CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — After years of efforts to preserve one of Circleville’s historic landmarks, work has officially begun on the Gregg-Crites Octagon House.
The first phase of the restoration project focuses on the historic home’s chimneys, which will undergo a complete restoration intended to return them to a like-new condition while preserving the character of the historic structure.
The project marks what preservation supporters describe as an important first step in a much larger effort to save and restore the property.
“After a very long battle in doing everything possible to save and preserve our history in Circleville, Ohio, finally hard work pays off,” the preservation group said in announcing the project.
The group credited newly elected Round Town Conservancy President Tommy Gill, his team at FYNDING PARANORMAL, the entire Round Town Conservancy board, volunteers and members of the community who have supported efforts to preserve the house.
“This is just the beginning,” the group said. “More to come.”
A Unique Piece of Circleville History
The Gregg-Crites Octagon House was built in 1855–1856 by George Gregg, making the structure more than 170 years old.
The Gregg-Crites Octagon House is part of Circleville’s distinctive architectural history. The house reflects the popularity of octagon-shaped homes during the 19th century, a period when proponents of the design promoted eight-sided houses as innovative, practical and potentially healthier alternatives to traditional rectangular homes.
Octagon houses became particularly popular in the years surrounding the publication of Orson S. Fowler’s 1848 book, A Home for All, which promoted the octagonal design. Fowler argued that the shape provided greater interior space, more natural light and improved efficiency compared with conventional homes.
Circleville itself has a unique connection to historic preservation and unusual architecture. Founded in 1810, the community was originally laid out in the shape of a large circle, a design inspired by the Hopewell earthworks that once existed in the area. Much of that original layout was later altered as the community developed.
The Gregg-Crites Octagon House stands as a reminder of that broader history and of the architectural changes that took place in Circleville during the 19th century.
For local preservationists, restoring the property is about more than repairing an old building. It is an effort to ensure that a physical piece of Circleville’s past remains standing for future generations.
The chimney restoration is expected to serve as the first phase of what supporters hope will become a broader restoration of the historic property.
Organizers say the work would not be possible without the continued support of volunteers, preservation advocates and the Circleville community.
As the first restoration work gets underway, supporters say the project represents a new chapter for the Gregg-Crites Octagon House — and the beginning of efforts to preserve it for generations to come.
