Columbus: The City of Lost Mansions

[@johnpotter8039]

There is a notable survivor among Columbus' homes, The James Thurber House and Museum. I have been a Thurber fan since my early teenage years and visited the house during a business trip a few years ago. Thurber only lived there during his teenage years. It is filled with period furniture and offers his books and memorabilia for sale. The upstairs has these narrow, tortuous hallways which figure into his short story "The Night The Bed Fell on Father". I was alone in the place, chatting with one of the volunteers. He asked me what my favorite Thurber short story was. I had to give "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" # 1, but my next favorite is "the Greatest Man in the World" a parody of the daring aviators who were flying the Atlantic in the late 1920s. Jacky Smersch, a slovenly mechanic, becomes the first man to fly around the world, non-stop. He is not, however, the handsome, selfless hero- he is an uncouth slob who is in it for the money. The government tries to clean him up, but to no avail. The volunteer had not heard of it, and we found it in one of Thurber's anthologies. As I began to read it, a group of 40 middle-aged urban bicyclists tromped in, lots of spandex, of course. They gathered around, and I read "The Greatest Man In The World" to an appreciative audience, in the James Thurber House, in downtown Columbus, Ohio. A great moment for me.

[@zenamom]

Thanks!!! That's something to keep in mind. I loved the story about his dog Muggs, who bit everyone.

[@mikenixon2401]

I honestly do not think I will ever understand why North Americans tend to prefer demolition over restoration. Good report, Ken.

[@megfuchs9425]

Many of us North Americans are very sad that demolition is so popular! I hate losing these beautiful, historic buildings.

[@padankirk5062]

It just comes down to cost

[@christinacody8653]

Um, there's castles in Europe that can't be given away. The Upkeep of these buildings is the issue for them.

[@A_Realist]

There’s a documentary I seen a few years back called the history of flat earth (I know, I know 😂) and the presenter has a theory on why they may want to destroy these old buildings. KZbin took the video down but I think someone re-uploaded. It’s an interesting take to say the least

[@NelsonClick]

I hate to be a cynic (no, really) but these monumental houses were not designed for modern life with plumbing, power and HVAC. As much as I would love to own one I'm not going to pay millions of dollars for a home that is cold, dirty and inconvenient. It doesn't make sense.

[@sharke.julian8031]

Born and raised in Columbus Ohio. We actually purchased an old Victorian 5000 sq ft plus home on Bryden Road. There are still large mansions around the area you just have to drive around to find them. Some of them are located in German Village around the park, others are located on Broad Street, Bryden Road and around Franklin Park. Our home had original leather wallpaper, gas lights, buzzard in the floor to call servants and the main staircase was covered with carpet and when we removed it the wood was outstanding. The only building lost on our property was the carriage house. Unfortunately we moved outside Ohio due to work and had to sell our home.

[@schwartzmatthewe]

I’ve worked in the area extensively and I think I know the home. Columbus is degrading rapidly and that area is becoming very unsafe.

[@aaronhuffman4852]

@@schwartzmatthewedemocrat policies

[@glorialotz3333]

@@aaronhuffman4852 blacks

[@rayn8740]

Well, that was rather depressing! Like the Joni Mitchell song, Big Yellow Taxi, 'they paved paradise and put up a parking lot. '

[@davidflory3597]

I actually live in Columbus on Bryden Road........ It's just heartbreaking to know that all this beautiful architecture was destroyed in the name of 'progress'. All of the hard work and artistry, all of the incredible marble and granite, all of the stunning old-growth wood... lost forever. Thanks for another great video.

[@schwartzmatthewe]

I do a lot of work in the area. What columbus is doing is despicable. My wife and I moved to Newark and bought an old 1870s house. I’ve been restoring it little by little.

[@jrhoads9281]

Look who is building the ugliest condos in Columbus, OH then you will understand why the city is so ugly. Pockets are getting lined with the greenback.

[@davidpalmer9334]

Absolutely criminal regarding demolishing such masterpieces 😢

[@joesullivan-y9r]

I suppose you have solved the issue of who is going to fund the astronomical cost of maintaining them?

[@elephantintheroom5678]

@@joesullivan-y9rModern buildings are more shoddily built from less durable materials. Why would they be any less expensive to maintain?

