Perspectives Header
  Kerri Broome, editor
October 2012  

CRS logo
In This Issue
Federal Tax Credit Discussion on October 10
CRS 40th Anniversary Luncheon
Wolfe Music Building
Green Retrofitting Surpasses New Green Construction
New Landmarks Recommended in Ward 8
Stefanik Statue in University Circle
Cleveland Council Report on Demolition
Trust's Main Street Transition
2014 World Monuments Watch Nominations
Ohio History Fund Progrsam
Heritage Ohio Call for Session Proposals
Cleveland Foundation Honored
In Memoriam: Jack Boucher
News from the Sarah Benedict House
Perspectives Issues Archived
Building with Nature Symposium
Volunteers for Marketing & Events Needed
Space for Rent in Midtown
Rent the Sarah Benedict House
More About CRS

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Join The Discussion About the Federal Tax Credit

Learn the meaning and impact of the historic Boardwalk Hall case and other IRS activities at a gathering of historic tax credit developers, investors and advisors on Wednesday, October 10 from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. Facilitating the discussion will be Michael T. Cummins, Robert K. Olson and Brian M. Power of The Sherwin-Williams Company. Topics will include:

  • Discussion of the case: just how unique are the facts and does it matter?
  • Deal moratoriums: are closings being put off or changed while guidance is sought? 
  •  Hopes for guidance: Private Letter Rulings, Legal Opinions, Notices, etc.
  •  Analogies to other situations: is there a safe harbor out there?
  •  Who's doing what; what's the latest?
  •  Other cases and audit activities.

The discussion will be held at CRS's headquarters, 3751 Prospect Ave., Cleveland. Free parking is available. There is no fee to attend, but space is limited and reservations are required.  

 

 

 

Jeff Greene CRS Celebrates 40th Anniversary Community Luncheon at Tudor Arms on November 20 

Join the Cleveland Restoration Society at our 40th Anniversary Community Luncheon as we welcome Jeff Greene of Evergreene Architectural Arts to the historic Tudor Arms Hotel. The lunch takes place November 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Celebrate CRS's four decades of historic preservation activities in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio by taking a behind-the-scenes "tour" of the restoration of some of the city's and America's, most significant interiors. Jeff has worked on the conservation and restoration of artwork and architectural finishes of over 300 historic theaters, more than 200 churches, thirty state capitols, and many more buildings. His iconic projects include the Empire State Building, the U.S. Capitol, and locally, Severance Hall, the Federal Reserve Bank, and the theatres of PlayhouseSquare. Individual tickets start at $60 and tables start at $800. For more information or to make a reservation, click here.  Program advertising space for your company is also available. Contact CRS for more information. 

 

 

 

Wolfe Music building Wolfe Music Building  

For years CRS has monitored the condition and status of the Wolfe Music building, located at 2112 Euclid Avenue, on the campus of Cleveland State University.  In September, CSU went before the Cleveland Planning Commission to ask for approval to demolish the Wolfe Music building and Viking Hall in order to build a $45 million Center for Innovation in Health Professions. The commission approved the demolition of both buildings.  Led by Councilman Jeff Johnson, who supported local designation of the building, CRS has been in negotiation with CSU and a Mitigation Agreement has been reached.  Read more here.

 

 

 

Green Retrofitting Surpasses New Green Construction  

for First Time

An article in Insurance Journal magazine published late last year cited a new finding that the retrofitting of commercial buildings to be more energy efficient has outpaced construction of new "green" buildings. This statement followed the release of a report from the U.S. Green Building Council that showed that LEED-certified existing buildings were outpacing their newly constructed counterparts. To read the entire Insurance Journal article, click here. (P.S. - If you follow CRS on Facebook, you'll find out about articles like this sooner!)

 

 

 

University Circle UMC Four More Landmarks in Ward 8 Recommended for Designation

The Cleveland Landmarks Commission on Thursday, September 27, approved moving the designation of four Cleveland Landmarks forward in the process: Park Lane Villa at 10510 Park Lane; Judson (Wade Park) Manor at 1890 East 107th Street; University Circle (Epworth Euclid) United Methodist Church at 1919 East 107th (shown above); and The Sarah Redman Apartments at 1269 East 99th Street (shown below). We congratulate Councilman Jeff Johnson on his leadership to designate eligible buildings in his ward.

