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Meet the most endangered historic sites of 2008
More: What do you think about the endangered sites list?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Extras
Photos
Allysa Wagner, 2, holds the attention of the geese in Snyder Park Wednesday as she tosses them pieces of bread.
South High School building.
Mother Stewart House at 215 S. Yellow Springs St.
Greenmount Avenue and Cemetery.
Charles and Vinnie Bauer House at 1583 Lagonda Ave.SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — With its 2008 list of most endangered historic sites, the Springfield Preservation Alliance is pulling absolutely no punches.
The former South High School building, Snyder Park and the controversial, fenced-off houses behind the Westcott House on Greenmount Avenue are at-risk, according to the local preservation group.
Choices like that aren't just visible — they're timely, urgent and heartfelt, said Marian Vance, co-chairwoman of public policy for the alliance.
Five sites in all made the alliance's third "Preservation Priorities" list, which doesn't do much except sound a very loud alarm.
"We could lose these valuable resources," she warned. "These are our treasures."
• Springfield South High School
Less than a year after it saw its last graduating class off, the future doesn't look too bright for the now-empty South High building.
"Whenever a building sits empty," Vance said, "it starts to implode on itself."
Built around 1911 with a facade that recalls the Library of Congress, the school also made Preservation Ohio's 2008 statewide list of most endangered historic sites.
• Snyder Park
"I didn't think it would be possible that Snyder Park would be on a shortlist," Vance confessed.
Then she really looked at it.
"I did a critical eye view of the place," she added, "and I was dismayed."
Established in 1895, the 225-acre park has been beaten around by a lack of funding due to levy defeats. Vance called it a "lack of TLC."
• Greenmount Avenue and cemetery
A row of houses lining Greenmount Avenue are, "What Frank Lloyd Wright saw when he built the Westcott House," Vance said.
A century later, they're fenced off and at the center of a debate about whether to save or raze them to make room for additional buildings to complement the restored Westcott, now a museum.
Plans for demolition in 2005 raised the ire of no less than the National Park Service.
The Greenmount Avenue houses, according to the alliance, provide historical context for the Wright creation.
• Charles and Vinnie Bauer House, 1583 Lagonda Ave.
Built in 1912 and now abandoned, the Arts and Crafts bungalow was home to Charles Bauer, a school board member and city councilman who was key in drafting the city charter in 1913.
The unique, Japanese-style roof has a slight problem.
"There's a big hole in the roof," Vance said, "but I've seen worse things get saved."
• Mother Stewart house, 215 S. Yellow Springs St.
This is believed to be "Apple Tree Place" — the home of Eliza Stewart, a temperance movement firebrand of the 1870s.
The anti-booze crusader was well-known in the United States and Great Britain.
Vance rated the current condition of the house in one word: "Poor."
Comments
By Edie
May 25, 2009 3:53 PM | Link to this
South High should be saved. It is a stately building that holds memories for most every family in Springfield. Though I don’t live in Springfield and haven’t for years, I would donate money to a fund to save this building. I would like to be able to enter the building and walk around like I did in 1995. Contact the alumni for support and see what we can do. This is an important building to all of us.
By nick_elchid
December 26, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
http://www.message_lalisitca.com/
By Roy
October 23, 2008 4:06 AM | Link to this
3 fresh water springs if you know where to look. Snyder Park is THE CULTURAL WONDER of Springfield to treat it as less than that is to do the city and the children that grow up there is a grave injustice. I now Live in New Orleans and it has City Park and treats it like the jewel of the city that it is. I left Springfield for economic reasons not for a dislike of the city. If the economy of life in Springfield would allow me to return I would and Snyder Park would be 1 of my top 3 reasons why.
