Facade Grants Would Encourage Preservation and Rehabilitation

Downtown Mansfield has had their own struggles to preserve theirown historic buildings. Part of their revitalization program though has focused on Mansfield's historic structures. Downtown Mansfield realizes these buildings are a "valuable resource worth preserving". To encourage building owners to preserve, restore, and/or rehabilitate a property in the downtown core, Main Street Mansfield has developed a Façade Improvement Matching Grant. The grant pays up to "50% of a planed project, or $2,500, whichever is less."
While this is not exorbitant amount of money, it proves that local grants are available and this grant is a base to build upon. There is no reason Ashland can not use this same model.
http://www.downtownmansfield.com/index.php/component/docman/doc_download/3-facade-improvement.html
Whether we look at Wooster and Medina, or Copenhagen and London, the reason people find these cities exciting and interesting is their historic charm. Heritage tourism is growing quickly. With a great location between Cleveland and Columbus, with Mohican and Amish Country bordering our community, Ashland is a prime location. Let's not loose out!

New Urban Center Will Meet The Need For Higher Education

originally posted on: 12/17/2010 10:27:09 AM at http://www.northcentralohio.com/newsboard/single.asp?Story=44232

The Urban Center of North Central State College, at 134 North Main Street in Mansfield, held an open house Thursday.

Urban Center director Cheryl Carter says the new center will serve students and businesses in downtown Mansfield and throughout north central Ohio.

The center will offer higher education classes, seminars and programs in the newly renovated 7,700-square-foot $1.2 million facility located in the Carrousel District.

Carter says classes offered include accounting, basic composition, speech and entrepreneurship and small business. She says there will also be classes for beginning computer users, GED instruction, customer service and project management,

The Urban Center will offer a Lunch and Learn business seminar series.

The Urban Center is funded primarily by doors. North Central State College is one of 15 colleges in the nation that received a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant.

Carter says the center will open Jan. 3 for winter quarter classes. The hours of operation will be 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.

For more information visit www.ncstatecollege.edu/urban-center or contact Cheryl Carter at 567-274-3952 or ccarter@ncstatecollege.edu.

Losing a link to the past: Guy Krueger has many fond memories of AU's Miller Hall

By IRV OSLIN

T-G Staff Writer

Life seemed to come full-circle for Guy Krueger as he witnessed the demolition of Miller Hall this week. Through most of his 40-year career at Ashland University his office was on the second floor of the building.

"The big machine started tearing into my office," Krueger said. "I glanced down and it was poignant -- it was such a strange feeling because I realized I was standing on the same spot in 1952 when I watched Founders Hall burn to the ground. It was tough."

Krueger, 79, was a student when Founders Hall burned down. It was the beginning of a lifelong affiliation with the institution -- 46 years counting his years as a student at what was then Ashland College.

Watching Miller Hall come down triggered plenty of memories of his student years and the decades he spent there working as admissions director.

When the original Founder's Hall caught fire in the early morning hours of Oct. 20, 1952, Krueger was living at his aunt's house on Chestnut Street.

"I saw the glow and thought that had to be something at the college," he said. "I ran up to the college and went up the walk. They (the firefighters) couldn't get water up high enough. That really kind of hit me."

Krueger, who majored in business administration with minors in marketing and psychology, graduated in 1955. His wife, the late Betty J. Krueger, graduated two years later. While she was finishing her college education, he still maintained a presence on campus on weekends.

He worked in Wellington after graduation, but wanted to come back to his hometown.

"The best thing that happened to me is seeing how things were someplace else," Krueger said.

In 1958, Krueger seized an opportunity to return. He was hired as assistant admissions director of Ashland College. About four or five years later, he was named admissions director.

His office originally was in the new Founders Hall. In the mid 1960s, he moved into an office on the northwest corner of the second floor of Miller Hall.

"Of all the offices I ever had, that was my favorite," Krueger said.

The building originally housed the library and classrooms, including the chemistry and science department.

To make way for the admissions department in the 1960s, a classroom along the west side of the building was converted into a reception area, with a hole cut into the wall linking it to admissions offices. Krueger recalled that the wall was so thick, the workers had a difficult time making a hole for the door.

He was impressed with the job Gib Rogers of Gilbert's Furniture did carpeting and furnishing the reception area -- often the first place prospective students and their parents would come when visiting the campus.

"I think he did it gratis," Krueger said. "At the time, it was really a showcase."

Raymond Bixler chaired the history department and had an office on the south end of the building. Krueger recalled that Bixler's brother, Paul, was an assistant coach with the Cleveland Browns and got him tickets to the 1964 championship game against the Baltimore Colts, which the Browns won 27-0.

"There are a lot of really good memories about that building," Krueger said.

During his tenure there, he worked with James Ganyer and the late George Valentine, who served as admissions counselors. Ganyer's father owned a clothing store in Ashland. Valentine went on to be a teacher, coaching legend and accomplished golfer and golf coach.

Krueger and Valentine often traveled to Columbus on recruiting trips.

"We were very good friends," Krueger said.

He also recalled feeding the squirrels outside his office window. They would climb up the vines on the building for corn cobs Krueger put out for them.

"I'd turn around and look at the window and there would be a humongous squirrel sitting there," he said "They were really tame."

AU President Frederick Finks told him that, when the cupola was removed from the building, squirrels scattered in every direction. Apparently they had been nesting there.

Krueger's son, Kurt Krueger, who works on the grounds at the university, encouraged him to come witness the demolition of Miller Hall.

Krueger is glad he did.

"It was a rather sad thing as far as I'm concerned; I was associated with that place for 46 years," he said. "I thought somebody who cared ought to be there when that building came down."

He acknowledged that the cost of renovating Miller Hall would have been prohibitive.

"I realize it had to come down, but it was really sad," Krueger said. "It's kind of like closing another chapter in the history of AU; it's my last link to Ashland College."

n Irv Oslin can be reached at 419-281-0581 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 419-281-0581 end_of_the_skype_highlighting ext. 240 or at ioslin@times-gazette.com.







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3 Total Comments
3. Posted by LONEY about 20 hours ago
Being a business ed major, a majority of my classes were either in Miller Hall or Bixler Hall. I, too, have a great many fond memories of classes and meetings in Miller Hall and will miss seeing it when I come back to Ashland for visits.



2. Posted by pnmatia1 December 17, 2010
I stopped to pay my respects, too. A sad good-bye.



1. Posted by nwasen1 December 17, 2010
Nice to see that Mr. Krueger was there to bid adieu to this old building. I am sure it had to be a bittersweet day for him.

