October 21, 200717 yr Strickland backs Seneca County courthouse, asks county to delay demolition for further study AWESOME!
October 22, 200717 yr Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071022/NEWS17/710220367/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published October 22, 2007 Seneca preservationists to meet governor about courthouse 30 on mission to save courthouse will make trip By JIM PROVANCE BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU COLUMBUS — Sensing that the tide is turning on plans to tear down Seneca County’s 1884 courthouse, historic preservationists will meet with Gov. Ted Strickland tomorrow. The meeting comes after the governor’s call last week for the county commissioners to at least temporarily put the bulldozer in park while the state explores ways to help fund restoration of the three-story courthouse in the heart of Tiffin’s historic business district.
October 22, 200717 yr If Ohio is able to establish a similar statewide county courthouse restoration fund (and save Seneca County), this entire fiasco might be well worth it. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I can't recall if presOhio or the Blade has mentioned it in this thread, but Downtown Ohio and Preservation Ohio are holding a County Courthouses & Community Revitalization Preservation Summit on November 2 and 3. I'd like to sit in on it, but unfortunately it starts on a Friday. http://www.preservationohio.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=29&Itemid= From an email I recieved this morning: Preservation Ohio and Heritage Ohio In conjunction with the Tiffin Historic Trust present: County Courthouses and Community Revitalization A Statewide Preservation Summit November 2 and 3, 2007 On The Campus of Heidelberg College in Tiffin This timely event will bring together preservation organizations, professionals, government officials, development experts and others to look at the relationship between Ohio’s county courthouses and the communities in which they are located. As “cathedrals of democracy” as well as iconic landmarks in the heart of county seat downtowns, these buildings have a powerful connection to local economies and quality of life. The time is right for an opportunity to evaluate the current status of Ohio’s outstanding collection of county courthouses and to examine all options for their preservation. For summit information, including online registration, you may click here, or visit the Preservation Ohio website at: www.preservationohio.org and click on “Courthouse Summit.”
October 22, 200717 yr Meanwhile, more evidence that the two County Commissioners who favor demolition of the courthouse don't really care what the citizens want.... even if one of them is the Governor. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071022/DEVELOPINGNEWS/310220010 Article published October 22, 2007 Seneca Co. commissioners move toward courthouse demolition (Posted at 1:34 p.m.) Just days after Gov. Ted Strickland asked that Seneca County commissioners delay their plans to demolish the county’s historic 1884 courthouse, commissioners this morning voted 2-1 to hire a Mansfield architectural firm to prepare bid specifications for demolition. Commissioner Mike Bridinger, who has said he believes the county should renovate the old courthouse, voted no on the contract with MKC Associates, which will cost the county $60,000. The agreement includes additional expenses of $15,000 for an environmental assessment of the vacant building and an optional $35,000 for an on-site project manager if a demolition contract ultimately is awarded.
October 23, 200717 yr More detail.... Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071023/NEWS02/71023001/-1/NEWS Article published October 23, 2007 Firm hired to set bidding rules to raze courthouse $60,000 pact could cost more TIFFIN — While insisting they welcome Gov. Ted Strickland’s offer to help find ways to pay for renovation of Seneca County’s 1884 courthouse, the county commissioners yesterday took another step toward razing the landmark. The commissioners voted 2-1 to approve a contract with MKC Associates of Mansfield, Ohio, to prepare specifications and bidding requirements for demolition of the vacant courthouse. The agreement will cost the county $60,000, although it includes additional expenses of $15,000 for an environmental assessment of the building, $10,000 for historic documentation of the courthouse, and an optional $35,000 fee for an on-site project manager who would oversee demolition — if it comes to that.
October 25, 200717 yr The letter that Nutter took around the Statehouse that same day was to garner support for the idea of "raising funds" for "the courthouse". He very carefully did not say *which* courthouse. :roll: AH!
October 25, 200717 yr That harrasment is stupid. I don't think those people are really thinking about this, its more of those "I'M RIGHT YOUR WRONG!" sort of thing. It just shows how stupid people are, and what little life they have. Like calling people and vandalizing their household is going to make them stop, especially such determined people. I have a feeling these calls are from friends of the two dumbass commisioners. Hell I don't understand why people are so against restoration of the courthouse, even with facts slapped in their faces. Where I used to live, a town the size of 800 people restored a 1911 library, and many houses in far worse condition. Do you think the economic issues of the city may have something to do with peoples denial of this issue? It isn't hurting these people, and lets face it, these commisioners are being stubborn because of their pride. The courthouse does not need to be bulldozed, yet they insist it. If they do demolish it, I hope it takes an economic toll on the people just so they realize and learn a goddamn lesson.