By Roy
October 23, 2008 3:46 AM | Link to this
The concept that Snyder Park is in danger of dissolution pains me greatly. I grew up in Springfield from the 60’s thru the 70’s and lived there again in the 80’s and the 1 most important thing I had to brag about while living in the southwest was Snyder Park. the coolest place in my home town. License free fishing in the lagoon, licensed fishing in Buck Creek,horseshoes,golf, softball, football, tennis, live music at the clamshell, little leage, and three live fresh water springs if you know whe
By Mariann Johnson
October 13, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
It was great seeing my grandparents’ home on the list. They lived at 1583 Lagonda from the mid-1920’s until their deaths in the mid 60’s. They were Mr. & Mrs. William M. Whitacre. He was founder of Whitacre Drugs and served on the City Council. If I can be of any help furnishing photos or information let me know. Mariann Lindeman Johnson (daughter of Mary Whitacre Lindeman)
By Steve the cab driver
September 16, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
Wow… I’m impressed that such a hard-luck city would even consider saving important parts of its “built environment.” This list is the first step of a long but worth-while journey… Saving such structures 1) improves commmunity pride, 2) provides jobs for local contractors and laborers and 3) can leverage federal, state, and foundation monies. Bully for those who compiled the list…I hope the city does indeed save some of these!
Steve Lindsey of Keene, NH SteveLindsey60@hotmail.c
By Jaclyn
September 12, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
I think the only building worth saving is South High School. I’d fix up Greenmount and tear the other buildings down. Springfield needs more jobs and that’s what the city needs to focus on, not fixing up old vacant homes. That doesn’t mean get rid of all the old homes either. Fix the ones that won’t cost the city millions it doesn’t have and tear down the rest of the abandoned homes that are too far gone. I’d like to see the Snyder Park fixed up too.
By Phyllis
September 12, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
I have traveled the world… Lived in D.C.,Maryland,CA, and the one thing they have that SPRINGFIELD DOES NOT are programs for their youths in their neighborhoods. If a community does not support the kids, and give them something postive then they{the kids) give back what they were given NOTHING! Give them something postive and no you won’t save ALL. But if you save ten, you save alot more then a building or a life you save a whole generation that can sometimes reach those that no one else can.
By Robert
September 11, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
This is the way I see it. By the time they decide what they are going to do with the houses on Greenmont Ave. It will be time to put another 3 mil. in repairs to the westcott house again. Now as far as the parks go,take a look at how nice moorefield’s park looks. New sheltor house,new restrooms,new Blacktopped parking area, Nice fountian in the pond with blue water & well trimmed.Moorefield twp. didn’t pay for all that.Go look at how well George Rogers Park is keep up with all new paved road
By Julie
September 11, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
Turning South High into apartments is an interesting idea except for the fact that one of Springfield biggest problems are the slumlords who exploit poor people by renting substandard properties and then failing to maintain them. I can see South High becoming what the rest of Springfield has become: Neglected.
By Julie
September 11, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
Turning South High into apartments is an interesting idea except for the fact that one of Springfield biggest problems are the slumlords who exploit poor people by renting substandard properties and then failing to maintain them. I can see South High becoming what the rest of Springfield has become: Neglected.
By Just Tear It All Down
September 11, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Springfield has been going to hell for a long time. The city leaders who were here in the 1960’s started it and now the new ones think they can rebuild it. Get real! Tear it down and sell the scrap. I’d bulldoze Snyder Park too. Better to have empty fields then urban decay. Nobody cares about these places anyway. Keep your memories of what it was once like and just tear it all down!
By JAN
September 11, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Using the old South High Bldg for a community center is an excellent idea! However, there is one small problem, its called “MONEY”. There are numerous issues that need to be addressed before we decide on what to do with some of these old building. I would hate to see old SHS torn down, but unless it could be used as a place for homeless, a outreach center where people can get food/clothing, etc. then let it go.
By P Miller
September 11, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
South High needs to become a Community Center. The City and School board need to come up with a plan that will help this community. Why not ask the following business to move in to the building.
Springfield Regional Nursing Program Wittenberg University”classes” Clark State Community College”classes” Board of Education Health Dept. Springfield City Schools after School tutoring programs. OutReach Ministries J.A.M Springfield Police Community Office Dr.Offices Area Business Office
By Zach
September 11, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
I know Im just being a negative Nellie but its ok. Why is everybody leaving because not enough buildings have been saved? Because there is not enough old rundown buildings to look at? How much does it affect the economy? Can it cover 5000 jobs lost by our manufacturing industry in this area?
