2026 Most Endangered Sites

This modest building in the Southern Orchards neighborhood represents the late nineteenth century growth of Columbus.  The single story camel-back style masonry building has simple arched two-over-two windows, a small front porch, and a newer shingle roof. The camel-back name comes from the two-story portion on the rear of the building. The warehouse serves as storage for local community needs.

According to census records and Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, a number of different professionals worked in the area and had a need for storing goods outside of their home. The building showcases the development of the edges of Columbus, transitioning from the rural townships to its modern urban form.

Designed by Howard Dwight Smith, architect of Ohio Stadium, the Fairwood Elementary School was the first school constructed to respond to the growing Black population on the east side of Columbus. It was likely one of Smith’s first works after designing Ohio Stadium, and his oldest school left still extant. It was designed in the Tudor Revival style, including red brick with contrasting stone rusticated quoins, half-timbered entryways, and narrow arrow-slot windows across the facade.

The building still currently serves as a Columbus Public School, but is slated to close at the end of this school year. Along with several other schools, there has been a push to demolish these schools. Fairwood Elementary represents a direct link to the growing Black population of Columbus and the city’s reaction to providing additional resources.

These two buildings, located near the edge of German Village’s Historic District, represent a continued threat of demolition by neglect.  The residential masonry buildings have been through a revolving door of owners who have progressively cleared the site as its structures have decayed, despite their inclusion in the Historic District.  While current plans are unclear, the buildings remain untouched and deteriorating.

The six-story Beacon Building, designed by Benham, Richards and Armstrong for the Beacon Mutual Indemnity Co., features a number of Mid-century Modern design features. The red granite tower, topped with a neon Beacon sign, Indiana Limestone curtain walls, and, until recently, a set of aluminum fins make this a standout in Columbus.

The building was purchased in 1978 by the City of Columbus, who used it for a variety of office functions. However, by 2018 all city functions moved to the Coleman Municipal Center and the Beacon Building remains vacant.

The other Howard Dwight Smith designed school on this year’s list, the Courtright school features the relatively rare Egyptian Revival style architecture.  It is a symmetrical design with decorative features including winged-orb motifs over the doorways, battered entryways, a cavetto cornice, and palm-topped columns.

The school was converted to the Cathedral of the Covenant Church in 1959. The building was put up for sale in 2025 with the note that building is “expected to be razed.” While no new plans have been announced, the property was sold to the Saint Michael Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.