East of Africa Update - Library Repairs
Spring construction has resumed on the East of Africa development project, despite the cyclical weather. The most visible sign is the scaffolding being erected on the north wall of the Sharp House.
Brickmasons began Monday, grinding away the loose and decaying mortar on the north side of the Sharp House. The plans for restoring the historic house are tuck-pointing the bricks and then low-pressure powerwashing to remove accumulated grime and mold.
Meanwhile, city inspectors have not yet decided which of the seven mortar colors will replace the removed portions.
Underground Vault for Electric and Data
One of the projects delayed at the end of last summer was the installation of an underground concrete vault across the street from the Sharp House. The vault will house conduit connections for electrical and data cables.
Still Farmland in East of Africa
A large portion of the 88 acres under development at East of Africa, planted late last summer as hay fields, has survived the unusual winter. More acreage will be planted this year as the city’s project is completed.
The hay will prevent erosion and runoff as it matures. It also allows the city to maintain the property's CAUV agricultural tax status. Maintaining the lower tax status keeps the city from having to pay a recoupment fee until the land is sold to a private developer, who is then responsible for paying the conversion taxes.
Library’s State Street Entrance Closed
The west entrance to the Westerville Public Library was closed Monday as repairs began on the adjacent History Museum structure, library officials said.
In an email, the library said crews are repairing parts of the building at 110 State St., including the peak where bricks have fallen, the top of the chimney, and several small cracks along the walls and stairway where stucco is falling away.
According to a historic plaque for the building, the brick home was built by George Stoner in the 1850s. Along with an adjacent plot, it was later given to the Anti-Saloon League by the Westerville Board of Trade for use as its printing headquarters and offices. The league printed anti-alcohol material for distribution across the United States and around the world.
In 1973, the building was given to the Westerville Public Library, which owns and manages the league’s historic collections. Previous owners included the Meyer family, whose daughter, Agnes Meyer Driscoll, was a pioneering cryptologist.
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