By Alice
September 11, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Zach, I hope that you are active in Springfield working to “fix hunger, poverty, and drugs”. If you are, I commend your service to this community. The members of this organization are dedicated to solving some of Springfield’s most pressing problems. Historic preservation creates local jobs and employs local resources. It supports small businesses and allows people with limited means to live in properties with character. “Believe in your community, believe in yourself.”
By Dorothy
September 11, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
I hated to see NORTH get torn down but that is progress. If a building is too old and needs too much to repair it (what about the old memorial hall) then you have to eliminate it. Even if it is not the most popular thing to do. Industry and business is not interested in relocating to Springfield like columbus or Beavercreek. If you can find a business to go to those buildings more power to you.
By Zach
September 11, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
And if you have so many fantastic ideas and your so well traveled (apologies for not catching your show on the Travel Channel) why don’t you run for office? Why don’t you try and help the problem instead of being a bi%*h and hiding by posting replies to a thread on a website? Ill vote for you if you believe in your convictions and you really wanna help, cause nobody else seems to want to help just pick up their check and go…what do you say Willie???
By Zach
September 11, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Again Mr. Barker, whats the bigger issue my grammar some buildings or the issues I put in fornt of you. Elect me your leader hell your probably stil waiting on Fred Thompson to appear so you can vote for him you ignorant oh wait nevermind. Product of the city schools I cant spell because the voters bend all of us kids over every election but we can save some buildings!!! De da DE moron
By Anne
September 11, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
As far as South High, did you really expect anything different? Sure they will tear it down, the key word is “SOUTH”. Just like Snyder Park, first the Municipal Pool, now the park. Anything that money has to put into to preserve it, if it is on the “WRONG” side of town, it’s not going to be done. I am another person leaving Springfield, anyone that had any sense would get out too.
By Anne
September 11, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
As far as South High, did you really expect anything different? Sure they will tear it down, the key word is “SOUTH”. Just like Snyder Park, first the Municipal Pool, now the park. Anything that money has to put into to preserve it, if it is on the “WRONG” side of town, it’s not going to be done. I am another person leaving Springfield, anyone that had any sense would get out too.
By Ellen Phillips
September 11, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
continued…I could walk over the hill from my grandparents house and skate all the way down the park streets to the Lagoon for a day of skating. That park was a most magical place. I have the textures and smells deeply embedded in my soul. Not many cities have a place like it. I am going down that sentimental bunny trail…you all who vote will do what you will do…I will always have the memories of a beautiful city…Springfield, Ohio
By Ellen Phillips
September 11, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Yes, I am one of the ones who moved away from Springfield and come HOME only a couple times of year. It has saddened me on many occasions to see my home town looking so down. The voters need to think about how a NO vote for schools, parks, services have impacted the community all these years. When I was a kid…I am only 57, I could take the bus downtown and have the time of my life beating the block, to all the stores. running out of room to be continued
By Will Barker
September 11, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Wow. Let’s elect Zach our leader! Give up on everything else because we have bigger issues to solve. You have obviously never managed anything in your life. And learn how to write a sentence. You are embarrassing yourself.
By Will Barker
September 11, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Some of these people posting have obviously never left Springfield before. What do the most successful communities in America have in common? Preservation. You need to open your eyes to its economic and social benefits. These people probably think Bechtel Avenue is heaven sent too.
By Zach
September 11, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Not smart enough or too caught up with celebrities instead of real issues and no one can lead us to unite, there is always an issue, black white, male female, christian jew, there is always something to prevent us from becoming a world power again. Got news for you folks we are laughed at the world over! Until we can figure out how to solve our problems lets not worry about some buildings in Springfield lets fix hunger, poverty, drugs aren’t those a touch more relevant than buildings??? Wake up
By Zach
September 11, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Hey you wanna turn South into a rec center where there “pride” can grow? Give them something to be proud of, give them promise, and guess what Springfield can’t offer anything similar to that. Fix that first you can reform the building, put new letters on it do anything you want paint it pink, who cares but your not addressing the problem and thats whats wrong with our society and why its going to drag us into oblivion. We are going to end up sub-ordinates of Russia in a few years because we are
By Sharon
September 11, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Turn South High building into apartments . People do need places to live . Teen Center,or Senior citzen center or both . I am sure you can do something worthwhile with that building.
