Just for Owners of Old Buildings
The rewards and challenges of owning an old building are great and varied. We’re here to try to help.What does the Oberlin Heritage Center do?
We help people learn about the benefits of historic preservation and teach them about the history and architecture of our community through workshops and other educational programs, often in collaboration with other organizations. Check our event calendar for a schedule of upcoming programs.
We maintain files on the history and architecture of buildings throughout the community which are available to the public in our Resource Center by appointment.
We are conducting a city-wide inventory of buildings to document the history and architecture of those built fifty-years or more ago. This is done in conjunction with the City of Oberlin Historic Preservation Commission.
We can help you find additional information on specific preservation topics and advise you on your preservation project.
We have prepared National Register of Historic Places nominations for local buildings and for the Downtown Oberlin Historic District.
We have prepared applications for Ohio Historical Markers that are erected in Oberlin.
We work to try to preserve and find new uses for endangered significant historic buildings and landmarks, often in collaboration with other organizations and community residents.
Heritage Home Program
The Cleveland Restoration Society’s Heritage Home Program is available to residents who live in the city of Oberlin. The program is targeted to older and historic residential properties more than 50 years of age. Homeowners can get free expert advice and low interest financing to preserve the unique character of their homes and neighborhoods. Older houses that still have some of their original features are eligible for both exterior and interior projects. Non-owner occupied properties up to a three-family are also eligible.
Projects range from new roofs, painting, landscaping, porch repair, additions, window repair, driveways, storm windows, kitchen and bath renovations, and much more. Vinyl siding and vinyl replacement windows cannot be funded. Income guidelines do exist to qualify for the loan, but anyone with an eligible property can take advantage of the free technical advice. If you are interested in finding out more information on the program, or to see if your house qualifies, contact the Cleveland Restoration Society at (216) 426-3116.
Heritage Home Program Downloadable BrochureOberlin Heritage Home Program Materials
What doesn’t the Oberlin Heritage Center do?
We do not offer grants for property owners to fix their buildings. Indeed such grants are very hard to come by and typically only available (if at all) for non-profit or commercial projects and not to individual home owners.
Where else can I find information on historic preservation?
Visit our Links page to see a listing of many organizations that focus on "Architecture and Historic Preservation."
