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June 4, 2008 Toni Murdoch Chancellor Antioch University 150 E. South College Street Yellow Springs, OH 14850 Art Zucker, Chair Antioch Board of Trustee c/o Leslie Bates 150 E. South College Street Yellow Springs, OH 14850 Dear Ms. Murdoch and Mr. Zucher: Our office was recently contacted regarding the long term maintenance and care of Antioch’s historic campus buildings, as a result of the closure of the college. We have been told that there may be plans to stop heating and ventilating the buildings once the college is officially closed. As you know, Antioch, North and South Halls are listed on the National Register of Historic Places for their association with the founders of the College and because they are among the earliest institutional buildings of their type in Ohio. Antioch Hall (1852-53) is the earliest college building in Ohio built in the Romanesque Revival style, which dominated campus construction for nearly two decades. In 1958, Antioch Hall was carefully documented by the Historic American Building Survey. There are of course other historic buildings on campus, including, Pennell House, the Science Building, Birch Hall and G. Stanley Hall. Our office is concerned that without at least minimal measures to mothball and stabilize the historic campus buildings during the period in which they will be closed, significant damage may occur. We strongly suggest that forced air ventilation be provided in the summer and at least minimal heat (45 to 50 degrees) be provided during the winter months. According to National Park Service Brief 31 “Mothballing Historic Buildings”, though closed up, a buildings interior can still be affected by exterior temperatures. Without proper ventilation and heating, moisture from condensation may damage plaster, cause paint to peel, stain woodwork and warp floors. If such conditions are allowed to continue structural damage may occur from rot or insects attracted to moist conditions. To provide you with the necessary information to make wise decisions regarding the continued maintenance and care of Antioch’s historic campus buildings, I have enclosed a copy of the Preservation Brief cited above. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Glenn A. Harper, Manager Preservation Services Enclosure
