Historic Preservation Pipeline Initiative

The Historic Preservation Pipeline Initiative is administered by the Ohio Department of Development as part of its broader efforts to support economic development and community revitalization. The program is designed to assist property owners, local governments, nonprofits, and other eligible entities in preparing historic properties for redevelopment by facilitating their inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. By doing so, the initiative creates a pipeline of properties that may later qualify for the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit program, which incentivizes rehabilitation and reuse of historic structures. The program reflects the state’s strategic focus on leveraging historic assets to stimulate local economies and promote sustainable redevelopment. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund preparatory work necessary for historic designation or evaluation. This includes research, documentation, and in some cases physical investigation of building integrity. The initiative supports three main project types: individual building nominations, historic district nominations, and integrity investigations of individual buildings. These activities are intended to position properties for future investment, particularly projects involving commercial or multifamily housing redevelopment. The program prioritizes properties that demonstrate clear potential for economic reuse and excludes those dominated by single-family residential use. Funding is provided in relatively small, fixed or capped amounts depending on project type. Individual building nominations may receive up to $4,000, while both district nominations and integrity investigations may receive up to $12,000, with the possibility of higher awards for projects demonstrating significant economic development potential. Funds are reimbursed after project completion and may only be used for third-party expenses such as consultant services or contracted work. In-house labor costs are explicitly ineligible. Applicants must provide a project budget outlining sources and uses of funds and may include additional committed or anticipated funding sources. Eligibility is broad and includes individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities. However, applicants must demonstrate appropriate ownership support depending on project type, and in some cases, support from local jurisdictions or a majority of property owners within a district. Additionally, applicants must complete a National Register Preliminary Questionnaire and receive a recommendation from the State Historic Preservation Office before submitting a full application. This prerequisite ensures that proposed projects have a reasonable likelihood of qualifying for National Register listing. The application process is conducted through an online portal and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are accepted annually beginning July 1 and remain open until available funding is fully allocated. Because the program is non-competitive, complete and eligible applications are funded in the order received. Applicants are encouraged to consult with program staff prior to submission and must provide detailed narratives, supporting documentation, and evidence of project feasibility and redevelopment potential. Required components include a project description, redevelopment potential narrative, budget documentation, and letters of support where applicable. Evaluation is based primarily on completeness, eligibility, and alignment with program goals rather than comparative scoring. The Ohio Department of Development retains discretion to reject applications that do not meet program intent or lack sufficient redevelopment potential. Approved applicants must enter into a formal grant agreement and complete their projects within one year, with work expected to begin within 60 days of award execution. Final deliverables vary by project type but generally include completed nomination materials or documentation of investigative work. The program operates on an annual recurring cycle aligned with the state fiscal year. Funding is typically exhausted within months of opening, making early application critical. Applicants are notified of awards via email, and reimbursement is processed after submission and approval of required documentation. Program contacts include staff from the Office of Strategic Business Investments and the State Historic Preservation Office, who provide guidance throughout the application and project lifecycle.

Apply early on July 1 as funds are first come first served; ensure NRQ approval before applying; include complete documentation to avoid delays