St. Mark Church is an impressive, historic building that has been a beloved centerpiece in Evanston, Cincinnati since 1914. This church has been witness many changes over the years, especially with the construction of I-71 through the heart of the community, right at the foot of St. Mark. When the interstate came, Evanston lost businesses, homes, connectivity (no more post office or library); much like other predominantly black communities in the city and the rest of the country in the 50s and 60s. But Evanston is resilient and determined to fight for what matters. We care about the history, the legacy, and what makes this neighborhood so beautiful.

We have had grand visions and high hopes for the outreach that will occur within these walls. We hope to reinstate food pantry operations, create space for non-profits and other community-based small businesses, and provide a magnificent space in which Evanstonians and Cincinnatians can celebrate. Our efforts to save St. Mark have been met with many obstacles over the past two years, the most recent one being the contractual agreement between the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and a developer who plans to raze the church. 

We are currently working on officially designating St. Mark as an historic landmark through the City of Cincinnati. If we can succeed in this effort, the developer cannot tear down the building, they will be forced to back out of their contract, and our hope is that the church can then be purchased and restored with our original goals in mind. If you do not want to see another part of our history erased, if you care about the spaces and places that are part of the fabric of our neighborhoods, our families, our legacy...please sign this petition in support of Historic Landmark Designation. If you feel you have even more to offer, letters of support are greatly appreciated as well. They can be sent to Beth Johnson at the addresses below. Let's not let this landmark become another memory. Thank you so much for your willingness to help!

beth.johnson@cincinnati-oh.gov

Beth Johnson, AICP, Urban Conservator  
City of Cincinnati Buildings & Inspections Permit Center | 805 Central Avenue, Suite 500 | Cincinnati, OH 45202