October 26, 200717 yr http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071025/NEWS17/71025022 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published October 25, 2007 Seneca County commissioners agree to hold off on courthouse demolition until March By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER TIFFIN — Seneca County commissioners this morning agreed to hold off on demolishing the county’s 1884 courthouse at least until March 17. By a 2-1 vote, commissioners approved a resolution that states the board does not intend to take any “irreparable action” regarding the courthouse, specifically that it will not award a contract for demolition before March 17. Commissioners Ben Nutter and Dave Sauber, who have supported plans to demolish the vacant courthouse and build a new, smaller building in its place, both voted in favor of the resolution. They said the “time out” would give the state time to determine how much financial assistance it can commit for the courthouse renovation and give commissioners enough time to get a tax issue to support renovation on the March 4 primary ballot if they choose to go to the voters.
October 27, 200717 yr Exploring the Blade's photo gallery of Elijah E. Myers courthouses, I noticed that Grant County, Indiana's courthouse is almost an exact match to Lorain County, Ohio in Elyria. Interestingly, both have lost their towers. This makes me wonder if there was a flaw in their design. From dfly's Marion, Indiana thread: My pic from Elyria:
October 28, 200717 yr Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071028/NEWS17/710280352 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published October 28, 2007 Majority wants to save 1884 courthouse according to Zogby poll Governor's intervention key By JOE VARDON BLADE STAFF WRITER TIFFIN - A new Zogby International poll commissioned by The Blade shows that more than half of likely registered voters in Seneca County favor restoring their historic 1884 courthouse. A similar Zogby poll conducted in August showed that a slight majority of county residents agreed with county commissioners' initial decision to raze the courthouse. Zogby's most recent poll showed that 52.6 percent of likely voters favored restoring the courthouse, 35.4 percent favored demolishing it, and 12 percent were undecided.
October 29, 200717 yr Seems like the courthouse has a chance. Yeah, those two courthouses look identacle, loss of clocktowers seem like a major issues with historic courthouses. Many are trying to reconstruct their old clocktowers.
October 31, 200717 yr Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071031/NEWS02/710310425/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published October 31, 2007 Appeals judges nix bar to razing Seneca County courthouse Preliminary order to county refused TIFFIN - The Ohio 3rd District Court of Appeals has denied a request for an order halting demolition of Seneca County's 1884 courthouse. In a brief decision signed Friday and filed Monday in Seneca County Common Pleas Court, the Lima-based appellate court denied a request for a preliminary injunction filed by John Barga, attorney for six Seneca County residents who want to save the old courthouse. They sued commissioners last spring, alleging their August, 2006, decision to raze the courthouse was made unlawfully.
November 3, 200717 yr Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071103/NEWS17/71103005/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published November 3, 2007 Summit targets saving courthouses Preservationists extol tax credits By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER TIFFIN — Seneca County’s endangered 1884 courthouse sits several blocks from Heidelberg College, but its shadow loomed large yesterday over a gathering of historic preservationists from across the state who met on campus to talk about county courthouses. The two-day summit, which resumes at 10 a.m. today, was organized to bring together preservationists, architects, and public officials to examine the role historic courthouses play in a community’s identity and economic vitality. About 40 participants also brainstormed ways to pay to restore and maintain the landmarks — a key sticking point in the debate over whether to save or raze the courthouse in Tiffin.
November 9, 200717 yr Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071108/NEWS17/711080404/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published November 8, 2007 Seneca County courthouse's reprieve extended Accord between commissioners, preservationists tacks on 6 weeks By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER TIFFIN - Seneca County's endangered historic 1884 courthouse had its life span extended by at least another six weeks yesterday. At a hearing in Seneca County Common Pleas Court, county commissioners and a group of local historic preservationists suing them to stop demolition of the vacant building agreed to an extended timeout. Commissioners said they would pass a new resolution stating they will take no irreparable action regarding the courthouse before April 30, while preservationists promised to put a hold on their lawsuit until March 17.