[@joesullivan-y9r]

@@elephantintheroom5678 Because your premise that modern buildings are more shoddily built from less durable materials is simply ridiculous.

[@elephantintheroom5678]

@@joesullivan-y9r All of these old buildings are made of stone about a metre thick (at least). Modern buildings are made of thin materials. So, no - not ridiculous at all.

[@joesullivan-y9r]

@@elephantintheroom5678 "All of these old buildings are made of stone about a metre thick (at least)." - again, ridiculous. Though you are correct that modern structures are far thinner but are also far more advanced and provide better insulation, moisture protection and structural integrity. Stone walls are only as good as the mortar, which was poor at best compared to modern mixes and is extremely expensive to repair. And we've not even discussed HVAC, plumbing, electric, foundations, windows, doors et cetera. All of which are ridiculously expensive to replace and or maintain. But I've only worked on a couple hundred of these old buildings so what do I know?

[@bluebox2000]

Would be great to do a story on Cincinnati next. This beautiful old city has lost so much of its downtown area but still has some remarkable buildings left. It's really disturbing how America throws away its history. People don't visit Europe to see the new buildings.

[@williamtyre523]

Great overview of the city's architecture. Like so many cities, the mid-20th century was a dark period where these architectural treasures were underappreciated, and swept away without much thought.

[@amandab.recondwith8006]

Urban Renewal was one of the great curses of the 20th century. My hometown of Sioux Falls SD was utterly decimated in the '70. Beautiful Victorian buildings downtown were bulldozed and replaced with parking lots. Fortunately, the city is undergoing an urban revival and many surviving buildings make up a very pretty and busy commercial and retail center, full of restaurants, local bars and breweries. Plans keep being made to expand the downtown area into dense housing, office and retail buildings, sensitive to the city's past.

[@janavenue650]

progress brought to you by people who don't care about history, beauty, or architecture

[@thomascrimlisk8557]

Are you talking about Jews now ?

[@EcceHomo1088]

Commies/socialists you mean...

[@thomascrimlisk8557]

@@EcceHomo1088 me lol ?

[@janavenue650]

@@EcceHomo1088, no real estate developers, city planners, area commissioners

[@EcceHomo1088]

@@janavenue650 … and their ideology is…? Communist/socialist…

[@christinacody8653]

That Firestone mansion and the buggy developer mansions are the most disheartening to me from a historic preservation perspective, because they were both buildings of historically significant individuals. There's a mansion/historic home in Jeffersonville Indiana (across from Louisville, Kentucky) who built many of the steamboats that traversed the Mississippi, Ohio and other major rivers of the United States. They're the house museums I'm most interested in because they often showcase something unique to their time while also presenting historically significant events in US historical development.

[@carmichael2359]

I'm a 63-year-old Columbus native, who has traveled rather extensively; and the way Columbus has mostly razed its historical buildings has always sickened my heart. Tearing down these wonderful examples of history and architecture is probably one of the reasons Columbus has remained a little leaguer. A can't move forward unless its past is its foundation, and we parted with ours during the 20th century.

[@RedSiBaron]

I absolutely agree. I've lived here for 13 years and the constant demolition of it's history really takes the soul out of this city. I moved here from Cincinnati and grew up in Dayton and their respect for their history greatly surpasses Columbus.

[@justonemori]

at least we have a respectable Veterans Memorial downtown now. That last place was such a dump!

[@maryhinson2595]

Thank you! I feel the same way. Small town mentality for the govt.

[@garywait3231]

This reminds me of the tragic fate of the architectural marvels that once were fine homes in my present residence Hartford, CT. Hartford's money was its worst enemy, when the wealthy could afford to demolish grand old homes and replace them with something worse. Or, if they fell on hard times, sold out to "developers" -- really "demolishers" -- who left ugly commercial buildings or parking lots in their wake. So sad !!😢😢

[@Agoateeman]

One of the worst examples of architectural demolition took place in Hartford when they demolished the headquarters of a Russian Insurance company. This was an onion dome styled building that was reduced for the sake of a parking lot for yet another insurance company. Pathetic, but that is America. Cheap to the core.

[@johncarlson3061]

Outstanding presentation! I'm a 50yr old 4th generation Columbus native. My grandfather who was born in 1922 @ a home that was on corner of east Main St. & Ann St. near German Village. He was my hero,he knew so much about Columbus history... I wish I would have spent more time with him,and payed more attention to his history stories he used to tell me..he was friends with one of the Lazarus son's whom founded the large department store. The greatest generation was truly that..

