Outcry in Oxford saves historic building

Plans to demolish a historic building on Miami University's campus are off, according to the university's president.

The decision comes just days after university trustees unanimously voted to move forward with plans to tear down Patterson Place and build a residence hall there.

Patterson Place, built in 1898, stands a short walk from two stone pillars that used to mark the entrance to Western College, an all-female institution famous for its role in the civil rights movement's Freedom Summer.

The building is part of a historic district recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. It's also part of a historic district recognized by the city of Oxford.

The trustees' Friday vote authorized university officials to spend $3.5 million for a study and assessment for the new residence hall.

Alumnae from Western College reacted strongly when those plans became public. Gay Walker, a 1964 graduate, said her heart cried when she heard the news.

"I will probably not return to Western (College) again," Walker told The Enquirer. "It is too painful."

More than 1,000 Enquirer readers -- or about 83 percent who voted in an online poll -- said they were against the demolition plans.

Preservation activists said the university's plans were illegal because of Oxford laws protecting the historic district, The Enquirer reported Thursday.

Nathaniel Kaelin, communications director for the Butler County nonprofit organization Citizens for Historic and Preservation Services, said he was glad officials finally listened to the community.

"It seemed like when the news came out last week this had been in planning for a long time and a lot of decisions had been made -- even though there hadn't been a public vote," Kaelin said.

"As preservationists, we'd really welcome a seat at the table to help work through these issues" in the future.

Miami University President David Hodge sent an email Monday saying plans to demolish the building have been canceled.

Hodge said he received feedback that the demolition "could seriously undermine our sense of place, our sense of self and our sense of community."

"The decision to seek an alternate site will create significant challenges as we move forward. There almost certainly will be additional costs and obstacles, and we will be challenged to meet our goals in the time frame before us," Hodge said in the email.

"We will move forward, however, as quickly, thoroughly, and collaboratively as possible to re-evaluate the best alternatives that will provide the highest quality experience for our students."

Hodge previously told The Enquirer it would cost more than $1 million to bring the building up to modern standards.

In his email Monday, he said officials are developing a fundraising plan to renovate Patterson Place. The residence hall is expected to cost $27 million.

Read Hodge's full email here:

Last Friday the Board of Trustees passed a resolution authorizing further evaluation and pre-construction planning for a new residence hall to be located on the site now occupied by Patterson Place "assuming it continues to be recommended by the administration for approval."

The rationale for this site is compelling: it would provide a huge step forward in meeting our sustainability goals by utilizing and expanding our geothermal infrastructure; it is well served by an existing dining facility; it is an excellent access point for students; it is very cost effective; and it can be completed in time to meet the urgent and critical demand for housing forecasted for the fall of 2017 and beyond.

However, we have also received extensive and thoughtful feedback about how construction on this site could seriously undermine our sense of place, our sense of self, and our sense of community. These, too, are very important considerations for Miami's future.

Therefore, after further assessment and in consultation with Vice President Creamer and Provost Callahan, I have reached out to David Budig, Chair of the Board of Trustees, to convey our decision not to proceed with the recommendation for the new residence hall on this site despite its compelling advantages. We will work with the Board in advance of the June meeting to keep them advised as to other options. I have also asked Vice President for Advancement Tom Herbert to create a fundraising plan to support the renovation of Patterson Place.

The decision to seek an alternate site will create significant challenges as we move forward. There almost certainly will be additional costs and obstacles, and we will be challenged to meet our goals in the time frame before us. We will move forward, however, as quickly, thoroughly, and collaboratively as possible to re-evaluate the best alternatives that will provide the highest quality experience for our students.

Let me close by expressing my appreciation to all who provided feedback that contributed to this important decision.