Birckhead Place Historic District...Toledo

[InfoPro]

I just ran across this thread and I know it's old, but I'm hoping to hear from those still interested in the topic.

As a 3-year resident of Birckhead Place and life-long resident of Toledo, I can say that most of what has been said on this forum about Birckhead is accurate. It's kind of bizarre, but this is still a very pleasant, safe and almost freakishly quiet neighborhood; amazing given it's location, with most of the noise coming from streets that border the community.

That said, the Board is ineffectual. It's members are well intentioned, but they have absolutely no idea what they're doing. I even served on this body briefly but resigned in frustration, and am considering moving. It's such a shame that this once beautiful and special neighborhood is slowly being taken over by people who don't know or care about it's unique history (among other things, it's Ohio's first gated community) or it's lovely houses; each one so different.

What Birckhead desperately needs is for people who care about historic preservation and about restoring and maintaining this community's unique nature, to buy a house here and to become active members of the Board; not people who want a big relatively inexpensive house that they can't (or won't) maintain and that they may rent out (which the bylaws prohibit, but which the Board has been very lax about enforcing!)

If you're relocating to the Toledo area (especially if you're a health care professional, with 3 major medical centers close by, or a symphony musician looking for an excellent orchestra) and you're passionate about historic neighborhoods, PLEASE consider Birckhead Place; we need you! If you're interested, ask me about Toledo too. Despite the negative press (some deserved), there are many hidden jewels here as well; like Birckhead Place!

[ryansmith]

Birckhead Place is charming... I love historic homes so it is kinda disappointing to see that many historic homes had been torn down and replaced with 50s homes... thought there are still many stunning properties there. Anyone that is looking in places like the Old West End would find it worthwhile to at least drive around Birckhead, just to see how it compares.

Blockhead Place is surrounded by a traditionally blighted (though now more transitional) areas, but I have yet to hear of any crime within the community.