Advocacy
Since its inception, Columbus Landmarks has been committed to the preservation of Columbus’ historic and architectural heritage.
Landmarks has tracked many threatened historic buildings and properties in Columbus, and has provided a forum for numerous discussions about the future of our city’s architectural legacy. Most recently, Landmarks served as an integral participant in the saving of our city’s neighborhood schools. By partnering with the Columbus Public Schools, providing technical assistance, and helping to assess the architectural integrity and relative importance of each of the 56 historic schools, Landmarks helped save 32 historic schools — an astounding achievement by any standard, unparalleled in Ohio and beyond.
Landmarks’ role as a leader in local advocacy issues is deeply rooted in the community. In 1977, demolition of the Union Station train depot-designed by Daniel Burnham, one of the most important architects in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries-crystallized local efforts into what is today a thriving historic preservation organization.
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Take Action to Save Two Critical Preservation Incentives (February, 16, 2012)
1.) The Federal Historic Tax Credit is now in danger. Tax reform on Capitol Hill threatens to reduce or even eliminate this powerful economic development tool. Sign the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Historic Tax Credit Pledge to bring jobs, economic development and pride our community.
2.) Historic preservation is under fire in the House Transportation Bill. This week, it is expected that the U.S. House of Representatives will consider its transportation reauthorization bill – the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act (H.R. 7). This bill puts preservation on the chopping block with a provision that eliminates historic preservation activities from eligibility within the Transportation Enhancements (TE) program, one of the most successful preservation programs in existence. Contact your representative today and ask them to support historic preservation by supporting the Transportation Enhancements program.
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Green Lawn Abbey Workday
Roll up your sleeves and get dirty on Saturday, May 19 between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. as Columbus Landmarks Foundation joins forces with Green Lawn Abbey Preservation Association for their annual spring clean-up. Green Lawn Abbey, located at 700 Greenlawn Ave., is a grand structure built in 1927 by the Columbus Mausoleum Company. It was the finest and largest in the area with room for 600 interments. Built to last an eternity with 1½“ thick granite walls, marble interior and an imported tile roof, the Abbey was built to inspire awe. Marble faux-fireplaces, stained glass windows and various religious statues adorn this beautiful final resting place of many notable figures in Ohio and local history. Workday assignments will include planting, mulching, weeding and general lawn clean-up, as well as sweeping, dusting, polishing the interior. Broken windows in the Abbey lead to a lot of dust & soot. Bring rakes, garden tools, shop vacs, brooms, dust pans, etc. This is a great opportunity to help preserve an important landmark.
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Central Presbyterian Church Building for Sale
Central Presbyterian Church, located at 132 S. Third St., has closed and is for sale. more
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Indianola Middle School Scheduled for Rehabilitation
Indianola Middle School is scheduled for rehabilitation by Columbus City Schools. Columbus Landmarks Foundation supports preservation of the architecturally significant historic spaces, including administrative offices, library, and cafeteria. more
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1904 Clinton Township School Available for Lease
One of the last remaining rural township buildings in Columbus, the 1904 Clinton Township School building is located on the Clinton Elementary School property. Now vacant, the former township school is not included within the current renovation plans for Clinton Elementary School. Determined to be structurally sound, Columbus Landmarks is working to find a new use for the building. more
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Athletic Club of Columbus Listed on National Register
Congratulations to The Athletic Club of Columbus on the recent listing of their building at 136 E. Broad St. in the National Register of Historic Places. It has been a pleasure working with their Preservation Committee on this endeavor.
More info on National Register of Historic Places
Read 10/13/2011 Columbus Dispatch story
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Re-Listing of Old Beechwold Leads to Design Guidelines Research
Last year’s re-listing of the Old Beechwold Historic District has led to review of Columbus’ guidelines. Columbus Landmarks is currently participating in a working committee, which is evaluating the Historic Resources Commission’s Guidelines, in particular new design related content. more
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Historic LeVeque Tower Sold
The historic LeVeque Tower, located at 50 W. Broad St., has sold for the sixth time in its 84 years, and its new owners are considering turning the upper floors of the 47-story art deco skyscraper into upscale apartments.
Read 3.09.11 Columbus Dispatch article
Read 3.09.11 Business First article
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Packard designed Atlas Building Sold
The Atlas Building, located on the corner of Long & North High downtown, has changed hands for the second time in three months. The Columbus Savings & Trust Company engaged Frank L. Packard to design the building, which was completed in 1905. It was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. The Columbus Dispatch reported March 2, 2011 the building’s newest owner, Schiff Capital Group, plans a multimillion-dollar renovation to turn the Downtown office building, at 8 E. Long St., into apartments.
2.07.12 Atlas Building Receives $300,000 State Grant
Read 3.02.11 Columbus Dispatch Story
View National Register nomination
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Old North Columbus Commercial Historic District listed on National Register
The Old North Columbus Commercial Historic District has recently been listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the Director of the National Park Service. The nomination was prepared by Columbus Landmarks Foundation in conjunction with the University District Organization.
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The following list highlights some of the issues that Landmarks members and volunteers have been or are currently working on:
Broad & High Street Buildings
Centenary Church
Central Presbyterian Church
1904 Clinton Township School
Clinton Theater
Columbus Historic Fire Stations
Columbus Historic Schools
Columbus Historic Fire Stations
Council of Historic Neighborhoods
Columbus Historic Resources Commission Meetings
Columbus Quarterly Preservation Meetings
Deardurff House
Downtown Architectural Survey
East Broad Street Initiative
East Side Transit Center
Elam Drake Farm
Firestone Mansion
Fort Hayes Metropolitan School Project
Greek Orthodox ChurchGreen Lawn Abbey
Gunning House
Indianola Middle School
Neighborhood Conservation District Legislation
Old Beechwold Historic District
OSU – Lord Hall and Brown Hall
Union Station
UCT Building