Sarah Redman Apartments
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stefanik Memorial Where to Locate the General Milan Stefanik Statue?

At the September 27 meeting of the Cleveland Landmarks Commission, the Slovak Cultural Garden presented plans to relocate the memorial to General Milan Stefanik, a Slovak national hero, to the Slovak Cultural Garden. The members of the commission deferred a decision until further dialogue occurs with the Board of the Cultural Gardens Federation, fearing that they would set a precedent that would run counter to the long-standing policy of the gardens to not allow military themes and figures. When coming down Jeptha Drive from the Cleveland Museum of Art, you have no doubt driven around General Stefanik, who now seems somewhat stranded in the intersection. The county project to repave Martin Luther King Boulevard includes plans to also repave Jeptha Drive, requiring that the memorial be placed in storage before being reinstalled in a more spacious location to the north. Members of the Slovak Cultural Garden, however, have shown early plans for the garden that show the Stefanik memorial as the centerpiece. The memorial was installed on Jeptha in 1922, while the Slovak Garden was dedicated in 1932.

 

The bronze statue on a stone base was created by Slovak sculpture Frico Miroslav Motoska after Cleveland's very large Slovak community raised the funds for its creation. Although Stefanik was an astronomer, diplomat, and connoisseur of art, he is largely known for his military connections. He fought in the French Army on the Serbian front, eventually reaching the rank of General. He co-founded the Czechoslovak National Council, the government of the Czecho-Slovak resistance, where he was Minister of War. The Council led to the creation of Czechoslovakia in 1918. The following year, Stefanik died in a mysterious airplane crash near Bratislava at the young age of 38.

 

 

 

Cleveland City Council Report on Demolition

In late September, Cleveland City Councilman Tony Brancatelli presented numbers defining the projected cost and rate of demolition of vacant properties in the city of Cleveland. According to the report, $4.5 billion and 22 years are needed to demolish the abandoned homes in the city, assuming an average cost of $75 per day to sustain each home and that there are no new funding sources. The report also states that there will be an estimated 13,500 houses on the city's demolition list by 2017, and that list will grow by 100 houses every year thereafter. The material for Brancatelli's presentation, given at the Interagency Meeting on Residential Property Vacancy, Abandonment and Demolition in Washington D.C., came from a report prepared by consultants Gaylord LLC. For the article about the report that appeared in the Plain Dealer, click here.

 

 

 

Main Street NOW

Update on the National Trust's  

Main Street Transition

In June, the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Board of Trustees approved a recommendation to transition the Main Street program to a new nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust-a move that will happen early in 2013. A search for the CEO of the new subsidiary has begun. Click here to see the job description, which you should share with anyone who may be interested in this national leadership position. Click here for an article by David Brown about the "next chapter" for Main Street, appearing in the July/August issue of Main Street NOW.

 

 

 

2014 World Monuments Watch Nominations  

Now Being Accepted

Every two years, World Monuments Fund (WMF) accepts new nominations to the World Monuments Watch. Nearly 700 sites on all seven continents have been included in the nine Watch cycles since 1996. Watch listing provides an opportunity for sites and their nominators to raise public awareness, foster local participation, advance innovation and collaboration, and demonstrate effective solutions. The announcement of the 2012 Watch was covered by 1,000 news outlets in 65 countries, with circulation to over 700 million people worldwide. By capitalizing on the attention raised by Watch listing, local entities have leveraged support for Watch sites totaling over $180 million. WMF has contributed an additional $90 million toward projects at Watch sites in more than 80 countries. The World Monuments Watch calls international attention to cultural heritage around the world that is at risk from the forces of nature and the impact of social, political, and economic change. From archaeological sites to iconic architecture, cultural landscapes to historic urban centers, the Watch identifies places of significance in need of timely action. Click here for more information. The deadline for nominations is March 1, 2013.

 

 

 

The History Fund Matching Grant Program  Deadline Announced

The Ohio Historical Society's History Fund is a matching grants program funded by voluntary contributions via Ohioans' state income tax returns and by gifts to the Ohio Historical Society designated to the History Fund. Tax year 2011 marked its first year of operation, making it one of four "tax check-off" funds found on Ohio's personal income tax form. It is currently the only such fund dedicated to supporting history-related projects. October 29 has recently been announced as the deadline submitting a proposal to the program. Read more about what kinds of projects qualify and how to apply here.

