Across the state, a total of $41.8 million in
Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits was awarded to 31 organizations that plan to rehabilitate 35 historic buildings. Projects range from new office, hotel, retail and event spaces to 792 new market-rate housing units and the preservation of 279 affordable housing units.
Twelve Cincinnati projects were granted almost $30 million in state historic tax credits, with the bulk going to the Music Hall renovation project.
51 E. Clifton Ave., Over-the-Rhine
Project cost: $750,000
Tax credit: $147,000
Built in 1890 as tenement housing for the workers at OTR’s breweries and other industries, the building has been vacant for a number of years. It will be redeveloped into seven market-rate apartments.
1200 and 1208 Main St., OTR
Project cost: $3,231,129
Tax credit: $320,000
Wurst & Lorentz opened a “fancy goods store” in 1887 at 1200 Main St. The property has housed a number of dry goods, millinery and butcher shops and is currently vacant.
Urban Sites plans to redevelop the two buildings into 19 apartments with first-floor retail space.
1317 Republic St., OTR
Project cost: 1,494,669
Tax credit: $199,000
Built in 1878, the Greek Revival building has been vacant for several years.
Grandin Properties plans to redevelop the first three floors of the building into six apartments.
1319 Republic St., OTR
Project cost: $1,494,669
Tax credit: $199,000
Also built in 1878, this building is the twin of 1317 Republic St. Grandin Properties will redevelop the vacant site into six apartments, and both projects will complement others from the company in the block, including the former Emanuel Community Center and two buildings on 13th Street.
1405 Clay St., OTR
Project cost: $1,101,746
Tax credit: $180,000
Built between 1885 and 1890, the currently vacant property will be rehabbed into four apartments and first-floor retail by Urban Sites.
4089 Langland St., Northside
Project cost: $770,760
Tax credit: $150,000
This building once housed a café and boarding house but was most recently used by a lumber company. It’s been vacant since 2005 and will eventually house
Wire & Twine Design Studios and a coworking space as well as two residential units.
Ambassador Apartments, 722 Gholson Ave. and 3415 Reading Road, Avondale
Project cost: $9,410,866
Tax credit: $913,751
Opened in 1929, Ambassador Apartments has been challenged with a number of maintenance issues.
The Community Builders recently acquired the property and plans to renovate the 18 units so they can continue to be affordable housing.
Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., OTR
Project cost: $127,500,000
Tax credit: $25 million
The national historic landmark was dedicated during Cincinnati’s fourth May Festival in 1878 and is home to the
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra,
Cincinnati Opera and
May Festival and is managed by
Cincinnati Arts Association. Rehab plans include upgrading building systems and handicap accessibility, improving operational efficiency and reopening and refreshing the exterior facades in order to increase the number of events held in the space.
Crescent Court Apartments, 3719 Reading Road, Avondale
Project cost: $8,370,356
Tax credit: $249,999
Built in 1911, Crescent Court Apartments was recently acquired by The Community Builders. The 37 affordable housing units will be redeveloped as part of a larger project planned for the neighborhood.
Heberle School, 2015 Freeman Ave., West End
Project cost: $11,189,704
Tax credit: $1,834,000
The Heberle School is one of several vacant schools in the neighborhood and will be converted into 59 apartments. It’s the first project in the West End to utilize state historic tax credits.
Poinciana Apartments, 3522 and 3639 Reading Road; 610 and 615 Maple Ave., Avondale
Project cost: $20,279,443
Tax credit: $440,202
Built in 1908, The Community Builders will redevelop the 44-unit building as part of a larger project in the neighborhood. Along with three other properties, the project will yield clean, safe, affordable housing.
Somerset Apartments, 802 Blair Ave., Avondale
Project cost: $5,892,147
Tax credit: $249,999
The apartments were built in 1869, and The Community Builders will rehab and preserve the existing 30 apartments.
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