October 10-12, Dayton, Ohio

Ohio's Premier Preservation & Revitalization Conference in Partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office

Join us at the historic Dayton Arcade for 3 days of inspiring educational sessions on historic preservation and downtown revitalization! 

Conference Sponsors

A special thanks to the sponsors who make our conference possible every year!

Conference Registration

Get your Ticket

Heritage Ohio Members

$ 350
  • Full Conference Ticket
CAMP Logo

Add-on to Conference Admission: CAMP Training

$ 25
  • CAMP Ticket

Non-Members

$ 400
  • Full Conference Ticket

Conference Schedule

9:00 am - 5:00 pm The Tank - Basement Level

CAMP

The Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program (CAMP®) is the signature training offered by the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC). The goal of CAMP® is to provide customized, high-quality, and engaging training through presentations, hands-on exercises, group discussions, networking, and mentoring. Topics covered will include: Legal Basics and Standards and Guidelines for Design: The strongest defense commissions have against accusations of arbitrary and capricious decisions is to consistently follow established review procedures. This topic will provide an overview of procedural due process, takings, appeals, property rights, and economic hardship. Participants will examine common preservation legal issues and acquire tools to improve decision-making and build a defensible record. Standards & Guidelines for Design Review: CAMP Trainers will guide participants through the Secretary of the Interior’s (SOI) Standards for Rehabilitation. This topic will also compare the roles of the SOI Standards and local guidelines, reasons to develop local guidelines, how local guidelines can be adapted to meet community needs, and suggestions for developing and/or revising local guidelines Meeting Procedures: This topic will address how to work within the legal framework of state law and local statutes and how to establish clear rules of procedure to ensure a defensible decision-making process. Participants will also discuss ethical issues and learn how professionalism, courtesy, and consistency build support for the commission and its work. Resources of the Recent Past: Across the country, construction from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and even 1980s is now eligible for designation, yet many communities struggle with how to understand and manage these resources. This topic examines why recent past resources are worth preserving as well as how commissions can advocate for them. Preservation Planning: Preservation plans are tools to establish meaningful goals through community engagement. Participants will examine the planning process from start to finish, from identifying what type of plan you need, to techniques for engaging the community and stakeholders, to how to implement your vision and track achievements. Community Outreach and building Public Support: Historic preservation commissioners often get bogged down in the day-to-day administration of their local ordinance and forget that one of their key responsibilities is to be an effective spokesperson for historic preservation in their community. This topic helps participants identify and communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences, whether it’s building support for designations, defending sometimes unpopular decisions, or working with reluctant elected officials. Approved for 2.00 AIA HSW Credits & 4.00 AIA LU Credits A ticket is required to attend. Purchase your ticket as an add-on during registration. This session is registered for 6 AIA/AICP, 2 of which are HSW credits.

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Dana L. Wiley Gallery - 1st Floor

Site Selection Strategies with JobsOhio

JobsOhio, the state’s unique private economic development corporation, acts as a catalyst for high-growth business investments and job creation that are helping propel the state’s ingenuity and ambitions forward. Founded 12 years ago, JobsOhio is a first-of-its-kind, state-authorized, nonprofit built with private stable financial resources, seasoned professionals with private sector expertise, a statewide network of economic development partners, and the long-term investment outlook needed to attract, retain, and expand businesses, payrolls, and career opportunities across the state. JobsOhio’s programs and development-ready sites empower world-class corporations, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals to build their businesses and careers in Ohio. We collaborate with Ohio’s regional economic development organizations, academic institutions, federal installations, business sector organizations, and the State of Ohio to deliver comprehensive programs and investment initiatives that incubate innovations, enable sustainable economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for Ohioans through the power and dignity of work. Discover how JobsOhio can assist your community with site selection, what funds are available to assist with workforce development, and more about the Vibrant Communities Program.

Photo of Sarah Custer Sarah Custer
Photo of Kristi Tanner Kristi Tanner
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm Dana L. Wiley Gallery - 1st Floor

Site Selection in a Redeveloping Community

Site Selection for development is not always the same for each community. For those communities undergoing an economic revival and are redeveloping, the approach and considerations in working with developers and businesses is slightly different than a well-established community that has a strong track record of growth. As a result, different tactics and tools must be deployed to encourage and incentivize development in order to catalyze economic growth. Focusing on the unique attributes of the community and emphasizing these as opportunities helps communities distinguish themselves for businesses and developers seeking these opportunities to work with communities that are redeveloping. Furthermore, having the right types of community organizations in place to promote and work with these businesses and developers is key. However, the need for utilities, community amenities, and utilization of creative incentive/support tools is still critical. This session will focus on site selection tools and resources, especially from the lens of communities seeking to redevelop key sites or buildings in their redevelopment priority areas.