 

 

 

Heritage Ohio Annual Conference Call for  

Session Proposals

Heritage Ohio's Annual Conference is scheduled for May 22-23, 2013 in Columbus. They are now accepting session proposals that demonstrate creative solutions to everyday revitalization challenges or that showcase innovative ways to leverage opportunities or assets. In other words, tell Heritage Ohio how you do something different and better! Click here to read more about how to submit your session proposal. The deadline is October 31, 2012.

 

 

 

Cleveland Foundation Honored for Housing and Community Development Work

The Cleveland Foundation was recently honored as one of ten winners nationwide with a new federal award for work in the areas of housing and community development and for its support of the Evergreen Cooperatives initiative. That initiative, founded in 2008, "is working to create living wage jobs in six low-income neighborhoods in Greater University Circle to cause an economic breakthrough in Cleveland," said Antonio R. Riley, HUD's Midwest regional administrator. "The Cleveland Foundation is creating lasting and positive change." Vikki N. Spruill, president and CEO of the Council on Foundations added, "The ten awardees represent lives improved, neighborhoods saved, jobs created, people trained, kids educated and homes built."

 

 

 

Lyndhurst by Jack Boucher

In Memoriam: Jack Boucher

Jack Boucher, who traveled the United States for The National Park Service's (NPS) Historic American Buildings Survey and photographed what NPS calls "a complete resume of the builder's art," died September 2, 2012. He also photographed places for the Historic American Engineering Record and the Historic American Landscape Survey. But today, his images are appreciated as more than just documents of historic places; they are appreciated as art. Boucher's career took him to 49 states, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, and he produced thousands of images, all of which are public domain and available through the Library of Congress. Lauded by colleagues, preservationists and photographers alike, his photographs of colonial-era mansions, civic monuments, structures designed by the greatest American architects, and vernacular buildings help define our evolution as a nation as well as the diverse regions we call home. "In the passing of Jack Boucher, the National Park Service has lost one of the true giants of historic preservation," said Jonathan B. Jarvis, director of the National Park Service.

 

 

 

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News from the Sarah Benedict House 

Stop by the Sarah Benedict House these days and you will see some new faces at the offices of the Cleveland Restoration Society.

 

We welcome AmeriCorps member Alexa McDonough, who will be with CRS for the next year, surveying Cleveland properties to identify and record themes and buildings in order to provide new information associated with African-American history. The survey will provide new information about housing, subdivisions, public and commercial buildings, neighborhoods and the work of area African-American builders, developers, architects, and community leaders. The historic resource surveys, survey reports, and the resulting documentation, help preserve our heritage to stabilize neighborhoods, provide affordable housing, stimulate private investments, attract tourists and strengthen community pride.

 

Elizabeth Crooks will be joining the volunteers at CRS this month. Liz is an Architectural Restoration/Preservation Consultant with a Master of Science in Historic Preservation and Conservation from Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture. She offers over 12 years of experience working on a wide range of building exterior types and ages, from modern curtain-wall systems to historic monuments. She has managed a variety of restoration projects ranging from relatively small to relatively large projects. She will be lending her fantastic talents to the CRS Heritage Home Program(SM) and to CRS Preservation Projects.

 

Also joining us are interns Kevin Taras and Debra Tinsley. Kevin recently completed a Bachelors of History at Kent State University and has an interest in pursuing a degree in historic preservation. He is learning and assisting with all administrative functions for the Heritage Home Program(SM). Debra comes to CRS through Cleveland State University's Fall Internship program. At CSU she is wrapping up a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership with a minor in Human Resource Management. Debra is interested in nonprofit management. She is learning and assisting with events management, administration, membership and development, website review and maintenance. Welcome, everyone!

