Current Easements

Here is a sampling of historic properties in Ohio currently protected by a Preservation Ohio historic conservation/preservation easement:

Genoa Baptist Church
Genoa, Ottawa County

Built in 1871 by the congregation of St. John’s Lutheran Church, this white frame building was later transferred to the independent Genoa Baptist Church.  In 2004, the local congregation faced dwindling numbers and an inability to maintain the structure.  They hoped for the building’s preservation, but all of the real estate agents they contacted suggested selling the structure for demolition and development.  Instead, members contacted Preservation Ohio, which accepted a gift of the property, and marketed it subject to a preservation easement.

Today the building, which features a stunning second-floor auditorium and sanctuary with original pressed tin ceiling, is being brought back for residential use – with its historic integrity intact and protected.

The Colony was constructed in 1919 as the Hippodrome, and featured one of the largest vaudeville stages in the Midwest.

The 1,200 seat theatre is currently undergoing a multi-year restoration effort under the auspices of the Hippodrome/Colony Historical Theatre Association.  For the next 60-plus years, the theatre was the entertainment center of Marietta, and featured a wide variety of events, including movies, live theatre, concerts and more.  Entertainers on this stage included the likes of Judy Garland, Jimmy Stewart, Minnie Pearl and Frank Sinatra.

For information on the restoration project, as well as additional photos, virtual tours, and more, click here.

Springfield’s Pennsylvania House is, quite simply, one of the most important surviving historic resources along the old National Road, which stretched from Cumberland, Maryland to points west.  The building, the original part of which dates to 1838-1839, was constructed to serve as an inn and tavern.  According to the Springfield Preservation Alliance, this was also the boyhood home of Dr. Isaac Funk, of “Funk & Wagnalls dictionary fame.”

Now owned by the Lagonda Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Pennsylvania House has recently undergone a complete, head-to-toe restoration — and is now permanently protected by a Preservation Ohio preservation easement.