City admits error in demolishing historic homes
Jacksonville, Fla. -- You see the hearts throughout Springfield - painted on historic homes in foreclosure, or structures threatened with demolition. But the group behind the hearts - Preservation Save Our Springfield -- has found the biggest threat to homes isn't time or decay - it may be the city's failure to follow the rules.
On May 23, the house at 129 East 2nd Street came crashing down. Built in 1905, the two story home had been targeted by Springfield advocates for preservation.
Just 24 hours before it was demolished, the city's Historic Planning Commission had approved a request from Preservation SOS to seek to shore up the home, rather than see it destroyed.
The city chose to proceed with the tear-down.
Then, less than 30 days later, another demolition 253 E. 2nd Street - just one block away.