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BG Song says it lacks capacity for South Main School project but seeks donors, grants
Summary
BG Song representatives told the Historic Preservation Commission they lack the funding and staff capacity to lead a full rehabilitation of the former South Main School but said they have compiled an outline and will pursue grants and potential benefactors.
Representatives of BG Song and commission members updated the Historic Preservation Commission on efforts to preserve the former South Main School and said the volunteer group currently lacks the financial and management capacity to rehabilitate the building.
Staff read a statement summarizing conversations BG Song had with a Toledo developer and a housing-and-lending specialist at Rural LISC, saying the group "does not have the capacity at this time" to carry out the South Main School project. A BG Song representative said she remains hopeful and described a compiled outline of what would be required if a grant or benefactor appears.
Commissioners and BG Song members discussed pursuing historic designations and grant opportunities. Staff described a Department of Development program called the Historic Preservation Pipeline Initiative that offers grants: up to $4,000 for an individual National Register nomination, up to $12,000 for a district nomination, and up to $12,000 for an integrity investigation. Staff noted the pipeline funding is intended to help entities complete the National Register nomination process but that owner consent may be required for some grant categories; by contrast, a National Register nomination filed by the commission (a Certified Local Government action) could proceed without owner involvement.
Commissioners discussed eligibility for federal and Ohio historic tax credits. Staff said a property generally needs National Register listing for federal historic tax credits and that Ohio tax credits have separate requirements; the commission agreed pursuing both is worthwhile but that major rehabilitation funding and construction documents are required to apply for tax-credit rounds.
BG Song members and commissioners discussed other redevelopment ideas for the site — from upscale apartments to senior housing or partner-built Habitat for Humanity homes on the former ballfield — but noted any large-scale work will require substantial upfront capital. BG Song said it will keep searching for grants and potential donors and will return with more information if funding opportunities arise.
