"Selection expected by July 1 for conservation project" This Week News

Link: Selection expected by July 1 for conservation project
David J. Cross
This Week News
June 18, 2008

Columbus officials are in the process of deciding what neighborhoods will be a part of a fledgling conservation program.

Randy Black, the city's historic preservation officer, said earlier this week that Merion Village is among three neighborhoods vying for a spot in a pilot program that will allow neighborhoods to identify what qualities make the area unique, and therefore preserve those traits.

The names of the remaining two neighborhoods have not been released. Still, Black said the three areas are not located near one another...

"Group raises some eyebrows by razing old Firestone home" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Group raises some eyebrows by razing old Firestone home
Mike Pramik
The Columbus Dispatch
May 12, 2008

The Columbus Foundation wants to create a majestic block along E. Broad Street, one worthy of the history embodied in the old governor's mansion that serves as its headquarters.

To do so, last week, the charity demolished a century-old home that the foundation said didn't fit with its $7.8 million project.

The Joseph Firestone house at 1266 E. Broad St. had been vacant for years and last was used as an office. Columbus Foundation President Doug Kridler said the charitable organization considered saving the building as plans came together for renovation of the site. But the house's structure made it too impractical and expensive to be converted to meet the foundation's needs...

"Ohio is leading the way in historic preservation" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Ohio is leading the way in historic preservation
Letter to the Editor
The Columbus Dispatch
May 10, 2008

...The evidence of historic preservation has accumulated all around us, which is good news for the environment and the potential it holds for a sustainable future. Historic preservation has been called the ultimate recycling because it involves the reuse of existing buildings, resources and infrastructure. A remarkable 90 percent of construction projects today involve existing structures.

In The Restoration Economy, author Storm Cunningham says we are in the "Re" century, "when redevelopment displaces development, reconstruction outpaces construction, redesign is more common than design, reuse betters use, repaving keeps more people busy than does paving, re-engineering dominates engineering, renew dethrones new, and revitalization supplants devitalization."...

"Demolition of Firestone Mansion Imminent" Columbus Landmarks Foundation

Link: Demolition of Firestone Mansion Imminent
Columbus Landmarks Foundation
May 6, 2008

COLUMBUS LANDMARKS FOUNDATION’S RESPONSE TO IMMINENT DEMOLITION OF 1266 E. BROAD ST.

Physical evidence at the Joseph Firestone Mansion located at 1266 E. Broad Street suggests that demolition is imminent. Columbus Landmarks Foundation (CLF) is disappointed with the Columbus Foundation’s decision to demolish this historic building as part of the restoration and expansion of its headquarters at the Old Governor’s Mansion. CLF’s Board of Trustees and membership have made significant efforts over the past several months to persuade the Columbus Foundation to preserve the National Register-listed residence in the East Broad Street Historic District in recognition of its architectural, historical and urban design importance. It appears however that those efforts were in vain and that the building will be lost...

"Ohio Historical Society cuts hours, lays off 26 workers" WSYX ABC 6

Link: Ohio Historical Society cuts hours, lays off 26 workers
WSYX ABC 6
April 11, 2008

The Ohio Historical Society says it is laying off 26 workers and reducing the operating hours at several historic sites and museums across the state.

Officials on Friday said the moves will help offset a $2 million budget deficit, which they blamed on a sluggish economy and a decrease in state funding...

"Columbus Foundation to raze historic Near East Side mansion" The Columbus Dispatch

View Larger Map

Link: Columbus Foundation to raze historic Near East Side mansion
Debbie Gebolys
The Columbus Dispatch
August 22, 2007

Historic preservationists and Near East Side residents are helpless, they say, to stop the Columbus Foundation from bulldozing a vestige of their neighborhood's past.

The one-time home of Joseph F. Firestone, whose relatives created the world's largest buggy manufacturer here and a tire empire in Akron, will fall to a bulldozer this autumn as part of an $8 million renovation project announced a few weeks ago...

...Kridler defended the foundation's decision saying, "We're investing $8 million and ridding the neighborhood of a gas station and a non-contributing office building."

"In the aggregate, those are wonderful things," he said.

