Speaking Up for the Federal Rehab Tax Credit
 contact your congressperson

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has been working with key federal legislators regarding introduction of amendments to the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit. This builds upon the Community Restoration and Revitalization Act initiative that the Trust supported in the last session. It is anticipated that Senators Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Olympia Snow (R-ME) and Representatives Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) and Pat Tiberi (R-OH) will introduce the bills in the next few weeks. Now is the time to ask your Congressperson to cosponsor the bills.

 

 Neighborhoods Great and Green
 submit your sustainable neighborhood

The National Building Museum is inviting people across the country to document great green places in their communities on video. Films should be no longer than six minutes and should investigate what works as the local neighborhood's "Great Green Place." Join Vimeo to upload your video at the National Building Museum's "Your Great Green Places" group. Submit it by February 15, 2010 for a chance to be selected for live screening as part of the museum's participation in the DC Environmental Film Festival in March 2010. Judged by audience response and museum staff, the top three film submissions will also be featured on the homepage of the museum's web site in spring 2010.

 

 Heritage Travel Launches Gozaic.com
 find, share and book heritage and cultural travel

Heritage Travel, Inc., a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has launched Gozaic, a community for people who have a passion for heritage- and culture-rich travel experiences. The free Gozaic membership enables people to find these types of destinations, events and guided tours; build custom travel itineraries; network with like-minded travelers; share destination reviews and photos; and participate in interest-based discussions. Still in Beta version, the site will soon offer members the chance to book lodging at locations throughout the US and around the world.

 

 2008 Report Released for State Tax Credit
 gives information on past and future rounds

The Ohio Department of Development has released the 2008 Annual Report for the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program. Cleveland and "Reshaping the Euclid Corridor" are a highlight of the twenty-page PDF document.

 

 OHS Selects New Director
 effective 12/15

The Ohio Historical Society has chosen Burt Logan to succeed the late William K. Laidlaw as director. Logan comes to Columbus from Boston, where he headed the USS Constitution Museum for 14 years, during which time he raised $15 million for improvements and special projects. Previously he was director of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum and the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Logan, a graduate of West Point, is a recipient of the national award for museum service from former first lady Laura Bush. He and his wife, Bonnie, have three grown sons.

 

 ECO-link Program Announced
 new opportunity for homeowners

Ohio Treasurer of State Kevin L. Boyce has announced the creation of the Energy Conservation for Ohioans program, known as ECO-link. ECO-Link is a good tool for historic homeowners statewide to fund projects like insulation, duct sealing, weather stripping, purchasing appliances, and other projects that can reduce their energy bills while adding value and comfort to their homes. Some of the improvements are also eligible for federal tax credits or other rebates.

 

 Fund for Our Economic Future Awards $2.2M
 to strengthen NEO's economic competitiveness

The Fund for Our Economic Future has awarded two grants totaling $2.2 million to grow the region's advanced energy industry and strengthen its talent development system. The recipients are NorTech, a technology coalition that will receive $1.7 million over two years for a new initiative designed to accelerate commercial activity, job creation and to attract capital in the region's advanced energy industry; and the Regional Talent Network, which will receive $500,000 to support its development through the formative stages.

 

 A Possible Strategy for Saving Closed Churches?
 congressman proposes eminent domain

On Labor Day, Congressman Dennis Kucinich met with Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson to discuss his idea that the city take over churches that the Catholic Diocese is closing. He expressed his views in a letter to Jackson that states: "The deeds of title to the churches belong to the Diocese of Cleveland, but the rich cultural, ethnic and religious history belongs to the people of Cleveland. In the final analysis, it is the history of our city that is threatened." Ken Silliman, Mayor Jackson's chief of staff, responded: "We are at work on options for reuse of these valuable assets", but did not make a commitment regarding Kucinich's proposal. The issue is not an easy one to resolve; it seems to pose questions of the relationship between church and state, even if the buildings are desanctified. What do you think? Email Michael Fleenor with your constructive comments.