By Sharon
September 11, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Turn South High building into apartments . People do need places to live . Teen Center,or Senior citzen center or both . I am sure you can do something worthwhile with that building.
By Sharon
September 11, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Turn South High building into apartments . People do need places to live . Teen Center,or Senior citizen center or both . I am sure you can do something worthwhile with that building.
By Sharon
September 11, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
Turn South High building into apartments . People do need places to live . Teen Center,or Senior citizen center or both . I am sure you can do something worthwhile with that building.
By Alan
September 11, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
I’m shocked that the Regent Theater/Cinema is not included on this list, since it has sat empty since January 1992. They painted it and put a new roof on it, but there are still many repairs to be made to the historical theater.
By kjm762
September 11, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this
Springfield has a lot of buildings and park land to be proud of. Some needs to be preserved, some should be updated. We got almost 30 years more life out of the South High building after it’s last major overhaul. If the building is still viable, ehy not make it a multi use building for the community? Snyder Park is a must to be preserved and updated. The houses on Greenmount are a questionable issue unless there really is a tie to the Wescott House.
By Dawn
September 11, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this
A typical midwestern mentality…tear it down and build something new. I’m glad Philadelphia didn’t adopt that attitude, or DC, since none of our historic landmarks would exist today. Uh, and people, if the city doesn’t have the money to maintain these properties, just where do you propose they get the money to build new construction?? You ready to foot the bill for demo AND reconstruction?
By ohio buckeye
September 11, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this
The Greenmount av. houses are eye sore at best. tear them down ! If the National park service thinks there valuable, let them pay to restore them. I beleive the area would be much more attractive without them. I also took a critical look at snyder park, Mrs Vance and what I saw was very ,very poor work on the grounds keepers job,the same Trash by the entrance all summer weeds all over ( not trimmed) this is a real sad place, compared to what is was years ago someone should account for the money
By Rich
September 11, 2008 7:07 AM | Link to this
Time to move on. FINALLY some progress in this city with the Westcott House, the hospital, the old Haucke bldgs torn down, the new surgeons’ hospital, NextEdge and all the stuff the Turner Foundation is doing. Clinging to these old buildings/future eyesores is just counter-productive. They’ll soon be like that gawdawful Arcade. Clinging to the past for sentimental sake impedes progress.
By Rebecca B.
September 11, 2008 6:18 AM | Link to this
I would hate to see South High School torn down simply because it was such an important place to me during my youth. Surely, there is a use for so much space. It is a beautiful building and losing it would create a terrible void.
By Rebecca B.
September 11, 2008 6:18 AM | Link to this
I would hate to see South High School torn down simply because it was such an important place to me during my youth. Surely, there is a use for so much space. It is a beautiful building and losing it would create a terrible void.
By Rebecca B.
September 11, 2008 6:17 AM | Link to this
I would hate to see South High School torn down simply because it was such an important place to me during my youth. Surely, there is a use for so much space. It is a beautiful building and losing it would create a terrible void.
By Phyllis
September 11, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this
Let see a hugh return on an investment!Demolish the run down buildings. Invest in Our Future, build a rec center on the South end of town that the pre-teens and teenagers can actually get to with out a car. And watch the crime rate drop, school test scores rise, and kids pride and self worth soar. Then we can have something to be Proud of and worry about.
By Angela
September 11, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this
I agree with “what the…” only with less harsh language. Is this the problem Springfield really needs to be spending money on? Why not spend money on things that matter - like people. These buildings are idols! And nothing more. How can it be justified to spend money on these buildings…it is a foolish waste.
By Who gives a F**K
September 10, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
WOW! More problems where money could be spent more wisely instead of putting it in places that need to be demolished!
WHAT the flying f**k is wrong with these morons?