Regarding the National Endowment for the Humanities’ Section 106 Review of A New Humanities Hub at Miami University.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has offered Miami University, in Oxford, Ohio, a Challenge Infrastructure and Capacity Building grant (CHA-290100) to create a state-of-the-art Humanities Center as part of infill construction within an existing courtyard and other renovations to Bachelor Hall.

NEH is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities.  This public notice is issued as part of NEH’s responsibilities under 36 C.F.R. Part 800, the regulations which implement Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended, 54 U.S.C. 306108.  NEH, a funding agency, is required by regulation to identify and assess the effects of any proposed actions on historic properties.  If any proposed action will have an adverse effect on historic resources, NEH works with the appropriate parties to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects.  Additionally, the Section 106 regulations require NEH to consider the views of the public on preservation issues when making final decisions that affect historic properties.

The project involves Batchelor Hall located at 301 South Patterson Avenue, Oxford Ohio 45056, which was constructed in 1981. Within the existing footprint of the building, the project will involve interior renovations; infill construction within an existing internal courtyard that will be capped by a new roof and large skylight to provide a gathering space within the facility. Work on the exterior of the building consists of replacing the exterior windows and refurbishing the existing brick work, cornices, pediments, gutters and downspouts, lighting and roofing. A small 10’ x 60’ addition will be constructed on the south wing of the building.  The expansion’s façade will be consistent with the existing character of the building. Work will also involve new paving and landscaping, including a new plaza on the south side of the building.

Batchelor Hall is adjacent to two National Register of Historic Places buildings: Oxford Female Institute (NHRP #76001379) and the Langstroth Cottage (NHRP #76001378). Langstroth Cottage was also designated a National Historic Landmark in 1982. The project does not modify these two buildings and is outside the visual area of potential effect.

On August 4, 2023, Kristen Koehlinger, Project Reviews Manager for Resource Protection and Review for The Ohio State Historic Preservation Office, indicated that the proposed project will not affect the integrity or significance of the NRHP listed properties and provided a finding of No Historic Properties Affected. After reviewing Section 106 documentation and SHPO finding, NEH issues a determination of No Historic Properties Affected. If there are any substantial alterations to the project, Section 106 consultation with NEH and the Ohio State Historic Preservation will resume.

As required by Section 106, NEH is providing the public with information about this project, as well as an opportunity to comment on any knowledge of, or concerns with, historic properties in the proposed project area, and issues relating to the project’s potential effects on historic properties. Comments may be submitted to the NEH by e-mail to FPO@neh.gov.  The deadline for submitting comments is September 6, 2023.