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.

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.

October 26, 2015 News from the Cleveland Restoration Society

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

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