October 18, 2024 – Small Nation’s project, Rainbow Row Bellefontaine, has won the Best Commercial Rehabilitation – Small Community award at Heritage Ohio’s Annual Awards ceremony. The award was presented on Tuesday, October 15, during a ceremony held at the historic Midland Theatre in Newark, Ohio. Over 100 nominations were received for 11 awards. 

The award recognizes the exceptional rehabilitation of Bellefontaine’s Rainbow Row, a key downtown property that has been transformed from a neglected site into a vibrant location for local businesses and visitors. Rainbow Row Bellefontaine was selected based on its adherence to proper preservation techniques and its contribution to revitalizing the community through thoughtful, sustainable redevelopment. 

“We are incredibly honored to have received this award,” said Jason Duff, Founder and CEO of Small Nation. “Rainbow Row represents the very heart of our mission – revitalizing historic spaces to create economic opportunities and community vibrancy in small towns like Bellefontaine. This project would not have been possible without the support of our partners at Revival Design Collective and Level MB Construction, the dedication of our team, and the belief that our downtown can be a destination for residents and visitors alike.” 

Originally built in the late 19th century, the Rainbow Row Bellefontaine property had fallen into disrepair, with its storefronts vacant and its upper floors uninhabitable. Purchased by Small Nation in 2021, the building underwent a $1.2 million transformation. The project included extensive structural and aesthetic renovations, such as the restoration of a historic slate roof, façade updates inspired by Charleston’s iconic Rainbow Row, and the conversion of upper floors into short-term rentals. 

Today, Rainbow Row is home to five locally owned businesses, including a craft beer store, art studio, and tattoo studio. The second-floor Flats at Rainbow Row provide much-needed lodging options for visitors to Bellefontaine and Logan County. 

The Best Commercial Rehabilitation – Small Community award celebrates the project’s role in preserving the character of Bellefontaine’s downtown while injecting new life into the community. 

Heritage Ohio prompts economic growth through the preservation and revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods across Ohio. Heritage Ohio is the designated statewide Ohio preservation partner with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Through saving the places that matter we can all build a community and live better. Learn more about how to get involved by visiting www.heritageohio.org. 

About Small Nation: 

Small Nation develops places, spaces and dreams for small towns and small-town entrepreneurs across the country. They create revitalization concepts and plans for towns, create business concepts, brands, and workforce solutions, then market it all in the name of small-town success. 

To learn more about Small Nation, visit www.smallnation.com or follow them on social media at @smallnationstrong.