"Harris opposes conservation districts" ThisWeek Community Newspapers

Link: Harris opposes conservation districts.
Randy Narvoli
ThisWeek Community Newspapers
July 19, 2007

..."In my view, we are on the wrong side of history if the proposed Conservation Neighborhoods legislation is approved," Harris said. "I feel strongly that while the goal of improving Columbus neighborhoods is laudable, legislation that may place additional and onerous restrictions on the rights of residential and commercial property owners is not," Harris said.

The city plans to designate three communities as neighborhood conservation districts, according to city historic preservation officer Randy Black. The three selected communities will serve as trial communities to determine if the program is sustainable.

Each neighborhood that seeks the designation must assemble at least a 10-block area that has an identifying, distinctive atmosphere or character, according to the proposed legislation. At least 60 percent of the designated area's property owners must agree to the designation...

"Proposal aims to protect 'neighborhood character'" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Proposal aims to protect 'neighborhood character'.
Mark Ferenchik
The Columbus Dispatch
July 16, 2007

...Neighborhoods, not the city, would drive the process.

Each neighborhood asking for the conservation designation must be at least 10 contiguous blocks with "an identifying, distinctive atmosphere or character," according to the proposed law. At least 60 percent of the property owners must agree to the designation. If the city rejects the application, believing it doesn't meet requirements, the neighborhood could appeal to a new seven-member review board.

City Councilwoman Maryellen O'Shaughnessy, who is backing the legislation, said it would give neighborhoods the power to define and promote what makes them unique. They could also protect that character: for example, no towering mansion on a small lot surrounded by bungalows...

Aside from various Area Commissions and Historical Neighborhood Architectural Review Commissions that are already officially recognized by the city, I'll be curious to see where this Conservation District initiative goes.

This will be a third tool that I am familiar with that intended to allow neighbors and business owners in various communities to establish an official means to have some say over what goes on in their neighborhoods with regards to development.

They can be a blessing or a curse depending on the issue at hand, but ultimately they are definitely good entities to have in place that also help safeguard neighborhood character and ultimately home values.

"Homeowners Who Go Green Face Neighbors' Objections" RealEstateJournal.com

Link: Homeowners Who Go Green Face Neighbors' Objections.
Sara Schaefer Munoz
RealEstateJournal.com
July 13, 2007

In neighborhoods across the country, there's a battle brewing: the environmentalists vs. the aesthetes.

As "green"-minded homeowners move to put in new energy-efficient windows, solar panels and light-reflecting roofs, they are bumping up against neighbors and local boards that object, saying the additions defy historic-district regulations, will look ugly or damage property values...

I've been thinking about this lately with some of the green technology we've integrated into our North Block condominiums where we are using Solar Photovoltaic panels on our roof. We didn't run into any real difficulties with the Italian Village Commission since the panels essentially lay flat on the roof 60 feet up.

I'm curious as to how a homeowner might fare in the neighborhood trying to get a solar panel array approved for a more modest home.

"State offers tax credit on historic renovations" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: State offers tax credit on historic renovations.
First 100 qualified applicants to get 25 percent credit
By Bryan Wroten
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
July 3, 2007

About 50 people who lined up with tents and sleeping bags at the Ohio Historical Center over the weekend weren't waiting for an iPhone.

They were attorneys, developers, property owners and preservation consultants hoping for a jump on a 25 percent tax credit on renovation projects. At 8 a.m. yesterday, the state began taking applications for the Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program. The first 100 applicants to meet the requirements will get the credits...

Why'd I post this?

One of my current skunk-works projects is to gather all of the available programs for receiving credits and or financing in the various neighborhoods for both historical renovations and community/neighborhood revitalization.

There are so many programs out there but they come from different, often unrelated, sources.

In order to accelerate and strengthen any community's foothold on efforts to revitalize, it must become easier and more efficient for people to learn about various financial opportunities and incentives that are available in the various neighborhoods.

Obviously this is no small chore but if you could imagine seeing a section under our "urban neighborhoods" pages for each neighborhood and the opportunities that are available, then we would have a tool that could further promote community revitalization by making access and information much more readily available.

