Mall Site Chosen for Convention Center
 by Kathleen H. Crowther

The Cleveland Restoration Society applauds the decision by the Cuyahoga County Commissioners to redevelop the current Cleveland Convention Center. This is in the public interest because it reinvests in a publicly owned landmark asset; reinforces decades of investment in the surrounding area of hotels and restaurants; offers excellent connectivity to the life of the city; is less expensive than new construction and better for the environment. What more can we ask for? Most importantly, this site selection will revitalize the magnificent Public Auditorium complex (1922, 1929) with its glorious landmark spaces - Public Auditorium, Music Hall, Little Theatre and the Spanish-design ballroom. These very spaces will make a renewed convention center dramatically attractive and provide a distinct advantage compared to other venues. The sustainable thing to do is to honor the embodied energy and beauty of our historic places by valuing them through reinvestment, and it's better for the local economy since rehabilitation takes more labor than new construction. On with the project! We will be proud to see a beloved landmark restored to its former glory. Kudos to the Medical Mart for recognizing this building as a feature to polish up and show off!

 

 Upcoming Award Nomination Deadlines
 local and national recognition up for grabs

It's February again, which means its high season for submitting your favorite projects, organizations, and people for this year's round of preservation awards.

The Cleveland Restoration Society and AIA Cleveland are now accepting nominations for eligible projects to be recognized at the 2009 Celebration of Preservation awards program, which will be held on May 6 at the Hanna Theatre in Playhouse Square. Nominations in preservation, renovation, restoration and adaptive use of historic buildings will be considered, as well as the long-term stewardship of historic properties, organizational accomplishments and individual achievements. Projects must be located in Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, Portage, Summit, Medina or Lorain County and put into service by February 15, 2009. Nomination forms can be downloaded from CRS's web site and must be returned to Michael Fleenor by 5:00 pm on Monday, February 16.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is also inviting nominations of individuals, organizations, agencies or projects for consideration for the National Preservation Awards. Categories include: the Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award, Trustees' Awards, Advisory Council for Historic Preservation and HUD Awards and National Preservation Honor Awards. Nominations must be postmarked by March 2. Contact Heather Johnson, 202-588-6315, for more information.

The Shaker Heights Landmark Commission is accepting nominations for the eleventh annual Preservation Awards. The awards recognize outstanding exterior preservation projects completed in the last two years. Recipients are acknowledged for success in preserving, rehabilitating, restoring or interpreting the architectural integrity and cultural heritage of a Shaker home or building. Nomination forms should be submitted by 5:00 pm on March 31. Contact Ann Klavora at 216-491-1436 with any questions.

 

 Opportunity for CRS Members
 hear about the "Cleveland School" of artists

Join the Cleveland Restoration Society from 5:30 - 7:30 pm on February 11 at the Sarah Benedict House for a members-only viewing of a selection of painting from the "Cleveland School." See twelve paintings from artists such as Paul Travis, William Sommer, and Carl Gaertner close-up within the context of the period wall colors, stenciling and wallpaper of the Benedict House and hear from William Busta, curator of collections at Cleveland Artists Foundation and well-known Cleveland art dealer, about these artists and their works. Light refreshments will be served. The house has secure parking and is accessible. This event is free and open only to members of the Cleveland Restoration Society and the Cleveland Artists Foundation, but space is limited. RSVP to Felicia Hall, 216-426-3110.

Shown above is Graveyard in Southern Ohio by Paul Travis.

 

 2009 Dozen Distinctive Destinations Listed
 staying closer to home this year?

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced its annual list of a Dozen Distinctive Destinations, and several are only a few hours drive from Northeast Ohio. Each year since 2000, the Trust has selected 12 vacation destinations across the United States that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation and revitalization. Destinations in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York are among those recognized this year.

 

 Ohio Historical Society Budget Cuts
 OHPO, Society to close for one week

State agencies and programs, with few exceptions, will suffer funding cuts in response to the continued declining national economy which has had severe state-wide effects. The Ohio Historical Society is facing a 4.75 percent cut in state funding and revenue shortfall for the 2009 fiscal year. Without taking counteracting measures, OHS would incur an estimated $1.2 million budget deficit. One step that OHS will take is the closing of selected sites, the Archives-Library in Columbus and Youngstown, and the Ohio Historic Preservation Office March 28 to April 3. The sites that will close for that week include the Armstrong Air & Space Museum, Fort Meigs, Ohio Historical Center/Ohio Village and the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry & Labor. OHS is also exploring expanding its partnership agreements between the society and local organizations or governmental agencies to enhance site stewardship. Of the society's 58 historic sites, 29 sites are currently operated under partnership arrangements.