November 17, 200717 yr Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071116/NEWS17/711160390/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published November 16, 2007 Seneca County to update renovation estimate Firm will re-examine courthouse project By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER TIFFIN - Seneca County commissioners yesterday hired a Cleveland firm that specializes in historic restoration and renovation to update its 2003 estimate for renovating the 1884 courthouse. By a 3-0 vote, commissioners agreed to pay up to $7,500 to Westlake Reed Leskosky to put 2008 figures to the project, which in 2003 was estimated at $5.9 million for construction costs and $2 million more for nonconstruction costs and contingencies. Paul Siemborski, associate principal with the firm, said that estimate included replacing the Art Deco clock tower with a fiber-glass version of the original clock tower, recreating the third-floor courtroom by removing the law library that was added above it, and creating a second "proper-sized" courtroom on the main floor. The estimate also included relocating the elevator and opening up the center atrium.
November 20, 200717 yr Full Story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071120/NEWS17/711200370/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published November 20, 2007 Seneca courthouse preservationists get challenge Bond issue help is sought By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER TIFFIN - Calling it "the last best chance" for saving Seneca County's 1884 courthouse, Commissioner Ben Nutter yesterday challenged preservationists to get involved with promoting a bond issue to support the renovation project. "If you want to save the courthouse, that's what you should be concentrating on," Mr. Nutter told Rayella Engle, a member of the Tiffin Historic Trust, after she again implored commissioners to apply for grants and solicit support from foundations and private donors to reduce the cost of the project. Mrs. Engle, one of six county residents who took the board to court in an attempt to stop demolition, told commissioners the courthouse could be renovated in phases either without going to voters at all or by asking for a much smaller amount of money on the ballot.
November 28, 200717 yr Full Story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071128/NEWS17/711280416/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published November 28, 2007 Seneca County may bolster renovation with tours Courthouse to be open for public walk-throughs By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER TIFFIN - Drive by the old Seneca County courthouse in downtown Tiffin and it's hard to overlook the mismatched clock tower and the crumbling steps. What proponents of saving the building want to do is get people inside the courthouse so they can see up close the ornate woodwork, the original etched glass, and the intricate hardware that graces the solid wood doors. They also want to educate residents about the building's famous architect, Elijah E. Myers, the history of the landmark, and the value the building holds in the community.
January 4, 200817 yr Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080104/NEWS17/801040361/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published January 4, 2008 Agreements reached on Seneca County courthouse bond issue, open houses By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER TIFFIN - Without raising their voices even once, Seneca County commissioners and proponents of saving the county's 1884 historic courthouse yesterday resolved a number of points concerning the March 4 bond issue and the open houses planned at the courthouse. •Commissioners agreed to hold one or more evening meetings where residents could ask questions about the $8.5 million bond issue intended to support renovating the endangered courthouse. •The board said it would pass a resolution before the next courthouse open houses Jan. 19 and 20 stating it will not collect the property tax if the bond issue passes. •Commissioners also agreed to extend the time for tours by an hour and open up the annex building adjacent to the courthouse during the open houses so that visitors won't have to wait outside in the cold. The first round of courthouse tours attracted nearly 1,000 people over two days last weekend - astounding organizers and resulting in long lines for those waiting to get inside to see the building they've been hearing so much about for the last year. Last spring, commissioners voted 2-1 to move ahead with razing and replacing the courthouse but decided to take the matter to voters after Gov. Ted Strickland asked them to hold off on demolition.
January 16, 200817 yr Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080115/NEWS17/801150362/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published January 15, 2008 Seneca courthouse plan called unclear By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER TIFFIN - Seneca County preservationists trying to save the county's 1884 courthouse from the wrecking ball planned to give taxpayers a copy of the county commissioners' promise not to raise taxes during an open house at the courthouse this weekend. Now they're not so sure they will. A resolution approved by a 3-0 vote of commissioners yesterday is written in such legalese that the preservationists can't imagine it will help their cause. "We can't give this out," a disgusted Rayella Engle said after the meeting. "People will be so confused," agreed Nancy Cook, another preservationist. On March 4, Seneca County residents will vote on an $8.5 million bond issue to renovate the courthouse, but commissioners insist they will not collect the tax, only use a yes vote as backing for bonds that would be issued to pay for renovation. The debt - about $640,000 a year for 20 years - would be repaid with current county tax revenue, including money already generated from the county's 0.5 percent sales tax commissioners made permanent last year.
January 16, 200817 yr The Seneca Co Courthouse will once again be open for tours this coming wkend, Jan 19 & 20, from 1 - 4p. We've extended it by one hr, to more easily handle the large crowds we had last time. The tour route inside of the building has also been updated & slightly expanded. Hope to see you there!