Photo of Chad Downing Chad Downing
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm The Tank - Basement Level

Heritage Ohio Annual Awards

Celebrating the best in preservation & revitalization in Ohio

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Rotunda - 1st Floor

Legacy Circle Reception

Join the party and celebrate at our Legacy Circle Reception. Ticket Required

8:30 am - 9:30 am Rotunda - 1st Floor

Welcome

Welcome to the 2023 Heritage Ohio Annual Conference. Our opening address will be delivered by Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik.

Photo of Lydia Mihalik Lydia Mihalik
9:45 am - 10:45 am Dana L. Wiley Gallery - 1st Floor

I'm Hungry, Who's Open: The Evolving Food & Beverage Landscape

Shane and Dave will discuss the importance of retail as one of the most important and most challenging tenancy for any development project or main street. We will talk about needs from space, place, capital and lease structures. We will discuss how the post covid challenges have affected and already challenging business type addressing staffing, business format and general cost increases.

Photo of Shane Anderson Shane Anderson
Photo of Dave Williams David Williams
9:45 am - 10:45 am The Tank - Basement Level

Early Partnerships for Successful Restorations

Historic buildings aren't built the same way modern buildings are, requiring specialists that understand their particular quirks and challenges when repairing or restoring them. Developing partnerships with qualified restoration specialists early on in the project can keep owners, the design team, and the contractors all on the same page while also meeting the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. This session will cover what qualities to look for when hiring these specialists, how to identify and prioritize repairs, how early partnering with restoration specialists can ensure repair options meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, and the importance of developing mock-ups.

Amanda Fuson
9:45 am - 10:45 am The Lecture Hall - 3rd Floor

Incentives for Successful Historic Rehabilitation Projects

Restoring or adaptively reusing historic buildings can bring valuable financial incentives to real estate development projects. Such incentives are more important than ever with credit markets tightening in the current inflationary high interest rate environment. In this session, we will take an in-depth look at the power of combining available incentives, with a primary focus on Opportunity Zones, Federal and Ohio New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs), tax increment financing (TIF), and property tax abatements. We will also discuss such practical experiences as closing NMTC and historic tax credit syndication transactions, obtaining bridge financing, and choosing a good team of consultants to complete historic tax credit projects. By presenting examples of actual deal structuring for some great historic properties, this session shows you how these and other programs work, how they can function together, and how you can work with the government agencies, investors, lenders, accountants, attorneys, and preservation consultants who can bring these incentives to your project. Note that our session is intended for those with a basic knowledge of project development. A significant amount of time is made available for questions so that participants can apply what they have learned.

Photo of Gordon Goldie Gordon Goldie
Photo of Nathan Ware Nathan Ware
Photo of Emily Cauzillo Emily Cauzillo
9:45 am - 10:45 am The Square - 2nd Floor

Top Tips for Successful National Register Nominations

Join Jim Gabbert, a National Park Service National Register Reviewer, and the State Historic Preservation Office National Register staff to learn the newest, most helpful guidance for preparing great nominations for all types of properties. The federal and state team of presenters will engage the audience in an interactive discussion about the most important topics associated with successfully nominating properties to the National Register of Historic Places. Session topics will be useful to anyone, whether you are a beginner or experienced professional, who wants to nominate a property to the National Register. Approved for 1.00 AIA LU.

Photo of James Gabbert Jim Gabbert
Barb Powers Headshot Barb Powers
9:45 am - 10:45 am Lewis Room - 1st Floor

The Ins and Outs of Conservation Easement Programs

Frank Quinn of Heritage Ohio will provide an overview of historic preservation easements: what they are, how they protect a historic building, and what to expect as an owner of a building under the protection of an easement. Antonin Robert of GBX Group will discuss the latest updates in federal legislation surrounding the tax treatment of easements and will introduce attendees to the financial benefit of treating an easement donation as a charitable contribution. Approved for 1.00 AIA LU.

Photo of Frank Quinn Frank Quinn
Antonin Robert Headshot Antonin Robert
9:45 am - 10:45 am Korndyke Room - Basement Level

Cultural Heritage Tourism & Funding Resources

Heritage Tourism is one of the hottest trends in travel today. Tom Yablonsky, veteran historic preservation and tourism guru, and die-hard Cleveland historian, will share an overview of how you can use your unique community assets and history to create programs and drive tourism, boost the local economy, and leads on how to fundraise your initiatives.

Photo of Tom Yablonsky Thomas Yablonsky
9:45 am - 12:00 pm Rotunda Concourse - 1st Floor

Hands-On Workshop: Masonry

This session will give attendees an opportunity to experience the basics of masonry restoration with a focus on the mortar joint: its function, design, removal, and installation. We’ll also touch on mortar composition and evaluating historic mortars to determine the need for replacement. Approved for 2.00 AIA LU.