Fundraising Works - Ask and you shall receive

The United Way of Ashland has almost reached their goal...just shy of one million dollars. Since I've lived in Ashland, the United Way has had similar goals reached. If the President Finks of Ashland University thinks that people would not help in the fundraising efforts to save an historic structure like Miller Hall, he is wrong. The United Way fund proves that to me. I also received my AU President's report today in the mail which documents MILLIONS given to the Ashland University. Ask and you shall receive...isn't that what the Bible says? For a religiously backed institution, you would think President Finks and the AU Board would at least ask.
Hmmm, sounds all too familiar with the former Ashland County Historical Society's director and their board when the A.N. Myers home came tumbling down.

Why won't those in power listen?

In my short time here in Ashland, I've learned that once people in power have made their decision about destroying an historic property, not much can be done to change their mind. It has happened countless times in Ashland; the original courthouse in the 1920s, in the 1960s the homes of Center Street where Trinity Luthern Church now sits, the F.E. Myers Home at the corner of Center and College torn down in the 1970s, the old jail, the First National Bank buiding, the A.N. Myers Home, the list could go on.
During the A.N. Myers Home controversy, the National Trust for Historic Preservation contacted the Ashland County Historical Society to offer "assistance or consult" with the Society with the potential restoration of the A.N. Myers Home. The Ashland-Times never reported this. The Ashland County Historical Society never contacted the National Trust. Their decision was made. (Read more about the A.N. Myers House controversy at http://www.centerstreethistoricdistrict.org/researchinformation.html)
Miller Hall will be down within the next week. There is not much we can do now. The people of Ashland who really want to preserve our heritage and historic architecture need to learn from our past. We can no longer be reactive to historic buildings being destroyed. We must become a proactive community and begin a strong preservation plan. I've out lined that plan in this blog but I can't do this alone. It must be grassroots and must be a community effort.

Miller Hall Demolition

As final week comes to a close, so is the life of Miller Hall. The oldest building on Ashland University's campus. The cupola was removed and sitting next to the building yesterday afternoon. I expect the rest of the building will come down quickly over the next few days. If you have any pictures of the demolition process, I would love to be able to post them here.

The Williams House - 208 W. Walnut – Sided and a rental

The Williams family lived in this home during the Victorian Era. The home was quite possibly built by a local carpenter named Theodore McNeely. McNeely built numerous homes in Ashland including the Locke-Mason House on Pleasant Street and the Brinton House on Center. The woodwork in the home is almost identical to that of the Lock-Mason and Brinton Homes.

Mr. and Mrs. William's daughter, Olivia, married Charles F. Kettering in the Williams House in 1905. Charles Kettering was a famous inventor who created Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company (DELCO) which was eventually taken over by General Motors. Kettering had over 100 patents to his name and headed up General Motors' research division for almost three decades. In 1933 Kettering even made the cover of Time magazine.

In 1997 this home sold for $81,328. In May of 2010, FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORP. took over the property that was then valued at $50,667. On October 5, 2010 David and Amy Brucato purchased the property for a bargain price of $22,000 from the bank. The Brucatos have taken off some of the original molding outside and replaced originally windows with replacements. Unfortunately this takes away some of the historic value of the house, but at least the home has a new lease on life. I would rather have seen wood siding and new storms built. Also unfortunate is that the Brucatos didn’t take advantage of the tax credits to rehab historic properties. The potential was an approximate 10% federal tax credit. Who wouldn’t want to save a few thousand dollars in this day and age. Too bad so many home buyers and realtors don’t know enough about the historic home tax credits.

F.E. Harris House at 502 Claremont Aveune - In Contract

Located on the southwest corner of West Walnut Street and Claremont Avenue, the Harris House was most currently used as the Ashland County Bureau of Motor Vehicles and AAA. Now in contract, the question remains...who is interested? A fast food restaurant that will knock it down? Ashland University, which the president doesn't feel that historic buildings merit saving? This story is yet to unfold. Only the realtors know at this point.

F.E. Harris worked for the F.E. Myers and Bros Company for about 50 years. Mr. Harris had the house built at 502 Claremont in 1916. By the 1950s the home began to be used as office space and that is when the three car carriage house was torn down to make way for parking.

Since the BMV recently relocated, the home now sits empty. When the Harris House was built, every corner of West Walnut Street and Claremont Avenue had a grand home. Now it stands as the only home left at that intersection. Will this home suffer the same fate as the other mansions on Claremont and be torn down to make way for a fast food restaurant or gas station? Will it be chopped up further inside and out, past the point of recongition of a single family residence? For these reasons, the Harris House was #9 on my list of the top 10 endangered historic properties in Ashland County last August.

212 College Avenue - Razed this week

Yet another century home destroyed! The north side of College Avenue only has a handfull of homes one what was a residential street. Paved paradise, put up a parking lot.

Is anything sacred in Ashland?

A number of years ago the Presbyterians in Ashland, Ohio had their own cemetery on the west side of town along Sandusky Street. As the area built up, developers found value in the property and had the bodies exhumed. The remains were then reburied in the Ashland Cemetery. A housing development was then built on the land of the old Presbyterian Cemetery.
Is anything sacred in Ashland? People tear down historic buildings and even desecrate cemeteries!
Although I have not researched this myself, this story came from a long time Ashland resident.
Save old Ashland! There is less to save every day!

The Gilbert Furniture Store - 105 West Main Street, Ashland, Ohio

I heard that someone had interest in purchasing the former Gilbert Furniture Store at 105 West Main Street in downtown Ashland. The catch is that the interested party wanted to level the historic property. I have no primary source to confirm, but with the Salvation Army Building gone, and the Miller Building threatened on AU's campus....I have to believe there is truth in the story!

The Salvation Army Building

Two nights ago I was driving home from parent teacher conferences and got a call. A friend wanted to let me know that the Salvation Army building in Ashland had been torn down.
Over the summer I worked with a few people in town to complete a National Register of Historic Places nomination for Historic Downtown Ashland. There were literally hours that went into this nomination with hopes that it will be officially listed on the Register in the spring of 2011. When coming up with the boundary of Historic Downtown Ashland, I wanted to stretch a bit to include the Salvation Army building, a classic example of 1920's and 30's architecture. It has now gone the way of the Dodo bird.
I'm frustrated because many of us have spent hours to research and prepare the nomination. I'm aggrivated because people seem not to care about our heritage. I'm discouraged that individuals, businesses, and institutions would rather tear down buildings than let someone else attempt to restore and/or rehabilitate the building. You can't tell me that an empty lot is worth more than the actual Salvation Army building.
Millions of dollars were donated for the Salvation Army to build a new facility and yet, they couldn't wait for their old building to sell. Rediculous! What many people don't know is that the home the Salvation Army tore down to build the driveway to the new Crock Center was the home of General William Slocum of the Civil War.
I'll have to think whether or not I will be throwing any money in the red kettles this Christmas.

