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 share 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 occasionally inventory 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 when city funding allows.

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.

 

What doesn’t the Oberlin Heritage Center do?

We do not offer grants for property owners to fix their buildings. Such grants are rare throughout the nation and typically only available (if at all) for non-profit or commercial projects and not to individual home owners.

Owners may want to contact the City of Oberlin and the POWER program (Providing Oberlin With Efficiency Responsibly) to inquire about assistance programs.

 

Heritage Home Program

The Cleveland Restoration Society’s Heritage Home Program is targeted to older and historic residential properties more than 50 years of age. Oberlin is usually a participating city and homeowners have access to online resources and may request site visits and technical advice about repairs, contractors, paint colors, project planning, and more. If you are interested in finding out more information, contact the Cleveland Restoration Society at (216) 426-1000.