The first time that a post appeared on MyHometownOhio concerning the Seneca County Courthouse was on February 16, 2007. The post featured a video which had been placed on YouTube which lamented both the condition of the Tiffin landmark as well as its endangered status.
Over the two and a half years which followed, this blog chronicled the ongoing saga of the building - including the work of the Tiffin Historic Trust, the incredible efforts of the Courthouse and Downtown Redevelopment Group, and Preservation Ohio’s own involvement. We have joined our friends in Tiffin in rallies, speeches and presentations, have spoken to the Commissioners, have provided testimony in design review hearings, filed an amicus curiae brief in ongoing legal action, and joined with others to sponsor the Ohio Courthouse Summit in late 2007.
Yesterday, the Seneca County Commissioners voted 3-0 to support the renovation of the Seneca County Courthouse - the first building to be selected to lead the annual list of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites. This honor was made in recognition of its importance to the local community and county, the quality of its architecture, and because we knew that the eyes of many across the state were tuned toward Tiffin as they looked at their own facilities.
Preservation Ohio applauds the three Seneca County Commissioners, members of the Courthouse and Downtown Redevelopment Group including their point person Franklin Conaway, members of the Tiffin Historic Trust, and everyone else who has played a role in this effort. Franklin is a co-founder and former Board President of Preservation Ohio, and we're thrilled to recognize him for his role in this project.
The work continues, as funds must be raised for the courthouse tower and other improvements. MyHometownOhio will continue to follow this story - and we will be there on the day in the hopefully not-too-distant future when we can cover the opening of the newly renovated Seneca County Courthouse.
For Toledo Blade coverage of this story, including video of the actual vote, click here.
Photo: Seneca County Courthouse, Tiffin - circa 1884
Preservation Ohio received word yesterday concerning two pending demolitions in Greenhills.
The Greenhills Village Council has apparently voted to demolish two additional buildings in the historic district -- both multi-unit frame houses on Dewitt Court. Ironically, the buildings in question were occupied until a month ago; according to neighbors, some of the tenants didn't want to leave. There are no plans for re-use of the vacant land.
For more information on these demolitions, and how they have the potential to impact pending National Historic Landmark status for this unique pre-war experiment in planned development, visit the "Endangered Places" page of the Cincinnati Preservation Association website by clicking here (scroll to the bottom of the page).
The Village of Greenhills has been included on the List of Ohio's Most Endangered Historic Sites since 2008 - click here for the most recent listing.
Photo: Buildings scheduled for demolition, Greenhills - Courtesy of the Cincinnati Preservation Association
On a regular basis, Preservation Ohio visits websites, social media pages and other online locations for our sister statewide historic preservation organizations across the country. These sites often reveal the “personality” of each organization, as several statewides have developed strong programming in a particular area.
A visit to the new website of Preservation North Carolina, for instance, quickly reveals that PNC has a two-decade long emphasis and expertise in the acquisition and sale of historic real estate across the state. By clicking the first tab, “Buy Properties,” visitors can access a list of current properties for sale – each of which has either been acquired in fee simple by the organization, or is available through a transferable purchase option. PNC President Myrick Howard has twice visited Preservation Ohio to talk about the unique program, and members of our staff have traveled to Raleigh to experience their endangered properties program first-hand.
One of the best new websites for statewides was recently unveiled in New York. The site of the Preservation League of New York State includes a section for their legal services initiative, the only one of its kind in the country. Information on the program can be accessed under “Explore our Programs” on the bottom left of the site.
It is always informative to visit the website of Landmarks Illinois, an organization which is often involved in creative programming and cutting-edge issues in preservation. Currently, for instance, their lead stories include a feature on an alternative proposal developed by the organization for the proposed 2016 Olympic Village in Chicago, as well as a look at a hands-on renovation project involving Landmarks Illinois on the opposite side of the state. “Illinois Restoration Resources” (see icon near the bottom of the page) gives visitors the chance to search a database of preservation suppliers and professionals working in Illinois.
