331 prescott st

The following drama played out last month and I'm recapping it here because of the RCHS's ongoing efforts that are outlined in previous posts.

After learning of an Aug. 18 Council vote to demolish 331 Prescott St. we put Mansfield's Community Development Department and the Mayor on written notice that the Historical Society would have an interest and would submit historical information about the property for consideration. On Sept 7 after getting no response, we submitted a preliminary assessment. 3 days later on the 10th we learned early in the morning that the house would come down that day. Through the intervention of the Ohio Historic Preservation Office and HUD's State Environmental Oficer the house was left standing. It is still on the demolition list, however, as the city presumably follows through with Section 106 Review.

The house was built in 1865 by Henry D. Keith and sold to Joseph Allonas in 1870. Keith was judge of probate court and Allonas was the first superintendent of the Altman Taylor Company which established here in 1867. The house is Italian Villa style, originally sporting a cupola, and porches. Like Oak Hill Cottage, the main interior walls are brick from the basement to the roof. It sits less than 1000 feet west of Oak Hill, off Springmill Street. The situation with the property seems hopeful for protection with good possibilities for land banking it through a non profit.