Article published November 06, 2001 Council tries to save historic home
Sylvania city council last night passed a resolution supporting the preservation of a house in the 5300 block of North Main Street bought recently by St. Joseph Catholic Church.
The church has said it plans to raze the building, said to have been a stop for escaped slaves on the Underground Railroad, to make room for an expansion of its campus that would include a multipurpose building and an athletic practice field.
Jim Smythe, who told council he has been a parishioner at St. Joseph for 25 years, said the church's move demonstrates "a total lack of sensitivity" to the history of the building.
He said the church may represent the parish, "but you represent the entire community" and should make efforts to preserve the structure.
Charles Nolan said he has been a member of the parish for 27 years, and St. Joseph "needs the property, but not the house. You can have the house - move it."
The property, known as the Vogt House, is on four acres directly across the street from the church and connects to the east with an additional eight acres owned by St. Joseph.
Mayor Craig Stough said the council action is not legally binding, but he hopes some resolution can be found.
He suggested portions of the building be preserved. But Mr. Stough, an architect, said it might not be feasible to move it.
"I understand there are termites and rot," he said.
He said St. Joseph owns the property, has acquired a demolition permit, and the city administration has no intention of blocking what the parish is legally allowed to do.
Ray Olczak, a member of the parish finance committee, said after the council resolution, "We are being deliberate in our discussions. We want to be good neighbors."
He said unofficial estimates for demolition of the building, which was constructed in about 1835, are between $10,000 and $15,000 and the parish is willing to donate that amount toward moving the house. Permanent LinkCouncil tries to save historic homehttp://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artikkel?SearchID=73080372881421&Avis=TO&Dato=20011106&Kategori=NEWS18&Lopenr=111060015&Ref=ARSTORY:2002111060015
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