A Toast to Cleveland Water
 attend CRS's annual benefit 10/3

Please join us on Saturday evening, October 3, 2009, at the Baldwin Water Works, 11216 Stokes Boulevard, overlooking Lake Erie and the city's splendid skyline for the Cleveland Restoration Society's 2009 benefit, A Toast to Cleveland Water. The event begins at 5:30 pm and dinner, catered by the Cleveland Skating Club, will be served at 8:00. The evening will include cocktails, entertainment, a silent auction, wine raffle, and tours of the facility, the largest covered reservoir in the world. Designed by city architect Herman Kregelius in 1925, this noble architectural landmark symbolizes the importance of its purpose to all citizens. From 2000 to 2004, Baldwin Water Works underwent a full-scale historic rehabilitation which preserves this civic landmark, including its historic instruments, while fully upgrading its scientific and engineering function. In 2005, CRS recognized this project with a Public Building Restoration Award. Tickets begin at $75. For more information contact Felicia Hall. Advertising space is available in the event program. Contact Breanna Boulton.

 

 Cuyahoga County Juvenile Justice Center Update
 fate unclear

The Cuyahoga County Juvenile Justice Center, which is considered eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural significance and as a structure that once served as a model for juvenile court facilities, seems to be caught between a rock and a hard place. Apparently, the County has no use for the East 22nd Street structure and plans to sell it when the court is relocated in 2012. And, ODOT, if it proceeds with its intention to eliminate the present Inner Belt ramps at Carnegie and Prospect Avenues and construct a new Carnegie Avenue exit as part of its $3.5 billion Inner Belt reconfiguration plans, would require the Center's demolition. However, ODOT has determined that the Center should not be demolished if it is historically significant. Will the County find a sympathetic buyer who would retain the Center's historical core? Will ODOT's designs for the Inner Belt be changed so that there is a Carnegie Ave. exit that does not require the Center's demolition? How do you think this problem can be solved? Let us know your thoughts about this issue and any constructive ideas that might lead to a solution that would assure the building's continued use.

 

 Seneca County Courthouse Saved
 $7.49 million restoration planned

In late August, the three Seneca County (Ohio) Commissioners voted unanimously to renovate the county courthouse. The vote reversed earlier repeated votes to demolish the historic 1884 Tiffin structure, a victory due mainly to a year-long advocacy effort by the Seneca County Courthouse and Downtown Redevelopment Group. The Commissioners' resolution is contingent upon obtaining necessary financing to undertake the project by October 30, 2010. There appears to be considerable optimism that this goal can be reached through a combination of public and private funds.

 

 Akron's Main and Exchange Area
 recommended for National Register status

On August 28 the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board gave the green light to forwarding the Main-Exchange District for listing as a historic district in the National Register of Historic Places to the Keeper of the National Register. This would be the third downtown NR historic district in Akron, following the South Main and Main-Market Districts. The Main-Exchange District consists of 15 buildings, mainly on the west side of South Main Street from Canal Park stadium to Cedar Street and dating from the late 1800s to the 1950s. Final approval will allow the owners of contributing structures within the district who wish to restore or rehabilitate their buildings to apply for the 20 percent federal income tax credit if their proposed projects meet established federal guidelines. The nomination was prepared by the architectural firm Chambers, Murphy & Burge.

 

 ASM International Headquarters
 ready for National Register listing

The Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board, at its August 28 meeting, recommended the ASM Headquarters Metals Park site to the Keeper of the National Register of Historic places for listing. The campus, now known as Materials Park, on the south side of Route 87 in Russell Township, consists of Buckminster Fuller's 103-foot tall 'Space Lattice' above low-rise offices by the late Cleveland architect John Terrence Kelly. A driving force in its creation was William H. Eisenmen, one of ASM's founders. Built in 1959, the 65,000-piece dome is said to be the largest openwork geodesic dome in the world, symbolizing, according to ASM managing director Stan Theobald, "what humankind can do by reaching down into the Earth and taking out its raw materials."

 

 In Memoriam: Bill Laidlaw
 

Dr. William K. Laidlaw, Jr., 66, executive director of the Ohio Historical Society and Ohio State Historic Preservation Officer, died on Friday, August 7 while vacationing with his family. He led OHS for six years during increasingly difficult economic times. During that period, Bill significantly reshaped the OHS's financial structure from primary dependence on state funds to a more entrepreneurial state-wide approach. His strategic planning efforts focused on the preservation of historic sites and collections; statewide outreach; and providing increased access for education and research. He had planned to retire at the end of this year. OHS Board chair Richard T. Prasse said that "Bill was wholeheartedly committed to the historical society's mission 'to help people connect with Ohio's past in order to create a better future'". CRS extends its condolence to his wife, Donna, and their family. The preservation community will miss his enthusiasm, creativity and leadership.