 

 Ohio Restores Residential Solar Grants
 works with new federal 30% solar tax credit

The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) has resumed funding for solar residential electrical projects, which, combined with the federal program, is designed to make home solar systems more affordable and to reduce the payback time from 30 to roughly 10 years. The program is administered by the Ohio Department of Energy which will award grants for residential solar projects at the rate of $3 per watt, up to $25,000. The monies will come from the ODOD advanced energy fund, which receives approximately $5 million annually from a 9% per month fee on the electric bills paid by customers served by an investor- owned utility. Municipal systems customers do not pay this fee and are not eligible for this program.

On a related note, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has proposed that the federal Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit - which currently allows taxpayers a 10% credit capped at $500 for energy-saving products - be significantly expanded for owners of historic and older homes to 20% with an annual maximum limit of $5,000. The Trust is asking for input in order to better inform the process. Take a minute today to participate in their new survey, "How Green Could You Be?"

 

 Mayor Jackson Seeks Funds for Demolition
 1,700 demolitions proposed

Legislation sent to the Cleveland City Council on January 27 by Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson reflects, in part, the disastrous impact of the current foreclosure crisis. It proposes spending more than half of the $25.5 million of available U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds to remove vacant and derelict structures in the city and an additional $1 million to convert vacant land to community gardens and other practical purposes. Council will be reviewing the proposal over the next several weeks and may suggest amendments including assuring the use of the funds most effectively and the need to support potential renovation where feasible. Last year the city tore down 1,100 abandoned houses.

 

 Countering Foreclosure in Cleveland Heights
 agency launches initiative

A subsidiary called Home in the Heights has been formed by the Home Repair Resource Center to purchase and renovate vacant houses in Cleveland Heights. Plans include buying, renovating and selling twelve vacant houses in the next twelve months. The objective is to help stabilize areas with high foreclosure rates and to improve high-vacancy neighborhoods. Additionally, the organization has started new home buyer education and down-payment assistance programs. Contact the Home Repair Resource Center at 216- 381-6100 for more information.

 

 Oberlin Heritage Center Wins National Honor
 one of the first recipients

The Oberlin Heritage Center has recently been designated a Preserve America Steward through an inaugural nation-wide program to recognize exemplary volunteer efforts at the state, tribal, local and regional level in caring for historic resources. The center is the only Midwestern organization to receive this new award. The goals of Preserve America, an initiative of President George W. Bush, include a greater shared knowledge about the nation's past, strengthened regional identities and local pride, increased local participation in preserving the country's cultural and natural heritage assets, and support for the economic vitality of our communities. Congratulations to Pat Murphy and the staff and volunteers of the Oberlin Heritage Center!

 

 Cozad-Bates House Fundraiser Planned
 Restore Cleveland Hope launches "In Their Path 2009"

Seeking to raise $250,000 to advance the restoration of the Cozad-Bates House in Cleveland, Joan Southgate will start a 250-mile walk on May 1 from Salem Chapel in St. Catherines, Ontario Province, Canada to the Cleveland house site. The walk is the first major capital campaign for Restore Cleveland Hope, a nonprofit formed to save the Cozad-Bates House, the last pre-Civil War home still standing in University Circle. The campaign, called "In Their Path 2009," is seeking gifts and pledges per mile. Contact Joan Southgate for more information.

 

 Internship Opportunities
 get a job!

The National Park Service's Heritage Documentation Programs department is seeking applications for summer employment documenting historic sites and structures of architectural, engineering and landscape significance throughout the country. The summer teams work as part the Historic American Buildings Survey, Historic American Engineering Record, and Historic American Landscapes Survey. Projects last 12 weeks, beginning in May/June. Salaries range from $6,000 to $11,000. The deadline for applications is February 17.

