On Sunday, local development corporation Next Generation announced intentions to demolish two buildings on East Long Street to prepare a larger site for sale to a private developer. Reactions to the plans have been mixed, with some residents excited about the plans, and others preferring to see the buildings preserved.
“Columbus City Government is supporting Mr. Boyce Safford in his continued efforts to devalue our historic neighborhood by tearing down our 80-131 year old structurally sound buildings,” stated Near East Area Commissioner Willis Brown in a statement issued yesterday. “His logic, reasoning and support from city government is that developers want a clear site to develop in urban neighborhoods.”
Brown explained that only a portion of one of the buildings is collapsing, which is an addition not original to the building. He said that a structural engineer has deemed that original portions of both buildings are intact and can be adapted and repurposed.
“The older building can lend itself to a wonderful restaurant across from the Lincoln Theater,” he added. “The second building — McNabb’s Funeral Home — was designed, financed and built by African Americans in 1921 as a bank and then remodeled in 1927 with the Limestone front. The front should be saved and some the building to support the front. The rest of the building behind the frontal supports can be removed. These two structures will provide some of the original fabric for developers assisting them in designing and building a stellar project.”
Brown announced that a neighborhood press conference will be held on Thursday, February 23 at 4:30 p.m. at 818 E. Long St. to provide more details about preservation efforts.
Photos by Brent Warren.
