Lost: 1921 Doric Temple
By Margaret Foster | Online Only | Apr. 9, 2008
Lost: 1921 Doric Temple, Union City, N.J.
Credit: Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy
It was the Parthenon of Union City, New Jersey, and it's gone. Last month the city bulldozed a 1921 Masonic lodge known as the Doric Temple in order to build a swimming pool and expand a public park.
"Union City has a track record of not taking care of its historic resources," says John Gomez, founder of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy. "I understand that [they're] dying for open space, but they could have included some of the building's elements into the park." Unfortunately, the temple's most arresting architectural features—its columns—were damaged during the demolition process.
In the past four years, the city has demolished one art deco stadium and two old schools. Now the Doric Temple, empty for the past five years, joins the list of losses.
"What made that building special was it was situated on a precipice overlooking Manhattan and Hoboken, almost like the Parthenon," Gomez says. "I think the architects from the 20s realized that."
Union City expects to complete its Fireman Memorial Park in April 2009.
Comments
Submitted by lawthomas at: April 20, 2008
I'm not shedding many tears over the loss of an ugly building. Some old things, like the post war Hudson cars, were not worth saving. They were not good looking when new.
Submitted by Steamboat Steve at: April 20, 2008
Aaauuugh! Once again 'Jersy lives down to my expectations. I never want to go to Union City. Any city that so lacks in self-respect is not worthy of my time!
Submitted by Ken at: April 18, 2008
As long as valuable architectutral elements in Union City, and anywhere else, are destroyed Union City residents will need to demand protection before the remaining resources and landmarks are gone; architectural salvage has value; original columns would've been a great on-site feature as historical reminders, a sense of place and existence; even relocation to a government center, park, or sold to a developer, would've a better choice than destruction; damaged columns in Greece still have intrinsic value after centuries, thousands of years; imagine that! The architectural heritage we have may be replaced or gentrified for a newer fresher look. Consider preservation. Demand historic preservation, representation, and policy review before new construction and improvements destroy any remaining landmarks. Hard to take when an act appears intentional, and not accidental.
Submitted by eileenkny at: April 11, 2008
I think it is so sad. This country does not respect it's elders or their history. What will archeologists of the future find in the US? Swimming pools and McMansions. What does that say about us?
Submitted by Hudson History at: April 10, 2008
What exact architectural elements will be incorporated into the new park extension? Crumbled bricks? Crumbled columns? Did the architects plan to incorporate salvaged elements BEFORE demolition, or as an afterthought when the preservation community threw a fit? Union City, as historic as it is, deserves much better from the Brian Stack administration, which has been on a tear-down rampage for several years now.
Submitted by Tony Squire at: April 10, 2008
Thanks for the article and to John Gomez. In regard to incorporating architectural elements in the new park, local newspaper accounts (The Jersey Journal, The Union City Reporter) stated the architectural firm will include some elements of the former Doric Temple as features of the park. Still the loss of the massive columns is irretrievable and the grandeur of the front facade will be missed by local preservationists and nearby residents. It was a gem of an icon and now it's gone forever except in memory, photos, and affection of former lodge members. Kudos to members of the Hudson County Genealogical Society for their efforts to save the temple, and of course, preservation advocates like John Gomez.