Columbia Building to be Demolished for Casino Parking   

After over two hours of heated discussion, the Cleveland Landmarks Commission approved the demolition of the landmark Columbia Building on Prospect Avenue in a close 4-3 vote. The demolition is part of a parking plan brought forward by Rock Gaming for a casino they are creating in the Higbee Building.CRS expressed our opposition to the demolition of the Columbia at this meeting, as we have at other meetings on this topic, and expressed our concerns over other problems we see with the parking plan. It is our strong belief that the other scenarios to meet parking needs are possible without demolishing and degrading Cleveland's heritage and robbing an urban neighborhood of vitality. Please review our full opinion on this topic: CRS Opinion Regarding Casino Parking Plan. 

State Treasurer Doubles CRS Support to $10 Million Annually  

At the Celebration of Preservation in May, Deputy Treasurer of State Bill Bishilany announced that his office has doubled its financial support of the Cleveland Restoration Society's Heritage Home Program(SM), from $5 million to now $10 million annually.  The State Treasurer's Office, under Treasurer Josh Mandel, gives these funds to provide the low interest rate that is the hallmark of the Heritage Home Program(SM). This partnership is the result of a multi-year effort on the part of CRS to gain funding for the program at the state level, and allows us to offer the program to a greater number of homeowners in Northeast Ohio. The program terms emphasize energy efficiency improvements through Eco-Link, with attractive rates and terms. To learn more, visit www.clevelandrestoration.org.

2011 America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places® Released

While sensitive to the fact that there are many exceptional historic places across the country under threat, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has complied and released the 24th annual America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Click here to see the full list. Whether threatened by lack of funding, vacancy, energy technologies, or environmental changes, recognition of threat is the first step to helping save each treasured place. Advocacy, policy change, and thoughtful development will help progress the success of their fate.

Preservation=Jobs: Updated Report Available

In 2010, Rutgers University released a comprehensive report that analyzed the economic impact of the federal rehabilitation tax credit since its inception in 1976. The ground-breaking report provides detailed information about the program's strong job-creation and economic development impact. An updated report that includes 2010 data is now available for download. An abbreviated flyer, created by the Historic Tax Credit Coalition in conjunction with the National Trust Community Investment Corporation, is also available. To read more, go here. 

State of Main Street offers insight & optimism

National Trust Main Street Director Doug Loescher reported on the State of Main Street at the 2011 Main Street Conference, held in May. His analysis of 500 plus local programs provides insight to the innovative perseverance Main Street communities are practicing through the economic downturn. Pop-up storefronts, or temporary leases, use of social media, and "green" initiatives have been at the forefront of their success. As a result, fifty percent of Main Street programs were holding their own against nearby commercial districts, while thirty-five percent were doing better than surrounding commercial strip centers. From Maine to Texas, inspiring examples abound in this summary.

National Preservation Conference Registration Now Open

The Cleveland Restoration Society is excited to let you know about the 2011 National Preservation Conference in Buffalo, New York. This informative and enjoyable four-day event will take place in, and around, downtown Buffalo from October 19- 22. The Buffalo of today is a vibrant city that has been built upon a strong industrial heritage. The birthplace of the American Arts and Crafts Movement, it is where many influential architects practiced their trade and left their stylistic mark. During the conference, educational sessions in 14 different topic tracks will be offered that explore this year's theme of "Alternating Currents." Come meet and mingle with preservationists from all over and be a part of this year's action and dialogue - it's so close to Northeast Ohio this year! Hurry - discounted early-bird registration is available until July 31.

MidTown Cleveland to Rehab Euclid Avenue Buildings

Progress will continue at MidTown Tech Park with the plans MidTown Cleveland Inc. shared at its annual meeting. Plans include rehabilitating a 40,000 square-foot building at 7000 Euclid Avenue and redevelopment of the Cleveland Agora and intersection of East 55th Street and Euclid Avenue. The development of MidTown Tech Park is to attract and retain business of all fields.

Doan Classroom Apartments in Glenville to be Rehabilitated

Rehabilitation of the 1904 Frank Barnum-designed Doan Elementary School has started by the Famicos Foundation, a Cleveland nonprofit community development corporation. In its new use, the Doan Classroom Apartments will provide 45 apartment units for low-income seniors and disabled persons. After purchasing the vacant property from foreclosure, Famicos has used funds from a variety of sources such as low-interest Neighborhood Stabilization Program loans and Federal Historic Tax Credits to finance the $7.4 million in construction costs. In addition to the complete restoration of the building's historic façade, the interior of the Doan will be updated with all new mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire-suppression systems. The project will meet the green construction standards set by the City of Cleveland, demonstrating that the adaptive re-use and recycling of buildings is truly environmentally friendly and aware green construction. Project architect Paul Volpe said, "This structure was so well designed and built, that even after more than 100 years it stands strong. There is no reason that, following this rehabilitation, it won't serve as a beautiful neighborhood landmark for another century."

ASM International Headquarters to be Renovated

Located in the countryside of Geauga County stands an engineering feat and National Register listed historical landmark, the headquarters of ASM International, the Materials Information Society. Built in 1959, ASM headquarters was a vision of William Hunt, one of the ASM's founders and managing directors, prominent Cleveland architect John Terrance Kelly, and renowned architect R. Buckminster Fuller. The world's largest open-work geodesic dome is made of thirteen miles of tubular aluminum, stands 103 feet high and 250 feet in diameter and weighs 80 tons. Although the dome attracts the visitor's immediate attention, the office building underneath the dome is nothing to disregard. The semi-circular building has 50,000-square-feet of office space boasting floating staircases, large panel windows, copper doors and brass handrails. Working with the Chesler Group, a multi-million dollar renovation is underway to accommodate up-to-date technology, install efficient mechanical systems, a "green" grass and soil roof, and repairs to corrosion. The extent of these renovations is expensive, but will be offset by $1.4 million in tax credits afforded by the National Register Historic Landmark status.

Akron Landmark Connects to Towpath

The Richard Howe House, built in 1836 for Ohio Canal Engineer Richard Howe, is one of two Federal style homes in the area. The regional landmark was relocated from its original location, next to the Akron Beacon Journal, to the current location at 47 West Exchange Street. At the new location on the canal, the Howe House will provide a visitor's center for the Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway, a meeting center, and offices for the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition. University of Akron senior Engineering students worked with the City of Akron and the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition to design a connector trail from the house to the Towpath Trail, which is scheduled for completion before the end of the year.

Architect-Designed Birdhouses on Display at Botanical Garden

A collaborative exhibit entitled "FOR THE BIRDS: Architect Designed Birdhouses is on display at the Cleveland Botanical Garden from now until October 1, 2011.  The Botanical Garden, in partnership with the American Institute of Architects, Cleveland Chapter, has commissioned twenty professional architects to design birdhouses for this exhibit. In addition to the more whimsical designs, four of the birdhouses built by Kent State University College of Architecture and Environmental Design students display distinct historical styles such as "shingle/stick," "prairie and beyond," "modernism" and "postwar suburbia." The fanciful avian abodes, which are located throughout the ten acres of outdoor garden, will be auctioned off on eBay in September.