( Cincinnati ) - The Board of County Commissions of Hamilton County just took another step towards the renovation of Memorial Hall by approving a 40-year lease agreement.

The approval of the 40-year lease agreement creates a partnership between the Hamiltion County Board of Commissioners, the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society ("CMHS") and the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation ("3CDC").

This lease allows the group to explore renovation methods for Memorial Hall, and allows 3CDC to pursue Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits. As another part of the lease, 3CDC will provide a develpoment and finance plan within 18 months of the date of the lease agreement. The name "Memorial Hall" will remain unchanged dispite the plans for renovation.