[@SethPowell7]

Christopher Inn and Kahiki deserved a honorable mention despite not being a mansion. Such unique architecture.

[@donnamariebrown2478]

Reminds me of my hometown. All the beautiful old buildings....GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks Ken!!

[@andreaberryhill6654]

I wish I'd been born in the years of such splendid architecture all around. Such beauty, all lost . 😢

[@kellys.6047]

So sad that so many grand old buildings were torn down. Thanks for making this great video.❤

[@johnvonundzu2170]

It's staggering what was just thrown away, Your closing here makes for a truly excellent eulogy. If you lay waste to the past, you have no future, and don't much deserve one either.

[@jefflawrentz1624]

I used to live in Victorian Village and always loved the architecture that was left. I learned about the Kelley Mansion while there. It was replaced by a circular hotel that was later demolished. I never realized until watching this about the other grand homes that were lost. Thanks Ken for another fascinating episode!

[@Fresh-tw7ev]

I believe you are referring to the old Christopher Inn! Located on East Broad Street in downtown Columbus.

[@Randy8923]

I would like to thank you for your hard work and providing these educational yet very enjoyable videos for us.

[@Kathleen-hd4ee]

This was very good. I was born in Columbus in 1951 when some of these mansions still existed. Destroy the magnificent and replace them with the boring and mundane. The autobody seemed like bad joke. Thanks for the pictures and history.

[@raymond_sycamore]

Live in Columbus to a decade. Lived downtown and Old Town East for half of that, the homes that are still standing are beautiful.

[@randolphsrants]

SAD. But your channel is Great... Thank you!

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

I'm completely horrified that my hometown lost so many marvelous mansions!

[@erinolsen8062]

and the corn statue field is also an atrocity

[@h311cat5]

"It's no longer known for its architecture but rather for what it's lost." A truly emotional sentence, brought a tear to my eye.

[@Bci42]

My home town. Still pockets of preservation like German Village and Victorian Village.

[@lisadolan689]

Thank you 🙏 Ken

[@millcity9711]

Ugh...a sad way to start the day.

[@BensEcoAdvntr]

Hello. Lifelong Columbus resident here. I won't argue that we've lost some gems, particularly during the 1960s & 70s. However I feel this video is a disservice to all the successful preservation efforts here. Look no further than German Village - a neighborhood of modest 19th century houses just south of downtown. In the 60s, this area was threatened with "urban renewal", but grassroots efforts kept it almost entirely intact today, now one of the most desirable areas in the city. Same is true for Victorian Village and along Bryden Road. There were also a number of unfortunate factual errors in the video. An image of the Toledo and Ohio Central railroad station was shown, but that building is very much still here. It also missed the fact that the OSU armory wasn't demolished because it was unwanted, it had to be due to a giant fire. Last thing I'll say, while architecture from the late 19th/early 20th century is interesting, I don't believe it the only era worthy of preservation. Columbus also has one of the most iconic examples of brutalist architecture in the world - the Ohio History Center. There are lots of well preserved mid century buildings here. I just think it's unfair to paint the city as completely uncaring about preservation as you did.

[@erinolsen8062]

you have a field of corn statues, that negates everything else that is good.

[@jenniferhackman5493]

@@erinolsen8062I’m so glad you made this comment, it really got me thinking. That art installation is in Dublin, a city north of Columbus. Regardless, it is an art installation on land historically used to produce and hybridize corn, probably around the same time these mansions were built. If anything, it demonstrates value for heritage, which is aligned with building preservation. Both practices provide a public good. To me, the cement corn field is a brilliant piece of art. There is a lot to unpack there if you care to dive beneath the surface.

[@teresawilliams4321]

It's sad all those beautiful homes were demolished.

[@ImRobertFinnerty]

I'm a Columbus native. When I got interested in the city history in my 20's, it disgusted me that all of these homes were destroyed (as was the Union Station Arcade, The Deshler Hotel, The Neil House Hotel, The Hartman Hotel & Theater and so many others). I've been involved in historical preservation for just as long now. A notable destroyed mansion that you missed is the Lucas Sullivant mansion - destroyed in 1961 to make room for the freeway. He was the Founder of Franklinton, Columbus's first settled area in 1797. And don't get me started on the demolition of the Kahiki supper club!

