Historic Preservation

Historic Buildings

Springboro is fortunate to continue to have many buildings that date to - and before- its founding in 1815. Most of these buildings can be found in a seven-block historic district located on South Main Street, SR 73, south of Central Avenue (SR 741). Some of these structures contributed to the Underground Railroad that conducted thousands of runaway slaves from bondage in the southern U.S. to freedom to the north. The historic district is a federally- and locally-designed Historic District.

Creation of the Board

To protect these and other historic properties in the community, the Springboro Architectural Review Board (ARB) was created 1996 by City Council. The ARB’s responsibilities are outlined in the Historic Preservation Code, Chapter 1229 of the City’s Codified Ordinances, and principally include managing exterior changes to protected properties through the use of its Historic Design Guidelines. The ARB is responsible, in coordination with the Planning Commission, in managing the development in the Town Center Overlay District located immediately to the north of the Historic District.

Annual Awards

The ARB conducts an annual awards program to recognize individuals and organizations for their work in preserving protected properties and overall preservation leadership. The program typically coincides with the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preservation Month in May.

City of Springboro Accepting 2023 Historic Preservation Award Nominations

The City of Springboro is accepting nominations through April 6, 2023 for its annual award program that recognizes those who have helped preserve the City’s rich heritage. The program is administered by the City’s Architectural Review Board (ARB), a City Council-appointed body that promotes and protects Springboro’s historic landmarks. Nominations in two categories will be accepted:

The Jonathan Wright Award for Historic Preservation is named in honor of the city’s founder. This award honors those who have restored, rehabilitated, or otherwise preserved an important building, site, or artifact representing the history of the Springboro area, or provided long-term stewardship of such a property or artifact.

The Mayor’s Award for Preservation Leadership honors those providing leadership and service in support of historic preservation or supporting projects and activities that have substantially increased public understanding and awareness of historic preservation in the Springboro area.

Individuals, businesses, organizations, institutions and public agencies in Springboro are eligible for these awards. Anyone may submit a nomination by this year’s deadline of Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. Nominations are judged under the direction of the ARB. Up to three awards may be granted annually in any combination of the two categories. Award-winners will be recognized at the Thursday, May 4th City Council meeting. The awards coincide with the National Trust for Historic Preservation annual Preservation Month program in May.

The nomination form can be found here; forms are also available at the Springboro City Building; nominations may be made by simply writing a letter explaining why the nominee should be considered for either award. Forms or letters should be sent to the City of Springboro at 320 West Central Avenue, Springboro, Ohio 45066, attention Dan Boron, ARB Staff Liaison. Nominations can also be faxed to Mr. Boron’s attention at (937) 748-0815, sent via email or hand-delivered at the City Building at 320 West Central Avenue, Springboro, Ohio 45066.

For more information regarding the preservation awards program, contact Dan Boron at (937) 748-6183.