Springfield, Ohio – October 28, 2005 – Preservation Ohio, Ohio’s statewide historic preservation organization, announces the 2005 List of Ohio's Most Endangered Historic Sites.

Since 1993, Preservation Ohio has been the custodian of this important list.  According to Executive Director Thomas Palmer, "Preservation of Ohio’s historic buildings and sites should be a priority for communities that seek to enjoy both economic development and a high quality of life.  Recent events in our country reinforce the idea that the heritage we preserve can aid in getting us through difficult times.  Historic buildings and sites serve as focal points to provide us context and a sense of stability.  Unfortunately, however, each year a significant part of Ohio’s built heritage is lost to neglect, decay, urban renewal and/or other reasons."  As in years past, properties have been placed on the List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites in an attempt to focus attention on sites in Ohio whose current condition or planned future indicates a possible loss.  Former editions of this list have aided in the preservation of important historic resources, and have been covered by preservation and lifestyle publications in Ohio and elsewhere.
This year nominations were reviewed by a panel which included representation from Preservation Ohio, Heritage Ohio and the Ohio Historic Preservation Office.   While not exhaustive of endangered historic properties in Ohio, these ten sites have captured the attention of the statewide preservation community for the remarkable role they play in our cultural memoir and their local, regional and statewide importance.

A large number of individuals in the statewide preservation community believe that the current list is one of the most important in recent memory.  Included are amazing properties, each invaluable to community development efforts or our collective past.  We urge all friends of Ohio history and those interested in Ohio's quality of life to actively support their preservation.  Click each listing for more information.
John T. Wilson Homestead      Tranquility, near Seaman, Adams County
A 1832 masonry farmhouse with documented Underground Railroad connections.

Downtown Urbana      Urbana, Champaign County
A Victorian Ohio downtown centered by Monument Square and anchored by the Douglas Inn.

Open Space Surrounding Harding Memorial     Marion, Marion County
The setting of the majestic Harding Tomb, one of Ohio's most important Presidential sites.

Seneca County Courthouse     Tiffin, Seneca County
A magnificent 19th-century courthouse in the middle of a downtown with an uncertain future.

Cozad-Bates House      Cleveland, Cuyahoga County
The only surviving pre-Civil War house in University Circle and a splendid Italianate home.

Kaufmann Building      "Over the Rhine," Cincinnati, Hamilton County
A rare surviving part of Cincinnati's once-rich brewing history, and a landmark in Over-the-Rhine.

Arcade Buildings      Dayton, Montgomery County
One of Ohio's few surviving downtown arcades and featuring a soaring domed atrium.

White-Haines Building      Columbus, Franklin County
Exuberant early 20th century commercial architecture on Columbus' North High Street.

Ohio's Historic Schools      The third listing for this category, reflecting its importance.  This year, this listing highlights:

Limestone Schools of Sandusky - Sandusky, Erie County  - A look at the financial savings and educational possibilities from re-using historic school buildings.

Portsmouth High School - Portsmouth, Scioto County  -  An outstanding piece of architecture and community icon looks for a future.
All site contents copyright 2005 by the Ohio Preservation Alliance, Inc., All Rights Reserved

Photo Credits:  OPA File Photos, Katie Newman, Cleveland Restoration Society, Cincinnati Preservation Association, Preservation Dayton, Heritage Ohio