[@mileshigh1321]

The tragedy of so much amazing architecture lost! No reason to visit Columbus it seems now!

[@KCKingdomCreateGreatTrekAgain]

The fact that the organization would rather DEMOLISH the one house rather than sell it to someone who could preserve it shows the contempt so many have for great classical architecture!

[@joemccarthy114]

I lived there for a few years, the place feels like a computer simulation. It provides all the accoutrements of a major city yet has a complete lack of character or identity

[@tomguyone]

A bit harsh, but not untrue. It's like Gertrude Stein's comment about Oakland, Ca.: 'There's no there there'.

[@flynblu8610]

Their identity is the buckeyes

[@schwartzmatthewe]

And high crime with little policing.

[@mathewrichards2713]

Go Bucks ! At the shoe that’s really old and since we are currently the fastest growing city in the country, we’re going to have new stuff.

[@erinolsen8062]

are the corn statues its attempt at identity? cause that field of corn statues is awful and confusing but some people seem real proud of it for some reason

[@gailketterer8767]

I agree people rush to knock down old wonderful, well made homes and buildings. The history destroyed and covered over. It is shameful. I adore the architecture. Born in the wrong century😢

[@dawnpetitt8162]

There must have been a good number of very talented tradesmen to build them. Skills that are now a lost art. Irreplaceable.

[@janehalladay9718]

All very sad

[@dmd5645]

In a word?....... Disgusting!!!!. Ken, the more you share of these type of stories, the more it illustrates the fact that We have been deprived of some of the most thought provoking architecture ever. Time, effort, ingenuity, and craftsmanship.... All lost. We shall never get it back!.

[@tammylandrigan7670]

I grew up in Columbus Ohio in Clintonville. If you go to the public library you will find a small book written by Nancy J Pendleton on the foundation of Clintonville by the Bull family. I was in grade school when she took on zoning laws and fought to preserve a historical building on the block between W Weber and W California on the west side of North High Street (rt 23). This building was a crucial part of the underground railroad during slavery era. There was...now torn down...a funeral home across the street that was part of the original church that sat there. There was a tunnel underneath North High Street between the old grey house on the west side and the funeral home on the east side. They wanted to tear down the house to extend McDonalds parking lot that was being built. It is my understanding that after she moved out of Clintonville, it was torn down. I cannot tell you for certain. A historical part of the underground railroad was less important than a parking lot. This is Columbus Ohio.

[@HeatherFeather257]

Ken, could you juxtapose this episode with one that showcases a community that successfully preserved historic homes? It would be so encouraging to see a community galvanized behind preservation. Thank you for your tireless research and commitment to creating meaningful content. 💗

[@dawanariley4183]

I live in Columbus Ohio all my life. The people who run and developers are very greedy. We have lost our mounds, historic sites, statues due to greed. It’s always been about making money and taxes. It’s sad columbus has lost our heritage. They working on get rid of the old ice house. Which was spaghetti warehouse. They didn’t do upkeep on this building for years. All I can say again and again is greedy greedy people. 😢😢

[@randyboglisch137]

It is remarkable that all these buildings could not resist the trst of time and were all replaced with grass or subpar structures..what a beautiful city it would be if they had survived to this day..thanks again for your insightful research Ken

[@ji8044]

Excellent video, well researched.

[@debbieomalley3451]

This was sad but very interesting. I live in northeast Ohio and must say it was nice to see a video from Ohio. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@mgeorge19]

As a Central Ohio resident…this is a painful reminder to watch 🤕

[@501rivet]

..these walks down memory lane are actually painful for anyone who recognizes architecture as art (vs, just being there). Then, to retain 5 columns of a side entry for a former railway station as a "landmark" is an insult. You dont glorify errors, or "brag" about what you once had, but no longer have. While much the same here in Milwaukee, some impressive mansions still exist along Lake Michigan.

[@kevintonks3034]

How sad those beautiful structures have disappeared and even worse to be replaced by empty lots.

[@noxwells8628]

I’ve lived here in Columbus Ohio all my life and I never knew we used to have so many mansions

[@criticman123]

I was in the Sprite heir's house on Bryden a few months ago when it was for sale... torn down to studs needing over 6 figures of work. Just sad how such amazing buildings were so neglected

[@mj1961christian]

Born and raised there. Still live nearby. Very sad!!