President Finks Spoke to the Student Senate at Ashland University

President Finks spoke to the Student Senate at Ashland University several weeks ago and told them of the decision to demolition Miller Hall. He also announced the launch of a campaign to raise $150 million "to create new buildings, programs, and scholarships." Check it out in the Collegian
http://ashlandcollegian.com/news/student_government/article_74de877e-e7ce-11df-8209-0017a4a78c22.html
If Ashland University plans to raise $150 million for new buildings, $6 million is a drop in the bucket to rehab the oldest building on the Ashland University Campus!

Oldest building on campus to be demolished over Christmas break

Posted: Thursday, October 21, 2010 9:00 am | Updated: 1:22 am, Thu Oct 21, 2010.

By Missy Loar | 0 comments

Miller Hall, the oldest building on Ashland University's campus, will be demolished over Christmas break to make way for a new academic building.

After debating the pros and cons of renovation versus demolition for two years, the Ashland University President's Cabinet voted unanimously to have the building torn down, according to President Dr. Fred Finks.

"I think the facts speak for themselves and while many would like to preserve Miller for various reasons, in the end, it just doesn't make sense," Finks said.

There are no definite plans for the new building that will eventually replace Miller on the corner of the Avenue of the Eagles and the Academic Corridor, but Finks said a new arts and humanities building is one possibility. Rick Ewing, vice president of facilities management and planning, said a new social sciences building is another idea. Both disciplines currently have classes and faculty offices located in a variety of places on campus.

"[A new building would] really pull together some departments that are spread all over campus right now, so those faculty and students have a home," Ewing said.

Although some were in favor of renovating Miller Hall to make it classroom-ready once again, it was determined that it would be too costly to renovate the inside of the building.

Built in 1923, Miller Hall was originally a library with administrative offices and a few classrooms. Since then, it has housed religion, history, business and science classes. However, the building has not been used since early 2007 due to the condition of the inside.

"Keeping Miller for only historical value didn't make sense," Finks said. "The building would have to be gutted completely inside, an elevator would have to be added to the building and renovation costs are staggering when compared to new construction."

Ewing agreed.

"From the outside, I think Miller is a fine historical building," he said. "I really appreciate the architecture of its form."

Renovating the inside of Miller Hall, however, would have cost an estimated $6 million, he said. That estimate is from 2003, though, and could be higher today.

The estimate only covered enough renovations to make the building operational, Ewing added. Preparing Miller to meet current university needs - such as updating classrooms and adding on to the building - could cost even more.

"It's always a gamble," Ewing said. "To put renovation money into a facility that almost meets the needs versus putting money into something that exactly meets our needs... [Demolishing Miller] is a more cost efficient use of university dollars."

Just making the building operational would require replacing the electrical system and the heating system - which currently includes the only steam boiler on campus, according to Ewing.

"The risk is going up exponentially every year we try to use [the boiler]," he said.

Last year, Facilities Management and Planning spent $2,000 to repair the boiler after it broke down, but the fix was only temporary, Ewing said.

Problems like the aging steam boiler are the main reason Miller Hall will be demolished despite its historical value, according to Finks.

"I believe in preservation whenever practical and possible," he said.

The water system, roof and foundation would also need repairs.

The carpet in the basement had to be torn out last year due to flooding during heavy rainstorms, according to Ewing.

Miller Hall is scheduled to be torn down in December shortly after classes end for the semester.

According to Ewing, construction of the elevator in Founders Hall should be completed around that time, allowing the crew to move from Founders straight to Miller.

Miller Hall’s fate is decided; oldest building on campus will be demolished this winter

By Missy Loar | 1 comment .Posted: Thursday, October 14, 2010 12:15 pm | Updated: 12:48 pm, Thu Oct 14, 2010.


Miller Hall will be demolished over Christmas break due to the costs and risks of renovating a building as old as Miller.

The Ashland University Cabinet voted unanimously to demolish the building, according to a campus communication email from President Dr. Fred Finks.

"This was not an easy decision," he said in the email.

The cabinet weighed its options for two years before determining that the building needed to be demolished. According to the email from Finks, renovating Miller Hall would cost between $6-8 million, while just keeping the building open this winter would cost nearly $200,000 due to the condition of the roof, foundation and heating system.

"We learned a major lesson on the renovation of Kettering with the added cost, and we still have areas of the old building needing renovation," Finks said in the email, adding that there are often unforeseen issues when renovating old buildings.

The demolition of Miller Hall would also free up space along the Academic Corridor, where AU's strategic plan calls for the eventual construction of a new arts and humanities building. Currently, arts and humanities classes are spread across campus instead of united in one building like many of the colleges.

Finks also addressed the issue of Miller's historical value in the campus communication email.

"There is a historical sentiment with Miller as the oldest building on campus," he said. "We intend to keep the keystone, cupola (if salvageable) and other pieces that could be used in a new building on that site."

The cabinet had unanimous support from the Board of Trustees Finance and Facilities Committee, Finks said.


Comment
au1974grad posted at 12:07 pm on Tue, Oct 19, 2010

So even back in the early 70's Miller Hall was a surprising place to have to take Business classes. Here we have Dr. Lucille Ford, daughter of the owner of Myers Pump. She basically grew up on campus since her home was right across the street. That home had been donated to the college/university by then. She taught Honors classes in Economics to Freshmen in the basement of her girlhood home and then went across the street to her offices in Miller where she was Head of Business and Economics Department. Later she would run for Leutenant Governor of the State of Ohio. Well, she is a graduate of Stephens College you know. She has a brain on top of her shoulders.

Miller Hall. Indirect lighting for four years. That means incandescent light bulbs in light fixtures which reflected the light off of the ceiling and down to your desk. Give me a break. The lack of money to maintain those ivy covered walled building was evident then. Tear it down and don't think about such a time. Air conditioning probably came to the building but not then. Can you think of how much energy that building lost through the windows it had in the 70's. Those windows must have been replaced by now. Right? One of the nice things was that you could leave Miller Hall ( Business, Accounting, Economics, Religion, Geography, faculty offices) cross an entrance to a parking lot which served the Administration building and classrooms (Home Economics, English) as well as the brand new library building (1971-72 school year first year open) and get into the student center for ping pong, pool tables, broadcast television (you know 3 Cleveland stations and the public television from Cleveland), and a snack bar. From there you could walk into the Kettering Building and brave the weather, if it was raining or cold and windy, to enter the side entrance to the men's dormitory. Hey, you want a girl in your room? Only certain hours of the day. Top floor of the dorm was hot. Rooms had been divided in half with a wood partition which is where your clothes closet was. Two people to a room but the top of the wood divider had about 1/4 inch opening and when the guy next door was making love to his girl friend of the month, you knew how well they were doing. True love. How nice. So you think things are different today? Not much really has changed. One Spring a seed grew at the location of the flag pole in the quad. What grew was photographed and was on the front page of the college newspaper. Yep. Wacky tobacco was definately on campus.

