In early 2013, the Downtown Xenia Now Revitalization Committee decided one of the best ways they could work on behalf of improving their Downtown, was by putting the historic commercial structures in Downtown on the National Register of Historic Places. But how to make it happen? The group worked with Heritage Ohio, and the State Office of Strategic Business Investments, and was delighted to see a new grant advertised - seemingly just for Xenia Downtown! The grant, called the pipeline grant, provided $8,000 toward the preparation and filing of the Historic District-- with matching contributions from the community. The volunteers swung into action, raising some $10,000 in two weeks--and in May 2013 Downtown Xenia Now became one of the first recipients of the Pipeline Grant. Heritage Architectural Associates was hired to conduct the nomination effort, and work was commenced in late 2013.
With assistance from the Greene County Historical Society, and the efforts of volunteers who gave presentations to owners, the nomination went to the state for review by the OSHBAP in June 2014, and was approved unanimously with over ten persons from Xenia in attendance supporting the effort. On September 10, 2014, the Downtown Xenia Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Now the Xenia Downtown Historic District is allowing owners of contributing commercial buildings to apply for the Ohio Historic Tax Credit Program and the National Historic Tax Credit, with Xenia Shoe and Leather being awarded credits in the 17th round, December 2016.
View the Nomination (PDF)
View the Map (PDF)
View Historic Photos (PDF)
View Aerial Photos (PDF)