During a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the potential nomination of a local building to the National Register of Historic Places. Heather, a participant, raised the question of the timeline for this process, which can often extend over several months due to the necessary reviews by both state and national authorities.
Heather shared insights gained from attending the Heritage Ohio conference, where she learned about successful transformations of shuttered schools into apartments and senior housing, often funded through historic tax credits. She emphasized that to access these financial incentives, a building must be either on the National Register or locally designated.
The nomination process involves a detailed application that must meet specific criteria, and while it does not require the owner's consent, the owner must be notified, and a public hearing is mandated. Heather noted that the condition of the building does not affect its eligibility for the National Register, as the focus is on the historical significance rather than physical state.
The conversation also touched on the possibility of pursuing local designation, which may require the owner's initiation, depending on the existing ordinance. Heather concluded that achieving National Register status could serve as a crucial first step in securing financial assistance for the building's preservation and potential redevelopment.