A situation has developed in Oshkosh concerning a beautiful old house and the needs of a cultural institution. The Paine Art Center, one of the cultural gems of the city wishes to build a parking lot on land just to the north of the art center. The problem is the property is occupied by a 104 year old brick colonial style house. The Paine owns the house and has offered to sell it for one dollar to anyone who will move it. I feel it is important that the Paine Art Center realize it's ambition to provide parking and access for the handicapped and disabled. I also feel Oshkosh should not, if possible, sacrifice another elegant old home. The technology exists to move the house. The question is who would take up the challenge of such a daunting task and where would one move it to? Why bother to save the house anyway?
The house is significant as it contributes to the architectural variety of the historic neighborhood. It was designed by William Waters in 1911 for bank president Louis Schriber and is a classic example of Colonial Style architecture. It would be a shame to allow the building to be razed as so many other Oshkosh landmarks have been. A lively debate has been joined on Facebook, with many people expressing concern. I urge interested citizens to join together and search for a solution, after all this is the city that saved the Grand Opera House.
The past year, 2014 was not a good year for the dwindling number of Waters' building. The old First National Bank of Menasha and Menasha Hotel were demolished and now the prospect looms that the Schriber residence would fall to the wrecking ball. I do not live in Oshkosh but Oshkosh will always live in me, it is the city of my nativity and I'm proud to say so. I will do all I can to help save this house but the concerned citizens of Oshkosh and the Paine Art Center need to work together. There can be no complacence or apathy on the part of those who would save the building. The Paine Art Center must exercise patience restraint until a buyer is found and a plan put into place. This house can stand for another one hundred years and more if a workable plan is conceived and executed.
P.S. Good news, a plan to move the Schriber was announced on 9/27/15. The building will be moved to a lot on the corner of Algoma and Arboretum some time early in 2016.
I saw on fox 11 that the city is looking at moving it on a lot across from the museum. The mayor said "We have to stop destroying our heritage". Which lot they did not say.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great idea. I suggested that in our Facebook discussion. Let's hope it comes to fruition.
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