Letter to Editor: Community Pushes to Save Historic Molly Stark Sanatorium

A growing grassroots movement is urging Stark County officials to pause demolition plans and explore preservation alternatives for the historic Molly Stark Sanatorium, a landmark with deep ties to Ohio’s public health and architectural legacy.

More than 500 citizens have signed a petition demanding the site be preserved and repurposed rather than destroyed. Advocates are now requesting a temporary moratorium on demolition, while work is underway to nominate the structure to the National Register of Historic Places-a move that could unlock federal funding and tax incentives for restoration.

“Molly Stark is one of Stark County’s last tangible links to our early 20th century public health history, and its loss would be irreversible,” said Hannah Sues, a Canton resident and preservation advocate. “We’re simply asking for time to do this the right way.”

Sues has volunteered her time over the past year to research, document, and advocate for the building’s preservation.

The movement also proposes exploring a preservation easement, which would legally protect the building from future demolition while still allowing the property to be owned and managed locally.

Community members are calling on the Stark County Commissioners and Stark Parks to join the conversation and work with preservation groups such as Heritage Ohio and the Ohio History Connection.

Those in support can click here to sign the petition.