Miller Hall to be destroyed? Don't forget to get a brick from the pile. The Alumni Department will ask for donations for them to send one. Used to be able to play football on the quad. We had a Spring rock concert there around 1974. Lots of bands. One of the students was working for Belkin Enterprises. He had the contacts. He was asked to pose next to the plant growing next to the American flag pole for that campus newspaper photo. Wonder what he is doing now.

Is There Hope For Ashland University's Oldest Building?

Ashland University's Miller Hall may be slated for demolition next month, but if you have read my blog entries from August, you know there are numerous possibilities. Ashland University could be eligible for a 10% tax credit of a rehab project on Miller Hall. Any income generating building constructed before 1936 is considered historic according to the US Department of Interior. If a non-profit group or institution applies for the tax credit, the credit can be sold like a bond to a business or individual. If it would cost Ashland University $6 million to renovate the building, the tax credits would equal approximately $600,000. Quite a savings! Ashland University renames buildings all the time in honor of the people who donate money. The Gill Center was originally the Garretson Home. All the homes on Center Street have been given different names as well. The Chapel now holds the name of the Millers. The new Economic and Education buildings have names associated with them, which I'm sure was because of a significant contribution to the university. I feel the same could apply for a rehab project of the Miller building. So where could this mystery donor come from? My suggestion would be to have the Ashbrook Center and the Master of American History and Government take over the building. The Ashbrook Center could expand their program and bring in more students, thus bringing in more capital to the University. The Center also has many political contacts who I'm sure could be interested in donating to the rehabilitation of the building.

University's oldest building set for demolition

By COURTNEY ALBON

T-G Staff Writer

Ashland University in December will tear down its oldest building due to costs related to maintenance and renovations.

AU president Frederick Finks said the university cabinet in early October voted to raze 88-year-old Miller Hall, a decision that was difficult, but necessary.

"There are a number of reasons we came to this decision," Finks said. "Old buildings are hard to remodel ... and to tear it down and build new is cheaper."

He said the university learned the difficulty in remodeling older buildings when it remodeled Kettering Science Center in 2006.

Renovating Miller Hall would cost upward of $6 million and maintaining the building in its current state would cost about $200,000 this winter alone, Finks said.

Also, as part of the university's strategic plan, Finks said it is looking to relocate and consolidate its arts and humanities classes and Miller Hall is too small to accommodate the school's needs.

The plan is to raze the building mid-December during winter break, but a definitive timeline is pending.

On-campus response minimal

For a campus about to lose its oldest-standing building, the AU community has been pretty quiet about the decision to eliminate Miller Hall. Perhaps it's because it hasn't been used for academics since before today's seniors were freshmen or maybe it's the building's current state, but officials -- and students themselves -- say the campus is, for the most part, disinterested.

"I've had one letter from an alumni," Finks said. "No individuals from campus, since the decision was announced, have expressed any concern."

Kyle Kanaga, in his fifth year at AU, wasn't sure where Miller Hall was located when first asked about the building's recently-decided fate. When he made the connection and realized he'd taken a few classes in the building his freshman year, he simply shrugged his shoulders.

"It doesn't really matter," Kanaga said. "It really doesn't affect me."

Senior Jimmy Hoppel said he thinks that's the approach a lot of students take. The building isn't really central to the campus' function, Hoppel said, and most students haven't even used it.

Hoppel himself is neutral.

"I guess I can understand why some people are concerned they're tearing down the oldest building on campus. I guess I can see the concern. But also, it's not being used, and the cost to make it useful is too much," Hoppel said. "I understand both sides."

As AU's archivist, David Roepke said he has a natural interest in preserving history and is sad to see the building go, though he understands the financial demands of dated buildings. When he heard word the university cabinet was considering demolition, Roepke said he made an effort to swing their decision the other way.

"I had been working with administration to find a way to save the building, finding other opportunities. I guess they decided to go in a different direction," Roepke said. "It's a connection to the past. ... I'm sad to see it go, but I do understand."

Ashland County resident historian and Ashland College alumnus Betty Plank said she, too, was sad to hear of Miller Hall's fate.

"When I went to Ashland College, it was one of four buildings on campus. I'm sad to see what was the last of the four going down," said Plank, a 1945 graduate. "After I heard what it would cost to repair it and bring it up to the point that it could be used, I could understand why it was necessary to tear it down."

Plank said she's not sure why the decision has slipped under local preservationists' radar, noting there seems to be much less interest in saving Miller Hall than there has been for buildings past.

"It seems we tear down a lot in this town," Plank said.

Finks said he understands the importance of preserving an institution's history, but said when it comes to retention and future growth, it's new facilities that attract students.

"How do you remodel to keep the quality of life for students?" Finks said. "Our (newest facilities) are some of the most popular places on campus.

Hall has served many functions

Built in 1922, Miller Hall originally was designed to serve multiple purposes -- housing administrative offices and classrooms on its main floor, science labs in its basement and a library on its third floor, Roepke said. Until 1958, the building also housed the seminary which, at that time, was comprised of a single classroom.

"The intention was that it would be an administrative building and then have four or five classrooms," Roepke said.

The building's architect, Vernon Redding of Mansfield, designed several other Ashland County buildings, including Lincoln, Grant Street and Arthur Street schools, Ashland Middle School, Ashland County Courthouse and the original county home, Roepke said.

During Kettering Science Center's renovation in 2006, Miller Hall housed science classes, but hasn't been used for academic classes since. University archives currently fills the building, which also serves as storage space for furniture, equipment and supplies.

n Courtney Albon can be reached at 419-281-0581, ext. 243, or calbon@times-gazette.com.

