CRS Membership Meeting Recap
 

At the annual meeting of the Cleveland Restoration Society held July 20, CRS members heard about the work of the organization in the previous year, elected new trustees, and voted to approve changes to the organization's Code of Regulations. We are pleased to welcome new trustees Dale Hilton, Douglas Hoffman, Jason Jones, and Neil Mohney. We also extend our gratitude to Christine Alletto, Chris Ferchill, Gretchen Gaede, Jack Kellogg, Sandra Kiely Kolb, Dana Mitchell, and Pete Wamelink, who are stepping off the Board of Trustees.

Some good news that CRS President Kathleen H. Crowther shared during the annual meeting is that CRS was successful in applying for a second round of general operating support from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC) during a highly competitive process this spring. All of CAC's grants are made using an independent panel of arts and cultural experts from outside of Ohio based upon published criteria. CRS received a score of 90 (out of 100) during the panel review process and heard accolades for the work of the organization from the panelists. Click here to hear the panelists' comments. Funding for CAC is generated by and solely based on the revenues from a county-wide cigarette excise tax. CRS is proud to be a part of Northeast Ohio's outstanding arts and culture community!

 

 House Passes Full Funding for HPF
 Important victory for preservationists

On June 30 the House passed a major package of energy and oil spill provisions dubbed the CLEAR Act. Why is this good news for preservationists? The legislation contains a provision that would fully fund the Historic Preservation Fund at its entire authorized level of $150 million. Not since its inception in 1976 has the Historic Preservation Fund received full funding to carry out the provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act. In fact, since 2001, appropriations have declined from $94 million to less than $80 million. What this provision means is that all funds collected from Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leasing (the source of revenue for the Historic Preservation Fund) would be dedicated to supporting national preservation programs. The next step is to switch chambers to the Senate, where the Historic Preservation Fund is not fully funded in the current mark-up. The National Trust for Historic Preservation will be targeting its advocacy efforts so that similar language from the House works its way into the final bill, and we'll keep you updated on the results.

 

 Lead Safe Practices
 new guide by National Trust

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently updated its rules regarding the treatment of lead paint. Under the EPA's new Renovation, Repair, and Painting rule, beginning April 22, 2010 contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. In July the National Trust for Historic Preservation's website unveiled a new online Lead Paint Guide to help clarify the new EPA rules for property-owners and preservationists. This new guide has a lot of good information, so check it out.

 

 America's Great Outdoors
 learn more now

In the last issue of Perspectives we told you about America's Great Outdoors (AGO), an initiative launched by President Obama to start a national dialogue about conservation in America in order to learn about some of the smart, creative ways communities are conserving outdoor spaces. AGO will become the blueprint for this administration's conservation agenda, and is expected to include strategies for more public land protection through new National Parks and units of the National Landscape Conservation System, more protection for farm and ranch land, and more urban parks. The lead federal agencies are the Department of the Interior, Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, and the White House Office on Environmental Quality, with participation from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Army Corps of Engineers. Listening sessions are being held this summer through the middle of September across the country. Unfortunately none are in Ohio, however, you can still share your store about a historic place in America through the AGO website and do your part to tell the President that historic places matter and need to be "at the table!" You can also see photos and read the public comments from sessions that have already been held.

 

 Is Your Community a Distinctive Destination?
 Trust taking nominations through 9/10

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is currently accepting nominations for the Dozen Distinctive Destinations® program. The program recognizes unique cities and towns across the country 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 has selected 12 destinations from across the country that offer authentic visitor experiences by combining dynamic downtowns, diverse cultural activities, attractive architecture, and a strong commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization. Celebrate your community and apply to be recognized as a Distinctive Destination! All application materials are due by September 10, 2010.

 

 2011 Building Doctor Clinics
 bring this program to your community

The Ohio Historic Preservation Office is looking for co-sponsoring opportunities for its popular Building Doctor program for the 2011 season. Each two-day clinic begins with a free seminar on topics like roof repair, windows, wood repair, masonry and many other maintenance issues of buildings built before 1955. On the second day the "doctors" make the rounds of ailing buildings within five miles of the facility where the seminar is held to examine problems and prescribe cures. For more information on how to bring this program to your community, contact Mariangela Pfister at 614-298-2032.

 

 Photography Contest Closes 8/31
 Show us your CLEVELAND!

LiveCLEVELAND! invites visitors, residents, and potential residents to explore Cleveland Neighborhoods and photograph the city's finest landmarks, gems, and scenery. Participants are encouraged to explore city neighborhoods throughout the contest and capture the best of what Cleveland has to offer through the art of photography. To be considered for the grand prize participants must enter at least one photo in each of the six categories: Neighborhood Life, Festivals & Neighborhood Events, Hidden Neighborhood Gems, Architecture & Landmarks, Streetscapes, and Scenery & Landscape. More information is available on the contest web site.

 

 Cozad-Bates House Update
 

You may have noticed work going on at the Cozad-Bates House in Cleveland's University Circle. The Tarten Group began work last month on rebuilding the box gutters and decking in preparation for a new slate roof! The belvedere has already been reconstructed and painted in Cleveland Restoration Society-specified colors. Italianate buildings historically were painted in stone colors, and the belvedere and rebuilt soffit and brackets will give us a glimpse of how the entire porch structure will look when additional funds are raised and the entire restoration is completed. CRS wrote specifications, provided contractor referrals, provided historic color schemes, and is inspecting and approving work for payment for University Circle, Inc.