9:45 am - 12:00 pm Rotunda Concourse - 1st floor

TOUR: Dayton VA Medical Center Campus

Join us for a guided tour of the historic Dayton VA campus, hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) History Office staff and the Dayton VA Medical Center. Established in 1867 for disabled Union Veterans of the Civil War, the campus is a National Historic Landmark. The VA has designated Dayton as the location of the National VA History Center (NVAHC), an archive and museum complex in development for the agency. The 450-acre campus includes historic buildings dating to the 1870s, a historic garden grotto originally created by Civil War Veterans, and the National Cemetery where Veterans with service dating to the American Revolution are interred. The initial overview of the campus will include an update on VA efforts to promote historic reuse of campus building through the Federal Enhanced Use Lease program and other partnerships. Bus transportation for the 15-minute ride to the to the VA campus will be provided. The tour will be via bus with short walks at several stops. The event is “rain or shine” with a windshield tour option in case of inclement weather. The campus is currently home to the Medical Center and the Dayton National Cemetery. The VA History Office staff and the NVAHC Artifact and Archival Storage Facility are also located on site. Free, Ticket Required

11:00 am - 12:00 pm Dana L. Wiley Gallery - 1st Floor

Trotwood's Renaissance: Redevelopment & Growth in Trotwood

The city of Trotwood has been a community redefining itself since the Salem Mall closed in the early 2000’s. The community was setback in this process by the economic impacts of the Great Recession and the natural disaster of the 2019 Memorial Day Tornado. However, demonstrating resilience and determination, the Trotwood community has worked to demonstrate itself as a community that can be a choice for development. With the objective of expanding and diversifying our economy through creating partnerships around industrial development, the community is creating opportunities for new types of jobs—not just the primary retail base of the Salem Mall era. Furthermore, the City of Trotwood has taken efforts to expand our capacity through the utilization of the Trotwood Community Improvement Corporation and this has resulted in the community taking its seat at the table and telling our story. Through these efforts, we have been able to demonstrate to community members and outside developers that Trotwood is a good investment and presents real opportunities for economic growth. A key aspect of this has been prioritizing and articulating the opportunities on key development or redevelopment sites in Trotwood, many of which are owned by the Trotwood CIC, and creatively using incentive tools to support the sustainability and attractiveness of these sites—without compromising the government services offered to our community. This session will discuss the economic development progress the City of Trotwood has had in recent years and will highlight the policy decisions and partnerships created to drive this progress.

Photo of Mayor Mary McDonald Mary McDonald
Photo of Chad Downing Chad Downing
11:00 am - 12:00 pm The Lecture Hall - 3rd Floor

Regional Roadmapping – Integrating History Through Asset Mapping & Programming

Regions and communities each have their distinct assets and amenities. These are the elements that drive visitors from near and far to visit, experience, and become return visitors. Preparing a strategic plan to maximize regional assets and amenities will help counties and regional areas create a “roadmap”, highlighting their unique assets. Through this collaborative process, the regional areas will be able to attract a larger number of visitors, increase the tenure of visits, and drive economic prosperity through collective place making or storytelling. The regional roadmapping will also help identify how each communities unique assets can be leveraged together with their neighbors, providing a logical progression or strategy to link the region together.

Ben Levenger
11:00 am - 12:00 pm The Tank - Basement Level

Decoding Dayton

Andrew, Jason and John will share the Decoding Dayton story. Started in 2015 by an organic conversation in John Gowers backyard realizing all of the secrets of the city that needed to be told. Decoding Dayton, invites you to connect and grow with our city. History meets present-day momentum and visions for future growth. Every city, street, and building holds a story waiting to be told and a future waiting to be created. Explore the essential coding of Dayton, Ohio and how it has reshaped over time. Hosted by "Daytopian" locals John Gower (former City Planner and architect) and Jason Antonick (community organizer and banker). Includes 34 episodes filmed from 2016-2020. This original series, produced by Indigo Life, started as a mini-pilot on Facebook in 2016 with 3-minute episodes that saw a watch time completion rate of 10-percent. Seasons 2-4 were hosted on a private streaming service from 2017-2020. The fans asked for more so episode lengths were increased to an average of 10-minutes. The 10-minute episodes saw an average of 75% watch time completion. The team hosted a series of premiere parties where an average of 50 neighbors gathered and shared their own stories. Local economic development organizations and employers have used the series for recruitment of headquarters and employees. The series was so popular a spin-off called Decoding Nature was created in collaboration with Five Rivers MetroParks and won the National Association of County Park & Recreation Officials Award for marketing.

Photo of Jason Antonick Jason Antonick
Photo of Andrew White Andrew White
Photo of John Gower John Gower
11:00 am - 12:00 pm Korndyke Room - Basement Level

The Community Impact of Historic Preservation

This session will discuss how community led efforts have led to over $30 million in historic preservation in the small neighborhood of Lower Price Hill in Cincinnati. In 2015, Community Matters completed the $10 million restoration of the Saint Michael church campus (completed with New Market and Historic Tax Credits). This project led to several transformational preservation projects including, the LPH Thrives project, which restored 10 historic structures and created vibrant new housing, the Washing Well, a social enterprise laundromat, and Outerspace, a community arts hub. Learn about what it took to complete these projects and the community wide impact created with historic preservation.

