Bethany Hall on the campus of Otterbein Retirement Living Communities was constructed in the 1840s as the center of Union Village, the largest community of Shakers in Ohio.  On May 19, Trustees will consider demolition of the building, in response to what are perceived to be unreasonably high renovation costs.  Local preservation organizations, including the Cincinnati Preservation Association, have banded together to advance numerous suggestions on how the building could be used, and the renovation funded.

UPDATE - As of mid-August, Otterbein Communities officials have put a temporary hold on demolition of Bethany Hall, allowing for a study of alternatives by a five-person "historical preservation task force."  Bethany Hall will remain on the Endangered Watch List until this study is concluded and a definite direction chosen.

June 2, 2008 - "Don't demolish Shaker buildng" - Dayton Daily News
May 10, 2008 - Groups plead to save 1840s Shaker headquarters  - Cincinnati Enquirer (picture above)
August 13, 2008 - Shaker building saved from wrecking ball for history study - Middletown Journal

A Call for Support from the Western Shaker Study Group
Sample Letter to the Otterbein Homes Board of Trustees
History of Union Village and List of Possible Adaptive Reuse Options