The Society of Ashland's Preservation

Under the direction of Elizabeth Pastor, the Society of Ashland's Preservation was started on March 5, 1973. This group was concerned about the trees being cut down in the city's tree lawns. Pastor and the Society were afraid Center Street would soon look like Claremont Avenue. The organization hoped to stop the City of Ashland from cutting down all of the trees and what they did cut down, would be replaced so that the canopied streets would remain.
Elizabeth Pastor, a musician and faculty member at Ashland University then College, worked in the former F.E. Myers Music Building. The building was razed in 1975 and S.A.P. was incorporated by the State of Ohio on July 3, 1976, just as the fight to save the old jail at 2nd and Cottage Streets. Their mission was simple, to try to preserve the historic natural and man-made sites and structures in and around Ashland, Ohio. After the jail was torn down, the Society for Ashland's Preservation closed it's doors in 1979.
The records of the organization are now housed in the Ashland University Archives. For more information about the Society of Ashland's Preservation go to http://archives.ashland.edu/
Thank you to Hal Morris, George McCool, Andrew Gregersen, Tom Lobb, Fred Reeder, Elizabeth Pastor, Mrs. George (Ann) Franklin, and Mrs. Harold (Elizabeth) Weller who all made their attempt to preserve Ashland's historic landmarks. Although many of the trees were cut down and the old jail was destroyed, it gives me hope that someone after me will continue to fight to preserve Ashland's historic homes.

Wellington's Fall Historic Home Tour

I had the opportunity to attend the Historic Home Tour in Wellington, Ohio last week. Five homes and one carriage house were open to the public. They had some great ideas for advertising support. Wellington Implement had a lawn mower in front of each property open on the tour. A local nursery also had a display. Tastefully done and an easy way to know you are at the right place.
Congratulations Main Street Wellington for a great tour!

UPDATE - The 1st T.W. Miller Home - 713 Center Street

In August I placed the 1st T.W. Miller home at 713 Center Street on my list of most endangered historic places in Ashland County. Today, as I drove down Center Street I was pleasantly surprised. The home has a new roof! It looks like this home may not follow the paths of other homes owned by Gary Austin. If the roof was done well, the home will hopefully have a dry interior for at least another 20 years depending on the type and quality of shingles.
Although the original slate was removed, and the color and style is different than what was there, I am happy to see this home coming back with some potential. I don't know if he got a permit from the Historic Preservation Board from the City of Ashland, but I can over look that since other in the Center Street Historic District have altered their properties without approval or even an application in the the Historic Preservation Board.
This house was the first home of T.W. Miller and his bride, Helen Myers, the youngest daughter of F.E. And Alvesta Myers. It must have been a showcase in its day. The Warren Palmer family bought it in 1914 and lived there through the 1950s. Mr. Palmer, with Ed Mayner, operated a dry goods store on Main Street. It is currently an apartment house owned by Gary Austin. Mr. Austin has had two other properties torn down by the City of Ashland, demolition by neglect. 522 Cottage was a huge Victorian Mansion, as was 340 West Walnut Street. Both were in terrible shape, but were not kept up. According to the Ashland County Auditor's website the 2634 square foot century home at 340 West Walnut Street had a value of $50,440. The land itself is now valued at $14,990.
I will try to get over and take a new picture of the home to post this week!

UPDATE - The Williams House - 208 W. Walnut

In 1997 this home sold for $81,328. In May of 2010, FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORP. took over the property that was then valued at $50,667. On October 5, 2010 David and Amy Brucato purchased the property for a bargain price of $22,000 from the bank. Good luck to the Brucatos and I hope they are able to bring this home back to what it was when it was built in 1888!

Wellington Historic Home Tour

While Wellington faces its own problems to preserve its historic structures, we have a lot to learn from other communities. Going to support their home tour would be a great step in the process.

Wellington Historic Home Tour
Featuring 5 Historic Homes and Carriage House
Sunday, October 10, 2010
2PM to 6PM
Tickets $10 Pre-Sale $12 Day of the Event
Named One of America's Best Old House Neighborhoods by "This Old House Magazine"
For more information call 440-647-3987
www.mainstreetwellington.org

UPDATE - The Williams House - West Walnut Street

The Williams House where Charles Kettering was married has apparently sold. It now has a for rent sign in the front yard. The last list price the the property I believe was $24,000. Unfortunately, no work has been done to rehab the exterior and it is a rental, but it is better than sitting empty.

Learning From The Past - The F.E. Myers Mansion

Learning From The Past - The Firestone and First National Bank Building

Future of Silar Farms is in the cards

 By JEFF RUSS

T-G Staff Writer

The Ashland County Historic Preservation Alliance is preparing to sell a second deck of historic Ashland County playing cards in hopes of continuing to develop the Siler Farm property.

Scott Brown, president of the alliance, said sales of the first deck --released in February and sold for $12-- contributed to renovations to the property.

“The first deck was very successful, and we’re excited to offer this second deck,” Brown said.

The Siler property sits on city-owned land located at Jamison Creek Nature Preserve off Davis Road and Hillcrest Drive. The property is leased to the alliance, and its name comes from a family that previously owned the land. He said at least four families owned the property and it dates back to the 1820s.

Sales of the first deck allowed the alliance to renovate a farm house on the property and get sewer and water lines installed and hooked up. The goal with the revenue from the second deck is to raise funds to pay for a heating system and further renovations.

Brown said the long-term goal is to have the old cemetery put back together and use the house and barn for meetings and school field trips.

“We still have a long way to go, but we are making progress,” Brown said. “We’d like to also thank the city for being helpful during this process.”

The first deck of cards focused on historic places in the county, but Brown said the alliance wants to expand the second deck to include famous people, events and homes throughout the county. Historic buildings also can be included.

“We think it’s a great opportunity for businesses or individuals or families to commemorate a family member or a favorite memory of Ashland County,” he said. Brown said the alliance would like to have the deck ready for sale in November.

He said a limited number of packaged sets of both the first and second editions will be for sale when the second set comes out. He said the alliance would like to release a third deck next year that focuses on historic farms throughout the county.

The alliance is still looking for card sponsors until Sept. 15, Brown said. Number cards are $60 each; jacks, kings, queens, jokers and wild cards are $150 and aces are $175. Similar to the first deck, the card will have a picture of the person, place or event with history written underneath.

Anyone who would like to sponsor a card may contact Brown at 419-289-3310 or sbrown@spreng-smith.com; or Margie Krieg, ACHPA board member, at 419-281-2849.

n Jeff Russ can be reached at 419-281-0581, ext. 237, or jruss@times-gazette.com.

Your Most Endangered Historic Property?

What do you believe is the most endangered property in your community, whether in Ashland County, Ohio or elsewhere? Tell us about it in today's comments.

