Columbus Landmarks Foundation

Marble Cliff Village Council is considering a proposal for a 67-unit apartment building that would replace the Tudor-style mansion designed by renowned architect Frank Packard in 1907 and located at 2015 W. Fifth Ave. 

Proposed Concept

The F2 Companies, Elford Development and Sullivan Bruck Architects presented a concept plan at the January 29 Marble Cliff Council Meeting. The plan calls for total demolition of the mansion and an adjacent multi-story apartment building on Arlington Avenue to make way for a three-story building over parking. Marble Cliff Village has approximately 570 residents. The one and two-bedroom units proposed could increase the population by one-fifth. 

The current owner purchased the building for $1.15 million in 2003. The Franklin County Auditor’s website lists the property value at $770,000 and the taxable value at $269,500. 

Marble Cliff residents had the opportunity to learn about the proposed development at an open house on February 15 and public comment, including that from Columbus Landmarks,  was heard at the Feb. 19 Marble Cliff Council meeting. This is the first phase of the development review process. It will be an administrative decision whether this concept plan moves to the second phase, which is the preliminary plan phase. The second phase is a legislative process and the demolition approval would occur within that phase. The timeline is open-ended. 

»READ 3.4.18 Joe Blundo Commentary at Columbus Dispatch

»READ 2.22.18 story on Columbus Underground

»READ 2.12.18 story in Tri-Village News

»READ 2.5.18 story in Tri-Village News

Our Position
The architectural and historical significance of this mansion cannot be overstated. The building can – and should – be saved. The Frank Packard-designed residences in Marble Cliff are character-defining and set the village apart from every other neighborhood in Columbus. We believe this property, included in redevelopment of the site, could be a true gateway to Marble Cliff for generations to come. This seems a very likely project to be eligible for historic preservation tax credits, and we hope reuse of the building will be further explored.

The Packard Impact
Born in Delaware, Ohio, Frank Packard (1866-1923) studied architecture and engineering at Ohio State University and graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Following his return to Columbus, he joined with Joseph Yost to form the architecture firm Packard and Yost. Packard was a prolific architect, working on outstanding residences such as this one as well as many notable landmarks that span architectural styles. His portfolio includes Hayes and Orton Halls at OSU; the Atlas Building; the former Governor’s Mansion (now The Columbus Foundation); the 1908 Civic Center Plan; The Seneca; North High School; Memorial Hall; the T&O Railroad Building; the Sells Mansion; the Granville Inn, and 10 homes in Marble Cliff. Packard was an early proponent of the Arts & Crafts movement, advocating for the use of locally sourced building materials and designing in harmony with the natural setting.

Barbara Powers, Department Head for Inventory and Registration at the State Historic Preservation Office, past Columbus Landmarks President, and expert on all things Packard, notes that his work in Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff is character defining and she compares it to the Arts & Crafts influence of Frank Lloyd Wright and other Prairie Style architects in Oak Park, IL.  In 2014, Powers led a tour of Packard’s work in Marble Cliff with Wayne Carlson of the Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Historical Society for the Victorian Society in America. “Marble Cliff is home to an incredible concentration of Packard’s high quality work,” she noted. “A national society elected to spend an entire day studying Packard’s work … the Packard homes in Marble Cliff, Ohio were a major draw.”

Who’s Who of Occupants

Frank Packard designed 2015 W. Fifth Ave. for William K. Lanman (wikipedia), president of the Columbus Bolt Company, and his wife Harriet Sharp Lanman in 1907. In 1935, E.W. “Billy” Ingram, founder of White Castle, purchased the home when he moved the headquarters from Wichita to Columbus. An early example of  creative adaptive reuse, the building was purchased by Burgess & Niple Engineering who moved their offices from downtown in 1953. The building has remained in commercial use since that time. One of the few commercial tenants occupying the building today is Collamore Built, a residential construction company committed to historic preservation, ironically. More Packard buildings in Columbus »

TAKE ACTION
Marble Cliff Village values its rich architectural heritage. While we understand the frustration mounting with a neglected, underutilized, and overpriced property, we are actively urging the Village to be steadfast and resist this “fix” that will forever erase a key component of an extraordinary legacy. 

We would like to be a part of the conversation to discuss options, available resources, and alternative approaches that would make incorporating the existing structure viable. 

Here is what YOU can do:

• Please stay engaged with this process! Keep checking in frequently to stay up to date on this important issue. 
• If you are a Marble Cliff resident, connect with  Village Council members at their individual email addresses listed  »here  at the bottom of the Village homepage.
• Nominate » this building (or any others) threatened with deterioration, vacancy, or impending development to the 2018 Most Endangered Buildings List
• Join us for an upcoming tour and lecture showcasing Packard’s work – we are working with Barbara Powers and will have details soon; »send us an email to let us know you’re interested 
• Like us and share our posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
• »JOIN Columbus Landmarks or make a donation today to help us advocate for places that matter!  

 

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Nominate a building or site to Columbus Landmarks’ 2018 Most Endangered List … your nomination could trigger revitalization! 

 

 

The Most Endangered Buildings List creates public awareness of our city’s architectural heritage threatened by deterioration, vacancy, or impending development. We seek nominations of historic buildings and sites that contribute not only to the history of Columbus, but also to the character of our community.

The Most Endangered List helps focus Columbus Landmarks’ advocacy efforts throughout the year. Since inception, 32 buildings have been featured on the four annual Most Endangered lists. Of those, 16 have been saved or are on their way to being saved, four have been demolished, and 12 are still pending. 

Nominations are open through Monday, March 26. Columbus Landmarks’ Advocacy Committee will screen, research and select approximately 10 buildings/sites that will be featured. The 2018 Most Endangered Buildings List – our 5th Annual – will be announced at our Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 10 at the Athletic Club of Columbus. 

Check out the »2017 Most Endangered Buildings List