COLUMBUS, OH — Eleven Ohio communities received top honors from the Ohio History Connection’s State Historic Preservation Office on November 2, recognizing exceptional efforts in preserving historic sites and educating the public about Ohio’s architectural and cultural heritage. The awards, presented at a luncheon held at the Ohio History Center, were announced by State Historic Preservation Officer Diana Welling.
“Historic places contribute to our sense of community and give us a tangible connection to our heritage,” Welling stated. “Our awards program is designed to honor the individuals and groups who go above and beyond to safeguard the irreplaceable architectural and historic treasures of their communities.”
Since 1983, the State Historic Preservation Office has awarded projects across Ohio that exemplify dedication to preserving the state’s history and architecture. The awards are given in two categories: the Public Education and Awareness Award, for efforts that enhance public interest in historic preservation, and the Preservation Merit Award, for activities preserving Ohio’s historical, architectural, or cultural landmarks.
This year’s recipients of the Public Education and Awareness Award include:
- Ed Thellman, for work preserving the former Henry W. Longfellow Elementary School’s history in Cleveland.
- Cleveland Heights Historical Society for “View from The Overlook,” a journal that deepens public appreciation of Cleveland Heights’ heritage.
The Preservation Merit Award recipients demonstrated exceptional work in preservation, including:
- Weister Wood LLC, Ingle-Barr Inc., and Archall Architects, for restoring the Canal Winchester Bank building in Canal Winchester.
- First Congregational Church of Claridon and partners, for rehabilitating the historic church in Huntsburg.
- National Trail Chapter No. 348, International Questers, for preserving the Great Western School in St. Clairsville.
- Vesta Corporation and LDA Architects, for converting Henry W. Longfellow Elementary School in Cleveland into Longfellow Senior Housing.
- Edwards Company and team for the extensive rehabilitation of the Madison and White-Haines Buildings in Columbus.
- Portsmouth Connex and partners, for protecting ancient Hopewell culture mounds and enhancing Portsmouth’s Mound Park.
- 15 South Ontario LLC and Kraemer Design Group, for repurposing the Overmyer grocery warehouse into the Overmyer Building apartments in Toledo.
- Ohio Wesleyan University and Schooley Caldwell, for restoring Slocum Hall at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware.
- Pepper Construction and partners, for transforming the Stearns & Foster Building in Lockland into Pepper Construction’s regional headquarters.
These awards underscore Ohio’s commitment to preserving historical sites and educating the public on the importance of cultural heritage, as communities statewide work to maintain their unique histories for future generations.