Make a Call to Save America's Treasures
 voice your support for preservation funding

All grassroots advocacy campaigns have critical moments - here's ours. Lawmakers are back home right now while Congress is closed for its annual Spring Recess. During this recess, they are hoping to hear from constituents on local issues that matter, so the National Trust for Historic Preservation is asking you to pick up the phone to ask them to support funding for critical preservation efforts. As it stands now, we could lose two programs in their entirety - Save America's Treasures and Preserve America - and critical funding for National Heritage Areas. These are programs that have not only helped revitalize communities and preserve iconic historic sites, they have created tens of thousands of jobs that our country needs. Here's what you can do.

 

 Trust has Grants for Historic Schools
 deadline is 4/30

Do you know of a historic school in need of preservation funding? The National Trust, in partnership with the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation, is currently seeking applications for a new pilot grant program that will fund the stabilization or rehabilitation of historic school buildings by providing funding for construction expenses. Once construction is complete, these buildings must be open to the public for use by the community. Nonprofits, government agencies, and school districts/school boards are eligible to apply. Religious organizations are not eligible for funding. The maximum grant will be $50,000. Applications must be postmarked by April 30, 2010. To read the complete guidelines and eligibility requirements, and to download an application form, visit the Trust's website and then scroll down to the section titled "Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation Preservation Fund."

 

 New Report About Historic Schools
 find report and more resources online

Nearly all decisions about the use and location of school facilities are made by local school districts, but the impact of these decisions goes far beyond the school and the education of its students. A new report by the National Trust, Helping Johnny Walk to School: Policy Recommendations for Removing Barriers to Community-Centered Schools identifies the larger community interest in decisions about retaining existing schools and deciding where to locate new ones. It describes the states' role in school siting decisions and identifies state level policy changes that will ensure that educational, environmental, health, community, and fiscal considerations are weighed by communities when school districts make school closing, consolidation, and site selection decisions.

 

 Vote for the National Trust
 winner receives $200,000

You may have heard that the National Trust is one of nine non-profit organizations vying to win $200,000 in the first round of American Express' latest Members Project, TakePart. You can help by casting a vote online for the Trust. The organization that garners the most votes between now and May 23 will win $200,000. The voting process is very simple and you can vote once a week (the voting clock resets every Monday). You do have to join Members Project in order to vote. Go here to cast your ballot for the National Trust, which is in the lead right now. Let's keep it that way!

 

 Apply Now to be a Preserve America Steward
 application deadline is 6/1

Last year, the Oberlin Heritage Center was designated a Preserve America Steward in recognition of the work of its volunteers. This year, could it be you? Preserve America Stewards is a federal program which recognizes organizations and agencies that successfully use volunteers to help care for our historic properties. Preserve America Stewards receive a designation letter and certificate of recognition signed by First Lady Michelle Obama. To be considered for the next deadline, June 1, 2010, applicants must submit a form that shows they:

• provide volunteers with opportunities to contribute in direct and tangible ways to the preservation, protection, and promotion of historic properties;
• address an otherwise unfilled need in heritage preservation through the use of volunteer efforts; and
• demonstrate innovative and creative use of volunteer assistance in areas such as youth involvement, volunteer training, public education, and public/private partnerships.

 

 Awards Nomination Opportunities
 deadline for both is 5/3

Nominations for awards Heritage Ohio are now being accepted. Nine categories of preservation and revitalization awards will honor the best people and rehabilitation projects happening in our state. The deadline is May 3, 2010. The Awards Luncheon will be held at Heritage Ohio's annual Preservation and Revitalization Conference on June 17th in Athens. The nomination form is online.

Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations is seeking nominations for its annual Leadership in Nonprofit Management Award (presented to an individual) and its Organization Innovation Award (presented to an organization). Nominations must be submitted by 12:00 pm on Monday, May 3, 2010. The form is available online. Awards will be presented in September.

