Recent news has brought to light new developments in ongoing efforts to preserve important local historic resources.

In Tiffin, the long-awaited report from MKC Associates about the Seneca County Courthouse demolition proposals included a surprise fourth possibility – renovation – even though it was not part of the initial set of proposals to be reviewed (click here for coverage by the Toledo Blade). And, in what was hardly a surprise, the cost of renovation was revealed to be less than any other scenario, including demolition and new construction. In response to the findings, however, at least one commissioner again reiterated his belief that the only relevant consideration was space needs – without regard to the impact of any particular position on economic revitalization. The commissioners have not set a definitive date for their final decision, and a recently-filed lawsuit remains pending.

News has reached Preservation Ohio that the home and garage of the first person to travel from one coast to the other in an automobile is being demolished – to be replaced with a chain auto parts (AutoZone) store! This travesty is being perpetrated over public opposition in Jefferson, county seat of Ashtabula County, a community without any protection for its historic resources.

Proponents of saving Dayton’s NCR Building 26 were disappointed when the Ohio Historic Preservation Office issued a finding that the property is not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. This report from OHPO came after an independent study by Preservation Dayton and a letter from the National Trust for Historic Preservation both suggested that the initial study which found that the building was not eligible was flawed. Although the OHPO letter advocated for preservation, the net effect was to remove legal barriers to the University of Dayton to proceed with demolition.

Photo:  Fetch House, being demolished in Jefferson - Preservation Ohio File Photo