The Votes Are In: We Saved Cincinnati’s Union Terminal!

[Omaha Steve]

Yesterday in Hamilton County, Ohio, preservation was on the ballot … and we had a big win!

We are happy to report that voters there passed Issue 8, a one-quarter of one-percent sales tax levy that will help restore Cincinnati’s Union Terminal, raising $170 million in public funds over five years. The rehabilitation work at the 81-year-old building, a National Historic Landmark and one of the most iconic Art Deco structures in the country, will cover a major structural makeover as well as critical updates to outdated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure, allowing Union Terminal to serve as home to Cincinnati Museum Center for generations to come.

This summer, you might recall that the National Trust named Union Terminal and Music Hall — two of Cincinnati’s most iconic buildings — to our annual list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. We also designated both buildings to our National Treasures program. Since then, the National Trust has been on the ground and actively involved in the Yes on 8 Campaign. We launched our first-ever pop-up campaign office, hosted numerous community events, and canvassed relentlessly with our partners. Ultimately, we interacted with over 14,000 voters leading up to Election Day.

As we celebrate today, we invite you to check out some of the highlights from our campaign.

Looking forward, the passage of Issue 8 was the piece of the puzzle that needed to be locked into place for the other icon of Cincinnati — Music Hall. The Cultural Facilities Task Force can now complete important historic tax credit work for both buildings, and will soon have more details to share about the plan to restore Music Hall.

We would like to extend a special thank you to our partners, including the Cultural Facilities Task Force, the Cincinnati Museum Center, the Cincinnati Preservation Association, and the Cincinnati Preservation Collective. We look forward to continuing our work to ensure that both of Cincinnati’s icons are saved for future generations.

If you would like to learn more about these amazing buildings, please visit www.SavingPlaces.org.

Sincerely,

Your Friends at the National Trust

[Cha]

1. Good on ya all.. thanks Steve!

[Omaha Steve]

2. Photos and story

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/national-trust-for-historic-preservation/cincinnatis-union-termina_b_6117432.html

Cincinnati's Union Terminal Now Saved for Future Generations

Posted: 11/06/2014 4:53 pm EST Updated: 11/06/2014 5:59 pm EST



Built in 1933, Union Terminal is one of the most iconic Art Deco masterpieces in the United States. It now houses the Cincinnati Museum Center, the largest cultural institution in the region.


Since it opened in 1933, Union Terminal has served as both a cultural hub for the city of Cincinnati and one of the most iconic Art Deco structures in the nation. Now, thanks to local citizens who voted "yes" on Issue 8, it will continue to fill both roles for generations to come.

Yesterday, voters in Cincinnati and throughout Hamilton County decided overwhelmingly (61% to 39%) in favor of Issue 8. The ballot measure will increase the sales tax in Hamilton County by one-quarter of one percent over a total of five years and raise nearly $172 million in revenue for the restoration of Union Terminal, making this one of the country's largest sales tax issues supporting a preservation project.

Roughly $40 million will also be raised for the project through state of Ohio capital grants, state and federal historic tax credits, and private funds.

"One of the reasons we advocated for the passage of Issue 8 is that it wouldn't be just left to taxpayers," says Jason Clement, the National Trust's director of community outreach. "The financial burden is not on any one single group, and by voting yes, tax payers are eager to see how Union Terminal can be a model for partnerships going forward."



Union Terminal transformed Cincinnati into a desired destination in an era of rail travel. Its 106-foot-tall entrance is the second-largest half dome in the world, behind only the Sydney Opera House in Australia.


FULL story at link.