[@dhoovster]

Ken, Great video! Will you be exploring mansions in Dayton, Ohio? That area was a hub for manufacturing in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Companies such as NCR, Frigidaire and Delco to name a few.

[@bentonjessup6803]

Great photographic images. Given the city is surrounded by many cities you must understand these types of structures are still being built in the area. You just need to search the Northside communities (Dublin-Gahanna).

[@quapawqwerty1619]

Destruction of Tartaria. I think those mansions were around a lot longer than what is generally stated. Nice video, thank you.

[@elephantintheroom5678]

Imagine what America would look like if it had kept all its Victorian era, Gilded Age and Art Deco mansions! I shake my head in disbelief whenever I watch this channel.

[@jodirauth8847]

May of these structures were in high tax areas and you are correct about the population density mover farther out of downtown. Columbus embraced the automobile very early and the innovation made the suburbs looks very desirable. Lima, Ohio was once one the most wealthy cities in the USA but unfortunately only a few mansions remain due to disrepair. Neighboring Bluffton Wapakoneta and Findlay managed to save managed save a large amount of their mansions downtown. Perrysburg has also.

[@mike44456]

This video was clearly not made by a local! Columbus has never been a "world-class city", and unlike neighbors like Cleveland, St. Louis, and Buffalo, there hasn't been a decline in prominence - it's more relevant than it ever has been. The architecture reflects that too.

[@asylumlover]

KEN, YOU'VE REALLY STRUCK SOME NERVES WITH THIS ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AS YOU KNOW, I HAVE THIS SOFT SPOT FOR, WHAT ELSE, ASYLUMS AND SUCH LIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS STORY OF ME AND COLUMBUS DATES BACK TO THE MID 1980S, WHEN I BECAME AWARE OF THE MASSIVE STATE INSANE ASYLUM IN COLUMBUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUT I DIDN'T ACTUALLY TRY TO GO AND SEE IT UNTIL THE SUMMER OF 1988, BAD MOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HAD NOT CALLED AHEAD AS I SHOULD HAVE, TO CHECK ON THE STATUS OF THE BUILDINGS THERE, AND I WAS IN FOR ONE HELL OF A JOLT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT TURNED OUT THAT JUST A VERY SHORT TIME BEFORE I ARRIVED, DEMOLITION OF PART OF THE HUGE MAIN BUILDING HAD BEGUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'LL TELL YOU THAT THOSE FEW DAYS I SPENT IN COLUMBUS WERE SUCH THAT I HAVE NEVER RETURNED THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I BEGAN CHASING AROUND TO DIFFERENT LOCAL COURTS AND AGENCIES OFFICES IN A MEAGER BUT FRANTIC EFFORT TO STOP THIS DEMOLITION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TO NO AVAIL OF COURSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GIVEN THE OTHER ISSUES I HAD DURING MY STAY THERE, I HATE TO TELL YOU HOW RELIEVED I WAS TO FINALLY GET ON THE DAMNED BUS AND HIGH TAIL IT ON BACK TO TRAVERSE CITY, WHICH, AT THE TIME, DESPITE HOW SHABBY LIFE THERE HAD BECOME, STILL SEEMED LIKE A SAFE PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOW REGARDING THE BUILDING IN QUESTION, IT HAD OPENED, I BELIEVE, IN THE 1870S, AND REPORTEDLY, UNTIL THE PENTAGON IN D.C. OPENED, WAS THE LARGEST BUILDING UNDER ONE ROOF IN THE NATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE DEMOLITION THAT OCCURRED THAT SUMMER OF 88 WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ONLY OF THE ONE WING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUT IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT, NATURALLY, SINCE THEN, THE ENTIRE STRUCTURE INCLUDING THE MAIN ADMINISTRATION AND CHAPEL/AUDITORIUMS, EVERYTHING WAS LATER LEVELED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO I AM NO STRANGER TO THE ANTICS OF COLUMBUS OHIO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BY THE WAY, WHAT REMAINED OF THAT INSTITUTION, OPERATIONALLY SPEAKING AT THAT TIME, WAS CALLED, I BELIEVE, COPH SOMETHING LIKE CENTRAL OHIO PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL, AS OF 1988, BUT WAS OF COURSE HOUSED IN OTHER BUILDINGS BY THAT TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!! GET BACK TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@anteeker]