Learning From The Past - Ashland County Jail

In 1886 Ashland County built an amazing brick Victorian house at the corner or Cottage and 2nd Streets. It served as a home for the sheriff's family and the jail itself.
Built by George W. Kramer of Ashland and F.O. Weary of Akron, this double bricked building cost $24,116.74. With a major renovation in 1951, the building was still used as the jail until the early 1970's.
Betty Plank wrote about the situation in her first book, Historic Ashland County.
"Early in the 1970's the decision was made to move the jail to the basement of the former post office, which was being transformed into a county office building.
What to do wit the old jail became an issue. A group of preservations called a town meeting for Sept. 29, 1975. Jeff Darbee, then a representative from the state historical preservation office, spoke of the possibility of getting 50 percent restoration money if the home gained acceptance on the National Register of Historic Places. Because of its history and architecture, he felt it would be accepted.
The committee filed the necessary forms and the house did gain acceptance. County commissioners Don Workman, C. Jay Welsh and Richard Bear raised some objection that this step was made without their knowledge.
Preservations, led by Elizabeth Pastor and others, then were able to get a $1,500 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which was matched with local private funds to finance a feasibility study.
They hired Robert Goede, a Cleveland architect interested in restoration, who, with Kim F. Zarney of Medina, drew up plans for converting the structure into offices.
Because of the jail controversy, the commissioners appointed a committee of seven, headed by Gladys Thomas of Nova. Their 15 page recommendation that the jail be used for presently rented county offices and storage, was approved by six of the seven. The seventh, who was a builder, recommended demolition.
The commissioners then decided to place the issue on the November ballot. The millage was figured at .25 mills.
A committee called 'Save Money, Save Jail' was formed. Mansfield architect Tim Alexander said the renovation would cost $274,695. This would translate into $2.50 a year for a home with a market value of $30,000, the committed estimated.
Local architect George Raike concurred that the building was sound and the quality of construction could not be duplicated today.
Don Graber, one of the architects who remodeled the old post office into the County Office Building, did not agree that the jail could be renovated at that figure.
Another committee called 'The Committee to prevent the waste of taxpayer's money' was formed and was headed by Don Hostettler.
They argued that it would be cheaper to add another floor to eaither the Courthosue or the County Office Building and 'when things were put on microfilm,' storage would not be needed. Some did not like the look of the house and said it "was out of place."
The voters spoke Nov. 8, 1977, with 9,302 against and 5,093 in favor of saving the building. In the city itself, the vote was 3,467 for and 2,228 against.
On March 3, 1978, the walls cam tumbling down. Steve Huber managed to salvage a marble fireplace mantel and Harley Freer bought the tower steel from the salvage company. These were give to the museum along with an old dress form from the third floor and some brass hinges which Eloise Noonan rescued."
It is amazing to me that only ONE on the committee of seven recommended demolition.

Learning From the Past - The First Ashland County Courthouse

The A.N. Myers Home demolition by the Ashland County Historical Society divided many in the city of Ashland, but this isn't the first time that demolition has divided the community. The original Ashland County Court House was built in 1853 at a total cost of $20,000. This courthouse was the location of the famous Horn and Gibbons trial which led to the last public hanging in the State of Ohio. Back in 1928 controversy started over the need for more room to carry out the business of Ashland County's government. A committee of three people (a judge, a newspaper publisher and on resident of Ashland) decided that after an inspector for the State of Ohio cited the need for extensive repairs to the 1853 structure, it was time to create a plan to tear down the old courthouse and build a new courthouse. Ashland County voters passed a levy to pay for a new building by 1,201 votes. Interestingly, all three county commissioners who approved the new building lost in their following elections. The conflict is reported in the Ashland Times-Gazette in 1928. Even with the objection of many, and voting commissioners out of office, it was too late. The original Ashland County Court House was torn down. Ed McNabb stated that the old courthouse was "the greatest relic in the county." Many old courthouses today have annexes because they are now too small to function. Ashland County has an annex today. Too bad it is too late. We need to learn from the past mistakes of tearing down historic buildings in Ashland.

What Could Have Been Done With The A.N. Myers House - con't

Some think the A.N. Myers Home needed to be torn down and that the Ashland County Historical Society was doing the right thing. There was a fire in the home back in mid 1900's. Some say that is the reason the house had to come down, but they have not seen other homes and building on the National Register of Historic Places that have been restored, even after fire. One such building I had the opportunity to see was in Marietta, Ohio. Amazing, and all the work was done with 20% tax credits
Some say the A.N. Myers Home lost it's historic value. The former director of the Ashland County Historical Society wrote to the Ohio Historic Preservation Office and the National Register of Historic Places to have the A.N. Myers Home removed from the Register and declare that the building was non-contributing to the Center Street Historic District. The Ohio Historic Preservation Office and the National Register of Historic Places replied (do have a copy of they reply letter) that they would not remove the home from the National Register because it should more original details at the time of the letter than when the A.N. Myers Home was placed on the National Register.
Some say that A.N. Myers himself was not significant enough to preserve his home. I say, Isn't it important to preserve all. My home was build by your average railroad agent. Is the railroad agent any less important? From factory owner to factory work, we need to preserve all parts of our history.
Some say that the A.N. Myers Home would cost too much to restore or rehab....well, I think I have already proven my case in past blogs!

What Could Have Been Done With The A.N. Myers Home - Money

In past blogs about a preservation plan for the A.N. Myers Home, razed by the Ashland County Historical Society, I wrote of the minimum of $26,000 per year that the Society acquired from rent. By renting for five years the Society could pay for the exterior restoration just through rental income. Thinking about the rehab of the interior main floor and basement, with minimal updates to apartments on the upper floors, we know that the Society would then loose the income from the main floor, which I estimated at $800 in a previous blog (I would venture to guess they got more for the main floor doctor's office). That would bring down the income per year to $16,400.
The former director of the Ashland County Historical Society said time and again that it would cost $1,000,000 to rehab the A.N. Myers Home. While I argue that number I will use her number to show a preservation plan. I'm told that the Noonan House, the offices of the Ashland County Historical Society cost over $800,000 to build. I know the the A.N. Myers House could have been cheaper for the Society and didn't have to be torn down.
$1,000,000 hmmm. minus 20% tax credit
$800,000 (The same price as the Noonan House, without the history)
$800,000 minus the approximate $260,000 in rent the Ashland County Historical Society collected for the ten years
$540,000
And now there are the potential grants:
Save America's Treasures - matching grants $125,000-$700,000
Ashland County Community Foundation - Support is provided for: Building/Renovation, Project Grants, Matching Grants
Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation - $2,500 to $5,000
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors - $2,500 to $5,000
National Trust Loan Fund - Low Interest Loans
Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation Preservation Fund - $$ vary
Preserve America - $20,000 -$250,000 50/50 match
Jeffris Heartland Fund - $5,000 -$50,000
National Endowment for the Humanities Challenge Grant - $30,000 to $1,000,000 25/75 match
The Crock Center in Ashland raised look funds to help build their complex. The United Way raises 3/4 of a million dollars every year here in Ashland. I have to think that the community would have found a way to assist in the restoration and rehabilitation of the A.N. Myers Home it not been destroyed.

