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Heritage Ohio Award for The Carlisle Building

The Carlisle Building was honored as the 2016 recipient for Best Commercial Rehabilitation by Heritage Ohio. The award was presented to Chesler Group, our project architect Schooley & Caldwell Associates and Adena Health System, our tenant.

Excerpt from our nomination:

People often look at historic buildings and declare “it’s too far gone, it can’t possibly be saved.”  The Carlisle Block Building, located in the heart of downtown Chillicothe, Ohio was such building. This prominent landmark had survived a serious fire in 2003, a nearby subterranean water main break, several failed renovation attempts, and 11 years of condemnation and being open to the elements.  The results of this neglect included a rear wall that had collapsed into the basement, taking out a portion of the floor structure; an incomplete roof structure; a dormer that was still moving away from the building; and foundations that had been washed away under major loadbearing masonry walls, resulting in cracks large enough to stick your arm through.  If there was ever a building ‘too far gone’ Carlisle represented it all.

The team’s commitment to preserve and protect the Carlisle involved exacting attention to detail using modern construction techniques blended with “old work methods.”  The project utilized both Federal and State Historic Tax Credits, with a total project cost of approximately $10MM. Moreover, it is the first project accepted into the JobsOhio Revitalization Program, which focuses on projects that benefit local and state economies. It is a fine example of how historic tax credits and other economic incentives contribute to saving our history. Importantly, the reconstruction and restoration of this iconic historic structure has been a catalyst to aid the revitalization of Downtown Chillicothe and its surrounding community. In fact, since the completion of the Carlisle project at least three more Downtown development projects have been in the works. Carlisle’s success story has strengthened confidence in the City and serves as a reminder that historic main streets greatly benefit from collaborative efforts to preserve and maintain the past for our future.

 

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A Special Visitor at The Carlisle Building

Former President Clinton paid a visit to Chesler Group’s latest historic rehabilitation project, The Carlisle Building, yesterday, March 9, 2016. Clinton toured Chillicothe’s, Ohio most prominent landmark, which just recently has been restored to its old days’ glory by Chesler Group. Clinton met with Chesler Group’s tenant Adena Health System and Chillicothe’s Mayor Luke Feeney and enjoyed the story of Carlisle’s amazing transformation.

Clinton emphasized the importance of the Federal historic tax credit program for historic restoration projects, which he supported under his administration and continues to do so.

 

Courtesy of Adena Health System

Courtesy of Adena Health System

 

 

Courtesy of Adena Health System

 

Courtesy of Adena Health System

Courtesy of Adena Health System

64th Annual Design & Construction Conference and Trade Show Hosted by the Cleveland Engineering Society

Michael Chesler presented as a guest speaker at the 64th Annual Design & Construction Conference and Trade Show Hosted by the Cleveland Engineering Society on March 3, 2016.

He talked about the standard thinking, challenges, and enjoyment of 19th century architecture and juxtapose this with the ASM restoration of a historic, Modern building, which broke all the rules and caused us to rethink what a historic building is and how it should be renovated.

Abstract from Michael Chesler’s Presentation

The terms “historic building” and “historic redevelopment” come with a clear image of a 19th century brick and masonry building. From an engineering perspective, these buildings were well constructed using local materials and smart, stalwart engineering techniques. Block and tackle, horses, hand tools, and significant amounts of man power were deployed to raise the structure. Most of the engineers in this room have worked on these buildings and have varying degrees of interest, experience, and success with these projects.

In 2012, The Chesler Group, Inc. undertook the complete restoration of a Modern, 1950s vintage building that was listed in the National Register of Historic Places as the youngest historic building in the USA undergoing a “historic” rehabilitation. There were no rules at the National Park Service as to how to manage the renovation of the materials, glass, steel, and specialty elements. In fact, the two materials that were considered the most sensitive and “historic” were concrete and glass and the latter is in very short supply in the typical 19th century building.

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Speak up to support the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit!

October 26, 2015 News from the Cleveland Restoration Society

The Senate Finance Committee is developing plans to reform our nation’s tax code and Ohio Senator Rob Portman, as a committee member, has a big role to play. Join with the Cleveland Restoration Society, National Trust for Historic Preservation, and preservation partners across the country in asking him to make strengthening the historic tax credit a top priority! Click here to contact the Senator now!The federal historic tax credit combines with Ohio’s state historic tax credit to create a powerful incentive for revitalizing Ohio’s theaters, schools, factories and more, fueling the economy and preserving our irreplaceable heritage. Click here to learn more.