January 20, 200817 yr http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080120/NEWS17/801200314/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published January 20, 2008 State help in limbo for Seneca County courthouse Aid amount may not be known before vote By JIM PROVANCE BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU CHIEF COLUMBUS - Those seeking to save the Seneca County Courthouse from the wrecking ball are creatively pursuing the new Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit. But the already narrow window they're trying to climb through may be even narrower than originally thought. Although the program was created with the goal of approving credits for 100 projects in the fiscal year that began July 1, Gov. Ted Strickland's administration plans to stick to a $120 million limit allocated in the state budget for the program's first year.
January 30, 200817 yr Dave Sauber said, "Certainly no one could debate the historic significance of an 1884 courthouse," he said. But he added it would be irresponsible to start restoration without a plan for paying for it." However, he sees *no problem* w/ wanting to tear it down, when they have absolutely no plans for a new one. No designs, no architect, no blueprints - nothing whatsoever. At this time, their whole proposal is for nothing more than a Fantasy Courthouse. When we already have a real one, w/ nothing significant wrong w/ it. There are a pile of people running for commissioner, to replace Nutter & Sauber. I know most of them, & I believe every single one of them is in favor of saving the Courthouse. If it becomes apparent during the 4 Mar vote that one of both of them will not be running for office in Nov, I plan to propose that nothing be done regarding the Courthouse, regardless of the bond issue on the ballot, on the grounds that they will not be in office when anything gets started on it, anyway. After all, they cannot touch the Courthouse until the end of April, I believe it is, by court order. There are still 2 pending lawsuits which will commence after that. And, while the 2 offending commissioners say they would not have to have the people vote on demolition dollars (to the tune of $5.5 million), the county auditor has stated that he would be *very* uncomfortable w/ them attempting to borrow that much money w/out a vote. The opinions expressed at the last tour wkend were again, very positive. Many people were asked to sign the petition, telling the commissioners they support saving the Courthouse, & urging them to look more closely at tax credits, grants, etc. Of those who said they wanted to see the building first before deciding to sign, as they were on the fence, my estimate is that roughly 8 out of every 10 people who said that, came back & signed the petition. And since I was sitting at the table where the petition was being signed, I think my estimate is pretty accurate. New website: http://www.saveourcourthouse.blogspot.com/
January 30, 200817 yr Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080130/NEWS17/801300403/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published January 30, 2008 New bill could help save Seneca courthouse By JIM PROVANCE BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU CHIEF COLUMBUS - Legislation was introduced in the Ohio House yesterday that, if approved, could provide a major financial boost to preservationists trying to save Seneca County's historic courthouse. The bipartisan bill, introduced by Reps. Peter Ujvagi (D., Toledo) and Randy Gardner (R., Bowling Green), would reserve five Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits for county-owned buildings like the 1884 courthouse in the heart of Tiffin's nationally recognized historic-business district.
February 6, 200817 yr Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080206/NEWS17/802060430/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published February 6, 2008 Preservationists request Seneca County courthouse demolition cost Figure sought for work before vote By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER TIFFIN - Supporters of saving Seneca County's 1884 courthouse would like to be able to tell voters how much it would cost if the March 4 bond issue fails and the county proceeds with demolishing and replacing the landmark. Jackie Fletcher, chairman of the Save Our Courthouse committee, yesterday asked county commissioners whether they were any closer to finding out the true cost of demolition so that those working to get the bond issue passed would be able to compare the cost of renovation to the cost of demolition and new construction.
February 10, 200817 yr Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080210/NEWS17/802100315/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published February 10, 2008 Seneca County Courthouse supporters work to spread message Ads note millions to be spent no matter what By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER TIFFIN - In just a few weeks, Seneca County voters will decide whether their 1884 courthouse will remain standing and once again house the local justice system. A group working to promote the $8.5 million bond issue wants voters to know that if the bond issue fails, some $6 million in local tax dollars still will be spent. Commissioners Ben Nutter and Dave Sauber have vowed to proceed with demolishing the landmark and building a new courthouse if voters say no to restoration. "Our main message is: 'At least $6 million will be spent. You decide how wisely,'" said Jackie Fletcher, who chairs the Save Our Courthouse Committee, an offshoot of the Tiffin Historic Trust.
