Cincinnati Museum Center receives $2M for renovations

The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission has approved $2 million for the Union Terminal renovation at its quarterly meeting.

The funding comes from money appropriated in the biennial budget passed by the 126th Ohio General Assembly and is the result of a two-year application process by the Cincinnati Museum Center.

"We're thrilled that people value the building and want to support the future of the building," says Elizabeth Pierce, vice president of marketing and communications for the Cincinnati Museum Center.

The first phase of the $120 million project would restore three dining rooms totaling 7,900 square feet and would repair a roof that has allowed water damage to occur.

"The dining rooms aren't currently in usable condition," Pierce says.  "We've been using it as a makeshift office space.  But there are leaks in the ceilings, the veneer is falling off, and the HVAC system is not efficient."

Bids for the first phase are scheduled to go out in the next few months, with work starting at the beginning of next year.

Future work will address the structure's parapets, columns, structural steel and plaster walls, upgrade the building’s mechanicals, and restore priceless Art Deco murals.

"It's important to note that this is non-sexy stuff that has to be fixed," Pierce says.  "It's going to take several years to do it the right way.  Historic preservation architecture takes time and special skills."

With the improvements, the Museum Center will be able to create more jobs by being able to rent the space out for events.

"Europe has buildings that last for centuries," Pierce says.  "We want people to be able to come and enjoy what we have to offer."

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Elizabeth Pierce, vice president of marketing and communications, Cincinnati Museum Center
Photography by Scott Beseler