Ohio History Connection officials have voted to approve designating two remaining buildings at the former Poindexter Village public housing development as historic sites.
Jim Letizia reports.
33 of the 35 buildings that comprised the development that opened in 1940 were demolished three years ago. The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority has said it plans to save only one building and intends to use it as a multipurpose space. But the James Preston Poindexter Foundation wants to see the two buildings converted into a museum. The museum would chronicle life in Poindexter Village and the Columbus African-American community, and would feature a learning center for local youth. The housing authority says it will evaluate any proposal. The vote is contingent on CMHA transferring the Near East Side buildings to the agency. How that will take place is not yet clear, and CMHA officials are worried about building renovation and other costs. The foundation and OHC would operate the site. Earlier this year, the Columbus Landmarks Foundation placed the buildings on its list of the 13 most endangered sites in the city.
