School
DOB: 1916*
Died: July 2008
Cause of death: Original structure demolished in anticipation of the opening of a new $15 million, 75,310-square-foot school. A 2001 Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) assessment found that the old building was not ADA compliant, lacked a sprinkler system, and lacked adequate parking and school bus loading zones. The building was classified as "borderline" and recommended for replacement.
Photo credit: OSFC/DeJong & Associates, Inc.
* The date of Carson School's construction has also been listed as 1912.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Wrecking Cincinnati, 7/28/08
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8 comments:
That's such a shame. What a beautiful building that could have been if it were renovated and updated instead.
Yeah, this should have been renovated. It was too nice and what will replace it just couldn't match the old in terms of quality.
Yeah, I'm sure their wasn't any blighted housing they could've taken by eminent domain and razed for a new school, then converted that building into condos. Too far fetched.
That's America for you.
This was tragic, especially considering that in the mid-1980's they added an additional wing to Carson, obstructing the street view by the way, that was supposed to be a solution to the size constraints.
So not only is the original building destroyed, but CPS wasted additionally tax dollars with a failed addition.
Kevin -- thanks for posting this update.
I agree with all of the comments above -- this really was a horrible tear-down.
As I've mentioned previously, this was one of the first buildings my wife and I saw when considering a move to Cincinnati from New Jersey. We thought it was beautiful (despite certain parts of the surrounding neighborhood) -- and soon realized this was just the first of so many elegant structures that grace the Queen City's skyline.
Incredibly disheartening when we recently witnessed it being torn down. Our hearts ached watching the heavy machinery clawing at it, making rubble of much of it. It felt sinful, like some sort of violation of spirit.
This city is doomed if it continues to operate in such a fashion. These buildings and their history cannot be brought back once they are gone.
The prison-like building they have put in its place looks like some art-project asylum (minus the art).
This is a real loss as the structure was gorgeous and a great landmark for the neighborhood.
What is even more unfortunate is what has gone in as a replacement is absolutely terrible.
I honestly don't understand. Does the Facilities Commission believe that improvements cannot be made to make a building ADA compliant, add sprinklers, or find a solution for parking or loading? Was there any consideration of the historic and cultural value of the building?
^ Christine, here's all that the OSFC understands:
* (A) Renovate: X dollars
* (B) Tear down and rebuild: Just slightly less than X dollars
Choice: (B)
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