The Observation Deck

This was brought to my attention today: there is a hundred year old + house on Detroit across from the new YMCA that is in danger of being torn down to make way for a parking lot.

I can understand Lakewood business needing parking.

The idea has been thrown out that perhaps the Lakewood Historical Society may want to spearhead moving the house ( to where?).

Would anyone donate?

How about coffee cans in Lakewood stores for donation money?

What other information is there regarding the house?

There are century homes that are wonderfully historic and then there are homes that are just old.

Peace,
~Charyn

Charyn Varkonyi wrote:What other information is there regarding the house?

There are century homes that are wonderfully historic and then there are homes that are just old.

Peace,
~Charyn

Is this the now defunct Teacups in Time 16906 Detroit Road ?
I thought I read that it was the oldest house in Lakewood. Older than the old stonehouse.
I've been in it a couple times. Does not seem to be in such bad shape.

John

That's the place....Used to be Hixon's Victorian Cottage years ago. Last I was in it, it wasn't in bad shape, altho it had been used as a retail space for decades and would require a restoration to original residential.

It would be wonderful if it could be moved.....make it a part of a Lakewood Historical Society Campus at Lakewood Park. Would be a great space for the Society's programming.

Jeff

That's the Mathew Hall House. It was at one time called Hall House Antiques. It's very small but a unique piece of Lakewood's past. I'm not sure how old it is and the county's website didn't have any information on when it was built. I'm not sure if this link will work but I found some information regarding the house, including a picture, at the Cleveland Memory Project at Cleveland State.


http://tinyurl.com/doagx

According to the Lakewood Historical Society and a former owner of the house, the Mathew Hall house was built around 1860. It was a typical style for farmhouses built around that era.

The Lakewood Historical Society designated the house a landmark in 1970. At one time, there was a “Landmarkâ€Â￾ plaque on the outside of the house. I don't know if it is still there or if it has been removed.

Descendants of the Hall family and representatives for the Lakewood Historical Society attended the Feb 6th meeting in the City Planning Dept regarding the Matthew Hall house. It is my understanding that they are all working together to try to move the house.
If Mazie Adams, Paula Reed, or Hank Holtkamp sees this, perhaps they can provide an update for all of us.

Does that mean its true they ARE tearing down that block for a parking lot?

Grace O'Malley wrote:Does that mean its true they ARE tearing down that block for a parking lot?

Grace

From what i have been able to glean from many reports.

The person that owns that lot, and the first two house on Edwards has let the places go to hell. He now has so many citations against them, the guy cannot afford to fix them. When city hall is called they all know about the properties, but for some reason enforcement was kept at bay until this. The person also owns the building McCarthy's is in. So if he can tear down these properties and make a parking lot. McCarthy's can become the super bar on the block.

Rumors:
This plan already approved.

House will be given to Historical Society if they can pay to move it and/or have space for it.


.

Which boards has this come before?

Observers,

Nothing regarding this development is finalized and won't be without the proper public approval process.

Meanwhile, Councilwoman Nickie Antonio and I are in informal discussions with several of the involved parties (neighbors, the city, the historical society, the Hall family descendants and the property owner) to explore some options. All options include preserving the Hall House, and indeed making sure it's brought back into code.

Hope that info helps.

Kevin Butler
(Councilman, Ward 1)

dl meckes wrote:Which boards has this come before?

None. Nothing's been done to put it before any board yet, FYI.

KB

I would be willing to donate to help tear it down. Finally, someone allegedly wants to create parking--something we desperately need.

Doug

Whatever Doug donates to tear it down, I'll double that to save it. This city's history of tearing its historic structures down is abysmal, yet the parking situation never improves. Thanks to all here for giving us the heads up . . .usually this sort of thing gets swept under the rug.