Elam Drake Farm
Columbus, Franklin County – first year on list
The Elam Drake Farm, named for the original owner, is a collection of Civil War-era historic buildings that are historically significant and standing vacant, slated for demolition. In1856, Drake built these three buildings (a house, smoke house/summer kitchen, and a two-story brick thrashing barn) of bricks made by him on the current site. The structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of their historical significance. Drake was widely recognized as a master craftsman, hired to build dozens of Columbus’ finest residences as well as many commercial storefronts and facades in the city. Their National Register-eligibility is also in recognition of the excellent craftsmanship and their pristine condition, having stood without major alterations or repair since their construction. The house stands immediately to the north of I-670, half way between downtown and Port Columbus Airport. It’s easy to spot as it is a brick cottage, reminiscent of German Village structures, with the windows boarded up. Although vacant, the buildings are in excellent structural condition.
Today the structures are owned by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA), which purchased the farm and the surrounding property and vacated the structures. CRAA plans a remote car rental check-in and pick-up for airport travelers, construction of which was planned for some time between 2009 and 2012. It was previously targeted for an earlier start date and has since been postponed. The airport is willing to give the house away to someone who would move it off the property.
The Columbus Landmarks Foundation has been working since May of 2006 to secure some sort of future for this collection of historic resources, beginning with a documentation tour. This was followed by the creation of alternative plans for the rental facility that would actually incorporate the three major farmstead structures. The owner has again suggested that their preference for relocation of these buildings, which are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The project has now been delayed, and the Foundation is maintaining its efforts at seeking a preservation-friendly solution.
Videos: Please note that these videos are presented here for public interest only, and the opinions expressed therein are not necessarily the viewpoints of Preservation Ohio.
Links for Additional Information:
- Columbus Landmarks Foundation – Advocacy
- Biographical information on Elam Drake from the Centennial History of Columbus, published in 1909
- View of Elam Drake Farm – Bing.com
- Complete List – 2009 Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites
Additional Photos: click thumbnail for larger image