February 12, 200817 yr Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080212/NEWS17/802120321/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published February 12, 2008 Seneca County Courthouse rebuild cost lower than new building By JC REINDL BLADE STAFF WRITER TIFFIN - A consultant told county commissioners yesterday that it would be cheaper to renovate Seneca County's 1884 courthouse than to replace it with a building of similar quality. Paul Siemborski, associate principal with Westlake Reed Leskosky of Cleveland, made the remarks while delivering his firm's finalized cost estimate for restoring the now-vacant historic structure. The report pegged renovation construction at about $8.3 million and total project costs at just under $10.6 million. Both figures were nearly identical to the firm's preliminary estimates delivered Jan. 31.
February 22, 200817 yr http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080222/NEWS17/802220398/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published February 22, 2008 Seneca County gets $2M promise from Ohio Strickland vows aid if bond issue OK'd By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER TIFFIN - Gov. Ted Strickland told Seneca County commissioners that he will seek $2 million in state funds to help the county renovate its 1884 courthouse - if voters approve a bond issue for the courthouse March 4, Commissioner Ben Nutter announced last night. At a voters' forum on the courthouse issue at Tiffin Columbian High School, Mr. Nutter delivered the governor's commitment. "The great news we have is … if we can show the governor and the General Assembly we are committed to this project with a yes vote on the $8.5 million bond issue, then they are committed to getting us $2 million," he said. Commissioners have promised they will not collect the property tax if the bond issue is approved but would use existing revenues to pay off bonds that will be sold to renovate the vacant courthouse. If voters reject the bond issue, the board will move ahead with demolishing the historic building - almost immediately, Mr. Nutter said last night. "If the bond issue would fail, we will have a bid packet to send out to the demolition arena for people to bid on removal of the 1884 courthouse within days of the March 4 vote," he said.
March 2, 200817 yr Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080302/NEWS09/803020317/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Renovated Seneca County Courthouse could revive Tiffin Article published March 2, 2008 By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER TIFFIN - When Seneca County voters cast their ballots on a courthouse renovation plan Tuesday, they won't simply decide whether to spend local tax dollars. They'll decide whether to invest in their future. "That courthouse can be an economic engine for that downtown," said Thomas Palmer, president of Preservation Ohio. "I know what the difference in 2020 Tiffin will look like with the courthouse and without that courthouse. A voter has to think long term. If you look 10, 15 years down the road, there's no comparison of where downtown Tiffin will be."
March 5, 200817 yr My heart is hearting. With 42 precincts reporting...the courthouse levy is failing 63-36 percent. http://www.advertiser-tribune.com/page/content.detail/id/504233.html?nav=5010
March 5, 200817 yr http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080305/NEWS09/803050476/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published March 5, 2008 Seneca County Courthouse bond issue rejected by 2-1 margin Plan was called last, best hope for facility By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER TIFFIN - It came down to a vote of the people, and the people of Seneca County said no to a plan to save and restore the county's historic 1884 courthouse. The $8.5 million bond issue could have brought $2 million in promised state funding to Seneca County to help with the project. County commissioners had vowed they would not collect the new tax and the Tiffin Historic Trust had pledged to raise money to pay for a new clock tower.
March 6, 200817 yr Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080306/NEWS09/803060391/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published March 6, 2008 Seneca County Courthouse defeat saddens backers Citing the will of the people, officials to discuss next move By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER TIFFIN - Yesterday marked the 99th anniversary of American architect Elijah Myers' death, and to those who admire his work, the defeat of a bond issue to preserve the Seneca County Courthouse he designed made for a disappointing day. "It's almost like another piece of him has died because as an artist, as an architect, the legacy you leave behind are the works that you produce and you continue to live as long as those works are still standing," said Valerie Marvin, a historian and tour guide at the Michigan State Capitol, another Myers creation. By a wide margin Tuesday, voters rejected an $8.5 million proposal that would have preserved and restored the Beaux Arts-style courthouse that was built in downtown Tiffin in 1884. Commissioners said the defeat signals voters' desire to remove and replace the old courthouse, which has been vacant since 2004 when the common pleas courts moved next door.
March 6, 200817 yr If demolition is the only alternative, I think the County Commissioners should mandate that as much of the original materials as possible be incorporated into the "new" courthouse. A careful demolition can yield a lot of material and that which can't be used could be recycled in other ways.... in other words... a "green" demolition. It would beat saving bits and pieces of the old courthouse and sticking it in some park, like Columbus did with Union Station. It pains me every time I see that damned "Arch" and sad that it is all that's left of a magnificent building that was designed by the same architect who designed Grand Central Station in NYC and many of Cleveland's original government buildings.... Daniel Burnham.
