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Press Release:
Lincoln Theater wins “Best Public Improvement†Award at Heritage Ohio’s Annual Awards Ceremony
Heritage Ohio awarded the “Best Public Improvement†for the Lincoln Theater in Columbus, Ohio County. Diana Ferguson representing CAPA and Charissa Durst representing Hardlines Design Company accepted the award Thursday, June 17th at Heritage Ohio’s Annual Preservation and Revitalization Awards Ceremony held at the Baker Center on the campus of Ohio University. The Awards Ceremony is held in conjunction with Heritage Ohio’s Statewide Conference.
The rehabilitation of the Lincoln Theatre is an excellent example of government, non-profit and private business working together to preserve an integral piece of the community. The Lincoln Theatre was built in 1928 and was the hub of an African-American entertainment and cultural center. The neighborhood declined as residents moved the the suburbs, and the theatre was closed by 1970 and sat vacant for the next 40 years. In 1991, the building was saved from demolition by minor repair projects and placed on the National Register of Historic Place in 1992.
In 2000, the City of Columbus and Franklin County each put up $4 million, with the Lincoln Theatre Association/CAPA raising the rest through private donations. Hardlines Design Company, a Columbus based architectural firm specializing in the rehabilitation of historic buildings, completed a master plan and continued with its implementation. The $10.8 million project included the restoration of the Egyptian Revival style interior, construction of a new balcony and development of new additional to the house patron amenities and backstage suppose spaces. Today, the Lincoln Theatre features live performances, plan to host a movies series, and is home to the Columbus Jazz Academy. The project was the catalyst for other development in the area including two coffee shops and a condominium development.
“All the communities, organizations and individuals receiving awards today have demonstrated a local commitment to sustaining and growing the preservation and revitalization movement. Ohioans are concerned about the future of their heritage,†stated W. Kevin Pape, Board Chair of Heritage Ohio. Added Pape, “The inspiration these award winners provide to other communities will pay dividends far into the future.â€Â
More than 20 communities, organizations and individuals submitted nominations for consideration. The awards recognize the numerous preservation and revitalization accomplishments of downtowns and neighborhoods across the state. The Selection Committee reported an increased level of quality in nominations, awarding 9 categories at this year's event.
Heritage Ohio is the statewide, not-for-profit preservation organization, dedicated to encouraging and assisting people and organizations to protect, preserve and revitalize Ohio’s heritage. Formed in 1989, Heritage Ohio has more than 500 members ranging from individuals and households to organizations and local governments. In 2002, Heritage Ohio was designated as the statewide partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Heritage Ohio encourages the development, redevelopment and improvement of downtown and neighborhood commercial districts. Heritage Ohio works as a catalyst for downtown development by bringing together downtown organizations, conducting statewide seminars and conferences and providing a network to share knowledge, common experiences and challenges concerning downtowns. Learn more at http://www.heritageohio.org .
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