Photo of Mary Delaney Mary Delaney
11:00 am - 12:00 pm Lewis Room - 1st Floor

The Story of Great Council State Park

Great Council State Park is being developed near Xenia on the former Shawnee settlement of Old Chillicothe/Oldtown, by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in coordination with the Ohio History Connection, the Eastern Shawnee Tribe, the Shawnee Tribe, and the Absentee Shawnee. The park will feature an interpretive center, designed in the traditional council house form used by Shawnee Tribes, to share the Tribes’ stories that combine past, present, and future. Presenters Talon Silverhorn (Eastern Shawnee/ODNR), Kim Koloski (Ohio History Connection), W. Kevin Pape (Heritage Ohio Trustee) will discuss engagement with the three Shawnee tribes, vision, goals, and process behind the park’s development.

Photo of Talon Silverhorn Talon Silverhorn
Photo of W. Kevin Pape W. Kevin Pape
11:00 am - 12:00 pm The Square - 2nd Floor

National Register Case Studies: Evaluating Significance of Historic Properties

Jim Gabbert, a National Park Service National Register Reviewer, and the National Register staff from the State Historic Preservation Office will address challenging topics encountered with the wide range of diverse properties nominated to the National Register. Session will include audience participation in examining case studies of National Register nominations for common property types such as schools, apartment buildings, industrial complexes, historic districts, and properties associated with recent past history and modern architecture. New information for amending nominations will be shared.

Photo of James Gabbert Jim Gabbert
Mary Rody Headshot Mary Rody
Abby Marshall
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm The Tank - Basement Level

Ohio & Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits

Learn about the application and competitive scoring process used to evaluate applications for the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit program. Lisa Brownell from the Ohio Development Services Agency will review all scoring measures and explain funding pools, application review timing, and program requirements. Lisa will also review the Pipeline Initiative, which provides grants and technical assistance to prepare properties for tax credit redevelopment through National Register nomination, explaining current funding opportunities and application processes. In addition, this session will also review the application for federal historic preservation tax credits, where you will learn how to perfect your submissions, including what is involved in submitting a complete/reviewable application to the State Historic Preservation Office and National Park Service. Mariangela Pfister from the State Historic Preservation Office will explain best practices and considerations when completing the federal and state Historic Preservation Certification Application documents to ensure your rehabilitation will be reviewable and will meet the U.S. Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Tips will be offered on submission requirements, efficiently navigating the application review process, and rehabilitation work items that may require additional attention (e.g. window work). Approved for 1.00 AIA HSW Credits

Photo of Casey Juday Casey Juday
Lisa Brownell
Mariangela Pfister Headshot Mariangela Pfister
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Korndyke Room - Basement Level

Ohio Main Street Program Refresh

The Ohio Main Street Program is undergoing a refresh. Come learn about how the program is changing and how your community can become part of the Ohio Main Street family.

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Lewis Room - 1st Floor

Downtown Elyria: Turning Engagement into Action

Many communities shy away from planning processes. They are deemed to be expensive, time consuming, and lead to nothing but bookshelf decoration. This session will follow the four month process for Downtown Elyria’s Action Plan for Vibrancy and how they are turning meaningful engagement in to approximately $100,000 in projects in just six months. Monet Roberts of Elyria Community Partnership and Thomas Starinsky of Thomas Starinsky Planning + Design will share the planning process from kick-off to project implementation including: • Identifying the need to hire a consultant • Selecting an effective steering committee to work with the consultants to support and guide the process • Identifying the goals of the planning process • Identifying the stakeholders that need to be engaged • Developing a meaningful engagement strategy • Developing recommendations based on community conversations • Raising funds for successful early action projects • Prioritizing impactful projects that can happen in six months AND leverage subsequent projects While describing the entire planning process, Monet and Tom will focus in particular on the community engagement process and the difference it can make in developing project outcomes that are on target, ensuring community buy-in, and garnering project funding.

Photo of Monet Roberts Monet Roberts
Thomas Starinsky
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm The Square - 2nd Floor

Ohio Arts Council Grants for Organizations & Artists

Interested in funding to support the arts happening in your community but aren’t sure where to start? Join Ohio Arts Council staff as they present an overview of grants available to organizations, schools, and artists—including new grant programs. Whether you’re an artist, coordinate a concert series, launching a public art project, work with artists with disabilities, or participate in your local community theatre, you’ll discover the grant programs that can support the creativity happening in your community. The session will be led by grant program experts from the Ohio Arts Council: Artist Programs & Percent for Art Coordinator Chaz O’Neil, Organizational Programs Coordinator Jim Szekacs, and Investment Associate & Accessibility Coordinator Kim Turner.

