OSWEGO – Refurbishment of the Old City Hall Building in Oswego, otherwise known as the Market House 1836 Project, was under notable discussion during last night’s Common Council meeting Monday, September 26.
Oswego City Historian, Vice President of the Oswego County Heritage Foundation and President of the Oswego History Records Center Mark Slosek, spoke during public session covering the rich history of the unique historical structure, or what many residents refer to as “Old City Hall.”
According to Slosek, the original design was crafted after the Washington Market located in downtown Albany; the growing Oswego community choosing to add two stories to the original design with a bell tower and clock in order to alert people to fires happening within the village.
“The Market House was built on a lot 26 and in the original survey that was done in the 1790’s, it was laid out and designated to be the Public Market. It was designed by Philip Hooker, who was a noted Albany architect,” Slosek said. “The structure was completed in 1837. It’s a classic Federalist design and even in its current condition, it still is pretty eye-catching when you look at it. Oswego became a village in 1828, and the founders wanted to build an edifice designed to let everyone know that Oswego was a growing and prosperous community.”
According to Slosek, the building has gone through a series of transformations over the last 185 years: from city government offices including a jail, court and post office – to railroad headquarters, phone, ship chandlery and glass companies, along with a drill auditorium, ballroom, church, school, radio station and tailor shop. The last stop was the creation of the Old City Hall Restaurant and Tavern.
“Without a doubt, the Market House has symbolized the history of the Oswego Community. It’s seen just about everything the community has to offer,” Slosek said.
According to Slosek, the National Liberty Party at one time held their National Convention in the top floor of the historic building, nominating Gerrit Smith for president along with running mate and first African American vice presidential nominee Samuel Ringgold Ward.
Slosek ended his historical account appealing to the Council for backing in making the project a possibility.
“I encourage the Common Council, the mayor and community leaders to support this preservation project by working with the developers to create financial incentives that will make it possible for the developer to do historic renovations that the community will be proud of, and [that] will make the Market House one of the cornerstones of our recently renovated downtown,” Slosek said.
Oswego County Historical Society Board President Mary Kay Stone also made a brief summation during last night’s public session.
“I’m President of the Oswego County Historical Society. I hope you all never take for granted the wonderful historic buildings we have in town. And I thank you in advance for anything you can do to help preserve this building,” Stone said.
A resolution approving a grant application submission for the Market House 1836 Project was unanimously passed by the Council during last night’s meeting.
Following are all agenda items unanimously approved by the Council during last night’s meeting:
- Approve minutes of September 12, 2022 Common Council meeting
- Approve Use of Public Space – Michael Ruggio, owner of commercial property located at 53-57 East Third St., for construction of an ADA ramp
- Approve Use of Public Space to the Buc Boosters in order to host the
Buc Spirit Parade on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 - Use of Public Space – Larry Miller, of Amnesty Crossfit, in order to host a 5K Event to be held Sunday, October 2, 2022
- Approve Use of Public Space – Dean Wright, of Densens House Organization to host a “Winter Warm-up Event” to be held November 17, 2022
- Approve Use of Public Space – Dorothy Ginn, in order to host a block party on Saturday, September 24, 2022
- Authorize Mayor and/or Economic Development Deputy Director to execute contracts or Agreements for the Creepy Crawl and Tree Lighting
- Authorize mayor to enter into an agreement with Michael L. Maxam, RA for Design and Construction Documents for the Skate Park and Sheldon Beach Projects and further Authorize City Chamberlain to complete a budget amendment for same
- Accept proposal and authorize mayor to sign an agreement with JMT of New York, Inc. for construction services for the Riverwalk West – Bridge Street to West Utica Street Project and further authorize City Chamberlain to Advance Funds for same
- Authorize mayor to enter into an agreement with Russell Mason Art for a mural along the Skate Park entrance and authorize City Chamberlain to Complete a budget amendment and make payments for same
- Authorize City Chamberlain to advance funds for the purchase of a new Heavy Rescue Vehicle
- Authorize City Chamberlain to complete various transfers of funds within the Wastewater Department for the purchase of chemicals, fire hydrant replacements and ferrous chloride tank parts
- Authorize City Chamberlain to complete a budget amendment in the amount of $1,200.00 for the Ghost Hunting Event at Fort Ontario
- Waive rules for Common Council to present Resolution Nos. 296-299 from the floor without Committee consideration
- Authorize mayor to enter into a Four (4) Year Extension Agreement with the Oswego Firefighters Union to be effective January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2026
- Motion to rescind Resolution No. 270, dated September 12, 2022 Re: Zone Change for Properties located at 191 and 193 Fifth Avenue in the Fifth Ward, from a TN2 Traditional Neighborhood 2 to TB Traditional Business – RE: Petition of Anthony Pauldine
- Approve Use of Public Space – Selma Sheridan, on behalf of Safe Haven Museum, in order to host a Grand Re-Opening Event to be held on Sunday, October 9, 2022
All Common Council meetings are held the second and fourth Mondays of every month, the next meeting to be held on Monday, October 10. To view the full agenda, please click here.
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