TROY — Efforts to demolish the Tavern Building in downtown Troy have stalled for a second time after Miami County Common Pleas Court Judge Stacy M. Wall ruled Monday, Oct. 10, to overturn the Troy Board of Zoning Appeals’ recent approval of the building’s demolition.

Parts of the structure date back to 1841 and the property served as the Miami County Courthouse until 1888. Also known as the 100F Building, the building was originally purchased by its current owners in 2018.

An amendment to the city of Troy Zoning Code regarding the historic preservation overlay district was approved by Troy City Council at its Sept. 5, 2022, meeting. The amendment has been the subject of public discourse since late July. The zoning changes came in response to the ongoing legal battle over the demolition of West Main Street building, which was damaged in a 2020 tornado and approved for demolition by the Troy Planning Commission.

At the September Troy City Council meeting, the Community and Economic Development Committee, along with a memorandum from City Director Patrick Titterington, addressed the concerns of the public in a detailed report and clarified points of confusion in the amendment.

According to court documents, the building’s owners first applied for a demolition permit in September of 2020. The Troy Planning Commission approved a permit to demolish the building located at 112-118 W. Main St. in Troy, owned by 116 West Main LLC and Randy Kimmel, of Covington. That decision was appealed by an organization named Evil Empire LLC, Ben Sutherly, and the Troy Historic Preservation Alliance.

“The Board of Zoning Appeals failed to adhere to the provisions of the Troy Zoning Code concerning the demolition of structures in the Historic Landmark Overlay District,” Wall said in her decision.

“This is a landmark day for historic preservation in Troy, Ohio,” a written statement from the Troy Historic Preservation Alliance said. “We are thrilled that the court carefully studied the facts in the case and recognized the flaws in the Board of Zoning Appeals’ decision. We call on the property owner, along with city and county officials, to come together with other stakeholders to repair the building’s parapet so the sidewalk can reopen, and to explore viable ways to repurpose this very historic site. Today’s decision demonstrates how much our community cares about our beautiful and historic downtown, and we are beyond grateful for the broad support that this appeal received.”