The Farm Crest Bakeries Building, a significant part of Columbus's architectural heritage, is under threat. This once ultra-modern building is planned to be demolished, despite no significant deterioration, and no attempts to reuse or refurbish the building. Local developer Woda Cooper Companies Inc. hopes to build a single four-story apartment building in its place, with no consideration for the context of the site and its history. A significant part of Columbus's architectural heritage, the Farm Crest Bakery has been a part of our community for decades. It's been an important source of jobs for the Near East Side and South Side, enthusiastically employing many African Americans during the height of racial discrimination in the U.S. in the 1960s.

Columbus doesn't deserve to lose more of its architectural and historical fabric. It's at risk of losing a sense of identity as iconic structures like this one make way for constructions devoid of character. Additionally, preserving this structure is the environmentally responsible thing to do. Reusing materials and structures is enormously more sustainable than the demolition, manufacturing, and rebuilding process for a new building.

I am urging Woda Cooper, the community, and local authorities in Columbus to recognize the cultural significance of this landmark and to take immediate action towards its preservation. We cannot allow our history to be erased by neglect or indifference.

Please join us in urging Woda Cooper to preserve this irreplaceable piece of Columbus's history by signing this petition today!

Here's a great new video that embodies why Art Deco matters, and how demolishing architecturally intricate buildings in order to construct generic box-like housing is such a bad move: