WQIO Ohio's Super Station
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik today announced that the state is supporting 35 projects to preserve dozens of historic buildings across Ohio.
More than $68 million in tax credits will be awarded to 12 communities as part of the Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program. The program provides financial incentives for the private redevelopment of historic buildings that are vacant and/or generate little economic activity.
“As our downtowns and neighborhoods grow and evolve, it’s important that we preserve Ohio’s historic spaces in a way that drives further investment into our communities,” said Governor DeWine. “By supporting these renovations, we’re reviving historic buildings that stood prominently in the past so that they can contribute to Ohio’s strong economy and growth in the future.”
In total, $68,546,752 in tax credits will support the preservation of 43 buildings in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Columbus, Dayton, Hamilton, Newark, Toledo, Warren, Youngstown, and Zanesville. The projects are expected to leverage approximately $691 million in private investments.
“Economic development is vital for our economy to continue to grow, and we can do that in a way that preserves our existing historic spaces while creating new opportunities for housing, businesses, and communities,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “This program preserves Ohio’s history while investing in the future.”
Projects selected as part of the 32nd round of the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program will be renovated into residential housing, commercial and office space, and manufacturing facilities. Buildings to be renovated include the Home Building Association Bank in Newark, YMCA building in Warren, Baker Brothers Wholesale Grocery in Zanesville, and the former municipal building in Hamilton.
“Historic buildings are authentic spaces that make our communities unique,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “Through the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program, we provide the resources to preserve the character of our downtowns and neighborhoods and tell the story of Ohio.”
The Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit program is administered in partnership with the Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office. Tax credits are issued once project construction is complete and all program requirements are verified.
“The rehabilitation of historic buildings through the program and federal historic tax-credit programs can revitalize main streets, help the environment – because nothing is greener than using what is already built — and create jobs, with the added bonus of preserving local history,” said Mariangela Pfister, Department Head and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer for Technical Preservation Services in the Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.
The Ohio History Connection is a statewide history organization with the mission to spark discovery of Ohio’s stories. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization chartered in 1885, the Ohio History Connection carries out history services for Ohio and its citizens focused on preserving and sharing the state’s history. This includes housing the State Historic Preservation Office and the official state archives and managing more than 50 sites and museums across Ohio. For more information, go to ohiohistory.org. The Greater Columbus Arts Council and the Columbus Foundation provide support for Ohio History Connection programs.
Home Building Association Bank (Newark)
Total Project Costs: $12,528,292
Total Tax Credit: $1,240,425
Address: 1 N. 3rd St., Newark, OH 43055
Designed by renowned architect Louis Sullivan, known as “the father of the skyscraper,” the
downtown Newark building is one of eight “jewel boxes” in the United States. The buildings are
known for their ornate details and intricate mosaics. Originally home to the Home Building
Association Company, and later a butcher shop, jewelry store, and ice cream shop, the building will be
restored as a community landmark as the home of Licking County Foundation’s Tourism Advocacy
offices and a visitor center for Explore Licking County. Much of the restoration work will focus on
restoring historic features such as the mosaic tiles, exterior signage, exterior terra cotta, and interior
painted murals.