Photo of Jim Szekacs Jim Szekacs
Photo of Kim Turner Kim Turner
Photo of Chaz O'Neil Chaz O'Neil
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm The Lecture Hall - 3rd Floor

Smart Solutions for Your Main Street

What is a Smart City? Combining technology and community development expertise, UniCity works with governments of all sizes to problem solve through smart city solutions. Building on a foundation of connectivity through fiber and high-speed public Wi-Fi networks, UniCity works hand-in-hand with communities to custom build a suite of technology applications to impact business district vibrancy, neighborhood-based enhancements, public safety, and data-driven policy decision making.

Photo of John Putnam John Putnam
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Rotunda Concourse - 1st Floor

TOUR: Dayton Arcade General Tour

This introductory tour of the Dayton Arcade will introduce you to the history of this iconic building, the redevelopment of the site, and current and future phased plans. Free, Ticket required to attend.

Photo of Dave Williams David Williams
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Dana L. Wiley Gallery - 1st Floor

Historic Properties and Affordable Housing in Ohio's Appalachia Region

Most small towns in rural Ohio are blighted by older homes in varying states of dilapidation. Many of these homes are no longer occupied or even occupiable. Often these houses, while perhaps lacking in historical significance, nonetheless are representative of their communities’ cultural heritage. Thus, their loss, in addition to being a significant economic negative and a loss of affordable housing stock, also constitutes an erosion of architectural distinctness and community identify. But unlike historic properties, for which numerous programs exist to encourage and support their preservation, such “heritage housing” has received little comparable attention. This phenomenon presents an opportunity in which the rehabilitation of older housing stock can improve affordable first-time home ownership while generating employment, income, and wealth, and preserving community identity. Mr. Lane will discuss his research at the Ohio University Voinovich School of leadership and Public Service which examined the opportunity to enhance Athens County’s supply of more affordable housing through the rehabilitation of older single-family houses – “heritage houses” - that have fallen into disrepair and are uninhabited. In this study, the term “attainable heritage housing” was coined to describe existing older home in need of repair, that are priced below conventional definitions of affordability and which - while typically lacking in historical significance, are nonetheless distinctly representative of their communities’ pasts. The study found that a program of targeted older house rehabilitation could produce significant short- and long-term positive economic impacts for current and prospective residents, while enhancing a community’s position to leverage aesthetic heritage distinctiveness to capitalize on emergent economic opportunities.

Brent Lane Headshot Brent Lane
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Rontunda Concourse - 1st Floor

Tour: Historic Oregon District Walking Tour

Tour the historic Oregon District, one of Dayton's oldest historic districts. The ongoing revitalization of the neighborhood will be discussed, as well as important contributing architectural styles and buildings. *Free - Ticket Required*

Photo of Monica Snow Monica Snow
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm The Square - 2nd Floor

Urban Main Streets

Oakland County, Michigan, located on the northwest side of metro Detroit, is the only countywide Coordinating Main Street Program in the United States. Covering 900 square miles and with a population of 1.3 million people, Main Street Oakland County serves communities rural, suburban and urban in nature. Main Street Oakland County staff and program managers will discuss their revitalization efforts with disadvantaged communities such as Hazel Park, Oak Park and Pontiac, along with the success of Royal Oak; a district that is ever changing and booming after 40 years of targeted revitalization.

Photo of Daniel Hill Daniel Hill
Photo of Annaka Norris Annaka Norris
John Bry Headshot John Bry
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm The Dana L. Wiley Gallery - 1st Floor

Public Art Programs: Policies, Implementation, & Conservation

A partnership between the Downtown Dayton Partnership and The Contemporary Dayton, Urban Art Intersections is an initiative that aims to enliven the downtown streetscapes with public art. The public art projects completed through the program have served as arts-based civic engagement opportunities that promote downtown Dayton, support local artists, and engage audiences of all ages. Large- and small-scale murals, as well as a series of wrapped electrical boxes, have been completed through the program. Partner Leaders, Eva Buttacavoli and Laura Woeste will share more information about process, challenges, and best practices they've learned.

Photo of Eva Buttacavoli Eva Buttacavoli
Photo of Laura Woeste Laura Woeste
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm Lewis Room - 1st Floor

Nominating African American Properties to the National Register

Join Diamond Crowder, State Historic Preservation Office staff, to learn about underrepresented communities and the National Register. Diamond will discuss the importance of nominating African American sites to the National Register of Historic Places and share new and exciting projects that Diamond has underway. Learn about new National Register nominations addressing race relations and civil rights, African American women, Green Book properties and black churches. In addition, Diamond will engage the audience in ways to build public awareness about nominating African American historic sites to the National Register of Historic Places. Approved for 1.00 AIA LU.

