Statewide effort spotlights historic buildings in honor of America 250

A statewide preservation group is launching a new effort to spotlight Ohio’s historic buildings — and push communities to see them as opportunities for investment and growth.

Heritage Ohio announced its “250 Buildings, 250 Stories” initiative, tied to the upcoming America 250 celebration.

The Columbus-based nonprofit works with communities to protect, preserve and revitalize historic sites and administers the Ohio Main Street Program. Through the initiative, the organization aims to change how communities view aging buildings, particularly those in need of redevelopment.

The project will highlight 250 historic properties across the state, connecting their past, present and future through storytelling, with nominations open to community members, property owners, local leaders and preservation advocates.

“Every building represents a story,” said Matt Wiederhold, executive director of Heritage Ohio. “Some represent successful reinvestment. Some have been the location for events and occasions of both local and statewide significance. Others are waiting for their next chapter.

“This initiative is about bringing those stories forward and using them to expand the revitalization that is already occurring across Ohio, but also to highlight buildings that need investment before they are lost forever.”

Heritage Ohio is accepting nominations in three categories: Celebrated 250 for completed rehabilitation projects, Opportunity 250 for properties at risk or ready for redevelopment, and Legacy 250 for sites with significant historical or cultural importance.

The organization plans to spotlight selected buildings across its digital platforms and in its quarterly newsletter, Revitalize Ohio.

That work will come to a head this fall in Cincinnati, where Heritage Ohio will recognize the selected buildings at its state conference, scheduled for Sept. 29 through Oct. 1.

More information and submission details are available at www.heritageohio.org.