Memorial Hall
Springfield, Clark County – first year on list
Built in 1915 as a memorial to veterans, especially veterans of the Civil War, Memorial Hall was designed by noted Columbus architect Frank Packard. The Hall housed the Springfield Symphony Orchestra for over 40 years, and also hosted numerous graduations, proms, sporting contests, concerts and other events. Vincent Price did a one man show there, and many other celebrities, including Judy Collins, Lionel Hampton and the Letterman. The building also once housed the Clark County Historical Society, and is listed as a local landmark.
Time and the elements have taken a toll on the Memorial Hall. The building was abandoned in the 1980s, and since that time substantial deterioration has taken place. Windows are broken, ceilings have fallen, and water leaks have eroded plaster. During a recent foray into the structure, however, all appearances are that the Hall is in good structural shape, although without stabilization, it is clear that the building will continue to decay.
Two bond issues were defeated in the 1980s that would have restored the building, and a sales tax referendum was similarly defeated in 1991. Earlier this year, the Springfield Preservation Alliance conducted a public forum to obtain opinions on the future of Memorial Hall. Many expressed a desire to see the building saved.
A company has now purchased the building and applied for permission through the Springfield Historic Landmarks Commission for permission to demolish the structure. This permission was granted with conditions – first, that the company conduct no salvage operations until September 15; second, that the company must cooperate with any outside entity wanting to conduct a structural or feasibility study; and third, that the company must consider any “firm offers” that would reimburse them for to-date expenses. The owners have expressed some support for possible retention of the façade, to be re-built on location or elsewhere.
The story of Downtown Springfield is one of continuing loss of historic fabric. From urban renewal efforts that eradicated sections of the central city, to the loss of one of Ohio’s largest arcade buildings, the story of historic preservation downtown has disappointing – and much of downtown has literally disappeared. In fact, it was the loss of the Arcade Building that in part gave rise to the very protections that exist today for surviving structures. Each element of the past that exists in downtown Springfield provides vital character that cannot be replicated, and the city’s hopes for downtown and inner neighborhood revitalization are integrally tied to that character. Cut stone curbs and other amenities simply cannot make up that difference.
While the Landmarks Commission did provide limited protection, it failed to use the legislation effectively to fully protect this property. Under local preservation ordinances, as in other zoning and land use ordinances, it should be up to the property owner – and not on other potential users – to demonstrate that a given property cannot be re-used in an economically feasible manner given its landmark status. Imagine the chaos that would ensue if every proposed zoning change in a given city was uniformly approved unless neighboring property owners could fund studies that show that a proposed change was inappropriate! Such rulings would risk the basic effectiveness of land use ordinances – and in the case of Memorial Hall, eliminate almost all protection for historic resources.
Springfield cannot afford this loss, pure and simple. Preservation Ohio strongly supports the preservation of Memorial Hall and the remainder of historic downtown Springfield.
Links for Additional Information:
- “Preservation Priorities” page – Springfield Preservation Alliance
- Photo documentation conducted by the Springfield Preservation Alliance – 76 photos of the interior
- Complete List – 2009 Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites
Additional Photos: click thumbnail for larger image
