E. 108th Street Houses Endangered

The Magnolia-Wade Park Historic District, which runs from East 105th Street to East 115th Street from East Boulevard to Ashbury Avenue, is being considered for local designation. While listing in the National Register is an honor, it is local designation that provides real protection through review of alterations, new construction, and demolitions. This designation is long overdue and was initiated by Councilman Jeffrey Johnson, Ward 8, after he learned that Mt. Zion United Church of Christ planned to raze two mansions adjacent to their church building and replace them with a one-story new construction. The homes are contributing structures in the district of fine Georgian Revival, Tudor, and French Renaissance houses, many of which are located on Magnolia Drive and now serve as schools, offices, and cultural institutions. Wade Park Avenue and the numbered streets adjacent to it are strictly residential.

The homes the church plans to demolish are 1573 East 108th (originally 10723 Magnolia Drive) and 1574 East 108th. The house at 1573, shown here, is attached to the main church building. Constructed in 1907 as the residence of George Grandin, it was designed by the architectural firm Bohnard & Parrson, who also designed many fine homes in Lakewood and Cleveland Heights. Betty Parrson, the daughter of Raymond Parrson, left a legacy to Cleveland Restoration Society in honor of her father. The house at 1574, now known as Pilgrim House, was built in 1908 as the residence of Francis Line and was designed by J. Milton Dyer, also a noted architect who designed the Cleveland City Hall, Athletic Club, First Methodist Church (3000 Euclid Ave.), and Summit County Courthouse. CRS participated in public meetings held June 22 and July 13. The Cleveland Landmarks Commission approved the designation at their June 23 meeting. This matter will go to the Cleveland Planning Commission on August 5 and should be voted on by City Council soon thereafter.

Renewed Historic Preservation Tax Credits Continue Investment in Ohio's Historic Structures

The Ohio Department of Development has announced the awarding of more than $23.8 million to Round 5 and Round 6 rehabilitation projects utilizing the recently renewed Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit (OHPTC). After four years of a successful pilot program approach that generated $40 million in total economic activity and nearly 400 jobs, Governor Kasich has approved the allocation of $60 million annually to the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit program, achievable by the program's renewal in the state's FY2012-2013 budget. The OHPTC is a vital piece for community and economic development.

Federal Preservation Legislation Update

From the National Trust for Historic Preservation comes word of two major preservation tax bills that are now pending in the house.The Historic Homeownership Revitalization Act creates a new federal tax incentive for owners of historic homes, while the Creating American Prosperity through Preservation Act makes the existing Historic Tax Credit easier to use and more accessible to projects that revitalize "Main Street" districts, create high-impact community facilities and promote energy-efficiency. Together, these two pieces of legislation can drive construction dollars, jobs and economic development to our nation's historic neighborhoods and commercial districts, making them safe, attractive, vital and enduring centers that meet our modern needs, while protecting their rich architectural, historical and cultural heritage. Learn more about these important bills and how you can help to secure their passage in Congress here.

In Memoriam: Ruth Durack

Described by those who knew her as "stubborn, fearless and kind," the Australian-born city planner and educator Ruth Durack died on July 4, 2011. Beginning in 1998, Durack spent six years in Cleveland where she headed Kent State University's Urban Design Collaborative. Durack was instrumental in bringing the Collaborative from suburban Kent to the downtown of Cleveland, increasing awareness and dialogue about the importance of good architecture and planning within the City. Her work in Cleveland is credited with influencing the design of a number of important urban developments, including the celebrated master plan of the Cleveland State University as well as other planning efforts in University Circle, Doan Brook and the Cleveland lakefront. After leaving Cleveland in 2004, Durack became the inaugural head of the Urban Design Centre in Perth, Australia, where she served in that capacity for five years. She is survived by four siblings and fourteen nieces and nephews, and will additionally be mourned by the design community of Cleveland and beyond.

CRS Annual Meeting Summary 

On Tuesday, July 19 the Cleveland Restoration Society invited members to a breakfast-time meeting to hear about the organization's activities and operations. Three new officers of the board were announced: chair-elect Michael Cummins and vice chairs Gordon Priemer and Anthony Whitfield. In addition, CRS is pleased to announce the following new trustees: Analia Nanni Dimit, Kevin Dreyfuss-Wells, Greg Frost, Natoya Walker Minor, Rosemary Reymann, Rick Semersky, Brian Stark, Michael K. Swearengen, and Debra Wilson. In the months and years ahead these dedicated individuals will use their professional training and expertise to assist CRS in achieving its goals and mission. CRS also wants to express its deep appreciation to those trustees who are moving off of our board: Gail Arnold, Nancy Griffith, Jeff Grant, Deborah Sutherland, and Paul Volpe. Their support and commitment to this organization has been instrumental in our efficacy and success in northeastern Ohio.

Annual Report Now Online 

The annual accounting of the Cleveland Restoration Society's activities in 2010 is now available online. Click here to see the document (PDF).

Night in Rio a Festive Success!

Salim and Addie Hayek opened the doors to their beautiful home to host the Cleveland Restorations Society's colorful, upbeat summer benefit on July 23. The Hayeks have completed a meticulous restoration of their Cleveland Heights residence, which was recognized with a 2011 Preservation award from CRS and AIA Cleveland. CRS's Night in Rio included tours of the home, a delicious South American-inspired buffet and beverages, a lively Latin jazz band, and Mamba, Samba and Salsa dance lessons. Thanks to all who provided generous support, time and effort to make this a wonderful event! See the Plain Dealer Coverage here and pictures from the night on CRS's Facebook page.

New Bike Rack Installed at CRS Office

In July the Cleveland Restoration Society installed a new bike rack at the northwest corner of its headquarters, the Sarah Benedict House.  This environmentally conscious move was brought on by the need of its employees, tenants and visitors to have a safe and secure place to keep their bicycles. We hope to see more people taking advantage of "green" transportation.

Staff News

The Cleveland Restoration family thanks Sara Hobbs, Associate Director of the Heritage Home Program, for her decade of extraordinary service. Sara has been a star in our organization, playing a lead role in shaping our most popular program, the Heritage Home Program. Sara will be joining her family's steel business in mid-August, as the company transitions into the second generation of ownership. Her dedication to CRS is surpassed only by her loyalty to her family. We feel so fortunate to have had her at the Sarah Benedict House and in the field representing CRS for the past ten years, and wish her the best.

Benedict House Available for Events and Meetings