Franklinton Commission Opposed Holy Family School Demolition
The board voted against the Catholic Diocese of Columbus's plan to tear down the historic building on Grubb St.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Catholicism
Live Poll
Should your local government prioritize preserving historic buildings over approving their demolition for new development?
The Franklinton Area Commission has voted 8-1 to recommend that the city deny a demolition permit for the former Holy Family School. The Catholic Diocese of Columbus requested the permit citing mounting safety concerns and high maintenance costs.
Why it matters
The outcome of this decision will determine the future of a landmark on the city's endangered properties list. Advocates hope to preserve the site for community use, while the Diocese contends that maintaining the aging structure is financially unfeasible.
The Diocese estimates restoration of the 57 S. Grubb St. property will exceed $20 million, while local advocates argue renovation is possible for between $5 million and $12 million. The building has remained on the city's endangered properties list since 2020.
The players
Catholic Diocese of Columbus
This religious organization manages parish properties and oversees administrative operations for the Catholic Church within the central Ohio region.
Franklinton Area Commission
This board serves as an advisory body to the Columbus city government, representing the interests and concerns of the local neighborhood.
The details
The Catholic Diocese of Columbus submitted the demolition permit in September, citing break-ins, fires, and drug needles at the vacant site. Opponents are pushing to repurpose the school into a resource center for those experiencing homelessness.
Timeline
The property was added to the endangered list in 2020.
The demolition permit application was submitted on September 21, 2026.
The Franklinton Area Commission voted against the demolition on October 13, 2026.
The deadline for the city's final permit decision is November 20, 2026.
Culture Shift
This conflict reflects the broader tension between historic preservation and urban safety as neighborhoods grapple with the fate of vacant, aging properties. It illustrates how community advocates increasingly clash with institutional owners over the adaptive reuse of local legacy buildings.
Residents in the immediate area may see continued security concerns or traffic changes depending on the site's ultimate fate. The decision will determine whether the building is cleared for new uses or if current efforts to rehabilitate the structure as a resource center move forward.
The takeaway
This case highlights the complexities of managing historic religious properties when restoration costs differ significantly between institutional owners and community groups. Preservation efforts often require substantial fundraising to bridge the gap between estimated renovation costs and available resources.
What happens next
The city government must reach a final decision regarding the demolition permit application by November 20, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local religious facility debates in the Columbus Catholicism section.
Live Poll
Should your local government prioritize preserving historic buildings over approving their demolition for new development?