Diamond Crowder Headshot Diamond Crowder
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm

Commercial to Residential Conversions, Historic Buildings, and Government Incentives

In the wake of the pandemic, conversions of vacant or underutilized office and commercial spaces to meet housing demand has been among the hottest topics in the real estate industry. The adaptive reuse of historic buildings for residential use is top of mind in this conversation, particularly as the need for workforce housing in urban and employment centers across Ohio grows. This panel will include a presentation and discussion of real-world project examples from: national experts from the GBX Group who specialize in leveraging government incentive programs to achieve preservation goals; real estate developers from Beacon Communities with experience converting historic buildings into housing; and, policymakers who are actively working to fine-tune federal/state/local programs to encourage positive outcomes for the preservation community

Antonin Robert Headshot Antonin Robert
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm Korndyke Room - Basement Level

The Dayton Arcade: The Word on the Street is to Tear It Down

The Dayton Arcade is the most emotional building in Dayton, Ohio. Originally constructed in 1902, the original 5 buildings served as the central marketplace for the region. As retail changed, especially in downtowns across the nation, the Arcade was renovated in 1980 into an urban mall. Within 5 short years they needed to have the debt restructured. This led to a reset of the retail and restaurants which lasted for another 5+ years before it closed in 1991. In 2015 Mayor Nan Whaley won her election pledging the demolition of the Arcade. She convened a task force which resulted in the eventual redevelopment. Come here the whole story. Learn about the plan, the redevelopment strategy and financial structure.

Photo of John Gower John Gower
Photo of Dave Williams David Williams
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm The Tank - Basement Level

National Park District: Federal Historic Tax Credits

What are the Federal Historic Tax Credits? What are the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and How Do They Apply to Projects? What is the Federal Process? How Does NPS work with SHPOs.

Photo of Elizabeth Tune Elizabeth Tune
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm Rotunda Concourse - 1st Floor

Tour: Downtown Dayton Walking Tour

This walking tour will take you to the key landmarks that define downtown Dayton. The tour will cover major historical event in downtown Dayton, key architectural sites, effects of urban renewal, and current historic preservation and revitalization efforts. *Free - Ticket Required*

Photo of Andrew Walsh Andrew Walsh
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Rotunda - 1st Floor

Vendors' Reception

Join our vendors in the Rotunda for drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and networking.

5:45 pm - 6:45 pm Rotunda - 1st Floor

2nd Annual Heritage Ohio Film Festival

8:30 am - 9:30 am The Tank - Basement Level

“A disservice to the memories of those who came before us”: Helping Right the Wrong with the African American Burial Grounds Preservation Program

On December 29, 2022, the African American Burial Grounds Preservation Act was signed into law as part of H.R. 2617, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. The program is anticipated to be funded in FY2024. With Ohio’s own Sen. Sherrod Brown and Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12) helping lead the charge, the program will appropriate $3 million a year for the identification, preservation, restoration, interpretation, research, and documentation of African American burial grounds. We will discuss the research the State Historic Preservation Office has done on African American cemeteries and discuss how Ohioans can work towards receiving grants from this program.

Krista Horrocks Headshot Krista Horrocks
8:30 am - 9:30 am The Lecture Hall - 3rd Floor

Crowdfunding Vibrant Communities

Crowdfunding is the process of gathering a community to provide financial support for a project within a set period of time. Patronicity’s crowdfunding platform specializes in community-based projects that empower communities to transform and invest in themselves. Learn how crowdfunding can help your organization to fundraise, build publicity, and engage your community. Patronicity will share crowdfunding best practices and some of their favorite community projects to inspire you, your organization, and your community. Attendees will receive access to Patronicity’s Crowdfunding Strategy Guide to help you build a community crowdfunding campaign.

Bridget Anderson Headshot Bridget Anderson
8:30 am - 9:30 am Lewis Room - Basement Level

The Past, Present, & Future of the Dayton VA Medical Center

Discover two new initiatives at the historic Dayton VA Medical Center (VAMC). Founded in 1867 as one of the original branches of the National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, the site originally served Union Civil War Veterans. Today the Dayton VAMC provides world-class medical care on a National Historic Landmark Campus. This session will include information on the National VA History Center (NVAHC), which will occupy two historic buildings on the VAMC campus. Once complete, the NVAHC will be the central location for seminal artifacts and archives of historic significance from across hundreds of VA locations. The site will provide storage, preservation, and access to these materials, as well as a museum and education center. The VA will also present plans to look for private-sector partners to redevelop a series of vacant historic buildings on the Dayton VAMC campus.

Photo of Michael Visconage Michael Visconage
8:30 am - 9:30 am The Square - 2nd Floor

Be a Grassroots Advocate for Historic Preservation

Learn more about federal actions that are impacting historic preservation and how you can be involved. Hear the latest on federal preservation advocacy from policy experts, including efforts to enhance the Historic Tax Credit, reauthorize and fund the Historic Preservation Fund, and more. This session will cover policy updates, advocacy strategies, and how you can be an effective advocate for historic resources.

