Historic Preservationists Have A Week

Activity on multiple fronts show progress is being made to the IOOF Building

This week marked a significant milestone for the Troy Historic Preservation Alliance, the dedicated non-profit that has recently taken ownership of the historically significant but structurally challenged IOOF Building at 112-118 West Main Street. In the short span of less than two months, the Alliance has not only initiated crucial repairs on the building but has also played a pivotal role in the reopening of Main Street to vehicular traffic, a development eagerly awaited by the community.

The current focus of the restoration efforts is the building's facade, now fully encased in scaffolding, signaling the start of extensive exterior renovations. This work stems from the settlement agreement reached among all parties involved in litigation over the building's state that was agreed upon last December. The agreement mandates the Troy Historic Preservation Alliance to undertake necessary repairs, with including the front facade, which suffered significant damage from a tornado that struck downtown Troy in January 2020. The loss of numerous bricks from the parapet highlighted the facade as a critical area requiring immediate attention.

However, it's important to clarify a common misconception regarding the reopening of West Main Street. The settlement agreement stipulates that the road can only be reopened once all agreed-upon repairs, not just those to the parapet and facade, are completed and the county’s Adjudication Order is lifted.

A critical aspect of the building in dire need of repair is the roof, especially the older section's roof, which is visibly compromised, with missing parts that raise safety concerns. In a positive turn of events, the City’s Planning Commission, which had previously advocated for the building's demolition, unanimously approved a proposal for a new roof. This new roof, featuring a matte black metal design complemented by matching downspouts and gutters, represents a significant step forward in the building's restoration process. Notably, key figures who had supported the demolition were absent from the recent Planning Commission meeting where this decision was made; those individuals include Mayor Oda, Patrick Titterington (the City’s Top Bureaucrat) and Ed Westmeyer.

The Troy Historic Preservation Alliance has also demonstrated remarkable success in rallying community support for this ambitious project. Through its diligent fundraising efforts, the Alliance has secured over 90% of its $750,000 goal, thanks to the generosity of more than 160 donors. This overwhelming community response underscores the project's significance and the collective desire to preserve a piece of Troy's heritage. As a testament to this support, it's worth noting that the author of this publication has contributed to the fundraising efforts.

What stands out in the redevelopment of the IOOF building is the profound community support that has propelled this project forward. While the city government's role has primarily been to enforce the settlement agreement, the community's enthusiastic backing has been instrumental in advancing the restoration efforts. This project serves as a compelling example of how community-driven initiatives can achieve remarkable outcomes, often in spite of bureaucratic challenges.

In closing, the Civic Capacity Newsletter extends its gratitude to its readers for their ongoing support, whether as paid or free subscribers. Our commitment remains to informing residents about the impactful decisions and decision-makers in our community. If you haven't subscribed to our newsletter yet, we invite you to join us in this informative journey. Together, we can continue to foster a well-informed and engaged community.

Thank you for your support and interest in the preservation and progress of our hometown.