 

 Online Weatherization Guide
 for older and historic buildings

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has just issued an important weatherization guide that offers homeowners a one-stop resource on how to make their homes more energy efficient and comfortable without straining their finances or compromising the historic qualities of their structures. This is, in part, a rational counter to marketing pressure that may mislead homeowners to replace older windows unnecessarily.

 

 Responding to the Economic Downturn
 latest Forum issue focus

The summer 2009 issue of the National Trust's Forum Journal focuses on the impact that the current recession is having on the preservation field. The issue's theme is that the downturn offers an opportunity to establish plans and policies that will assure preservation has a key role in a renewed future economy. Among the seven articles is National Trust's Midwest Office director Royce Yeater's piece "The Foreclosure Crisis: Preservation Concerns and Responses," which includes research from his visit to Cleveland this past January, when he was based at and assisted by CRS.

 

 National Trust Stimulus Sale
 books, books, books

Now through September 8 all titles are on sale at Preservation Books. National Trust Forum and Main Street Network members can receive 40% off the regular price. National Trust individual and family members can receive a 25% discount. 10% discounts are available to non-members. At online check out, enter the promotional code SALE09 to get your discount.

 

 Distinctive Destinations Deadline Extended
 nominate your community before 9/10

If you are thinking about encouraging a community in your region to apply for the 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations, now is the time! By popular demand, the deadline has been extended to September 10, 2009. The Dozen Distinctive Destinations program recognizes unique cities and towns across America that are working to preserve their historic character, promote heritage tourism, enhance their community and encourage others to enjoy all they have to offer. Each year since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has selected 12 destinations that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, diverse cultural activities, attractive architecture and a strong commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization.

 

 2010 Heritage Ohio Conference Proposals
 submit by 11/15

"Cultivating Community & Tending to Tradition" is the theme for next year's Heritage Ohio conference, to take place June 15-17 in Athens, OH. Proposals are invited for presentations addressing the many facets of historic preservation and downtown revitalization. Speakers are welcome from any field with a concern for historic properties, urban renewal, sustainable development, heritage tourism, cultural resources and traditional cultural places. Proposals must be submitted by November 15, 2009. Contact Heritage Ohio for more information.

 

 Medina Recognized as "Best Small Town"
 A Main Street Town

The August 2009 issue of Money magazine includes Medina, OH among its list of 100 best small towns in which to live. The magazine chose from towns with populations of 8,500 to 50,000, comparing a number of statistics and amenities, such as crime rates, arts funding, restaurants, and air quality in each location ranked against the Best Places average. In addition to Medina, nine other 2009 "best small towns" were Main Street communities, including Rochester, Michigan; Batavia, Illinois; and Pewaukee, Wisconsin.

 

 Call for Contestants
 do you have city game?

Want to be a part of the first reality TV show filmed in Cleveland? Learn more at www.gotcitygame.tv.

 

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

September 5
Fall Canal Cleanup
Little Cuyahoga River and Canal, Akron
Cascade Locks Park Association

September 9
"Show Me the Money" Funding Workshop
Portsmouth, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, $$$
Heritage Ohio

September 11
PlayhouseSquare Block Party
Star Plaza at PlayhouseSquare, Cleveland
5:30 - 9:30 pm, $$
PlayhouseSquare District Development Corporation

September 11
Inglewood Historic District Celebration
Intersection of Inglewood and Oakridge
Lakewood, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Lakewood Historical Society

September 14-15
Great Lakes Regionalism & Economic Development Workshop
Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs
1717 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland
German Marshall Fund

September 17
Celebrating Paper: The 25th Anniversary Ohio Preservation Council Symposium
The Msgr. Joseph Jessing Conference Center, Columbus
9:00 am - 4:00 pm, register, $$$
Ohio Preservation Council
Intermuseum Conservation Association

September 17
Cuyahoga County Government Reform
6:30 - 8:30 pm, registration required
1717 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland
Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs

September 17-18
From Rust Belt to Artist Belt II
Gordon Square Arts District, Cleveland, $$$
Community Partnership for Arts and Culture

September 18
Historic Preservation Tax Credits
Canton
Heritage Ohio

September 18-19
Models of Change: Keeping the Doors Open
Stan Hywet 2nd Annual Symposium
714 N. Portage Path, Akron, $$
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

September 24
Lakewood Real Estate Seminar
8:00 am - 4:00 pm, registration required
Sweetwater Landing, 1500 Scenic Park Dr.
City of Lakewood, Division of Community Development

September 29
Mandel Center Nonprofit Awards
Park Lane Villa, Cleveland, 4:00 - 6:30 pm
Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations

October 3
Cleveland Restoration Society Annual Benefit
Baldwin Water Works, 11216 Stokes Blvd., Cleveland
Contact Felicia Hall for more information
Cleveland Restoration Society, 216-426-1000

 

 Save the Date!
 

October 13-17
2009 National Preservation Conference
Nashville, TN, registration open
National Trust for Historic Preservation