preservation

The impact of historic preservation is often discussed in a region like ours, with an aging housing stock and a resurgence in urban revitalization. From the rebirth of century-old buildings in Over-the-Rhine, Covington and Newport, to more high-profile restorations of landmark spaces like Music Hall and Union Terminal, preservationists work to make their case that historic properties are worth saving.

May is Preservation Month in Cincinnati. Which seems appropriate, given the current dispute over whether to preserve or demolish the former Dennison Hotel. Last week Cincinnati's Historic Conservation Board delayed a decision on the hotel to a later, as yet unscheduled, hearing.

Food scares and an increased demand for organic fruits and vegetables are helping propel interest in high pressure pasteurization. HPP, as it's commonly known, uses ultra-high pressure purified cold water to keep packaged food pathogen-free without the preservatives and can quadruple shelf-life.

The Cincinnati Preservation Association will host a two-day symposium entitled Preserving Modern Architecture in the Midwest on April 24-25. CPA Executive Director Paul Mueller tells our Stuart Holman that the event will be held at the historic, and recently renovated, Frederick and Harriet Rauh House in Woodlawn and will feature tours of the home and discussions of preservation efforts of modern architectural gems.

The Western Wildlife Corridor is working hard to improve the Ohio River Valley, specifically on the western side of Hamilton County. Stretching from Mill Creek near downtown to the Great Miami River bordering Indiana, one of the primary threats, according to WWC President Tim Sisson, is the prevalence of invasive plant species. Mark Perzel talks with Mr. Sisson about this and other threats, and how the WWC is working to improve this area of the county.