The architect’s rendering
The Bowling Green Historic Preservation Commission has chosen the Hanna House as October’s Historic Building of the Month.
The commission met on Sept. 24.
The homeowners sent the HPC the description and history of the home, which is currently the newest building that has been given the honor.
“We’re eager to put it out there partly because it’s very interesting. The house has beautiful architecture and is located on two beautiful acres of wooden land. Someday, we may designate it as a historic building,” said Geoff Howes, HPC secretary. “Built in 1955 by local lawyer Martin Hanna, it is a mid-century modern building. Martin’s four children grew up in the house, with his daughter being the final occupant of the home until she passed away last year. Martin’s mother, Myrna Hanna, was the first woman from Wood County to be elected to the State House of Representatives and is the namesake of Hanna Hall on BGSU’s Campus.”
The HPC is currently interested in four buildings throughout the city, hoping that they can receive historical designations in the future.
“We’re probably several steps away from doing a historic designation for any of these (sites). We especially have our eye on two buildings in town that are very old: the former South Main School and former hospital. Both buildings have been unused for over a decade,” Howes said. “The new owner of the former hospital is interested in preserving the building. There’s little we can do directly as a commission to influence people on what they do with their buildings unless they’re already designated. The property owners must come to us for approval of the improvements. We operate as much as we can with interested local people.”
