Governor DeWine Announces $520,000 Historic Preservation Tax Credits for the Project;
The Columbus Foundation and Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority Approve Grants
(COLUMBUS) January 23, 2024—COCIC: The Franklin County Land Bank is pleased to announce it has received federal, state and community support for the $4.7 million renovation of The Edna, a historic business building located at 879 East Long Street in the King-Lincoln Bronzeville District.
On December 21, 2023, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced a $520,000 tax credit for restoring The Edna through the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program. The initiative provides a tax credit to leverage private redevelopment of historic buildings. In total, 46 projects involving the renovation of 54 buildings will be awarded $67 million in tax credits as part of the latest announcement.
Around the same time, the Governing Committee of The Columbus Foundation approved a $150,000 grant via COCIC’s subsidiary, the Central Ohio Community Land Trust (COCLT), to support the renovation.
“The historic Edna building is an important Columbus landmark with deep connections to the King-Lincoln-Bronzeville neighborhood,” said Dan Sharpe, Vice President for Community Research and Grants Management at The Columbus Foundation. “The Columbus Foundation is honored to support the Edna renovation, in partnership with COCIC, helping to preserve its legacy and create new spaces for the community to gather and connect for years to come.”
The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) has also shared its commitment to revitalizing the historic building with a $300,000 grant.
“CMHA is proud to invest in the redevelopment of the historic Edna building. This building holds deep significance to the King-Lincoln/Bronzeville neighborhood and the broader Columbus community, and we are looking forward to its completion and introduction to the community,” shared Scott Scharlach, Chief Operating Officer at CMHA.
Well-known for its significance to the social and cultural influence of African Americans in Columbus, The Edna has housed African American-led businesses, social clubs and newspapers since the 1900s. The 8,694 square foot, two-story building was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 2017.
In July 2022, the project was designated to receive up to $500,000 via the passage of H.R. 8294, a package of six federal government funding bills that included funding for eight projects in Ohio’s Third Congressional District. Secured by U.S. Congresswoman and former Congressional Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty (OH-03), the language directs $10,485,000 in federal spending to impactful community projects across Central Ohio. Funding will be provided in part by the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) administered by the National Park Service.
“The Edna represents an important part of our city’s history and the legacy of our African American business community. Razing this iconic building was simply out of the question. So, we are grateful for the support from Governor DeWine and our partners at The Columbus Foundation and CMHA to return this building to its rightful place in the community,” said Curtiss L. Williams, Sr., President/CEO of COCIC.
Restoration of The Edna began this year and should be completed in the summer of 2025. At that time, COCIC is scheduled to move into The Edna, occupying all but half of the first floor. COCIC is partnering with Moody Nolan, the largest Black-owned design firm in the country, on the project. Sessley Construction was named the general contractor, and IFF is the funding partner.
About COCIC: The Franklin County Land Bank
COCIC is a non-profit organization formed by the Franklin County Commissioners in 2012 to improve the quality of neighborhoods and communities within Franklin County. More information about COCIC can be found at www.cocic.org.
