Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted have announced state support for 54 rehabilitation projects that will restore 57 historic buildings across Ohio. The projects are expected to leverage approximately $1.01 billion in private investment.

The projects are being awarded funding as part of the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program administered by the Ohio Department of Development.

In total, 21 communities across the state are receiving awards, which total $64,132,847 in tax credits.

A project to rehab 331 North Main Street in Findlay received a $221,000 tax credit. The total project cost is $1,350,000.

The brick building was built in 1889 and most recently was home to Nino’s Bar.

Rehab efforts will preserve historical features of the building such as the arched windows and doors and facade.

Some projects in Tiffin are also receiving the tax credit.

The rehabbed building will house office and retail on the first floor and 10 residential units on the second and third floors.

“By rehabilitating these historic buildings today, we can preserve the heart of our communities for future generations of Ohioans,” said Governor DeWine. “Once restored, these sites will help renew local communities and create additional opportunities for Ohioans.”

The awards will assist private developers in rehabilitating historic buildings in downtowns and neighborhoods. Many of the buildings are vacant today and generate little economic activity.

Once rehabilitated, they will drive further investment and interest in adjacent property. Developers are not issued the tax credit until project construction is complete and all program requirements are verified.