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Franklinton Panel Rejects Demolition Permit for Former Holy Family School
The Franklinton Area Commission voted 8-1 against advancing demolition of the former Holy Family School, but the binding decision rests with the East Franklinton Review Board. The Catholic Diocese says renovating the vacant building could cost about $20 million and cites safety concerns; the board has not yet received a demolition application.
A proposal to demolish the former Holy Family School in Franklinton faces another review before the city can issue a permit, after the Franklinton Area Commission voted 8-1 on Oct. 13 against approving the demolition.
The building, at 57 S. Grubb St., is owned by Holy Family Parish. The commission’s vote is advisory, while the East Franklinton Review Board (EFRB) must approve a demolition through a Certificate of Appropriateness before a permit can be issued, the city’s Department of Development confirmed.
The EFRB’s decision is binding. Under Columbus code, the board must review and approve a replacement use for the site, along with any applicable Historic Resources Commission approval. If no replacement building or use is proposed, the applicant must instead submit a property-maintenance plan for review.
The city said it had not received an application for the certificate as of the commission meeting. The deadline to submit materials for the EFRB’s next meeting is Oct. 20; the meeting is scheduled for Oct. 28.
At the commission meeting, a representative for the Catholic Diocese of Columbus said the parish cannot afford to renovate the school. The Diocese estimated that rehabilitation for ministerial purposes, such as a school, would cost about $20 million.
In a letter read at the meeting, the Diocese said the building no longer meets the needs of the parish and described safety problems, including forced entry, roof damage and fires inside the structure. The representative said the Diocese had contacted developers to explore a partnership that might preserve the building, but received no takers. The Diocese has not marketed the property for sale, the representative said, because it does not want to sell it.
Tonia Vargas, founder and executive director of Just Believe Personal Enrichment Corp., has proposed housing several social-service organizations in the building. Asked whether the Diocese might partner with community groups to save it, the representative said renovation would require more than $20 million.
Chris Hune of Columbus Landmarks also spoke at the meeting. Mark Dravillas, a city planning administrator, urged participants to understand the EFRB process, which can shape or block demolition proposals in the district. Unlike area commissions, the city’s design review boards and historic commissions issue binding decisions.
The EFRB’s review will determine whether the demolition plan can proceed as proposed, or whether the Diocese must provide a replacement plan or other changes before a permit is considered.