Despite a proven track record of delivering jobs and economic development while more than paying for itself, the federal historic tax credit could be weakened or eliminated through the tax reform process.

Take a moment to urge Senator Portman to support the federal historic tax credit and let him know that preservation matters to you!

The Cleveland Restoration Society is a member of the National Trust Partners Network. Founded in 1972, CRS uses the powerful tool of historic preservation to revitalize our diverse communities, strengthen the regional economy, and enhance the quality of life in northeastern Ohio.

Grand Opening Highlights

The News Watchman notably captured all the highlights of The Carlisle Building’s ribbon cutting ceremony that took place Monday, October 19, 2015.

“In 1885, I’m sure that a group of residents gathered here on this very spot to talk about a collection of brick, timber, and stone. It was a day of celebration, I’m sure, because their town now had an icon of success. Here we are today, celebrating a historic icon that represents the best of who we are as men and women,” said Chesler. “The Carlisle was a triple threat — burned, water damage, and neglect. For most, it was a defeat, but for me, it was an opportunity and a challenge … Like any endeavor, you break down a challenge to its component parts, work methodically, and never give up. While the Carlisle certainly scared me, it helped me to be stronger, smarter, and more diligent. Buildings and architecture represent our most important achievements as humans, and the very fabric of who we are is rooted in our buildings and our homes … In 1885, the Carlisle established Chillicothe as a success. Today, the Carlisle does it again.”

Please visit the link below for the entire article.

Rededicating a ‘Crown Jewel’: Ribbon cutting ceremony held at Chillicothe’s Carlisle building
– News Watchman

Join us for The Carlisle’s Grand Opening

Please join us and the Chillicothe Community to celebrate the successful renovation of The Carlisle Building. The long anticipated revealing and grand opening will be held on Monday, Oct. 19th at 12pm. Below please find the timeless and sophisticated invitation that Adena Health System designed for the private VIP event.

Monday, Oct. 19th at 12pm
The Carlisle Building
9 S. Paint Street
Chillicothe, OH 45601

VIP Carlisle Invitation

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Representing MainStreet America Fund at the Ohio Heritage Conference

Daniel Budish, Managing Director of the MainStreet America Fund will be speaking at the Heritage Ohio Conference on October 6, 2015. The topic of his presentation is small deal financing from the historic tax credit investor’s perspective.  Mr. Budish will take the audience through the difficulties of syndicating historic tax credits in small deals and how the MainStreet America Fund has innovated the process to make it easier and more financially viable for small historic projects across the country to monetize historic tax credits.

Chesler’s Fund Investment was Featured in Crain’s Cleveland Business

The MainStreet America Fund and its most recently closed deal was featured in Crain’s Cleveland Business. Please click below for the full article.

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Chesler’s Fund Combines Lending with Developer’s Love of History – Crain’s Cleveland Business

A New Discovery: Historic Engraved Bricks Sited in The Carlisle Building

Our construction crew recently discovered an exciting and novel piece of history! During the restoration of the exterior façade of The Carlisle Building, historic engraved bricks were found on the second-story. This is a notable find, for it further tells the strong history between The Carlisle Building and its prominent role in the history of Chillicothe, OH. The bricks encompass initials and the date of 1885, the year of which The Carlisle Building was brought to life. Furthermore, these are thought to be the initials of the original brick mortars constructing the Carlisle and becoming a part of the story of its grand structure. Research has begun to uncover the names and possible lineage of the masonry builders.

One brick has the etched initials C.M. and the date 1885 and another has the etched initials R.P. and the date 1885.

The bricks will not be relocated, as they are thought to be in their original place. This adds to the great history of The Carlisle Building and its past and present significance to Chillicothe and its community. The discovery symbolizes The Carlisle Building’s revitalization into the extraordinary building it once was and its preservation for future generations.

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The MainStreet America Fund Represents at the IPED Historic Tax Credit Conference in Boston

Daniel Budish, Managing Director of the MainStreet America Fund, attended the IPED Conference held in the Omni Parker House in Boston from June 4-5, 2015. The conference provided a detailed overview of the Federal and State Historic Tax Credit programs and was presented by Nixon Peabody and CohnReznick.  Investors, attorneys, accountants, and developers from all over the country gathered in Boston, bringing together some of the greatest minds in the industry to discuss pertinent issues facing the field.

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The MainStreet America Fund is owned and operated by The Chesler Group and is a well-capitalized real estate investment platform serving historic projects nationwide. Recent projects range widely in size and geography and represent an excellent cross section of the country.  The MainStreet America Fund continues to grow rapidly and is still seeking additional investments for 2015 and 2016.