The Historic Preservation Internship Training Program, operated jointly with the National Council for Preservation Education, invites applications for summer internships with the National Park Service, US Navy, Department of Defense, General Services Administration, and US Fish and Wildlife Service. The program trains future historians, archeologists, architects, curators, planners, and archivists by providing the opportunity to work under the direction of experienced professionals in the field of historic preservation. The application deadline is February 20. For more information contact Guy Lapsley at 202-354-2025.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation keeps an updated listing of spring/summer internships as well. Requirements and deadlines vary. Check with the Trust regularly to see what positions are available.

 

 Upcoming Workshops for Homeowners
 

The Affordable Green Housing Center of Environmental Health Watch is offering a series of four free programs called "Greening Your Home" to help you learn how to improve energy performance, air quality, and comfort in your home. The first session is on February 4, with additional sessions on February 11, 18, and 25. All go from 7:00 - 9:00 pm at the Umerley Civic Center, 21012 Hilliard Blvd. in Rocky River. Call 216-961-4646 to register.

The Cleveland Restoration Society is teaming up once again with Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens and Progress Through Preservation to offer the Historic House Workshop Series of five engaging workshops designed to educate and inform historic building enthusiast, from homeowners to professionals. The first workshop, Restoring or Designing Your Historic Garden, will be held on Saturday, February 21 from 10:00 am to noon in Stan Hywet's Carriage House Auditorium. See a complete listing of the series. The cost is $25 per session or $100 for all five. Contact Chrissy Kozey at 330-315-3261 to register.

 

 Calendar of Events
 what to do, where to do it, and when to go

February 4
Greening Your Home
Umerley Civic Center, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
21012 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River
Register by calling 216-961-4646
Environmental Health Watch

February 8
Neighborhood History Gallery Talk: Local Dairies
9815 Lorain Ave., 1:00 pm
Cudell Improvement, Inc., 216-228-4383

February 11
Members Reception
Featuring local art expert William Busta
3751 Prospect Ave., Cleveland
Cleveland Restoration Society, 216-426-1000

February 11
Greening Your Home
Umerley Civic Center, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
21012 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River
Register by calling 216-961-4646
Environmental Health Watch

February 15
An Afternoon with Abraham Lincoln
Mel Maurer, speaker
Cuyahoga County Archives, 2:00 pm
2905 Franklin Blvd., Cleveland
Cuyahoga County Bicentennial Lecture Series

February 18
Greening Your Home
Umerley Civic Center, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
21012 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River
Register by calling 216-961-4646
Environmental Health Watch

February 19
Bioneers Brown Bag Lunch
Featuring Van Jones, founder of Green for All
Levin College of Urban Affairs, Room 326, 12:00 - 2:00 pm
Levin College Forum

February 21
SNOOP! of Tyler Village
Cleveland Restoration Society, 216-426-1000

February 21
Restoring or Designing Your Historic Garden
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Akron, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
RSVP to Chrissy Kozey, 330-315-3261, $
Part of the 2009 Historic House Workshop Series
Cleveland Restoration Society
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Progress Through Preservation

February 21
Emerge 2009 Party for Sustainability
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
8:00 - 11:30 pm, tickets required, $$
GreenCityBlueLake Institute

February 24
"Maintaining Your Older Home"
Sara Hobbs, speaker
Oberlin Public Library, 7:00 pm
65 South Main Street, Oberlin
Oberlin Heritage Center
Lorain County Preservation Network
Oberlin Historic Preservation Commission

February 25
Greening Your Home
Umerley Civic Center, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
21012 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River
Register by calling 216-961-4646
Environmental Health Watch

 

 Save the Date!
 

March 1 - 4
National Main Streets Conference
Chicago, registration required, $$$
National Trust for Historic Preservation

March 3
The History of Electric Street Railways in Lorain County
Kendal at Oberlin, 7:15 pm
Oberlin Heritage Center

March 7
Going Green in Historic Houses
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Akron, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
RSVP to Chrissy Kozey, 330-315-3261, $
Part of the 2009 Historic House Workshop Series
Cleveland Restoration Society
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Progress Through Preservation

March 8
Neighborhood History Gallery Talk: Trolley Cars/InterUrbans
9815 Lorain Ave., 1:00 pm
Cudell Improvement, Inc., 216-228-4383

March 21
The American Home Interior: Treatment and Transformation
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Akron, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
RSVP to Chrissy Kozey, 330-315-3261, $
Part of the 2009 Historic House Workshop Series
Cleveland Restoration Society
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Progress Through Preservation