About Us

The Who, What, When, Where and Why of CPA

Our Mission

To promote the appreciation, protection and appropriate use and development of the Cincinnati region’s historic buildings, communities and landscapes.

Our Vision

• We advocate for preservation.
• We build and strengthen community relationships and collaborations.
• We advocate for local, state and federal legislation and policies.
• We engage and educate our membership and community.
• We provide the resources to achieve preservation.
• We celebrate history and architecture.

Our 50th Anniversary Exhibition at the Cincinnati Museum Center tells the story of preservation in Cincinnati since our founding in 1964. View some the panels here. 

Did you know?

• Cincinnati leads the state of Ohio in listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Listing on the National Register of Historic Places does not impose design or other restrictions on a building’s owner. Restrictions come from local historic districts.
• Cincinnati has more than 21 local historic districts and more than 28 National Register historic districts.
Mission

Cincinnati Preservation Association is a not-for-profit organization that serves the Greater Cincinnati community as the recognized resource and catalyst for the preservation of historic cultural resources such as architecturally significant buildings, archaeological sites, historic public art and monuments and landscapes. This is accomplished through education, advocacy, and technical support.

Why Preservation?

Quality of Life

Historic buildings grant character to communities. As the tangible link to our unique history and culture, they are irreplaceable.

Economic Devlopment

Historic preservation is critical to economic development:

• Creating more jobs (10 – 20% more) than new construction*
• Attracting other development, particularly small businesses which provide 85% of new jobs*
• Improving business recruiting efforts by offering unique, attractive environments*
• Encouraging cultural heritage tourism, which accounts for 50% of overall tourism*
* Donovan D. Rypkema, The Economics of Historic Preservation (National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1994)