 

 Hanna Theatre Receives Award
 International Downtown Association recognition

The re-imagination of the Hanna Theatre at PlayhouseSquare has received an Award of Distinction from the International Downtown Association (IDA); one of 77 award submissions received this year as part of IDA's Downtown Achievement Awards. The Hanna project transformed the former 1921 venue in just nine months into the $14.7 million home for Great Lakes Theater Festival. It was a highly collaborative effort between Westlake Reed Leskosky, architects, engineers, and theatre designers of Cleveland; Great Lakes Theater Festival; PlayhouseSquare, owner and property manager; and Turner Construction Company.

 

 Shaker Heights 2009 Preservation Awards
 four projects distinguished

The Shaker Heights Landmark Commission has released its annual list of preservation award winners, which recognizes efforts to preserve and improve properties consistent with the historic nature of the city. Recipients for 2009 are: Fund for the Future of Shaker Heights: Honor Award, Excellence in Stewardship; the Deitelbaum Residence, Honor Award, Exterior Restoration; Shaker Commons, Merit Award, Retention of Urban Fabric; and the Graham Residence, Merit Award, Exterior Restoration. Congratulations to all!

 

 FutureHeights 5th Annual Online Auction
 bidding begins 10/16

Participate in what is billed as Northeast Ohio's most talked about cyber-fundraiser of the year through this online auction, which offers a vast array of items and irresistible temptations. Bidding runs for a month - beginning October 16 and ending November 15. Bookmark the auction and check back for new items that are added. Proceeds benefit FutureHeights.

 

 Call for Presentations
 Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference 2010

Time is running short to submit presentation proposals for the Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference, to be held in Chicago April 7-10, 2010. The deadline is October 5, 2009. Topics cover a wide range from Restoration and Renovation to Code Compliance, New Urbanism, Sacred Places and much more. Contact Ted Sande to get the submission form, which you must fully complete in order to be considered. For questions about the conference, contact conference director Judy L. Hayward. The Midwest Office of the National Trust is part of the steering committee for this conference.

 

 Help Available for Cultural Institutions
 survey program to identify needs

The Intermuseum Conservation Association (ICA) has announced its third annual subsidized survey program to help cultural institutions identify their preservation needs. ICA offers a collection survey conducted by a qualified conservator that focuses on a pre-selected group of artifacts within an institution. The assessment can then help an institution raise funds or apply for grants to address these needs. Following a site visit, written condition reports and treatment recommendations are provided. The institution will be asked to contribute only the travel costs associated with the on-site visit(s). Any non-profit cultural institution that can demonstrate a commitment to collections care is eligible to apply, with preference given to applicants in Ohio or adjacent states. Applications are due by October 30, 2009. Contact Nicole Hayes for more information.

 

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

October 1 - 11
Capitol Theatre Reopening
W. 65th and Detroit Ave., Cleveland
Gordon Square Arts District

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

October 8
Reconsidering the American Dream
4:00 - 6:00 pm, registration required
1717 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland
Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs

October 10
Fall Festival
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Preservation House, Fairlawn
Progress Through Preservation

October 11
Meet the Neighbors
Walking Tour of Monroe Street Cemetery
3207 Monroe, Ave., Cleveland, 2:00 pm, $
Friends of Monroe Cemetery, 216-961-0563

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

October 14
(un)covering Cleveland Ward 13
5:00 - 9:00 pm, RSVP, $$
AIA Cleveland

October 15
Think Green! Preservation and Sustainability in Your Older Home
Lakewood Public Library, main auditorium
15425 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 7:00 pm
Lakewood Historical Society
Cleveland Restoration Society

October 21-24
Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference
Baltimore, MD

October 24
Glendale Steps Cleanup Day
150 Glendale Ave., Akron, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Progress Through Preservation
Keep Akron Beautiful

October 27
The American Home Interior: Treatment and Transformation
Lakewood Public Library, main auditorium
15425 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 7:00 pm
Lakewood Historical Society
Cleveland Restoration Society

 

 Save the Date!
 

November 5-7
Bioneers Cleveland 2009
Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs
Cleveland State University, $$$
Bioneers Cleveland