The Libbey House Preserved

Area dignitaries converged at the residence built in 1895 by Toledo Glass Industrialist Edward Drummond Libbey and Florence Scott Libbey, at 2008 Scottwood Avenue, to celebrate the transfer of the home’s ownership from private to public hands on a day when historic buildings seem to be losing their significance. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places. We purchased the house on May 20, 2008, with financial assistance provided by Fifth Third Bank (Northwestern Ohio).

The Libbey House Foundation Board Chair, Philip Williams, happily received the keys from owners Lloyd and Jeanene Perkins on the front porch of the home. The basic reasons of the purchase, according to Mr. Williams, are to preserve the house and share Toledo’s Glass City Story — past, present, and future — with the greater Toledo community. (It is a three story, 9000 sq. ft. building that will become ADA accessible.)

Organizing nearly three years ago, the LHF Board quietly has been raising funds for the home’s purchase and renovations. Plans include using the home’s second and third floors as a Learning Center showcasing the people, products and innovations instrumental to Toledo becoming known as the Glass City.

“The community partnership forged among individuals from government, labor, corporations, and the community are the hallmark of our success thus far,” stated Board Treasurer Thomas Hurley. We have been building an Implementation Team consisting of the Glass City Advisory Committee, an architect, a contractor, a librarian, bankers, foundations, and donors. However, significant additional funds will be required to complete the restoration, renovation and displays.

Located on Scottwood Avenue in the Old West End, across from TMA Glass Pavilion, the Libbey House will add to the Arts Campus created by the Toledo Museum of Art, the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, the Art Department of the University of Toledo, and the Arts Commission of Toledo. It will be a welcome addition to the growing list of reasons people want to come to downtown Toledo.

The Libbey House had been held in private hands since Mrs. Libbey’s death in the 1930’s. It will be ready for its public opening in 2009.