March 6, 200817 yr that's a shame. but the voters have spoken so be it. i'm sure nobody felt great about voting it down, but i can almost understand. it's a lot of money. looks grim now for the courthouse. i wonder what would have happened if they had put "mothballing costs" on the ballot instead of restoration (ie., preserved instead of both preserved and restored)? if that would have been much cheaper? might have passed --- sorry if that was discussed already i only read parts.
March 7, 200817 yr Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080307/NEWS17/803070376/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published March 7, 2008 Seneca courthouse preservationists plead for more time Commissioners ready to demolish By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER TIFFIN — The leader of an effort to save Seneca County’s historic 1884 courthouse implored county commissioners yesterday to create a citizens’ committee to look at the “facts, issues, and questions” surrounding restoration of the landmark versus demolition. “The courthouse can only be torn down once so there must be no rush to demolition,” Jackie Fletcher, chairman of the Save Our Courthouse committee and a Democratic candidate for county commissioner, told the board. “Community members need to evaluate the real cost comparisons, including lost property values. If citizens are part of the process, they develop a vested interest.”
March 11, 200817 yr From the 3/11/08 Toledo Blade: County officials redo new Seneca County courthouse plan TIFFIN - With the defeat of a bond issue intended to save the 1884 courthouse, Seneca County commissioners yesterday decided to update a 15-year, space-needs plan for county offices. The plan, which was first adopted in 2006, included the decision to tear down the old courthouse and replace it - something that was delayed by local efforts to save the building but is now back on the commissioners' agenda. "We're at the point in the game where we need to talk about specifically what offices are going to go into the new building, how big is it going to be, and exactly how much is it going to cost," Commissioner Ben Nutter said. Full Story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080311/NEWS17/803110396
March 11, 200817 yr From the 3/11/08 Toledo Blade: Governor considers options for Seneca County Courthouse Defeat of tax issue imperils state aid COLUMBUS - Gov. Ted Strickland proved that he had political coattails when it came to helping Hillary Clinton win Ohio's Democratic primary election, but he didn't have the same cache when it came to saving the Seneca County Courthouse. Strickland spokesman Keith Dailey said the Democratic governor is still considering his options when it comes to the 1884 courthouse's fate, but his personal commitment made just before the election to seek $2 million in state funds for the project was contingent upon local support. Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080311/NEWS17/803110377
March 11, 200817 yr From the 3/11/08 Toledo Blade: 2 minutes to midnight If the Seneca County commissioners cared to look a little closer, they would realize that Tuesday's defeat of the courthouse renovation issue was a vote against taxes, not a vote to tear down the historic structure. Actually, the demolition duo, commissioners David Sauber and Ben Nutter, planned it that way. They outpoliticked Tiffin's preservationists - another way of saying they lied to the public - and made sure the courthouse issue was presented at the polls as a new tax, one that tax-weary residents would be certain to slap down. Read more at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080309/OPINION02/803090308
April 8, 200817 yr Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080408/NEWS17/639784424/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published April 8, 2008 Authority to demolish courthouse questioned 6 in Seneca Countyfile high-court appeal TIFFIN — Six Seneca County residents fighting to save the county’s 1884 courthouse yesterday asked the Ohio Supreme Court to decide whether county commissioners have the authority to demolish a historic county courthouse. The group filed a notice of appeal with the court asking it to consider the case because the matter has “public and general interest” not only to Seneca County, but to all 88 counties in Ohio. Specifically, they are appealing the Feb. 25 decision of the Ohio 3rd District Court of Appeals, which affirmed Common Pleas Court Judge Charles Wittenberg’s dismissal of two of their claims: that the commissioners failed to obtain expert advice and explore all options before deciding to raze the courthouse and that state law doesn’t give commissioners the right to demolish a courthouse.
April 14, 200817 yr Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080414/NEWS17/804140333/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published April 14, 2008 Historians draw up salvage wish list of artifacts from Seneca County courthouse By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER TIFFIN - As the keeper of many of Seneca County's historical treasures, Tonia Hoffert came to the old courthouse one day this month armed with a camera and a notebook. She wanted to tell - and show - the county commissioners exactly what she would like to see salvaged from the 1884 courthouse and preserved in the local history museum she oversees. "Because once it's tore down, if we don't save any of it, it's gone," said Ms. Hoffert, director of the Seneca County Museum. "Nobody's going to remember it in the next generation or the generations after that."
