2 Middletown buildings added to list of Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (WXIX) – Two buildings in Middletown are now on the list of Ohio’s most endangered historic sites: Manchester Inn and Armco Research Building.

Preservation Ohio is the oldest statewide historic preservation organization, an independent, nonprofit organization. They publish the list every year and celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2022.

Manchester hostel

“In our opinion, the Manchester is the second most historic non-residential building in Middletown, next to the Sorg Opera House. The Manchester Inn will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year. The structures in Sorg and Manchester have played an important role in the cultural life of the community, and the list of social, political and festive events held in both is impressive. The building sat vacant for a few years after various investors failed to make progress in redeveloping the building. The purpose of the listing is to raise awareness that the Manchester is an important historic building in Middletown and to impress on the City Council that a full feasibility study must be carried out before any arbitrary decisions are made regarding its future. .

Armco Research Building

“The site has been the location of Armco’s headquarters for decades. Adjacent buildings began to be demolished in 2009. The large research center was opened in 1937 and the facade is a metal panel structure. The facility had more than doubled in size by 1961. Another major addition took place in 1976. The brick back and sides of the building have a unique green glaze. It is the last piece of Armco Architecture that remains and it is a unique building with metal panels and chrome, with the flair of art deco. We hope this will draw attention to the industrial and scientific history of Middletown. That the citizens of Middletown would embrace this unique architectural structure and let the town know, in order to preserve it for future generations.

Preservation Ohio says on its website that it has received a large number of nominations for the list.

This “confirms that much of our state’s historic properties remain under threat and interest in preservation is growing across the state of Ohio,” their website says.

Ohio’s Most Endangered Historic Sites are unique in that they showcase historic buildings and sites submitted by local citizens and advocates, each hoping to draw attention and identify ways to give a future. to significant historical properties. Of the many properties nominated this year, the Preservation Ohio Board of Directors was tasked with choosing those most at risk. Thirteen properties representing all regions of Ohio are included in this year’s edition.

Preservation Ohio welcomes applications from any citizen or organization. Since its inception in 1993, being named to the list has helped save examples of Ohio’s architectural, cultural, and natural heritage. Circumstances that contribute to endangered status and cause sites to be listed generally include one or more of the following: threat of demolition, abandonment, neglectful owner, deterioration, obsolete use, lack of funding for repairs, location or development.

The Manchester Inn – Middletown, County Butler

In our opinion, the Manchester is the second most historic non-residential building in Middletown, next to the Sorg Opera House. The Manchester Inn will celebrate its 100th anniversary this year. The structures in Sorg and Manchester have played an important role in the cultural life of the community, and the list of social, political and festive events held in both is impressive. he building sat vacant for a few years after various investors failed to make progress in redeveloping the building. The purpose of the listing is to raise awareness that the Manchester is an important historic building in Middletown and to impress upon the City Council that a thorough feasibility study must be carried out before any arbitrary decisions are made regarding its future. .

Armco Research Building – Middletown, Butler County

The site was the location of Armco’s headquarters for decades. Adjacent buildings began to be demolished in 2009. The large research center was opened in 1937 and the facade is a metal panel structure. The facility had more than doubled in size by 1961. Another major addition took place in 1976. The brick back and sides of the building have a unique green glaze. It is the last piece of Armco Architecture that remains and it is a unique building with metal panels and chrome, with the flair of art deco. We hope this will draw attention to the industrial and scientific history of Middletown. May the citizens of Middletown embrace this unique architectural structure and let the town know, in order to preserve it for future generations.

Preservation Ohio is Ohio’s oldest statewide historic preservation organization, an independent, nonprofit organization.

Preservation Ohio was established in 1982 to enhance the understanding and appreciation of Ohio’s historic resources and to serve as a focal point for Ohio organizations, municipalities, corporations, and individuals who care about these resources. and are concerned about preservation for future generations.

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