The Observation Deck

Every time I go past this place, I think I am in East Cleveland for a moment.

Will someone please either MOVE IT or tear this place down? I have no professional training in demolition, but I would be willing to help. I don't want to take away any union work from anyone, though.

OR are we going to wait until some misfits torch the place? (I am not making a threat - I just know what happens sometimes to abandoned property.)

Doug

This house has been used as the example of concern about misplaced reverence in the name of "historic preservation". I'm curious what qualifies an otherwise "old" building as "historic". While the architecture may be from a bygone era and there were generations of families that lived there, aren't there specific requirements to obtain this designation?
While my house was built in the 20's, I certainly don't think there is anything significant to it, other than the memories that my family has of it after owning it for 60 of those years. If it was in need of $30,000 to move it and additional costs for restoration/maintenance, I think that my family would opt for the photo album, have one last visit and call the wrecking crew. That's just my family, but practical doesn't seem to run in every family's blood.

I don't know enough firsthand details about the Hall House to claim to know motives, but some people like to take advantage of a situation. A lot of people would love to have free land handed to them along with a free house.

Doug

I've just heard the stir about raising money to move an old house. What's the story about free land and a free house??

Hmmm...haunted house? There is your fundraiser! Take advantage of its good looks and charming exterior and build on it! Just make it a year-round exhibit, call it "Haunted Lakewood" and rake in the cash.

Shawn I tried to get to the bottom of the details of moving the house, but the details were not yet available. If someone has the details now, please post for us all to see.

I was not necessarily against donating for moving the Hall House, but I was trying to get more details. My UNDERSTANDING (anyone please correct if I am wrong) is that donations were being sought in order to move the house off the current property and give the house (at no cost) to private individuals once the house was dropped onto land which is currently part of a city-owned park. It SOUNDED like the city was not charging for the land, but maybe they are working something out where they will sell the land or lease it ???

Again for all I know this may be a great idea but hard to say without all the details.

October 2006 Thinking Outside the Box award goes to Phil Florian!

Doug