As usual, no shortage on ideas...it's the execution of them where rubber needs to find its way to the road :)

"Historic Preservation: The Ultimate in Recycling" The Garden City News Online

Link: Historic Preservation: The Ultimate in Recycling.
Submitted by the Committee to Save St. Paul's
The Garden City News Online
June 15th, 2007

Buildings often outlive the purpose for which they were built. Adaptive reuse is a process for adapting old buildings for new uses, while retaining their historic features. The progressive concept of adaptively reusing historic buildings followed on the heels of the Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and was a precursor of the more recent emphasis on "smart growth" and "sustainable development." The basis for the adaptive reuse philosophy is four-fold: environmental benefit, energy conservation, economic stimulation, and social advantage.

Preservation, restoration and rehabilitation are much less destructive of natural resources than new construction. Statistics show that building construction consumes 40% of the energy and raw material consumption in the global economy each year. In 2001, new building accounted for 25% of wood harvest, 16% of fresh water supplies, 44% of landfill debris, 45% of carbon dioxide production and up to half of the total greenhouse emissions from industrial countries. Conversely, in adaptive reuse, an older building is stabilized and historic materials are saved and strengthened - holding down the need for natural resources and ameliorating the effects of production...

Columbus’ Historic German Village designated as a “Preserve America Community” by the White House

press release

First neighborhood in Ohio to achieve honor

(Columbus)  First Lady Laura Bush has notified Mayor Michael B. Coleman that Columbus’ beautiful and historic German Village is designated as a Preserve America Community.  While other towns and cities have achieved the designation, German Village is the first neighborhood to achieve this honor.

“Building neighborhood pride and improving the quality of life are the cornerstones of Columbus’ mission, and we are proud to stand with the residents of German Village in celebrating this national recognition,” said Mayor Coleman.  “We must protect our historic buildings and cultural heritage, and the homes of German Village are among the best examples of preservation in the nation.”

Area residents will host a celebratory breakfast with Mayor Coleman on April 27th at the Olde Mohawk Restaurant at 819 Mohawk Street.  The event includes a $10 buffet breakfast, doors open at 7:45 a.m.

Preserve America is a White House initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy our cultural and natural heritage. The goals of the initiative include a greater shared knowledge about the nation’s past, strengthened regional identities and local pride, increased local participation in preserving the country’s cultural and natural heritage assets, and support for the economic vitality of our communities.

“The German Village community has achieved national attention because our civic association, The German Village Society, has successfully partnered with the City of Columbus over the last fifty years. The focus and tenacity of our membership is truly remarkable” said German Village Society board president Mary Cusick.

The German Village community has led the way in historic preservation both locally and nationally," O'Shaughnessy said. "I was happy to have the opportunity to write a letter in support of the nomination and delighted that we've achieved this prestigious designation."

The Preserve America Community designation is granted to eligible neighborhoods that meet three general criteria:

      ·       The neighborhood, in partnership with the city government, has recently supported a historic or cultural preservation project that promotes heritage tourism or otherwise fosters economic vitality, and involves a public-private partnership between government entities and at least one civic association, nonprofit, and/or business enterprise.

      ·       The neighborhood has recently adopted a resolution or policy statement indicating its commitment to the preservation of heritage assets within the neighborhood.

      ·       The neighborhood meets at least five criteria specified in three broad categories: discovering heritage through historic places, protecting historic resources, and promoting historic assets.

German Village met the criteria in each category with impressive programs and projects that include the Ralph and Dorothy Fischer Archives (a collection that includes an archival file for each structure in German Village); the German Village Visitors’ Center; Stewart Avenue School tutoring and sponsorship; architectural scavenger hunts for Ohio history and German language students; the German Village Commission; the German Village Society Historic Preservation Committee; German Village Oktoberfest; the Society’s printed materials; their award-winning Visitors’ Center Video; their involvement as a charter member of the Council of Historic Neighborhoods; and the annual Caretakers of a Legacy Awards program.

German Village was Columbus’ first historic district, with boundaries recognized by City Council in 1963.  The German Village Commission was the city’s first architectural review board, established in 1963.  The entire 233 acres of German Village were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 by the National Park Service.

