Article published November 01, 2001 Sylvania parish plans to raze 1835 house
St. Joseph Parish in Sylvania has bought a house on four acres in the 5300 block of North Main Street across the street from the church and school and intends to raze the house and combine the land with eight acres it owns just east of the newly acquired property.
Some Sylvania residents demonstrated Sunday against the eventual demolition of the house built about 1835.
Gaye Gindy, a Sylvania history buff, said it was the home of some of the area's most influential early residents, and oral history has it that the home was a stop on the underground railroad. "It's unfortunate," she said yesterday but added that she was glad to have been able to videotape the building for historic purposes.
Larry Floyd, business manager for the parish which has more than 3,000 families, said others explored uses for the large, two-story frame house, "but no viable alternatives were found."
He said the purchase and development is necessary to serve the large parish.
Mr. Floyd said parish officials would listen to an alternative plan, "but time is of the essence, and we are going to clear the property as soon as we have the appropriate permits."
Jeff Ballmer, Sylvania service director, said a demolition permit is granted a day or two after he has proof that all utilities have been cut off to a property.
Mr. Floyd said plans for development of the total 12-acre site are incomplete but include a building that will house classrooms, a senior center, youth meeting rooms, space for preschoolers, and a gym. Classrooms in the new building will be used by pupils at St. Joseph, and some current classrooms will be remodeled for specialized uses, such as science and language labs.
Mr. Floyd said a drive off Main Street into the property is possible, though the eight-acre site to the east has access off Ravine Drive. A house on that site is being used for youth meetings, and no decision has been made whether it will be razed.
Sale of the 1835 house was completed yesterday by Marie Vogt, founder and retired director of the Toledo Ballet Association, who said she will "miss my beautiful house."
Mr. Floyd declined to give the purchase price. Permanent LinkSylvania parish plans to raze 1835 househttp://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artikkel?SearchID=73080372881421&Avis=TO&Dato=20011101&Kategori=NEWS10&Lopenr=111010009&Ref=ARSTORY:2002111010009
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