 

 Who Should Stand for Ohio?
 help select state's next "representative"

Ohio elects two senators to serve in Washington, DC but few realize that our state also sends two representatives in the form of statues to National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol Building. Statues of James Garfield and William Allen have stood in Statuary Hall for more than a century. Recently the process began to find a replacement for Allen, a former member of Congress and Ohio's governor from 1874-1876, who held pro-slavery views. The Ohio National Statuary Collection Study Committee has narrowed the field of candidates from Ohio's past to ten finalists. Ohio residents of all ages can vote to choose which statue should join former President Garfield in Statuary Hall. Voting is open until June 12, 2010.

 

 Don't Forget Architecture Week
 events scheduled this month

AIA Cleveland, a chapter of the American Institute of Architects, will present the 2010 Architecture Week exhibition, "Connecting Cleveland through a Celebration of Architecture" to recognize Northeast Ohio architects, along with related programming to highlight activities of the building environment looking to the future of the region. The exhibition will be held at Convivium 33 Gallery, 1433 East 33rd Street, Cleveland and will run from April 16 -25. An opening reception is scheduled for April 16 from 5:30 - 9:30 pm. See AIA Cleveland for more information.

 

 Summer Walking Tours in Downtown Cleveland
 "take a hike 2010" begins 5/1

Beginning May 1 through September 12, locals and visitors alike can experience Cleveland's rich history on four unique guided walking tours, complete with actors portraying historic figures. On Sundays, Canal Basin Park tours begin at 10:00 am at the Settler's Landing RTA Station. On Tuesdays, the new PlayhouseSquare tours depart at 6:00 pm from the State Theatre Lobby. On Thursdays, Historic Gateway Neighborhood tours begin at 6:00 pm at The Arcade. On Saturdays, Historic Warehouse District tours begin at 10:00 am at Constantino's Market. Each tour lasts approximately 90 minutes with a suggested donation of $5 per person to fund future tours. Characters you might encounter on a tour include Frances Payne Bolton, John D. Rockefeller, Garrett Morgan, Alan Freed, Mayor Tom Johnson, Mrs. Alfred Kelley or Daniel Burnham. Take a Hike is generously funded by the Ohio & Erie Canalway Association and Downtown Cleveland Alliance. Contact Historic Gateway Neighborhood at 216-771-1994 for more information.

 

 NHS Receives $192,500 Grant
 funding from NeighborWorks America

Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland has received $192,500 in flexible grants from NeighborWorks America, which will be used to support NHS of Greater Cleveland's affordable housing and community development activities, including homebuyer education, rehabilitation lending and foreclosure prevention. "For every dollar in NeighborWorks grants, an additional $35 is invested in America's communities, resulting in a direct investment of nearly $4 billion in the areas served," said NeighborWorks America CEO Ken Wade. The need for Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland has never been greater. "As NHS of Greater Cleveland strives to achieve economic stability in the lives of our clients, either by assisting in the purchase of housing that is affordable, giving access to lending capital for rehabilitation or successful avoidance of foreclosure," said NHS of Greater Cleveland Executive Director Lou Tisler, "the financial support and network experience from NeighborWorks America will allow NHS of Greater Cleveland effectively address these issues." Congratulations!

 

 Temple to Find New Life with CWRU
 great news for sacred landmark

In March officials from Case Western Reserve University announced that the Temple-Tifereth Israel, a well-loved but under-used sacred landmark in Cleveland's University Circle area, will soon be both a performing arts center for CWRU and a place of worship. The Maltz Family Foundation, part of the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland, will donate approximately half of the $25.6 needed to rehab the building to house the university's programs in dance, theater, and music. The temple will give the building to CWRU but reserve the right to use it for certain holidays and services. The Temple-Tifereth Israel, built in 1924, has a 2,000-seat sanctuary, a 525-seat auditorium, and a chapel. The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

 

 Euclid Avenue Congregational Church Destroyed
 fire ravages historic sacred landmark