"Learn About Financial Incentives for Renovating Older Properties" MyHometownOhio.com

Link: Learn About Financial Incentives for Renovating Older Properties.
MyHomeTownOhio.com
April 2, 2007

...Over the last two years, this excellent workshop has introduced owners of historic properties, government officials, civic leaders, architects, realtors and others to the complete set of financial tax incentives available for the rehabilitation and renovation of older buildings and homes. The workshop is led by Nancy Recchie and Jeff Darbee of Benjamin D. Rickey & Co., one of Ohio’s foremost historic preservation consulting firms, as well as Attorney John York, who helped to establish the preservation easement program of Landmarks Illinois, one of the largest such programs in the country. Together, Nancy, Jeff and John have unparalleled expertise and experience in working with property owners to realize the benefits of these federal programs.  Whether you own one historic rental house or an entire downtown of commercial buildings, this is invaluable information...

Livingston Avenue School Scheduled for Demolition

I haven't confirmed the demolition and since the letter is anonymous we can only take it for face value but the information may be of some interest. A little research shows that there was an attempt to save the building and get it declared as a historic property but if the demolition is true, we can gather it didn't make it.

anonymous letter to RetroMetro

Hello,

You probably already know this being such a well researched blog.  I enjoy reading it daily along with the other news services.  I remember seeing a preservation article about Livingston school back in early 2006 and I figured I'd just pass along an update.

I apologize that I must remain anonymous as I am involved in this project and cannot afford to alienate myself with my employer.  I just wanted to forward that Livingston school is scheduled for demolition the week of February 26th...

I toured the building extensively before it was turned over to demo and for the school board to say it is beyond rehab is quite honestly not true.  I spent a few hours in the building by myself removing ceiling tiles and looking inside of walls for these so called "structural flaws."  I found only one, a sagging hardwood floor in the basement which has a short crawlspace beneath it.  The walls are all 17" thick masonry from the basement to the attic with the exception of the restrooms located on the 3rd floor which are drywall.  Also I did find a lot of peeling paint and a heating system that had not been updated since the building was nearly new.  This building is a victim of  obvious intentional neglect, however the only damage it has taken is peeling paint and one roof leak that I can find.   Furthermore the amount of furnishings inside of the building at this late date is a clear indication that the school board has more than enough money to throw away.  American flags are still hanging on the walls and every classroom is complete with desks and chairs.  Some rooms still have televisions.  In the attic I found huge incandescent light bulbs from the early days of electricity.  The attic is so tall that it has a sort of second story or loft in it that is accessible by a built in ladder.  There are several signatures on the rail road tie sized beams by people who snuck up there over the years.  The attic is clean of debris, not even bird droppings.  Another interesting note is that every room and hallway has pressed tin ceilings with the exception of the basement.  Still intact are the original flowerettes or medalions where the old gas light fixtures hung.  The capped gas lines are still there too.  When I pulled down some of the ceiling to inspect the trusses I found that the space between floors was fully insulated and the wood trusses in excellent shape. The bead board along the base of each classroom is 1" thick rather than the cheap stuff we see today.  Also each cloakroom has large antique built in cabinets complete with old fashioned coat hooks.   All of the antique doors complete with transoms are still intact.  Interestingly the cornerstone for this building is beneath the staircase in the basement.  It is complete with date 1901, the school board members at the time and architect name David Riebel.  This building is a true loss and each time I drive by it my heart goes out for it.  If only there were someone powerful enough to stop it at this late date.

Hopefully you or someone can do a little eulogy for this fantastic piece of architecture.

-Anonymous

Neighborhoods Concerned about Children's Hospital Expansion

This is a forwarded message from our firends in German Village and Schumacher Place. Please read below.

As you are all aware, Children’s Hospital has huge expansion plans.  We feel very lucky that they made the decision to stay downtown to build their research campus, rather than to take it out to the suburbs, and we have enjoyed a terrific relationship with them as members of their “Good Neighbor” network, partners in the 70/71 advisory council, and we are very proud to have a number of their professionals as German Villagers.

That said, we have been disappointed to learn that the hospital is proposing the demolition of several houses on the south side of Livingston Avenue to make way for a new Ronald McDonald House.  That they are starting over, in spite of the less-than-2-year-old Ronald McDonald House because they don’t like the location after all, is their issue, but that they are asking City Council to donate two alleys to them so they can demolish houses and create a new building site without looking for other solutions is bad precedence.