 

 PlayhouseSquare Receives National Award
 chosen over 300 historic theaters

The 2010 Outstanding Historic Theatre Award was presented to PlayhouseSquare July 19 by The League of Historic American Theatres, Inc. (LHAT) at its 34th Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX. PlayhouseSquare was praised as "a model of community partnership for progress, serving as the best example of how a historic theater can be a primary not-for-profit developer in the inner city." LHAT acknowledged PlayhouseSquare's "significant accomplishments, inspiring excellence in the preservation, restoration and sustainable operation of American historic theaters. With 10,000 seats among its eight performance spaces (including five historic theaters), PlayhouseSquare is also home to the constituent companies of Cuyahoga Community College, DANCECleveland, Great Lakes Theatre Festival and Opera Cleveland. As the nation's largest performing arts center outside New York, it hosts over 1,000 performances/events annually. PlayhouseSquare has an estimated economic impact on the region of $43 million, as reported in a study conducted by Cleveland State University in 2004. Congratulations!

 

 West Pierhead Light Available
 letters of interest due by 8/27

The U.S. Coast Guard is looking for a new owner for the Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Light, located in Lake Erie at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River. Pursuant to the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000 (NHLPA), 16 U.S.C. 470, the light station is being made available at no cost to eligible entities defined as federal agencies, state and local agencies, non-profit corporations, educational agencies, or community development organizations, for education, park, recreation, cultural, or historic preservation purposes. Under Section 309 of the NHLPA, the light station will be sold if it is not transferred to a public body or nonprofit organization. Letters of interest are due by August 27, 2010. For more information, contact Michael Fleenor at 216-426-3109.

 

 Help for Willoughby Homeowners
 Heritage Program available in new city

The Cleveland Restoration Society is pleased to announce that its Heritage Home Program(SM) is now being offered to owners of homes built more than fifty years ago in the city of Willoughby. Heritage program staff members provide in-depth technical assistance to homeowners via on-site visits and support materials. Qualified owners can also use a 3.5% fixed-rate, 5-10 year term rehabilitation loan to fund a wide variety of home maintenance and improvement projects. "Willoughby is the first community in Lake County to participate in the program and its availability has been made possible because of support from the National Trust for Historic Preservation," said Sara Hobbs, CRS's Associate Director of Heritage Partner Development and Field Representative for the Trust. To learn more, contact John Paul Kilroy at 216-426-3116.

 

 Historic Preservation Workshops
 free information for homeowners and contractors

The Shaker Heights Planning Department and the Shaker Heights Landmark Commission are presenting three days of learning for old house owners at the end of this month. Bob Yapp, author, teacher and nationally known old house expert will lead a series of historic preservation workshops for homeowners and contractors on August 26-28 on subjects such as exterior painting and window restoration. All workshops are free and open to the public, although space is limited in some sessions and reservations are required. Contact Ann Klavora in the Planning Department at 216-491-1436 for additional information or to reserve your spot. The workshop series was made possible in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the Ohio Historic Preservation Office of the Ohio Historical Society.

 

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

Do you know where in Northeast Ohio our feathered friend has landed this month? If you are the first to respond with the correct location, you will 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

August 7
Family Fun Fair/Vintage Days
Downtown Oberlin, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Special events taking place at the Oberlin Heritage Center

August 8
6th Annual Warehouse District Street Festival
W. 6th St., from Lakeside to Frankfort, Cleveland
12:00 - 8:00 pm
Historic Warehouse Development Corporation

August 9
Historic Theater Workshop
"Funding for your Historic Theater: Campaigning for Dollars"
10:00 am - 3:00 pm, register, $$
Twin City Opera House, McConnelsville
Heritage Ohio

August 14
Glenville Community Foundation Festival
Sam Miller Park, 12:00 - 7:30 pm
E. 88th St. & St. Clair Ave., Cleveland

August 14
Archi-Treasure Hunt
Check in at Franklin Circle Christian Church, 5:00 pm
1688 Fulton Ave., Cleveland, $$
216-961-6945 or mscf3207@att.net
Monroe Street Cemetery Foundation

August 21
Color Me Cleveland Gala Celebration
5:30-9:00 pm, $$
1834 E. 123rd St., Cleveland
Artists Archives of the Western Reserve

August 26
"Paint It Right: Exterior Painting That Will Last"
Part of the Shaker Heights Workshop Series
Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
3450 Lee Road, Shaker Heights, Register
Shaker Heights Planning Department
Shaker Heights Landmark Commission

August 26
"Old Windows Aren't a Pane-They're a Goldmine"
Part of the Shaker Heights Workshop Series
Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building, 7:00 - 9:30 pm
3450 Lee Road, Shaker Heights, Register
Shaker Heights Planning Department
Shaker Heights Landmark Commission

August 27
"One-Day Window Repair & Restoration College for Contractors"
Part of the Shaker Heights Workshop Series
Location TBD, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Shaker Heights Planning Department
Shaker Heights Landmark Commission

August 28
"Half-Day Window Repair & Restoration College for Homeowners" (2 sessions)
Part of the Shaker Heights Workshop Series
Location TBD, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm OR 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Shaker Heights Planning Department
Shaker Heights Landmark Commission

 

 Save the Date!
 

September 12
"Come Home to Lakewood" House Tour
Tickets go on sale 8/7, $, 1:00 - 6:00 pm
Lakewood Historical Society, 216-221-7343

September 15
Revitalization Workshop Series
Vermilion
Heritage Ohio

September 24-25
Cemetery Preservation Workshop
Bedford Historical Society

September 29
SNOOP! of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
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.

October 27-30
National Preservation Conference
Austin, TX, discounted registration before 7/31, $$$
National Trust for Historic Preservation

November 23
37th Annual Community Luncheon
Featuring Mike Jackson, FAIA on the topic of historic preservation and sustainability
Wyndham Cleveland at Playhouse Square
Contact Felicia Hall for more information
Cleveland Restoration Society