Photo of Duane Van Dyke Duane Van Dyke
Rob Naylor Rob Naylor
8:30 am - 9:30 am Dana L. Wiley Gallery - 1st Floor

The Importance of the Arts in the Redevelopment Process

Mike, Dana and Dave will discuss the importance of art as a redevelopment tool for main streets of any size. We will talk about artist needs from space to place to price. How art creates eclectic energy while welcoming creativity to reenergizing forgotten often vacant sleepy places.

Photo of Dana Wiley Dana Wiley
Photo of Mike Elsass Mike Elsass
Photo of Dave Williams David Williams
8:30 am - 10:00 am Korndyke Room - Basement Level

The Re-Revitalization of Fort Industry Square

This session will be a case study of the recently completed redevelopment of Fort Industry Square in Toledo, Ohio. The project included the complete exterior and interior rehabilitation of ten historic buildings along a city block. Topics discussed in addition to the history of the site will be the masonry restoration, storefront replacement, reconstruction of a failed facade, code challenges, navigating unforeseen conditions, and challenges connecting multiple buildings on the interior.

Photo of Amanda Kight Amanda Kight
8:30 am - 10:00 am

FIELD SESSION: Using the Ohio Historic Inventory to Conduct Historic Survey

Join State Historic Preservation Office staff Petra Knapp and Carrie Simmons as they walk you through the steps to conducting a historic survey and completing an Ohio Historic Inventory form for a historic building in downtown Dayton. Identifying and evaluating historic properties through survey is an important first step to knowing the historic properties in your community or neighborhood. Topics covered will include identifying the survey area, researching historic properties, getting ready to go out in the field, using the Ohio Historic Inventory form to document historic properties, preparing a survey report. Session participants will hit the street for a hands-on activity to survey a downtown Dayton building for the Ohio Historic Inventory.

Carrie Simmons Headshot Carrie Simmons
Petra Knapp Headshot Petra Knapp
8:30 am - 9:30 am Rotunda Concourse - 1st Floor

Downtown Dayton Ghost Sign Tour

Amy Young will take you to some on a tour of downtown’s Dayton’s most prominent ghost signs, often hiding in plain sight.

9:45 am - 10:45 am The Lecture Hall - 3rd Floor

How Old Is It? Tips & Tricks to Dating Buildings & Alterations

One of the most frequent questions we get asked when working on old buildings is how old is it? Knowing the age of a building or portions of a building can give you insight as to how it may have been built, what colors would be historically appropriate, and if a particular feature is historically significant. This session will cover some of the tools we frequently use to date both a building as a whole and specific features to determine how 'historic' it really is.

Melinda Shah
9:45 am - 10:45 am Lewis Room - 1st Floor

Paramount Square: Placemaking and Revitalization through Rehabilitation & Infill Architecture

This session will focus on the master plan for Paramount Square in the Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati, OH, a multiphase development project spanning an entire city block. The program consists of the historic rehabilitation of an iconic Art Deco building and a Dutch Colonial Revival residential building, new construction of Peebles Apartments (affordable housing), Paramount Launch (market-rate apartments and workforce housing), and street edge retail space. Neighborhood associations and stakeholders were consulted to ensure community buy-in and participation. Design decisions focus on marrying new construction with disparate surrounding historic architecture. The goal of the project is to drive economic revitalization and population density in an historic neighborhood in close proximity to Cincinnati's urban core by establishing a sense of place, community and commerce.

Graham Kalbli
9:45 am - 10:45 am

Grow with Google

Google is the #1 source current and potential customers will use to gain information about your business. Learn about all the tools Google can provide to your business to increase business traffic and drive sales.

Janet Hurn Headshot Janet Hurn
9:45 am - 10:45 am The Dana L. Wiley Gallery - 1st Floor

Top 10 Predictions for Travel & How to Meet them with Gusto

Change is inevitable. We all know that. But we don’t have to view change as negative. In this session, we’ll look at 10 top predictions for travel, including cultural and heritage travel. We’ll then talk about ways we can embrace these predicted trends and shifts as opportunities. In addition to exploring changes in visitor expectations, ways to get their attention and other high-level transformations, we’ll also talk about how to leverage opportunities closer to home, such as Ohio’s first World Heritage inscription, the solar eclipse and America 250-Ohio. You’ll walk away with a checklist of actionable items you can put into play right away.

