BGSU community rallies to save historic building - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Its a historic building on Bowling Green State University's campus.  But the old house on the corner of Wooster and College may soon be a memory.  University officials say the plans to raze the building the houses the Popular Culture Department has been in the works for a few years, but dozens came together, hoping to raise awareness about its historical significance.

"There's been an uproar on campus ever since the announcement was made that the building was coming down," Erin Holmberg, a BGSU graduate, said.

Over the years, it housed many university departments, most recently, the Popular Culture Department.  Its also known as a kit house, built in the 1930s.

"Sears and Montgomery Ward both sold kit houses in the early part of the 20th century," Holmberg said. "They were shipped to people in lots of pieces and individuals built them themselves."

BGSU President, Mary Ellen Mazey, says the university understands the building's history is important but in a letter to the campus writes, "the decision to remove the house due to poor condition was made in the master planning process of 2009.  We simply cannot strategically or financially justify saving this building."

"For the last year none of this ever cam up when they were talking about doing any kind of renovation," Sean Ahern, a Pop Culture student, told 13abc.  "Its such a landmark on this campus."

The university says the building is no longer a historical representation of a kit home.  One the inside there are bits of historic charm, but large scale additions over the years, don't meet historical preservation standards.

"To me it just feels like something that should at least be explored," John Zanfardino, President of BG City Council said. "Have all of the options been looked at to try and save this building?"

Its a task that will likely be an uphill battle, but supporters refuse to give up.