Three of the houses are classic story and a half cottages that could be moved, and two larger structures, filled with beautiful woodwork, vintage hardware, and original stained glass should be at least considered for incorporation into the new plan.

As they expand into the neighborhoods they are going to have to take the extra care that comes with dealing with historic houses.  Just because a neighborhood isn’t protected as an official historic district doesn’t mean that what is unique and significant should be demolished because it is the cheapest and quickest way from A to B. Purchasing residential properties and then allowing demolition by neglect isn’t necessary for the success of the Children’s Hospital master plan.

As members of the preservation community, we encourage you to join our neighbors from Merion Village and Schumacher Place in urging City Council to delay action on the “emergency” legislation that has been proposed to vacate and the alleys and transfer them, waiving the $39,000 cost, (Ordinance 85-07) until a careful study of all of the options is completed and solutions are given a chance to be implemented. We are NOT obstructionists, be we know, perhaps better than anyone, what can be gained by careful management of historic resources.

You may write all Columbus City Council members in care of Council President Michael Mentel at
MKrutkus @ Columbus.gov

"Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Signed into Law" Greater Ohio

Link: Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Signed into Law
Greater Ohio
January 5th, 2007

Gov. Taft signed Sub HB 149 into law on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007, providing critical tax incentives for the redevelopment of historic buildings in older cities and towns. The new law, which was actively supported by Greater Ohio, is a victory for many historic preservation organizations, in particular Heritage Ohio...

"How German Village commissioners reach new heights in volunteerism" ThisWeek Newspapers

There is a lot of work that goes into maintaining our historic neighborhoods...you also have to keep in mind what it takes to maintain and modify homes in neighborhoods that have architectural review commissions. Not including downtown, those neighborhoods ar Victorian Village, Italian Village, German Village and the Brewery District:

Link: How German Village commissioners reach new heights in volunteerism
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Jody Graichen
ThisWeek Newspapers

Considering that every change to the exterior of every building in German Village requires an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness, the commission often has a full plate. Fortunately many applications can be administratively approved through the City of Columbus Historic Preservation Office. "Staff approvals" cover things like repair work or replacement in-kind, and the Commission is able to vote on these applications in bulk -- since they've already received the okay from staff, the commission needs only to support that initial approval. However, larger projects like additions, garages, and major changes to structures always require the commission's careful consideration and review.

Landmarks’ Autumn Walking Tours to Visit Pontifical College Josephinum

September tours also highlight four distinct neighborhoods

press release
Columbus, Ohio — New this season, Columbus Landmarks’ Autumn Walking Tours feature a visit to the Pontifical College Josephinum, renowned for its distinctive architecture and as the only pontifical seminary outside of Italy. Built in the 1920s, the domed and pinnacled turrets of its exterior buildings are a familiar sight to motorists on the outerbelt and on Route 23.

September tours will also visit the campus of Fort Hayes, and the Italian Village, Civic Center, and Woodland Park neighborhoods. Tours—which last approximately two hours each—are led by volunteer guides who are experts in the fields of architecture, historic preservation, and Columbus history.

Tickets for the Josephinum tour are $20 ($18 for Landmarks members) and include a reception of light refreshments. All other tour tickets are $12 each ($10 for Landmarks members). Tickets may be purchased online at www.columbuslandmarks.org or by calling the tour reservation line at 614.221.4508. Advance registration is highly recommended, as most tours’ group size is limited. Tours last approximately two hours; comfortable walking shoes are suggested. Rain dates are exactly one week following the original date and time. A complete schedule can be found online.

Wednesday, September 6, 6:00 p.m.: Fort Hayes. Established in 1861, Ft. Hayes tells the story of more than a century of military history in central Ohio, from the Civil War through Operation Desert Storm. The tour will include an update on the rehabilitation of many of the buildings. Enter from Jack Gibbs Boulevard, off Cleveland Avenue, and meet in front of the Shot Tower at the center of the campus.

