‘We don’t tear down buildings to make parking spots’; Downtown Commission denies demolition of historic home

A 1900-era building in Downtown Columbus is staying put, for now.

A Nashville-based real estate investment trust, Healthcare Realty, technically owns the property at 195 S. Washington Ave. You’ve probably seen it—a two-story brick building near Topiary Park that appears to be a former home, surrounded by parking lots and parking spaces.

The owner of the property initially proposed to The Downtown Commission to have the building demolished for parking spaces. On Tuesday’s meeting, the Commission said, “Downtown Design Guidelines state that non-accessory parking lots are not an appropriate replacement use for a razed building.”

Healthcare Realty’s appointed general contractor and architect were present at the meeting, and they countered to still seek approval for the demolition of the building, but for a green space rather than parking spots.

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“The building is so dilapidated that…they’re concerned for the safety of people parking in the existing lot…They want the building down more than anything else,” said the general contractor.

One of the Commission members responded, “We don’t tear down buildings to make parking spots or green spaces.” This member also emphasized that the owner is responsible to keep the historic building in a reasonable condition.

The Commission denied the request in a 6-0 vote.

What do you all think? Is preservation the upmost important in this scenario?

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