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The Ethan Allen store in 1990. 📸 Credit: Batavia Depot Museum
The Batavia Historic Preservation Commission will discuss a proposal Monday (10/13) to demolish the long-vacant Ethan Allen building at 14-18 North Batavia Avenue — a site that carries more than a century of local history.
The structure, owned by Batavia United Methodist Church, includes a patchwork of six connected buildings, the oldest dating to the late 1800s. Once home to Hubbard’s Home Furnishings and later Ethan Allen, the property has sat largely unused since 2019.
Hubbard’s Home Furnishings in 1950. 📸 Credit: Batavia Depot Museum
Key things to know
Demolition request: The church is seeking a Certificate of Appropriateness to raze the building, citing structural deterioration, fire risks, and plans to restore the site to a grass surface.
Historic significance: Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley suggested a a standard review process (versus a streamlined one), noting the building’s ties to Batavia’s early churches, long run as a family-owned furniture store, and even its role as the home gym for the high school’s 1912 state-champion basketball team.
City staff concerns: Planning staff pointed out that removing another downtown commercial structure could create misalignment with the city’s long-range downtown plan and recommended landscaping, fencing, and pedestrian improvements if demolition is approved.
Next steps: Monday’s meeting will be the first public hearing before the commission makes a recommendation to City Council. The panel could also schedule a tour of the property later this month.
Here’s the Historic Preservation Commission meeting agenda. Here’s the city memo with details on the project.
Residents may attend in person or submit comments to the city before the meeting.
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