On March 24, 2010 we woke up to the news that a local treasure had been lost forever. The fire at Euclid Avenue Congregational Church means that, sadly, we have lost another architecturally and historically significant landmark that we shall never get back. The church, designed in the Romanesque Revival style by Cleveland firm Coburn & Barnum, was dedicated in 1887. Local sandstone was quarried from Amherst for the solid masonry walls. The front façade was framed by two square towers, while a series of three prominent arched stained glass windows filled the center void. The original sanctuary was finished in solid oak, although it was altered during a remodel in 1902. So much more was lost in the fire than just an historic building. We also witnessed the loss of a parish's history and its sacred artifacts. Despite this tragedy, however, there is an opportunity to galvanize the congregation to reassemble remaining photographs and written history from their own collections - to pick up the pieces and rebuild their community.



When a treasured landmark is lost in a fire, it reminds us the fleeting nature of our historic built environment. Therefore, we lament the loss of this church for its personal attachments to the community, inherent sacred value and historical significance. This loss, however, makes us more determined to help protect northeastern Ohio's historic resources. When a landmark as beautifully and faithfully maintained as Euclid Avenue Congregational Church is lost, it reminds us of how vulnerable many other historical buildings are and of the importance of maintaining critical life and safety systems, including:

• Lighting protection that is continuous to the ground
• Fire alarm systems with heat and smoke detectors
• Emergency and egress lighting
• Upgraded electrical service, load centers and panels

The Cleveland Restoration Society's Sacred Landmarks Assistance Program has been helping advice congregations on the care of their historic buildings since 1986. If we can help your congregation, please call us at 216-426- 3116.

 

 Funding for African American Historic Places
 deadline is 4/30

Partnership-in-Scholarship Grants support collaborative projects between African American Historic Places and college/university scholars. In spring 2010, up to twelve grants of $5,000 each (1:1 match required) will be awarded for projects that help sustain current or attract new audiences at historic sites or enhance the interpretation of challenging topics at historic sites. Find the guidelines and application form here. The deadline for applications is April 30, 2010.

 

 Where is Benedict?
 be the first to give his correct location and win!

Do you know where Benedict has landed today? Here's a hint: you can check it out for yourself this weekend... Be the first to send the correct response and you can receive a one-year membership to the Cleveland Restoration Society. Good luck!

 

 Garden Level Office for Lease
 1,800 SF of fully improved space

Are you looking for affordable, beautifully improved office space in a great location with easy access to the Inner Belt and free parking for your employees and visitors? The Cleveland Restoration Society is making available for lease the garden level of its historic building the Sarah Benedict House for the first time ever. This flexible space in the Midtown Cleveland neighborhood features a private entrance onto Prospect Avenue, three rooms, a restroom, and storage facilities. It is fully accessible by elevator. A kitchen is available for employee use and for catering. As an added benefit, the lovely, restored first floor rooms of the house and the garden, open seasonally, may be reserved for meetings or events. Contact Felicia Hall for more information.

 

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

April 7
"Exterior Painting and Historic Color"
With CRS's Kerrington Adams
Lakewood Public Library, Main Auditorium, 7:00 pm
Cleveland Restoration Society
Lakewood Historical Society

April 7
Oberlin Heritage Center Annual Meeting
Oberlin Inn, 5:00 - 7:00 pm, $$
Oberlin Heritage Center

April 7
"Enhance Clifton" Public Meeting
Emerson Elementary School, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
13439 Clifton Blvd., Lakewood

April 8
CHALK & CHAD/Drexmore Communities Home Improvement Workshop
Green View School, 7:00 pm
14900 Drexmore Rd., Cleveland
Shaker Square Area Development

April 9
"Weaving the New Casino into Cleveland's Existing Urban Fabric"
Cleveland State University, 12:00 - 7:00 pm
Bring a bag lunch, RSVP, Free
Glickman-Miller Hall, 1717 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Cleveland Coalition
Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative
AIA Cleveland
APA Cleveland
The City Club
Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs

April 10-11
"Militaria Show" and Open House
1234 Bolivar Rd., Cleveland, $ Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Cleveland Grays Armory Museum

