On Thursday, November 18th, the Cuyahoga Falls Historic Review Board met at the Natatorium to discuss many items on their agenda. What attracted the crowd most was moving forward with the outside restoration work on the Keyser-Swain Farmhouse by approving a Certificate of Appropriateness for the plan to restore the outside of the structure.
Parks and Recreation Superintendent Sara Kline presented the plan to preserve the structure that was originally built in 1846. Restoration would take place on the exterior of the structure only, and the additions built onto the home over the years would be demolished, returning it to its 1846 footprint. Kline said the roof needs replaced along with completely removing aluminum siding and storm windows, which will be replaced with modern materials, but the plan is to keep more in step with the building’s historic architecture. While this is only an external renovation, the time frame for completion is currently between 1-3 years. Planning Director Rob Kurtz mentioned that in 2015, a historic overlay was adopted for this area and this would be a good fit in that overlay.
Members of the public were asked for comment and first up to the podium was David Brown, President of the Northampton Historical Society. Brown said while he was extremely happy something is finally happening, he would also like to see the long term plan include a complete restoration of the house in order to open it to the public. He also wanted to take a moment and thank local agency Progress Through Preservation and Save The Keyser-Swain Farmhouse. Brown disagreed with the plan presented by Kline and felt that the home should be restored to its 1877 footprint.
Sarah Deitrick questioned Director Kline over what materials would be used in the restoration, including the doors and windows that could date back to the home’s original construction. There was no firm commitment from Kline on that topic.
Resident Beth Kinney also felt the footprint of the house as presented was not acceptable and agreed that the house needs to be restored to the 1877 footprint. With that, there is a hope that it could be placed on the historical registry with the other additions removed. Kinney also said she would like to see a historic preservationist evaluate the doors and windows, and mentioned that there had been an offer extended to restore the windows at no charge made to the Save the Keyser-Swain Farmhouse group.
Vice President of the Northampton Historical Society Ken Starcher asked what era the home was being restored to; however, so far that has not been defined. The 1846 era may only have been the foundation from research he has completed. Kline said the plan is to take it back to the drawing where it had a 16’ x 24’ footprint.
Larry Frimerman, Vice President of Preservation Ohio, was next at the podium, thanking the city and all involved for agreeing to preserve this structure. He said that from what he had read in preparation for this meeting, he was amazed at the number of key players offering free consultation and assistance going forward with this project and it should be considered a key gift to partner with many of these organizations and those willing to do the fundraising; however, he realizes it will be the city who makes the final decision. Frimerman cautioned against tearing down too many of the additions, stating that from his historical research, many homes constructed in that era were very rudimentary and small in order to get things under roof before the winter, and, as the families acquired more resources, they would construct extra wings that made these structures more useful to the family.
Upon closure of the public discussion, member Mark Gilles said he would rather see the 1877 addition stay with at least the kitchen. Board Member Debbie Ziccardi asked the group how they would look at this if the city wasn’t the owner of the property.
Jann Amole also felt the 1877 addition was historic and needed saved, noting she was there fifteen years ago when the historic overlay was created for this area and that she felt offended when the news came out that the building was going to be torn down. Referring back to Frimerman’s comments, Amole noted that the addition would keep options open should the city change its mind on future use. She also made clear that the condition of the house as it stands now is what is called in preservation circles “demolition by neglect.” Although happy that stabilizing the structure is moving forward, she also feels that if something is going to be done, it should be done right, especially with all of the volunteer efforts by the community.
After more discussion by board members, it was voted on and approved with board member Kathy Hummel making the amendment to the motion to also preserve the structure to the 1877 footprint.
Other items on the agenda that were passed by the board on Thursday were Certificates of Appropriateness for Tiki Underground’s signage at 1832 Front St. and the City of Cuyahoga Falls message board at Broad Blvd. and Riverfront Parkway. One item tabled was a new sign for First United Methodist Church at Fourth St. and Portage Trail.
