Special to 1808Delaware
Curiously labeled “Genoe Town House”, Genoa Township’s original community meeting space will soon be relocated half of a mile from 5007 Tussic Street Road to McNamara Park’s eastern end. The building’s current position is perilously close to Big Walnut Road presenting a safety hazard and impediment to plans the Delaware County Engineer has to improve intersection safety with a conventional, single-lane roundabout.
Additions that were made to the building after its original construction have been demolished in preparation for the move. Tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, December 21st at 9:30 a.m., the structure will be wrapped with wire and lifted by crane from its foundation onto a low, flatbed truck. Traffic will be closed on Big Walnut Road and Old 3C Highway while the delicate operation is attempted.
The building will remain on the truck while a foundation is built at the park’s eastern end to suit the building’s distorted shape. Approximately one week later, the building will be lowered into place to await interior renovation. While details are still being planned, the building is expected to become a meeting space once again and a repository for local historical relics.
“We are making way for the future by reimagining this historic structure,” stated Board Chair Renee Vaughan. “It will be given renewed purpose at McNamara Park where residents can enjoy using the space.”
The building, constructed in 1880, was used until 1992 when a new facility was constructed west of the original site at 5111 South Old 3C Highway. The historic structure has primarily been used as storage space for the past thirty years.
Funding for the estimated $300,000 project will be split between the Township (10%), Delaware County (30%), and State (60%).
“Because of the historical significance of the building, a State Cultural Facilities Grant in the amount of $180,000 was administered by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) to assist the Township on the relocation of the hall,” said J.C. Benton, OFCC Public Relations Manager. “OFCC directs capital improvement funds appropriated by the Ohio General Assembly for planning, construction, renovation and expansion projects at Ohio’s historical sites, theaters, museums, arts education facilities and publicly owned professional sports venues,”
Visit the Township website at www.GenoaTwp.com/MovingDay for project updates, detour information, and imagery documenting the historic move of a historic building.