We always hear about cities talking about progress, moving forward. To do it, they invariably demolish their history, architecture, and anything to do with the past. In its place, they build, in this case, a Chinese restaurant, a gas station, and many open lots. This is progress? In the 1960`s, it was all about Urban Renewal- tear down the old and build all new to make it better. Really? All they did was demolish beautiful old buildings and put up eyesores, thus cheapening the look of the towns and cities. This is progress? They call them developers- they`re not, they`re destroyers. My hometown lost so many of its beautiful Victorian downtown buildings and in their place were built some of the most God-awful looking buildings you could imagine thus ruining the whole esthetic of the main street and business section of town. The sad thing is it can never be replaced and we all suffer the loss.

[@Libertaro-i2u]

For those wondering why these palatial mansions were all demolished, one of the main reasons is that the lots once occupied by the mansions are prime real estate.

[@rosepelzel4244]

How sad this is ... and how sad this story keeps repeating itself ... Built in obsolescence started earlier than we thought.😢

[@myronfrobisher]

You should come to Oklahoma City - there is a cornucopia of grand old homes of great architectural importance - that have not been leveled

[@caroltaylor282]

I’ve lived in Columbus all my life and I was unaware that such beautiful buildings existed here. It’s painful to see the magnificent architecture demolished and replaced by ugly structures 😢

[@janetcarbone4213]

😢😢😢😢😢😢😢. So beautiful and so well built. I guess I’ll never understand. Things change😢

[@jetsons101]

Not all "Grand Buildings" can be saved, time marches on as the saying goes. The best of the best really need protection. Obviously, Columbus could have /should have done a better job at this.

[@ronen160]

what a darn shame. Nobody in power at the time(s), cared to spend the money or even organize efforts to restore and maintain those beautiful places. Here in NYC, it took the demolition of a grand train station, and the subsequent star power of Jackie O, to form the Landmarks Commission that is responsible for preventing any more demolition of landmarked properties or areas. Additionally, i'm actually amazed that a town like Columbus, OH, ever had this kind of Architecture in the first place!!!

[@TimothyStclair-v4p]

Columbus, in a hurry to go nowhere.

[@markbrautigam2502]

It’s fascinating how many people are having financial difficulties, rent, childcare, food , utilities, car payments , etc . Perhaps I just old but large single family/ triple decker dwellings were multigenerational, sharing costs, maintenance costs and WORK DONE BY THE HOME OCCUPANTS , gardens , child and adult care, just to mention a few . How wonderful it would not t cart children from one place to another . If we look at yesterday we can find answers to today’s problems and issues .

[@Vivaldi111]

As Ken said, its tragic they destroyed most Gilded age mansions in places like NY where the need to build skyscrapers trounced preserving the past. But in this case? What the hell? They demolished those architectural masterpieces to build an autoparts store and a Chinese take-out restaurant ? What a joke.

[@juliasouthick2232]

Heartbreaking. How could they?

[@AnnaBrown-h4e]

I am from Columbus, Ohio and thought I moght of seen some of those old homes. I wish you would of included address's. Maybe you could/would in furture videos. sometimes progress is heart breaking!!

[@jamesmooney8933]

Mansions are not designed for cheap maintenance. The roofs are the most important part of any building. Mansions have many roofs which are expensive to replace. Even 20th Century Mansions are being destroyed.

[@StamperWendy]

The Walston Brown home was charming

[@ObieGuppies]

Well, that's just wrong. How could city planning be so shortsighted for decades - always rushing to tear these homes down? Where was the public outcry? Did they not have any kind of historic preservation association? BTW, outstanding content again!

[@tomguyone]

I lived in Columbus from 1964 until 1977, during my HS and undergrad years at OSU, and remaining after for a few more years. I finally said 'Goodbye Columbus' in 1977 and moved to Boulder, Colorado. You are correct in pointing out what Columbus had in the late 19th/early 20th century, especially in terms of architecture. And there are a few survivors still intact today - the area south of the University along Neil Avenue especially. But unfortunately, as the song says, "You don't know what you got 'til it's gone".