April 11
Hidden Cleveland Tour
Trolley tour and refreshments, 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Tickets online, $$
Downtown Cleveland Alliance

April 17
"Rose Iron Works: A Heritage of Metalworking Arts"
1536 E. 43rd St., Cleveland
WRAH members tour, advance reservations only before 4/14
Space limited,call 216-280-6293
Western Reserve Architectural Historians

April 17
2010 Broadway Slavic Village Neighborhood Summit
Bohemian National Hall, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
Slavic Village Development

April 18
SNOOP! of Capitol Theatre
Includes movie, tour and lunch at Luxe
1390 W. 65th, Cleveland, 10:00 am - 1:30 pm, $
Cleveland Restoration Society

April 18
Hidden Cleveland Tour
Trolley tour and refreshments, 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Tickets online, $$
Downtown Cleveland Alliance

April 20
No Building Left Behind: Adaptive Reuse of Sacred Spaces
Cleveland State University, 4:00 - 6:30 pm
Glickman-Miller Hall, 1717 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Cleveland Restoration Society
AIA Cleveland
Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs

April 21
"The Greenest House is Already Built"
Presentation by CRS's Kerrington Adams
Oberlin Public Library, 7:00 pm
Cleveland Restoration Society
Oberlin Heritage Center
Lorain County Preservation Network
City of Oberlin Historic Preservation Commission

April 23-24
Annual Meeting
Wooster, OH
Friends of Ohio Barns

April 24
OAHSM Region 3 Meeting
Gemini Center, 21225 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park
9:00 am - 4:00 pm, register by April 19, $$$
Ohio Association of Historical Societies & Museums

April 27
Historic Theatre Workshop & Field Trip
"Understanding ADA Accessibility"
Historic Holland Theatre, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
127 East Columbus Ave., Bellefontaine, OH
Heritage Ohio
Ohio Arts Council

April 27
Pride, Progress, and Historic Preservation: Reviving a Historic Community in Madagascar"
Talk by Oberlin native Karen Schoonmaker Freudenberger
Kendal at Oberlin, Heiser Auditorium, 7:15 pm
Oberlin Heritage Center

 

 Save the Date!
 

May 2-5
National Main Streets Conference
Oklahoma City, OK, registration open
National Trust for Historic Preservation

May 4
History of Aviation in Lorain County
Talk by Bill Cutcher
Kendal at Oberlin, Heiser Auditorium, 7:15 pm
Oberlin Heritage Center

May 8
"Francis Drury: Patronage and legacy at the Cleveland Play House"
8500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
WRAH members tour, advance reservations only before 5/3
call 216-280-6293
Western Reserve Architectural Historians

May 11
Conversation about Sustainability with Donovan Rypkema
Capitol Theatre, 9:00 - 11:00 am
1390 W. 65th St., Cleveland, RSVP required
Cleveland Storefront Renovation Program
Cleveland Neighborhood Development Coalition
Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization

May 12
"Designing an Appropriate Addition for an Old House"
With CRS's Kerrington Adams
Lakewood Public Library, Main Auditorium, 7:00 pm
Cleveland Restoration Society
Lakewood Historical Society

May 15-16
Weekend in Ohio City
Saturday "Evening in Ohio City", 6:00 pm, $$$
Sunday, Home Tour, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, $
Tickets available online or by calling 216-781-3222
Ohio City Near West Development Corporation

May 20
Celebration of Preservation
Hanna Theatre, 2067 E. 14th St., Cleveland
Cleveland Restoration Society
AIA Cleveland

June 12
Window Restoration Workshop
Preservation House, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
2074 W. Market St., Akron, $
Contact Sara Hobbs for more information
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Progress Through Preservation
Cleveland Restoration Society

October 13-15
" Reclaiming Vacant Properties" Conference
The Intersection of Sustainability, Revitalization, and Policy Reform
Cleveland
National Vacant Properties Campaign
Neighborhood Progress, Inc.