommodations
Register is now closed!
OPENING PLENARY SPEAKER
Donovan Rypkema is principal of PlaceEconomics, a Washington, D.C.-based real estate and economic development consulting firm. The firm specializes in services to public and non-profit sector clients who are dealing with downtown and neighborhood commercial district revitalization and the reuse of historic structures. In 2004 Rypkema established Heritage Strategies International, a new firm created to provide similar services to worldwide clients. He also teaches a graduate course in preservation economics at the University of Pennsylvania.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Mary Means has spent more than 30 years building bridges between plans and people. She has helped scores of cities, towns, counties and civic interest groups make their communities better places to live, work and visit. Prior to entering consulting, Mary led the team that created the National Main Street program at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. She was a Loeb Fellow at Harvard University Graduate School of Design.
LEGACY CIRCLE RECEPTION
The 2015 Legacy Circle Reception will be held on October 5. This reception, held every year at the annual conference, honors the support and generosity of our Legacy Circle members. This year the Legacy Circle Reception will be held at:
The Julian Building
272 South Front Street,
Columbus, Ohio 43215
If you are interested in information about our membership opportunities, click on the membership tab at top of the page.
SPONSORS
Thank you to everyone who has joined Heritage Ohio this year as a conference sponsor. Your support helps us keep conference registration prices affordable. Thanks to:
Boulevard Strategies
Brad DeHays
Buckeye Hills-HVRDD
Casto
Chambers Murphy & Burge
Cheryl Stephens
Coon Restoration
Craig Gossman/Source 3 Development
CT Consultants
DS Architecture
EJ
FirstMerit Bank
Frontier Communications
global X
Gray & Pape
Heritage Architectural Associates
John Gerlach & Company LLP
Lamplight Industries
Longwell Legal LLC
Marvin Windows
McGladrey
MCM Company
Novogradac & Company LLP
Ohio Arts Council
Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing
Ohio Group Insurance Consultants
Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office
OHM Advisors
Orton Family Foundation
Perfect Balance
Plante Moran
Poggemeyer Design Group
Rausche Historic Preservation, LLC
Sandvick Architects
Schooley Caldwell Associates
TRIAD Architects
Ulmer & Berne LLP
Union Metal
Where to eat in Columbus
2015 Annual Awards Call for Nominations
It’s time once again to honor the people, places and projects that exemplify Heritage Ohio’s commitment to growth through preservation and revitalization. Award nominations are due by 5:00 PM, Monday June 15, 2015, for projects completed by December 31, 2014. This year, nominations will be available beginning Wednesday, May 1. We will be accepting nominations for 13 awards using the 2015 Annual Awards nomination form below.
We are continuing to encourage the submission of digital video files that tell the story of the nominee or project. Just include the video file as part of the nomination form that you submit. We look forward to seeing your nominations!
ODSA Announces Cincinnati Historic Tax Credit Event
You are invited to celebrate Cincinnati’s Historic Buildings…
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
10:00 a.m.
21c Museum Hotel
609 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
The Ohio Development Services Agency invites you to this special event to celebrate Cincinnati’s preservation of historic landmarks. Speakers include David Goodman, Director of the Ohio Development Services Agency; Mary Cusick, Chief of TourismOhio; Stephen Leeper of the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC) and Kevin Pape of the Over-the-Rhine Foundation. Join us for a presentation and tour of the award-winning facility, 21c Museum Hotel and learn about other Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit projects coming to fruition in 2014.
Questions can be addressed to Nathaniel Kaelin, Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program Manager, at (614) 728-0995.
Parking available via valet (for a fee) and at nearby garages
Announcing the Winner of Heritage Ohio’s Preservation Month 2013 Photo Contest!
We’re pleased to announce the three finalists of our Preservation Month Photo Contest and need your help picking the winner!
To vote, click on each photo below to view it, select your favorite, and click vote.
Voting will continue through Friday, June 30. We’ll announce the winner of the 2013 Preservation Month Photo Contest on Monday, July 1.
With Ohio photographic fame and a Revitalize Ohio cover image on the line, the stakes are high! Good luck to our finalists!
Update June 28: Voting has almost closed. If you haven’t voted yet, make sure you vote for your favorite! We’ll announce the winner here on Monday!
Update July 1: Congratulations to Kirstin Krumsee, the winner of Heritage Ohio’s Preservation Month 2013 Photo Contest! The interior of the Victoria Opera House struck a nerve with our voters. Touted as the last remaining opera house in Fairfield County, the Victoria has very concerned citizens on its side, as it faces an uncertain future.
The Victoria Opera House, our winning entry
Thanks to everyone who voted for our three finalists. We’ll feature Kirstin’s winning image on a future cover of Revitalize Ohio.