Our historic designation application was approved by the Historic Conservation Board Hearing on March 9, 2026. On April 3, 2026, the City Planning Commission tabled the application and offered suggestions to make the design guidelines less burdensome on homeowners. As suggested to us by three City Council Members, it has been the intent of NANA and the historic designation committee to make a unique district and set of guidelines that would restore the voice of neighbors and NANA about demolition and construction in our community which the Connected Communities zoning changes removed. We have worked to make a balanced set of guidelines that protect our neighborhood’s unique character without putting unnecessary burdens on homeowners. For example, Columbia-Tusculum’s guidelines are viewed as relatively light and Over-the-Rhine’s are viewed as stringent.
The changes suggested by the City Planning Commission and other suggested changes include clarifying guidelines for window and roof replacements, relaxing guidelines for accessory structures (garages and ADUs) walls and gates and eliminating guidelines for landscaping. It is important to understand we are not Hyde Park or Gaslight Clifton and our diversity is economic as well as cultural.
One of the more interesting facts to come out of this process is the criticism that our proposed historic district was too large. This is interesting in that from a neighborhood perspective we have heard that it is too small and NANA has committed to expanding it as we have only encompassed a portion of the amazing homes in our community. With 370 properties, this will be the largest single neighborhood historic district in Cincinnati. The actual size of our architectural treasure is much larger and more unique. It is regarded as having the most diverse collection of architectural styles of any neighborhood in the State. It is also unique for being largely intact, with about 95% of the original homes retaining their original character. The City views Cincinnati’s architectural heritage as a main draw for business, investment and tourism. For those of us who understand and love this community, this represents an obligation to preserve and expand our historic protections so that we can pass this treasure on to future generations.
Walter Koucky