[@Curtis1984]

There was a large old children's home in Maumee Ohio by the river that was abandoned.. and people/juveniles use to trespass and explore. I think most of the demolishing is due to it falling into disrepair.. water damage and especially mold.. it's likely not safe or cost effective to bring it back. But old structures/buildings that were kept up are easier to repair and keep alive. So in that respect I see why things get destroyed.

[@davidbuchanan5232]

Because so many incredible U.S. buildings were demolished in the late 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, I can't help but wonder if the fact many of the men making the decisions to demolish had just gone through a World War that saw the destruction of magnificent buildings that were centuries old. Tearing down ones that were 60, 70 or 80 years old just didn't seem important to them.

[@RextheRebel]

So much for conserving the past and respecting traditional methods of doing things... America, you truly have no identity.

[@ghostmantagshome-er6pb]

I used to think mansions were this special thing everyone wanted preserved, but I realized they are often the vision on an individual and if you've got that money you don't want someone else's vision. They become money pits. Lots of empty big houses.

[@juliepeterson6639]

Shame on the people who demolished THE strongest buildings and put in something less in strength and beauty. I grieve this, as I see it all the time.

[@charlietarr]

These houses grew obsolete the day the last brick was laid. Have you ever remodeled a house? I’d much rather tear a house down then remodeling a lead-filled, toxic, house whose dirt and dust will shorten your life by many years. Those squarefootages were insane even with ten kids.

[@sweynforkbeardtraindude]

Columbus, OH was once a "world class city". Dude's got jokes!

[@mrs.g.9816]

I found myself getting angry over the destruction of beautiful architecture that gave cities their atmosphere, and the stupidity of assuming that cold, featureless, purely functional buildings are an improvement. This is the kind of world we live in now. Purely depressing.

[@christopherritz9383]

The market is the voice of the people. If these buildings were valuable then they would be preserved. Memories and the aesthetic don't pay the bills. Some cities have mechanisms in place to preserve these things. Is it worth it? Who pays for it? I am deeply saddened by the loss of these buildings but understand that not everyone wants to live or work in a museum.

[@ericdudley9925]

😢 You need to take an antidepressant before you watch this...... That was just heartbreaking..... I'd love to say its surprising but it's really not... It happens all the time in the biggest of cities or the smallest of towns...... They don't appreciate what they have...... Until it's too late 💔

[@sardu55]

But that OSU football stadium will be around 100 years from now, and totally up to date and packed with fans.

[@cumulus1234]

Now there are some cities that don’t have buildings older than 1950. Major demolitions in those places.

[@toddhensley880]

That opening… ouch!

[@FebrithDarkstar]

Bloody hell America - I know none of those buildings was particularly old but they were unique and beautiful. I know here in Britain we've also made some terrible mistakes but gosh, what a shame:(

[@JeffDavis-gw1yh]

Just sad. Incredibly sad. What a waste of precious natural resources, artistry, history, etc. only to end up in a landfill. Some people will never learn...

[@KimDelong-f7y]

I yhink Americans appreciate older structures now. I live in the Des Moines ,Io. area Lots of pre Ww1, a d Ww2 mansions that are occupied. Lots of historical areas with houses as old as 1852!

[@J.M.Chadwick6]

Another excellently done video. I hate to say it but chances are that if they had survived, many probably would be in a terrible state of disrepair and neglect. People can't afford the upkeep and many wouldn't have the interest in keeping them. Sadly, It's a bygone era.

[@mr.x8259]

I am so sad to hear of this callous disregard for architecture.

[@pgtmr2713]

Every city had a millionaires row. What happened? Government, reduced quality , increased production, less people involved in manufacturing.

[@MarkSandford-s9b]

I was a child and a teenager during the 60’s and 70’s. I remember feeling infuriated at this kind of stupidity.

[@stacylindsey9729]

Send all those great houses demolished made my stomach sink. What a shame

[@estiefranks6468]

How incredibly sad 😔

[@dcviper985]

"Once" a world class city? Bite me. Yeah, we may not have saved much of our architectural heritage, but we're still a world class city. We have a world class university, many Fortune 500 companies, and all sorts of great things going for us. We're within a day's drive of like 75% of the population of North America.

[@bethranger9883]

So sad that the history is lost

[@DaveRhoades-t1m]

I always thought the train station and ohio Penn was fascinating

[@TheCrystallineAnunna]

775 E Broad still exists and is protected by a historical sites law.