 

 

 

Perspectives

Issues of Perspectives Now  

Archived Online

Have you ever wondered if you'd seen something in one of our newsletters, but you have too many emails and it's too hard to go back and look? Yes, we know. Fear not, for all of our Perspectives issues starting with January 2008 can now be accessed through  www.clevelandrestoration.org

 

 

 

 

 

Building with Nature Symposium in October

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is planning to redevelop its campus in University Circle. One of the goals is to create a building that embodies the museum's mission of inspiring a passion for nature, protecting natural diversity, fostering health and providing leadership to a sustainable future. To explore the latest thinking, the museum is hosting a public symposium on October 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. about the integration of buildings and nature. Following the educational success of the Museum's PNC SmartHome exhibit in 2011, the symposium will stimulate ideas about the potential for new kinds of buildings in Northeast Ohio-radically better buildings that respond to human needs while restoring the Earth's natural systems. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. You can register online, send an email to [email protected], or call 216-231-1177.

 

 

 

 

Celebration of Preservation

Volunteers for Marketing & Events

CRS is looking to engage supporters and raise awareness during our 40th anniversary year celebration. We need volunteers who can be part of our Events /Marketing Committee in 2013. Responsibilities include:  

 

  • Help plan and execute fun events spotlighting our accomplishments. Examples include awards program, membership and networking events, neighborhood, annual benefit, snoops, and receptions.
  • Specific duties may include finding event venues, negotiating great rates, coordinating guests or speakers, and marketing & PR.
  • Time commitment: up to 5 hours/week.

 

Contact Felicia Hall for more information.  

 

 

 

Space for Rent in the MidTown Neighborhood  

Attractive Garden Level space for lease at 3047 Prospect Avenue. Over 1,300 square feet of pleasant, bright space with separate entry, kitchenette and parking. Call Rick or Tom at 216-391-9700.

 

 

 

wedding at the Sarah Benedict House

Rent the Sarah Benedict House  

for Your Event 

Are you looking for a unique venue for your next special event or business meeting?  Consider the historic Sarah Benedict House, located in the heart of the MidTown neighborhood at 3751 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland.  Built in 1883, the house is fully restored and rehabilitated and offers four accessible rooms on its first floor, two restrooms, a catering kitchen, and a beautiful garden. There is ample, free parking. Contact Felicia Hall for more information.       

 

 

 

Events

Upcoming Events

   

October 9

"The Campaign in the Wilderness"

Kendal at Oberlin, 600 Kendal Dr., Oberlin, Heiser Auditorium

7:15 p.m., FREE

Oberlin Heritage Center

 

October 10

Roundtable Discussion: Federal Tax Credit Threatened

Sarah Benedict House, 3751 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland

8:00 - 10:00 a.m., registration required, FREE

Cleveland Restoration Society

 

October 14

"The Bramley Revisited": Grand Opening of the Fuller Bramley House

7489 Brecksville Rd., Independence

1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

 Independence Historical Society   

 

October 18

Building with Nature: A Symposium to Explore the Frontiers of Green Building, Biomimicry & Architecture

Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Dr., Cleveland

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., registration required, [email protected]  or 216-231-1177, FREE

Cleveland Museum of Natural History


October 18

3rd Annual Ohio Archaeology Dinner

Amherst Sandstone Village Grange Hall, 763 Milan Ave., Amherst

6:00 - 9:00 p.m., reservations required, $

Firelands Archaeological Research Center

 

October 18

CityMusic Cleveland Concert

2027 West 65th St., Cleveland

7:30 p.m., FREE

St. Colman Church

 

October 19

2012 AIA Cleveland Annual Meeting

Cleveland Institute of Art, Gund Building, 11141 East Blvd., Cleveland

4:30 p.m.

AIA Cleveland 

 

October 24

Main Street 101

Lorain County Transportation and Community Center, 40 East Ave., Elyria

9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., registration required, $ 

Heritage Ohio 

 

October 31 - November 3

National Preservation Conference

Spokane, WA, registration required, $$$

National Trust for Historic Preservation

 

 

 

Save the Date  

 

November 20

40th Anniversary Community Luncheon

Tudor Arms Hotel

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., registration required, $$ 

Cleveland Restoration Society

 

December 9

Holiday Open House

3751 Prospect Ave., Cleveland

2:00 - 5:00 p.m. 

Cleveland Restoration Society

 

 

 

Cleveland Restoration Society
3751 Prospect Avenue

Cleveland, OH  44115

(216) 426-1000

www.clevelandrestoration.org