Sunday, September 10, 2:00 p.m.: Italian Village. This near northside historic neighborhood was one of Columbus’ early revitalization successes. The area boasts many 1880s vintage buildings, which currently bustle with art galleries and restaurants. Meet in front of Union Station mural at 630 N. High St.

Saturday, September 16, 10:00 a.m.: Woodland Park. Built by the rich and richly talented, this neighborhood contains an eclectic and stylistic mix of magnificent homes, from Arts and Crafts to English Tudor, Mission, Colonial Revival, and Queen Anne. Meet at 1610 Hawthorne Park.

Wednesday, September 20, 6:00 p.m.: Civic Center. This great center of public life along the downtown riverfront showcases imposing new public buildings related by style, scale, and materials that replaced the factories swept away in the Scioto River flood of 1913. Meet at the Christopher Columbus Statue in front of Columbus City Hall, 90 W. Broad St.

Sunday, September 24, 3:00 p.m.: Pontifical College Josephinum. Built in the late 1920s, the exterior of the Josephinum buildings are characterized by domed and pinnacled turrets, and the buildings’ interiors are rich with detailed work done by some of the finest artisans of the time. Our tour will conclude with a reception of light refreshments and the opportunity to join in Vespers. Meet at the main entrance.

For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit www.columbuslandmarks.org or call 614.221.4508.

Columbus Landmarks advocates for historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic structures and environments as its primary mission through community action and education. Landmarks celebrates historic architecture, design, and landscape, and promotes exemplary urban vision respectful of the community's history.

"Village: Better communication could have warded off curb ramp woes" ThisWeek Newspapers

Unfortunate as it may be for a historic district, I can assure you that the city hasn't the time or the funding to stop and design each crossing and curb ramp area to meet architectural review commission defined standards. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I don't think it is important, but this is a city-wide federally mandated program and if the city were to stop and meet about every street corner it would only serve to grind some of our over-burdened departments even further.

My advice: If your historic neighborhood is up for repaving by the city and you have concerns, take a lesson from German Village and get out in front of the city before they come to start the work:

Link: Village: Better communication could have warded off curb ramp woes
Thursday, July 13, 2006
By SUE HAGAN
ThisWeek Newspapers 

Concerns keep bubbling up about the construction of dozens of wheelchair ramps on Third Street and Reinhard Avenue in German Village, and some village officials think a lot of problems could have been forestalled if staff members had understood the scope of the project from the beginning.

To the city of Columbus, it's simple: the Americans with Disabilities Act says that curb ramps must be provided "wherever an accessible route crosses a curb," and the city has been installing ramps as it repaves streets...

...Said Hacker: "They are putting the ramps in a historic neighborhood. We have architects on the Commission; there might have been some options available if we had been brought in earlier in the process."

"Summer Walking Tours volunteers needed" Columbus Landmarks Foundation

If you're into historic neighborhoods and have some spare time to voluteer, the Columbus Landmarks Foundation could use your help. Even if you don't volunteer, you may be interested in going on the tours themselves. Explore the EVENT CALENDAR for more information:

Dear Landmarks friend,

We need volunteers to facilitate our Summer Walking Tours. Affectionately referred to as "herders," walking tour helpers:

• Arrange to pick up the check-in list, microphone and other paraphernalia needed from the Landmarks office, usually the day prior to the walk.
• Check folks in at the walk's meeting site.
• Process any ticket purchases from participants who choose to come but who haven't prepaid.
• Keep our walkers moving apace with our tour guide(s), and attend to those stragglers (the herding part).
• Enjoy a lovely walk through one of Columbus's fine historic neighborhoods.
• Arrange return of materials and paraphernalia to Landmarks office.

We still need herders for these summer tour dates:

• Sunday, July 9, 2 p.m. East Town Street Meet at the fountain in front of the Main Library, 96 S. Grant Ave.
• Saturday, July 22, 2 p.m. The North Market Meet on the east porch of the North Market, 29 Spruce St.
• Sunday, July 30, 2 p.m. The Brewery District Meet at the northeast corner of Front and Sycamore Sts.
• Saturday, August 12, 10 a.m. Glen Echo. Meet in the boulevard of Glenmawr Avenue just south of where it crosses East Arcadia.
• Sunday, August 20, 2 p.m. Rush Creek Village Meet in the parking lot of Colonial Hills Elementary, 4800 Greenwich St.
• Saturday, August 26, 10 a.m. Old Beechwold Meet at the southwest corner of North High Street and West Jeffrey Place.