The website of the Utah Heritage Foundation in Salt Lake City includes coverage of the organization’s strong emphasis on tours, education and advocacy roles – as well as their new programming in “recent past” architecture. Also included are links to the organization’s collection of slideshows available for school groups, as well as to what is likely the only interactive game featured on any statewide preservation organization website in the country – the “Kearns Mansion and the Secret Silver Game.”
Photo: Screenshot of the website of the Preservation League of New York State
In the aftermath of the July 20 presentation of the Seneca County Courthouse and Downtown Redevelopment Group, there has been a great deal of activity in Tiffin as Commissioners consider the renovation proposal, and the public hears and reacts to the plan. Not surprisingly, the matter, which has been extensively covered in media over the last three years, has continued to generate substantial coverage. Here is a sampling of recent articles and letters to the editor on the subject:
"Cost Effectiveness is determining factor" - Letter to the Editor by Seneca County Commissioner Ben Nutter - "... As a Seneca County commissioner, my position in relation to the courthouse has been exactly the same from the moment I took office, and that is; I will support the course of action that is most fiscally responsible in providing space to the judiciary of Seneca County..."
Advertister-Tribune editorial – “Majority just want the issue to be over” - "Arguments and legal wrangling over the 1884 courthouse have resulted in a false dichotomy. The county, it may seem, is split into two camps: Those who favor renovating the "grand old lady" and those who favor removing "big ugly"..."
“Figues, opinions change” – Advertiser-Tribune - "...The long journey of decision-making in the commissioner board room has inspired the passions of county residents on two distinct sides of a divided county..."
“Seneca County Courthouse report is full of details to make the case” – Toledo Blade - "The head of a group aiming to save and restore the abandoned Seneca County Courthouse turned in his final report Monday, a thick photo-and-drawing-filled document stuffed with the kinds of details supporters hope will win over hesitant county residents..."
“Seneca County diverts $687,000 in courthouse funds” – Toledo Blade - "More than $687,000 set aside to tear down and replace Seneca County's 1884 courthouse was diverted to the county's general fund yesterday to cover expenses in the sheriff's office and department of job and family services...."
“Seneca County’s renovation foes rethink positions” – Toledo Blade - "...Based on the best information we had available two years ago, it was cheaper to remove and replace," Mr. Nutter said. "But based on the information we have today, it may very well be less expensive to renovate and provide more space and still be able to keep a building and our sense of cultural identity..."
Photo: Seneca County Courthouse - Preservation Ohio File Photo
Yesterday we were on two historic Ohio college campuses - Kenyon College in Gambier, and Denison University in Granville. On an extraordinarily beautiful day, we took a handful of photos in each location, and would like to share the same with you. For our subscribers, click here to access the photo slideshow.
You have to hand it to the folks with the Tuscarawas County Heritage Homes Association - they hosted an excellent local educational event on preservation and renovation this past Saturday.
Billed as “THAT Old House,” the day of workshops at the Tuscarawas County Center for the Arts featured presentations on identifying architectural styles, researching house and building histories, paint preparation and choice for period homes, masonry repair and restoration, window glazing, faux painting, interior design and more. Speakers included both local experts and representatives from companies involved in restoration trades. The walls were lined with displays on local architectural history, as well as exhibits from vendors from across the state.
Preservation Ohio was pleased to be a part of the event. Executive Director Thomas Palmer provided opening keynote remarks on the importance of preservation, including both its intangible and tangible benefits. The night before, Thomas journeyed with Board members of the TCHHA to the small western Tuscarawas County town of Ragersville, where the group awarded three of their coveted plaques to properties in the village, among which was the town’s original schoolhouse, built in 1830.
We took plenty of pictures during the day, and several are included below. Click here to reach the website of the Tuscarawas County Heritage Homes Association, sponsors of the event. Congratulations again to the TCHAA for an excellent program.
All pictures - Preservation Ohio File Photos, All Rights Reserved
In the aftermath of the July 20 presentation of the Seneca County Courthouse and Downtown Redevelopment Group, there has been a great deal of activity in Tiffin as Commissioners consider the renovation proposal, and the public hears and reacts to the plan. Not surprisingly, the matter, which has been extensively covered in media over the last three years, has continued to generate substantial coverage. Here is a sampling of recent articles and letters to the editor on the subject: