The program is now active for 2025. New applications will be taken starting August 1, with markers delivered starting mid-August. The 2025 display period will be September and October.
For homeowners who received markers in 2024, those markers can be displayed again only during September and October 2025.
Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff each can boast a collection of homes of architectural and historical significance. The Marker program affords an opportunity to highlight those homes. It is yet another chapter in our goal to tell our communities’ story.
What are the goals of this program?
To acknowledge the broad spectrum of century-old homes in Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff.
To provide a sense of community pride and enrichment through education.
To celebrate your home’s place in history.
To instill the importance of preservation efforts today and how they may impact our tomorrow.
Who can apply for a 100+ Year-Old Home Marker?
Your home must be at least 100 years old as of December 31st of the current year. (e.g., for 2025, built in 1925 or before).
Your home must be located in either Grandview Heights or Marble Cliff.
Your home’s facade must retain the historic character of the home. Renovations should not have eliminated the original historic nature of the structure’s facade. A new or completely renovated/remodeled facade would make the home ineligible.
Where can I find out what year my house was built?
The Franklin County Auditor’s website is a good starting point (www.franklincountyauditor.com).
Sanborn Insurance Maps from 1922 can help verify dates of construction. These maps are available at the Columbus Metropolitan Library downtown or online with a valid library card. (Please note: addresses were all revised sometime after 1922). Once the maps are accessed, the search is conducted using the following parameters: 1) Select Columbus; 2) Select 1921-22 Volume 6; 3) Select street address; and, 4) Enter name of the street
Other sources may be an abstract, a newspaper notice, etc.
What do I do next if my house qualifies and I would like a marker?
You must complete an application.
Beginning August 1, 2025, the online application is available here.
Is there a cost to participate in the Marker program?
Current Society Member - If you are a current member and have paid your dues, your first marker is free in 2025. You only need to complete an online application. If you received a marker in 2024, please use that marker. If you need a replacement, the cost is $12 for 2025 (see instructions below).
New Society Member – If you become a new member you will receive a free initial marker. You will need to do the following:
First, complete an application.
Next, become a member, complete an online membership application. Annual memberships are offered: $30.00 for Single or $60.00 for Family.
Marker Only - If you do not want to become a Society member, the cost is $12 for 2025. Note: future costs may increase if production costs increase. You will need to do the following:
First, complete an application.
Next, the cost of a marker is $12. If you complete an online application, you can pay through that process.
Replacement Marker - If you need a replacement marker, the cost is $12 for 2025. Note: future costs may increase if production costs increase.
First, complete an online application.
Next, once you complete an online application, you pay through that process.
How do I obtain a Marker once I have completed the application process?
Once you have submitted your application and it is accepted, your marker will be delivered to your home.
Where should the Marker be placed?
The marker should be placed in the front yard of your house close to your front door and visible from public walkways. Do not place the marker in the tree lawn.
When are the Markers to be displayed?
The marker should be placed in your yard only during September and October.
An e-mail will be sent to remind you to put your marker out and to take it down.
Please store markers in a dry location so you can reuse the marker next year. If you need a replacement marker they can be purchased from the Society (see above).
Would you like to help get the word out?
We are looking for volunteers to help promote the marker program, organize requests for markers, and distribute markers.
In 2024, we distributed 100 markers. In 2025, it is estimated that approximately 1200 homes in our communities may be eligible for recognition. This is why we are looking for assistance.
If you are interested in helping, please contact Society Trustee Teri Alexander here.