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Historic commission approves removal of collapsed rear hall at Hugh Vail House
Summary
The Middletown City Historic Commission unanimously approved a certificate of appropriateness to demolish the collapsed rear assembly hall of the Hugh Vail House (Knights of Columbus building) at 1401/1402 1st Avenue, citing safety and a plan to restore the building's original frontage.
The Middletown City Historic Commission voted unanimously May 21 to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the partial demolition of the rear assembly hall at 1401/1402 1st Avenue, known as the Hugh Vail House and formerly the Knights of Columbus building.
City staff told the commission the demolition area totals about 6,088 square feet and is limited to the decayed event-hall addition, which staff said has suffered roof collapses and unsafe conditions. "The roof of the event hall portion has formally collapsed," Jacob Schulte, assistant director of the city's Community and Economic Development Department, said, adding the city has secured tentative funding through the Butler County Land Bank to remove the collapsed portions.
The staff report said the property sits in the Oakland Conservation District and that the surviving brick main block and historic facade are intended to be preserved. The application notes the long-term intent is to remove the failing rear additions so the city can "remarket and attempt to redevelop" the front portion of the site for residential or mixed use.
The commission discussed a prior certificate of appropriateness granted in August 2022 that had lapsed, an engineering review that found the main brick structure generally sound, and the requirement that a separate demolition permit from the building inspection division will also be required. Schulte said the city will coordinate demolition with the Butler County Land Bank and building officials and will evaluate any minor structural repairs that would preserve the historic block.
After brief deliberation, a commissioner moved to approve the COA as submitted and the motion carried. The chair announced the certificate of appropriateness had been approved and the motion carried.
Next steps: staff said demolition execution will proceed only after the remaining local approvals and required demolition permit are obtained, and the city will consider redevelopment options for the preserved frontage once the hazardous rear portions are removed.