April 26, 200817 yr Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080426/NEWS02/804260430/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published April 26, 2008 Ohio court asked to halt razing of Seneca County Courthouse BLADE STAFF TIFFIN - An attorney for six Seneca County residents fighting to save the county's historic 1884 courthouse yesterday asked the Ohio Supreme Court to put a hold on its planned demolition. "This courthouse represents a major part of the history, culture, and heritage of Ohio," wrote Tiffin attorney John Barga. "Once it is destroyed, it will be lost forever. The Ohio Supreme Court is the last hope for the people of Seneca County and all of Ohio to preserve this invaluable treasure." Under an agreement reached in November in Seneca County Common Pleas Court, the commissioners agreed they would take no irreparable action regarding the courthouse before April 30 and the plaintiffs agreed to put their lawsuit on hold until March 17.
June 10, 200817 yr All -- just got back from Tiffin, and wanted to pass this along... Thomas/presOhio ____________________________________________________________ BREAKING NEWS -- Tiffin Board Denies Courthouse Demolition Application On Tuesday afternoon, June 10, the City of Tiffin Architectural Board of Review denied an application by the Seneca County Commissioners to demolish the Seneca County Courthouse, and imposed a 90-day mandatory waiting period. During that time, Commissioners are required by law to meet with the Board to explore preservation-friendly demolition alternatives. During the hearing, the City Law Director advised the Board that the County was subject to the local ordinance. In addition to two city residents, the President of the Tiffin Historic Trust spoke against the demolition application, and introduced five experts for testimony -- Joyce Barrett, Executive Director of Heritage Ohio; Thomas Palmer, Executive Director of Preservation Ohio; Franklin Conaway, Preservation Consultant; Franco Ruffini, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, and Robert Loversidge, Principal of Schooley-Caldwell Architects. Testimony centered on the damage that would be caused to the entire downtown through decreased economic development should the application be granted and the courthouse demolished. Interestingly, this past Thursday Schooley-Caldwell was awarded the contract for developing a preservation master plan for the Colorado State Capitol building in Denver -- a building designed by Elijah Myers, architect of the courthouse in Tiffin (Myers also designed the Texas and Michigan Capitol buildings). The Seneca County Courthouse leads the 2008 List of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites. As always, MyHometownOhio will cover this very important story as it continues to unfold. http://myhometownohio.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/6/10/3738371.html
June 12, 200817 yr Full Story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080611/NEWS17/806110450/-1/NEWS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Article published June 11, 2008 Tiffin board of review denies courthouse demolition permit By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER TIFFIN - After hearing testimony from a host of leading historic preservationists, Tiffin's Architectural Board of Review yesterday denied Seneca County's application to tear down the 1884 courthouse. The board voted 5-0 to deny a certificate of appropriateness for the proposed demolition and then unanimously agreed to impose a 90-day waiting period during which the board and the county commissioners are to meet to explore alternatives to demolition. "It's clear that they took their responsibility seriously and found that demolition of this building would have an adverse effect on the downtown historic district," Franco Ruffini, deputy state historic preservation officer, said after the two-hour hearing at the municipal building.
June 15, 200816 yr Big rally here on the 22nd - http://myhometownohio.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/6/6/3732189.html . What w/ the exciting news regarding the Architectural Review Board, this should be even more upbeat that originally planned! Everyone c'mon up to Tiffin & join us!! Help us show the commissioners exactly how important this issue is, & what kind of support there is for preservation in Ohio as a whole, *not* just for Seneca Co!! Help us make sure it's NOT a "Last Stand" for our Courthouse!
June 18, 200816 yr The Tiffin Historic Trust, Heritage Ohio, Preservation Ohio and other concerned citizens invite you to attend "This Place Matters" The Seneca County Courthouse Tiffin, Ohio Sunday, June 22, 2008 Join advocates to help demonstrate that This Place Matters. The proposed demolition of the 1884 Seneca County Courthouse is not just a local issue! Speakers at 2:30 Featuring the "Courthouse Girls" from Randolph County, IN Photo at 3:00 On the Seneca Courthouse Lawn When we lose a historic place, we lose a part of who we are. For more information, contact Joyce Barrett, Executive Director of Heritage Ohio, at 614.258.6200.
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