The Edna Designated Among Nationally Significant Historic Properties
(COLUMBUS) January 31, 2024—COCIC: The Franklin County Land Bank is pleased to announce it has been awarded up to $500,000 for the redevelopment of The Edna, funded in part by the Save America’s Treasures grant program, through the Historic Preservation Fund, as administered by the National Park Service, Department of Interior. The Save America’s Treasures program supports preserving nationally significant historic properties and collections that convey our nation’s rich heritage to future generations.
COCIC was notified in July 2022 that it was designated to receive support for revitalizing The Edna, located in the King-Lincoln Bronzeville District, via the passage of H.R. 8294. On January 25, 2024, COCIC received approval for a $500,000 grant as part of the Save America’s Treasures program.
“On behalf of our community, we want to thank the National Park Service for supporting this project and recognizing The Edna as an important piece of our nation’s heritage. The Edna has long been one of our city’s valued treasures and an important part of our local history. We are happy to play a role in preserving its history for future generations,” said Curtiss L. Williams, Sr., President/CEO of COCIC.
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. COCIC anticipates the project will be completed in the summer of 2025 when COCIC will move its office to the building.
The Save America’s Treasures grant program was established in 1998 to celebrate America’s premier cultural resources in the new millennium. After more than 20 years, this grant program has awarded more than 1,300 grants totaling more than $300 million to projects across the United States. Funded projects, selected from 4,000-plus applications requesting $1.5 billion, represent nationally significant historic properties and collections that convey our nation’s rich heritage to future generations. The National Park Service administers Save America’s Treasures grants in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
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.