Melinda Huntley
9:45 am - 10:45 am The Tank - Basement Level

Burials under the Pavement: The History of Columbus’ North Graveyard and the 2023 Excavations at the North Market Parking Lot

The North Graveyard was one Columbus’ five original cemeteries and was in use from 1813 to 1864. Issues with the condition and hygiene of the cemetery, as well as creeping urban development and the popularity of the Rural Cemetery Movement, efforts began as early at 1851 to move burials to Green Lawn Cemetery. Even though approximately 1,500 burials were recorded as being disinterred in the decades to follow the closing of the cemetery, it was well known burials still remains. In 2016, discussions began on a multiuse development within the North Market’s parking lot, one of the last areas of the original 11-acre North Graveyard that hasn’t been majorly disturbed by urban development. Archaeological excavations began in February 2023 by cultural resource management firm, Lawhon & Associates, Inc., to identify and disinter burials left under the North Market parking lot. Approved for 1.00 AIA HSW

Photo of Justin Zink Justin Zink
Photo of Tera Rose Cassano Tara Rose Cassano
Krista Horrocks Headshot Krista Horrocks
9:45 am - 12:00 pm Rotunda Concourse - 1st Floor

Dayton Aviation Heritage Museum National park Tour

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park exists at the heart of one of the world’s most significant, globally impactful stories: the discovery of the secrets of controllable flight. Through perseverance and determination, the Wright brothers and Paul Laurence Dunbar were able to overcome obstacles in their lives and leave their respective marks on history. This tour will explore sites important to Dayton's aviation history and the development of flight. **Free, Ticket Required. Self-Transportation to Site**

Photo of John Gower John Gower
9:45 am - 10:45 am Rotunda Concourse - 1st Floor

TOUR: Dayton Arcade Tax Credit Tour

Ticketed Event. Tour the historic Dayton Arcade with a specific focus on the utilization of Ohio & federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits.

Photo of Dave Williams David Williams
10:30 am - 12:00 pm Korndyke Room - Basement Level

Certified Local Government (CLG) Program: Benefits & Annual Grant Program

This session will highlight the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program in Ohio. Topics covered in this session include: * CLG Program overview & how your community can become one * CLG Grant overview & the application process * Successful CLGs, grant applications, & changes coming in 2024 * Examples of successful CLG Grant projects

Nathan Bevil
11:00 am - 12:00 pm Lewis Room - 1st Floor

Mapping Columbus's Ghost Neighborhoods

The Center for Urban and Regional Analysis (CURA) at The Ohio State University has launched the Ghost Neighborhoods of Columbus project to help people understand what was destroyed by urban highway construction and urban renewal in the 20th century. The Ghost Neighborhoods project will highlight these lost and damaged neighborhoods by using machine learning/artificial intelligence techniques to extract data from the historical Sanborn maps to create populate a GIS database, and creating realistic 3D visualizations of the lost buildings and built environments. At present, the project is focusing on the Hanford Village/Driving Park neighborhoods that were bisected by I-70 in the late 1960s. Researchers are also digitally reconstructing Poindexter Village, one of the first public housing projects in the US, and Mt. Vernon Ave, the “Black downtown” of Columbus before I-71 cut it off from the center city. This session will describe the motivations and techniques behind the Ghost Neighborhoods projects. These technique can be applied to any city with Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps; these exist for over 10,000 cities and towns in the US dating back to the late 19th century.

Harvey Miller Headshot Harvey Miller
11:00 am - 12:00 pm The Tank - Basement Level

The Flight of the Funk Center

The Funk Music Hall of Fame & Exhibition Center is dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Funk Music. Learn more about the center’s development and Dayton’s rich history of Funk.

Photo of David Webb David Webb
11:00 am - 12:00 pm The Square - 2nd Floor

Historic District Review: Historic Residential Neighborhoods & Major Metropolitan Districts

Thanks to the foresight of city leaders and early preservationists who saved Dayton’s oldest residential neighborhood, The Oregon Historic District, the City of Dayton adopted zoning in the early 1980s to protect the cultural and architectural heritage of Dayton’s unique historic districts and landmarks. As a result, Dayton has saved and transformed its inner-ring historic neighborhoods into vibrant and thriving communities—all within walking distance of the central business district, arts and entertainment centers, and outdoor recreation amenities. From 1996-2012, residential property values increased 71% compared to 22% in non-historic districts, leading to “the irrefutable conclusion that the city has benefited quite substantially from the creation of the historic districts,” according to the independent analysis completed by The University of Dayton Business Research Group www.preservationdayton.com/neighborhoods Promoting the benefits of these regulations requires continual education and advocacy. In this session, we will discuss how to achieve this common goal.

Photo of Rebecca Kemper Rebecca Kemper
Photo of Monica Snow Monica Snow
11:00 am - 12:00 pm The Dana L. Wiley Gallery - 1st Floor

America 250 in Ohio

oin us on a journey through time and culture as we prepare to mark the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026. Ohio is gearing up for this historic milestone. Discover the statewide planning efforts currently in progress and learn how you can actively engage your local community in this meaningful celebration. Join us for a session led by America 250-Ohio Commission's Executive Director Todd Kleismit and Community Engagement Specialist Taylor Tomu who will guide us on this journey of remembrance, respect, and unity. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of America's 250th-anniversary legacy. Join us, and let's make history together!

Photo of Todd Kleismit Todd Kleismit

Conference Venue: The Historic Dayton Arcade