What Could Have Been Done With The A.N. Myers Home - Interior Rehab

In order to get the 20% Federal Historic Tax Credit and/or the 25% State Historic Tax Credit, a property must be income generating. The A.N. Myers Home qualified by bringing in at least $26,000 a year. In order to use the tax credit, still be an income generating property, and bring the home's interior back to its Victorian roots, I would have left almost the entire second floor and attic space as rental apartments and focused on the main floor. The original floor plan could have been laid out with changes to accommodate the needs of the Ashland County Historical Society. Custom woodwork would have mimicked the style of the home. The main staircase would have been rebuilt. I would make sure that the apartments in the upper floors would not have access the main floor and basement. The apartments on the upper floors would only get the rehab needed for short term, with a goal that in ten years the apartments would be taken out and restoration would continue on the upper floors. This would allow time for the exterior, main floor and basement costs to be paid off. Tomorrow, let’s talk more about money.

What Could Have Been Done With The A.N. Myers Home - Restoration Had Started

Just two years before the demolition of the A.N. Myers Home, the Ashland County Historical Society paid for a new roof, had the chimneys tuck pointed, and even had the corbels around the roof restored. Several were rotted out and the Society had Amish woodworkers make the few that had to be replaced. So some restoration work had already been started. It was a great beginning. By putting on the new roof you prevent any water damage.

What Could Have Been Done With The A.N. Myers Home - Restoring the Exterior

Century Restorations, a local company that restored and rehabilitated old homes and buildings, gave an estimate to restore and rehabilitate the exterior of the A.N. Myers Home. The cost was $125,000. With rental income of around $26,000 a year, it would have taken the Ashland County Historical Society five short years to pay for the exterior restoration/rehabilitation of the A.N. Myers Home. This does not take into account any tax deductions.
Granted, it doesn't take into consideration the interior, but my preservation plan would not end with the exterior.

What Could Have Been Done With The A.N.Myers Home - Income Generating Property

The Ashland County Historical Society owned the A.N. Myers Home for 10 years before deciding to tear it down. It was purchased when Scott Brown was president of the Society and wanted to preserve the home from the potential of razing the house for a Elk's Lodge parking lot. During those ten years, the Ashland County Historicial Society rented out at least four appartments as well as office space for a doctor. This tells me several things. First, the space couldn't have been such a hazard as described, otherwise a doctor would not have practiced in the building. Second, it provided income to the Ashland County Historical Society. I don't have the numbers but averaging even $400 a month for four appartments and $600 a month for a doctor's office, that would have been $26,000 in rental income a year or $264,000 over ten years. As I have mentioned in previous blog postings, tax credits of %20 are available for income generating buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The tax credits are like bonds and can be sold. So, nonprofit organizations can take advantage of the tax credits as well! One catch to the tax credits is that the property can not be sold for I believe five years and it must remain the income generating property. Apply this knowledge to the A.N. Myers Home.

What Could Have Been Done With The A.N. Myers Home

The conflict on whether to tear down the A.N. Myers Home in the Center Street Historic District tested the bonds of friendship in our community. So many people made so many great suggestions on both sides of the issue, but the fact remains that the building was torn down by the Ashland County Historical Society with no purpose. The lot still stands vacant today even though the director at the time insisted they needed storage and display space.
This is my opportunity to lay out a preservation plan that the Ashland County Historical Society could have used but the director and board at the time had no interest in preserving the A.N. Myers Home on its original lot or elsewhere. I do believe that if this issue came up today, the outcome would be different because of some of the different leadership in the Ashland County Historical Society.

Purchase with Delayed Closing

Strategy #3 from Historic Salisbury Foundation
Remember this strategy is for a 501c3 nonprofit organization
Purchase with Delayed Closing
- The organization makes an offer with a small down payment
- The closing date should be as far away as way as possible. Suggested 12, 24, 36 months
- Start marketing the property
- This process is more risky for the organization because you are locked in to the purchase, or you loose your down payment.

Acquisition of a Property Through Donation

Strategy #2 from Historic Salisbury Foundation
Remember this strategy is for a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Accusation of a Property Through Donation
o An individual, trust, government entity, organization, etc makes an outright donation of a property
Option to Purchase
o Negotiate an option to purchase a property
o Negotiate a fixed price and a fixed time for the option to buy (as long as possible)
o Pay $1 for the option to purchase to make it official
o Once signed, market the property
o Market the property for more than the option to purchase price in order to cover marketing expenses (don’t over price the building) Use the federal and state tax credits as incentives.
o When a new owner is found, the organization only owns the property for about an hour and the organization places an historic easement on the property with a preservation plan in place before it goes to the new owners
o Create first right of refusal to purchase the property it would go back on the market. This should be part of the preservation plan. Follow up with the property owner to make sure that they are following the preservation plan. If the organization would purchase the property they would have to pay “bona fide” offer at market value. This is rarely used.
Donation Sale
o Go directly to a property owner. Explain the purpose of the non profit organization and tax deductible donations.
o Ask to purchase a home for part of the value of the home and in return the organization can give a receipt of a tax deductible donation for the remaining amount. (Important with capital gains…donation can help offset the capital gains)

Getting 501c3 Historic Organization(s) Involved

Salisbury, North Carolina is located about 45 minutes to an hour away from Charlotte and Winston-Salem. In the 1970's a group of people wanted to do something about the neglect and demolition of historic homes and buildings in their community. So, they formed the Historic Salisbury Foundation, with the purpose of preservation of the city's historic structures. In Ashland County we have the Center Street Historic District Association, The Ashland County Historical Society, The Ashland County Historic Preservation Alliance, and other 501c3 nonprofit organizations that can help with preservation. Most of the organizations only need a preservation plan. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. The Historic Salisbury Foundation has already built a great preservation plan and strategy.

Strategy #1 - I see hundreds of historic properties that I would love to purchase and restore. As an individual it is really out of the realm of possibility. I don't have that kind of capital, even with grants and tax credits. I have invested in my own historic home.
The Historic Salisbury Foundation agrees, but they also don't encourage a nonprofit to outright purchase a historic home or building because it takes to much capital. Then the building has to be managed and repairs made. Many organizations won't have the donations available to so this. An outright purchase of a building should only be used as a last resort. There are better ways!

