CRS Celebrates African American History Month

In recognition of African American History Month, the Cleveland Restoration Society is presenting the program "Sleeping in Slave Cabins: A Personal Journey in Discovering History" by Joseph McGill. Mr. McGill, pictured left in the center kneeling, is a program officer for the National Trust for Historic Preservation' s Southern Office in Charleston, S.C.  He  spent overnights in slave dwellings in South Carolina as part of what he calls the "Slave Cabin Project." He got the idea for the project after he took part in the documentary Unfinished Civil War. He wanted to bring attention to the dwellings and honor the memories of the people who lived in them.  

The program will take place on Sunday, February 20 at Karamu House, 2355 E. 89th Street, Cleveland, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Bracy Lewis, CRS Honorary Life Trustee, is the event chair. Come experience this extraordinary presentation, which has been acclaimed across the country. Supporting sponsors are The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Cleveland Chapter; Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation (BPACF); Western Reserve Historical Society; Joan Southgate and Restore Cleveland Hope; Blacks in Management; Councilwoman Mamie Mitchell; Karamu House, Inc.; Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation; and University Circle Inc. Refreshments will be served.  "Sleeping in Slave Cabins" is FREE and open to the public. Please reserve your spot at the event by contacting CRS today via email or by calling 216-426-1000.

Federal Budget Update 

 Statehood Day in Ohio is March 1

Are you concerned about the role of history in Ohio? Voice your concerns on March 1 during Statehood Day in Ohio! Statehood Day participants meet at the Statehouse to learn about the history-related issues facing Ohio; network with colleagues; and then meet with their state elected officials in the afternoon to discuss legislative priorities affecting history and preservation. Former Ohio Sen. John Glenn will be the keynote speaker. Ohio Statehood Day, March 1, is one of the most significant dates in Ohio history - it is the date in 1803 that Ohio officially became the nation's 17th state. Learn more and register at the Statehood Day Site.

Cleveland Council Supports Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit

On January 10 Cleveland city Council passed a resolution urging the Ohio General Assembly to renew the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit (OHPTC). Councilman Joe Cimperman sponsored the resolution. Since July 2007, the OHPTC has positively impacted every region of the state; 111 projects have been initiated using the tax credit generating a projected $1.2 billion in private investment. Coupled with federal tax incentives such as the Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit and New Market Tax Credits, the OHPTC has been a dynamic economic development tool. In Cleveland, the OHPTC has assisted 37 projects that will receive more than $104 million in tax credits, leveraging close to $500 million in private investment, including the Capitol Theatre (shown here), Union Gospel Press Building and St. Luke's Hospital. The reuse of historic buildings stands to make Ohio competitive in the global market as we create vibrant communities that attract and retain young, creative entrepreneurs. With a significant untapped resource of 3,700 National Register-listed properties - 3^rd most nationally - Ohio holds a tremendous opportunity with the renewal of the OHPTC. We are all thankful to Councilman Cimperman and the Cleveland City Council for supporting this important resource.

What Can You Do to be More Sustainable at Home?

Our friends at GreenCityBlueLake have put together a great blog about the work of Sustainable Cleveland 2019's Green Building Retrofit Group. CRS participates in the Green Building Retrofit Group, and is proud of the work being done to kick off the 2011 Year of Energy Efficiency. GreenCityBlueLake shares the group's list of actions and resources for energy efficiency at home and at the office here.

New Booklet on Demolition by Neglect

A common problem faced by preservation advocates is how to protect historic buildings from demolition-by-neglect. A new publication by Julia Miller, special counsel and education coordinator for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, explores some of the regulatory approaches used by communities to ensure that properties are regularly maintained. In Doing Away with Demolition-by-Neglect, Miller addresses affirmative maintenance requirements and demolition-by-neglect procedures in historic preservation ordinances as well as approaches that may be used to resolve maintenance problems, enforce ordinances and deal with violations. The booklet also examines the role of historic preservation boards in preventing the needless demolition of historic structures under laws designed to protect the public against unsafe buildings. The booklet is available from PreservationBooks.org.

Rare Opportunity to Own History

CRS offers the historic Upson House, 19027 Chagrin Boulevard in Shaker Heights, for sale.  Constructed ca. 1836 by Asa and Chloe Carter Upson, this early farmhouse typifies the upright-and-wing architectural form that was common in the developing Western Reserve. It is a rare property; one of the oldest remaining in Cuyahoga County. Remodeled in the Colonial Revival style in 1940, this landmark residence exudes charm and has been lovingly maintained and updated. See the MLS listing. For more information contact Michael Fleenor at 216-426-3109.