Historic Preservation
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 18th- and early 19th centuries-crystallized local efforts into what is today a thriving historic preservation organization.
The following list highlights some of the issues that Landmarks members and volunteers have been or are currently working on.
East Broad Street Initiative
Firestone
Mansion
Greek Orthodox Church
Neighborhood Conservation District Legislation
East Side Transit Center
Columbus Historic Schools
Fort Hayes Metropolitan School Project
Columbus Historic Fire Stations
Deardurff House
Broad & High Street Buildings
Council of Historic Neighborhoods
Columbus Quarterly Preservation Meetings
Columbus Historic Resources Commission Meetings
Downtown Architectural Survey
Union Station Arch
Clintonville Theater
If you have a question regarding a threatened historic resource, or would like to get involved in an issue, contact Columbus Foundation at 614.221.0227 or at bwest@columbuslandmarks.org.
Preservation Easements
One of the most effective legal tools available for ensuring preservation of a structure is the granting of an easement. Columbus Landmarks is happy to help you explore whether an easement is right for you and your property.
What is an Easement?
Essentially, an easement allows a property owner to give away one of his/her property ownership rights to a nonprofit organization. That organization is then responsible for making sure the historic structure is not inappropriately altered or demolished. The organization has the responsibility to ensure that the building is forever maintained in a way that preserves its historic and architectural significance. Easements can apply to as much of the property as desired, both inside and out, and can protect open space as well as a building.
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Tax Benefits
Beyond ensuring preservation of the structure, the donation of a preservation easement is considered a charitable contribution for federal income tax purposes. The value of an easement ranges from 10 to 14% of the market value of the property, depending on the extent of the property protected and the replacement value of the portion covered by the easement.
The IRS requires the property to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places in order for the easement to be deductible. Properties located in a National Register-designated historic district are also eligible, provided they are deemed as contributing to the character of the district. Click here for information on the National Register of Historic Places.
Owners of easement-protected properties can also have their property taxes adjusted by appealing to their county auditor. This is a benefit not only to the original easement donor, but also to future owners.
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How to ApplyThose interested in donating a preservation easement should contact Columbus Landmarks at bwest@columbuslandmarks.org or 614.221.0227 for more information.
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Technical Assistance for Property OwnersThe best way to save a building is to own it and take good care of it. Sometimes the responsibility falls to others. Either way, Landmarks staff is ready to assist property owners in finding solutions to problems when they arise.
Landmarks staff and volunteers are available to assist people when historic preservation-related needs arise. Landmarks offers guidance to persons seeking to
- preserve architecturally significant buildings and environments
- strengthen traditional city centers and inner-ring suburbs
- encourage the sustainable development of the central Ohio region
Landmarks staff and its many volunteers provide information services, educational programs and technical assistance to people and organizations pursuing historic preservation opportunities.
Landmarks maintains an extensive collection of site-specific clippings as well as publications on many preservation topics.
Landmarks' staff is eager to help. If you, your organization, or your community need advice about an historic preservation project or issue, please contact bwest@columbuslandmarks.org or 614.221.0227.
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Other ResourcesCentral Ohio is fortunate to have two additional organizations that promote and support historic preservation goals. Both are supported by knowledgeable and professional staff that is ready to assist you.
National Register of Historic Places - The National Register of Historic Places is the nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. In Ohio, the NRHP is administered by the Ohio Historic Preservation Office (OHPO). Other OHPO responsibilities include reviewing preservation tax credit projects; monitoring federally-assisted projects for effects on historic, architectural, and archaeological resources; and consulting on building and site conservation.
Columbus Register of Historic Properties and Local Districts: The Columbus Register is the city's official listing of individual properties, groups and districts of historical and architectural significance. These properties have been designated based on the significance of their design, their craftsmanship, or their association with a person(s), and/or event(s) that has significantly contributed to the historical, architectural or cultural development of the city, state or nation.
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