The Salisbury Plan for Preservation

Over the summer I had the opportunity to talk to the director of the Historic Salisbury Foundation. Check out their website at http://www.historicsalisbury.org/
The director and I spoke at great length on how they go about historic preservation in their community. What an amazing plan! In about 25 years their Foundation has been able to save approximately 90 buildings and put 105 historic easements on buildings to prevent them from ever being torn down.
I had so many questions for the director because Salisbury, North Carolina had so much in common with Ashland. Both have approximately the same population. Both are located between two large cities, about an hour either way. Yet Salisbury has become a destination, a place where individuals, businesses, and families want to be. Much of this comes from their desire to preserve their local history and historic homes and buildings.
This week I'll be looking more at the Salisbury plan.

1. Vermillion Institute, Hayesville, Ohio

The Vermillion Institute in Hayesville was not just a local private college. In the mid 1840's it was chartered by the General Assembly of Ohio. Opening its doors in the spring of 1846, the professors taught in the building that measures thirty-five by fifty feet. The college struggles in the firest three years. The Presbyterian Church stepped forward to purchase the college on two acres for $3,500. At the height of its existence, the student enrollment was approximately 600 with students from 13 states. With the onset of the Civil War in the 1860's, the college enrollment decreased. By the 1880's, the College of Wooster and Ashland College were established, creating a further drain on student numbers. By the mid 1880's, Vermillion Institute was closed and the building was used as Hayesville High School until 1929.
Today, the building sits empty as it has for many years. The Vermillion Institute was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The building suffers from years of neglect. The current owner does not live locally but has put the property up for sale by owner. The sad truth is, the old Vermillion Institute will take a tremendous amount of effort to make it a useable space again and with this economy, most would probably rather raze the building and sell off the bricks. The good news is that the property is on the National Register. That doesn't protect a building from being destroyed by neglect or a bulldozer, but it does allow for the potential of tax credit incentives as well as grants if only someone will step up to the plate. Chances are slim in these economic times and time is running short for this 165 year old building! So, this is #1 on my list of the top most endangered historic properties in Ashland County.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

If a century homeowner is ACTUALLY in need of the home to come down, why can't the home/building be deconstructed and details sold for architectural salvage? The motel at the corner of East Liberty and East Main Streets was deconstructed by the Amish. I'm sure that ever piece of lumber will be reused. Architectural salvage companies are huge in cities across the United States. This would being back some many from the lose of the house. Of all the homes raised by the City of Ashland from the government grant, NONE had any salvage removed. What a waste, and it all went to the landfill which will hurt us in the future because our landfills are filling up. We will pay even more to have our trash taken way. The #1 most endangered historic property in Ashland County will be posted tomorrow.

2. F.E. Myers Factory, Ashland, Ohio

For a brief history of the F.E. Myers and Bro. Factory, I would encourage you to visit the Ashland County Genealogical Society's website at: http://ashlandohiogenealogy.org/myersfactory.html
This one single factor built much of Ashland as we know it today. J.L Clark got his start at the Myer's factory before partnering with Dr. Gilbert Hess. Faultless Rubber Company was started by F.E. Myer's son-in-law, T.W. Miller, and his brother, P.A. Myers.
After a fire a few years ago that destroyed part of the old factory complex, parts of the buildings are showing deterioration. Once the factory had buildings covering almost 18 acres, few parts remain. The offices are more secure since the Pump House Restaurant operates out of that part of the factory complex, but the factory and warehouses across the street have many broken windows and unkept buildings. Just like the Hess and Clark Factory, the F.E. Myers Factory faces similar challenges. It is currently owned by Pump House Ministries. If the ministry only used some of my ideas, with assistance, this old factory could be refurbished with a restored exterior. As it looks today, I'm not convinced that it will happen. Therefore, the F.E. Myers and Bro. Factory is #2 on my most endangered historic properties in Ashland County.

Preserve Your Home Forever!

The concern of what happens to the property you have lovingly restored after your death doesn’t have to be! Talk to Heritage Ohio, Preservation Ohio, or the National Trust for Historic Preservation. They can help you put together an historic easement for your property attached to your land deed. The above mentioned organizations, with a donation, will check the properties once a year to make sure no one has done anything to damage or destroy the house. If someone were to damage or destroy the house, those organizations would take the home owner to court.
There are also benefits to putting an historic easement on your home. First, if you make a donation to Heritage Ohio, Preservation Ohio, or the National Trust for Historic Preservation, you can use the donation as a tax deduction because they are all nonprofit organizations. Second, the home or building is actually devalued because the property can no longer be developed. Because of the devaluation of the property, you will pay less in property taxes.
Things to remember before putting on an historic easement on your property: You need to be committed to the preservation of your property and in it for the long haul. Property values will come back up but it will take time. Waiting to put the historic easement on your home until after the restoration is done could be more beneficial for saving on taxes. Although putting an easement on the property early in the process allows for the values to climb quicker initially.
I'll continue tomorrow with the 2nd most endangered historic property in Ashland County.

3. The Hess and Clark Factory – 10 E. 7th Street, Ashland, Ohio

The Hess and Clark company began in 1893 when Dr. Gilbert Hess and J.L. Clark formed a partnership. The pair produced and sold veterinarian pharmaceuticals. In 1915, local Ashland Historian Will Duff wrote that the Hess and Clark Co. has many successes including, ““The three story plant covers two-and-a-half actress of floor space. The goods are marketed in every state in the Union and all of the Dominion of Canada. It employs 250 people with 30 salesmen on the road. Branch houses in Sacramento, California; Portland, Oregon, Regina, Saskatchewan; and Hamilton, Ontario. They have their own printing plant. More than 4,000,000 personal letters were mailed last year to stock and poultry dealers representing $60,000 in postage. (1914) Thirty-three carloads of goods were distributed as free samples.”
Both Dr. Hess and J.L. Clark gave back so much to the community including scholarships for students and Samaritan Hospital.
The old office and factory buildings still stand on E. 7th Street where Hess and Clark Inc. was located until 1990. Over the last 20 years the buildings have become more dilapidated and in need of repair. On March 13, 2009, Gulf Coast Bank and Trust Company of Louisiana took control of the property. In June 2010 the entire property was sold for $30,000, an absolute steal when the assessed value is just over $330,000.
The problem is that even with instant equity to help in the refurbishment of the Hess and Clark office and factory, it will take major investment, time, and commitment. The complex was purchased not by an individual but an investment company from outside of Ashland. Just like the old schools in Ohio, most people would rather build new than update and refurbish the infrastructure that we already have. We can only hope they see Hess and Clark as an anchor in our community and desire to refurbish the building rather than level it.