If you'd like to volunteer, please contact me by phone at the Landmarks office, 221-0227, or by e-mail at phouston@columbuslandmarks.org. And, if you're interested but unavailable for these walks, we will have more opportunities for herding in our autumn season.

Thanks.

Trish Houston
Columbus Landmarks

"Village seeks status formerly reserved for municipalities" Suburban News Publications

German Village is going after some recognition by seeking a rare designation for their neighborhood. The amount of effort and private funds that have gone into German Village over the years definitely makes it one of Columbus' premiere revitalization success stories and they should rightly gain recognition.

It may be time to dig a little deeper into German Village and take some notes on how there process progressed over time so as to apply it in other neighborhoods that may just be starting out:

Link: Village seeks status formerly reserved for municipalities
Landing the honor could open up grant opportunities.
By GARTH BISHOP
June 7th - 14th
Suburban News Publications

German Village could become the first neighborhood in Ohio to obtain Preserve America status.

Preserve America is a program started by first lady Laura Bush to recognize historic communities that "protect and celebrate their heritage; use their historic assets for economic development and community revitalization; and encourage people to experience and appreciate local historic resources through education and heritage tourism programs," according to its official Web site, preserveamerica.gov...

"Jesse Owens helps provide answer to firehouse flap" The Columbus Dispatch

While I haven't come across the details of what exactly would be done to the firehouse as part of it's conversion into a health center, this definitely remains a sticky issue.

I'm all for preservation but to exponentially increase the costs of getting a much needed health center in an area with a relatively large impoverished demographic that could use it makes for a very tough fight for the preservationists:

Link: Jesse Owens helps provide answer to firehouse flap
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
MIKE HARDEN
The Columbus Dispatch

...We’ve got to pull the trigger," Coleman said of the urgency of moving ahead with construction that would make the fate of the old firehouse part of the new health center. "These are the priorities: No. 1, accessibility to health care by those who need it. No. 2, preserve the historic nature of the firehouse. No. 3, use the health center as a catalyst for economic development along W. Broad Street."...

I'm not educated enough in the realm of historical preservation but I can easily see looking back in regret 10 years from now but the issue comes down to a few key questions:

1. How badly is the center needed?
2. How quickly is it needed?
3. How much of a cost increase would there be and what would the associated time delay be if another site was sought out and selected?

I know that the city owns the building and it was occasionally being used by a limited number of local community members, but if 1)the city is footing the bill, 2)the areas needs the health center and 3)there are no other sites in the immediate area that can be renovated to meet the needs of a health center facility, what other options are there?

If you are into preservation and have an opinion to share, please submit a COMMENT below and help educate us if you have a moment...

Save Livingston School

Passing along a bit of information regarding a petition to place the Livingston Avenue Elementary School, located at 825 Livingston Ave, on the Columbus' Register of Historic Properties:

The Council of South Side Organizations has nominated Livingston School to be placed on the City's Register of Historic Properties. It was a two-year process which involved dozens of hours of work from several dedicated volunteers, and a vast amount of input from supporters like you. The final application may be downloaded at http://www.csso.cc/livingston.pdf

The plan was presented to the City's Historic Preservation department. And, upon receiving their support, it was sent on to the Historic Resources Commission who reviewed the plan, and approved it with the only stipulation being that the Columbus Board of Education submit a letter officially stating the Board's position as they are the owner of record.

Regardless of what the Board puts in its letter, the next, and final, step for the Livingston application is consideration by City Council. If Council denies the application, consider Livingston demolished.

As you'll recall, we have an online petition located at the following URL: http://www.csso.cc/addguest.html - I think it is very important for us all to add additional comments to the petition so that we can present it to council and speak as one unified voice stating our opposition to the demolition, and in support of the CSSO application.

The last chance to save Livingston is quickly approaching, and your support is needed!

Thank you all for your attention to this matter, Mike

Mike Elicson

Council of South Side Organizations
First Vice President
Historic Preservation Committee Chairman
Membership Chairman