In June 2022, the Mariemont Preservation Foundation (MPF) realized a decades-long objective by purchasing the historic Ferris House located at 3915 Plainville Road, adjacent to the MPF headquarters. The 1802 Ferris House, is thought to be the oldest brick building in Hamilton County still standing at its original location; is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1975), as a contributing resource to the Mariemont Historic District (1979), and as a contributing resource for Mariemont National Historic Landmark Status (2007).
Key Accomplishments
- Completed initial refurbishment on the Ferris House for the intended use as a museum: carpets removed/floors cleaned; overgrown landscape removed/ replanted; plumbing/electrical issues addressed; and roof replacement addressed.
- Filed a grant application with the Ohio History Fund for two Ferris House projects: tuck pointing the brick exterior ($30,885) and replacing 2d floor HVAC ($5,475).
The grant will be awarded in February 2023 which requires matching funds from MPF and donations. - Championed the primary centennial project to “preserve and protect” the historic Family Statuary. Partnered for the following: TruScan produced a scaled digital record of statuary; Old World Restoration cleaned the statuary and will make repairs next year; A359 Architecture designed the statuary shelter, selected finish materials, provided construction drawings, and presented the project to the ARB for Certificate of Appropriateness.
- Applied for and was gifted a generous grant from the Thomas J. Emery Memorial Foundation for Mariemont Centennial Commemoration projects.
- Kicked-off centennial projects with the necessary reconstruction of the southwest corner of the Pioneer Cemetery stone wall.
- Submitted revised zoning codes which council passed the legislation to protect all buildings in the Village which were unprotected from demolition.
- MPF Education Committee displayed an exhibit of the historic housing groups circa 1924-1938 entitled “Architecture and Architects of Mariemont” at the annual MPF community event, Taste of Mariemont.
- Participated as historical tour guides of Mariemont (as part of a bus tour of National Historic Landmark towns in Cincinnati) for delegates attending the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions.
- Loaned Nancy Ford Cones photographs for the Taft Museum of Art’s Fotofocus exhibit “The Art of Nancy Ford Cones” which runs through January 2023.
- MPF Tree Fund contributed to planting: 7 White flowering “Alba” Redbud on Elm St., 7 Yellowwood on Beech St., 3 American Hornbeam on Seattle Rd., and 2
Black Tupelo on Mariemont Ave. - Since 2018, 79% of all street trees have been paid for through the Tree Fund. The fund is exclusively used for street trees. Donations may be made on the MPF website and are tax deductible.
- MPF membership drive, which is the primary means of supporting our annual operating budget, totaled 256 memberships inclusive of 91 life members.
- MPF Directory Committee published the 2022-2023 Centennial Edition of the Village Directory. It is available for $15 on the MPF website.
- MPF Publicity Committee promoted MPF efforts throughout the community via its updated website and social media efforts.
- Donated $1500 to Mariemont Kiwanis Scholarship Fund for MHS students providing college financial support and mentoring.
- Provided an educational historical presentation and tour of the Ferris House to the Mariemont Kiwanians.
- Underwrites the family cultural series at the Art Barn/Women’s Art Club of Cincinnati; providing affordable theatre performances and family activities.
- Our archives collection is NOW searchable online!
Last modified: January 20, 2024
