The Observation Deck
Neighbors Celebrating Free Speech and Intellectual Diversity While Speaking Over The Digital Fence
Moderator: Jim O'Bryan
Adding parking was the reason/excuse, but here we are 10 years later staring at dead grass.
This isn't the location of the Hall House. This is the lot that after many ignored complaints had a small building with storefronts and apartments that was crumbling unto the sidewalk was razed. Hall House was a bit farther west. The demo of that property and of the property on the corner was a great loss.Paul Schrimpf wrote:My wife and I were biking home last night and we came across this painful memory ... at least for anyone who appreciates historic preservation. Anyway, it made me go back and look at the Deck thread that led up to the demolition of the Matthew C Hall House which stood, admittedly in need of much help, in the back of this lot.
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I remember testifying at City Hall, imploring the council to do something to save it. I remember Tom Jordan's disdain for those who spoke out, and the thread immediately proceeding this one, making the case for the need for bar parking.
Almost 10 years have passed. Where's the lot, Mr. Jordan? Oh yes, you, and the house, are long gone. Thanks for coming.
Of course, we can't forget Angelo Coutris, who may be an otherwise lovely person but who could not be bothered with saving this piece of history so a burnt out weed field could be created and celebrated.
OK, I've had my rant ... onward ...
Agreed. I would guess that building was allowed to fall apart because of some alternative plan for the property. But like many of these "plans" they lie dormant for year and diminish the properties around them. This is and has been a huge problem. Selective code enforcement. I just wish it could be proved.Lori Allen _ wrote:Did it ever occur to anyone that complaints are allegedly being ignored and that the buildings are being "let go" on purpose so that Summers & Co, the City of Lakewood, or a developer can have the land? These buildings were supposedly (add emphasis) in such bad condition that they had to be torn down, but nobody ever noticed the violations for all those years? Come on. Suddenly one day the city decides it's a huge problem? Come on.
... found this interesting historical note: Mathew Hall built this large brick home in 1879 just across Edwards Avenue, in what is now Edwards Park. Mathew and his second wife Margaret raised their two children Ethel and Edward in this house. Among his many business activities, Mathew served as the superintendent of the Plank Road.Paul Schrimpf wrote:Clarification ... the house here is not in danger, there was a small homestead on this spot built originally by Matthew C Hall, part of one of the earliest settling families in the city. ... you can find his grave in Lakeview Cemetery. Anyway, after many discussions and debate, even attempts to get it moved to a new location, it got razed in 2006. Adding parking was the reason/excuse, but here we are 10 years later staring at dead grass.