“The purchase will expand the shelter’s ability to continue the tradition of providing safe emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and homelessness,” the shelter said in a short statement today. “This opportunity will allow for renovation of an existing building, addition of new housing space, off street parking and green space.”
A contract to buy the two-acre property at 530 Crescent Drive, which includes a building formerly housing physician offices, was signed Tuesday. The agency will renovate this building as well as build new.
The expansion plan downtown and proposed demolition of the former church was opposed by a Unity for Trinity Committee formed by local historical organizations. The group has online and other petitions against any demolition, which would have to be approved by the city.
PHOTOS: The Budweiser Clydesdales are in Dayton
The group says the church is a community asset and historically important as the only structure left in town with noteworthy ties to the canal era as the site of an 1837 canal dedication speech by future president William Henry Harrison and with ties to the area’s Underground Railroad system.
The purchase means the shelter for now will continue ownership and operation of the Franklin House and the Barbel Adkins Education and Activity Center, formerly the Trinity Church, at 16 and 22 E. Franklin St., said shelter Director Barb Holman and board member Ruth Jenkins.
Once the new shelter facility is built, the nonprofit shelter board will address those buildings downtown. “Once we get there (new location) and get moved, we will have the board decide step two with our buildings,” Holman said.
UPDATE: Cincinnati’s Opening Day moved to Friday, new forecast and ticket information
Shelter leaders said the expansion was needed to meet growing demand both for housing victims of domestic violence and homelessness. The shelter has 22 beds for women and children, the same number as when it opened in 1979.
“The Unity for Trinity Committee is very pleased that the Family Abuse Shelter of Miami County has considered other locations for an expansion of its services and is in the process of purchasing property that could meet its needs well into the future,” the Unity for Trinity Committee said in a statement Tuesday evening. “While several steps lie ahead, we are more hopeful than ever that this can ultimately be a ‘win-win’ for both the shelter and for historic preservation in downtown Troy.”
The project architect is working on renovations and construction plans for the new site, Holman said. The site is located off Crescent Drive between Wayne Street and McKaig Avenue near Interstate 75. The shelter board and supporters this year will address fundraising for the project, which has a $2.8 million budget.
The shelter leaders said a couple of weeks ago alternate locations were being explored. The expansion plans would not be changed unless a location that met needs was found, Holman said. She and Jenkins said the Crescent Drive location met the criteria and offers opportunities for the shelter today and down the road.
“We are excited about this location,” Jenkins said. “With the plan the architect designs, we will build in the security we need.”
About the Author