Greetings,

After a long posting absence and some difficult personal issues, (like the loss of my spouse last July and my Mom only a week ago) I wanted to return to the Forum to share some preservation news in my adopted hometown of Cadiz, as well as more regionally. First, the Statewide preservation organization, Preservation Ohio, (Thomas Palmer, executive director) released its 2023 list of Ohio's most endangered properties. I had submitted a nomination form last Fall for a rare c. 1850 Gothic Revival Cottage, the only example of that style remaining in our "Village" of about 3,200.  Here's the list: https://preserveohio.com/2023-ohios-most-endangered-historic-sites/      I was saddened to see Mansfield's Park Avenue West on the list as well. Even worse news was recently posted on Facebook by an individual who said the often photographed brick Bissman House on P.A.W. (remodeled from plans by Knoxville, TN architect George F. Barber in the 1890's) was said by a family member to now be considered as a "teardown". 

 

Since moving to Ohio in the Fall of 2020, I've gotten involved locally in historic preservation matters and I'm dismayed that the old "demolition solves all problems" mentality persists. I've been trying to negotiate with the absentee Doctor owner of the faded Gothic Cottage I affectionately refer to as the Amazing Grace Cottage, since last October. I've also pleaded with the Village officials to hold off demolition while I continue to seek a rescue. Somewhat disappointing as well have been my efforts to recruit a younger helper for this project and I have searched as far away as Shasta County, CA (a Renaissance Faire Blacksmith) as well as a Texas candidate, family related, and then last a recent Ball State U. grad from Indianapolis, without being able to find a suitable candidate.  Historic Preservation continues to be a hard sell in some parts of Ohio. The local Harrison News Herald newspaper has shown sympathy towards preservation as a stunning 1905 Indiana limestone clad Beaux Arts style bank building is now in the demo crosshairs with only a 90 day reprieve being given to prevent it being permanently lost. (I'll share that article separately) I'm therefore curious, does anyone think historic preservation has become a harder sell in Ohio lately? I know the Governor's long standing demolition friendly position, but I figured there was more support for saving's Ohio's built heritage than what I'm seeing lately. I welcome input from others on this topic.  John

Thank you John and my sincerest condolences for your losses.

Thanks, it has been a rough past 10 months but I'm thankful to have other things that have helped me cope with the losses.

Since it's now August, a brief update seemed appropriate. The fate of this highly endangered historic property remains unchanged. Basically, the absentee owner (a medical doctor in Cleveland) hasn't responded to any of the letters or messages that I and my broker agent have sent seeking to buy the property.  I suppose I could drive the two hours to Cleveland but that doesn't guarantee the owner would even speak to me. I'll continue to look for any pathways leading towards a sale. Of course, in the category of be careful what you wish for, should a sale take place, then there's six months or longer of hard labor and expensive materials to consider as well as the still unfulfilled need to find someone to assist me with a whole house restoration project. I guess I was overly optimistic to think there might be someone among Urban Ohio's members who would be interested. So long as the property is in limbo, (doctor is paying the property taxes) I suppose the finding a helper part doesn't matter.