As Election Day approaches, we would like to confirm our support to repair and preserve both Music Hall and Union Terminal.

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation cares about the entire Tristate community, and fully understands that Hamilton County faces many competing priorities. Unless the region's core has the economic tools it needs to grow, including a thriving cultural sector, Hamilton County won't be positioned to generate the resources needed to pay for other priorities including human services, roads, and transit systems.

These iconic buildings need us now. In July, they made the National Trust for Historical Preservation's list of "America's 11 Most Endangered Buildings." [http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/11-most-endangered/] Other investment, both past and future, may be jeopardized if these buildings are left to decay. Their unique and historically significant architecture helps to define and differentiate Cincinnati from other Midwestern cities -- a plus in attracting companies and people to our region.

The fate of these icons has been the source of much discussion over many years without clear consensus. Building on our 50 years of support for arts and culture in our community, The Greater Cincinnati Foundation along with The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation convened a Cultural Facilities Task Force. This diverse group of business and community leaders, led by former Procter & Gamble CEO Bob McDonald, created a solid renovation plan and a revenue proposal to share the cost among private philanthropy, city and state capital grants, tax credits, Tristate residents, and visitors. 

What's at stake? Working collaboratively to renovate two iconic buildings addresses not only the physical integrity of the buildings themselves, but also demonstrates the capacity of our community to undertake large-scale projects through a meaningful public/private partnership that will advance the economic growth and vitality of our region for generations.

The numbers have been vetted numerous times by multiple professionals. We know the total financial requirement is solid. We know that the elements of the public/private partnership are right. Proceeds of the sales tax levy (Hamilton County's Issue 8) will be targeted to Union Terminal, and the majority of philanthropic dollars must be targeted to Music Hall. Nearly $40 million has already been committed. This combination of public support and private philanthropy will help Save Our Icons, leaving a profound legacy that will be forever memorialized at both Union Terminal and Music Hall.

Thank you for all that you do to keep our community vibrant and thriving,