CIRCLEVILLE, OHIO, MARCH 9, 2018 – To re-launch the effort to restore Circleville’s Octagon House, the Roundtown Conservancy is pleased to announce that it has retained Heritage Architectural Associates as Preservation Architect for the project. Founded in 1998, Heritage is a full-service architectural firm that works exclusively with historic structures, especially in smaller communities in Ohio. The firm has worked on the Unionville Tavern in Madison (Lake County), New Lexington Opera House (Perry County), and Olney Friends School in Barnesville (Belmont County). The firm is currently working with Tawawa Chimney Corner, a civil rights-related property in Wilberforce, and historic tax credit projects at Xenia Shoe & Leather and the Nesbitt House in Xenia (Greene County).
Heritage is led by architect Steven Avdakov, who has paid several visits to the house in the past two weeks to take photographs and field measurements. The first step in the process is the production of a report documenting and analyzing the existing conditions of the Octagon House. The report will identify and describe the historic features of the house, areas that need to be repaired, and recommendations. The next step will be to determine the eventual use of the building and to determine the changes needed to accommodate the new use, while preserving the historic character of the building. Once the report is complete and funding is secured, the actual work of restoration will begin. The work will likely be done in phases as funding becomes available.
Heritage will also be investigating the possibility of having the Octagon House listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which will open additional funding sources. Avdakov commented “the interior of the Octagon House is really a unique space, a grand space. We are looking forward to working with the Roundtown Conservancy to contribute to the restoration and adaptive use and help to make this irreplaceable historic resource a jewel for the community of Circleville.”
About the Octagon House
Built in 1855-56 by George W. Gregg, the house was scheduled for demolition to make way for a Super Wal-Mart. Because of the historic as well as the architectural value of the house, the Conservancy began
an effort to rescue the house from the wrecking ball. In 2004, the Octagon House was moved about one-half mile from its original location. The house will be restored to its original state and the house and
surrounding buildings will be used to promote local and architectural history and as a meeting space to rent out for conferences, weddings and other similar activities. These activities will add to the quality of life in Pickaway County and also will allow an income to maintain the house and buildings.
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