Celebrate 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's 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.  

Thank you to the companies and individuals who have already signed on as table hosts:

Sponsor Tables

 Laborers' International Union of North America Local No. 860   

 PlayhouseSquare Real Estate Services  

 Turner Special Projects Division  

Patron Tables 

 Benefits Resource Group  

The Chesler Group 

 Cleveland State University 

Downtown Cleveland Alliance 

Lillian Emmons 

Grant Thornton LLP 

Herman Gibans Fodor Inc., Architects  

J & M Real Estate Advisors, Inc. 

Marous Brothers Construction 

Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing   

The Sherwin-Williams Company  

Transportation Assistance Program Guidance Issued

From Preservation Action: the Department of Transportation has released their guidance on implementing the provisions of MAP-21, the Nation's new transportation bill signed into law by President Obama in July. It replaced SAFETEA-LU, which had been in effect since 2005. The largest source of federal funding for historic preservation, SAFETEA-LU included several historic preservation options as eligible activities under the popular Transportation Enhancements program. MAP-21 replaces this program with "Transportation Alternatives," and consolidates the number of eligible activities. In addition to eliminating funding for historic byways, transportation museums and for acquisition of historic easements and sites, the broad "historic preservation" category was changed to "historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities." There was not a consensus whether or not this language was intended to deliberately restrict funds to only preserving historic transportation facilities rather than as separate activities. This week, the FHWA ruled that "historic preservation as an independent activity unrelated to historic transportation facilities" is an ineligible activity.

Petition to Rehear Boardwalk Historic Tax Credit  

Case Denied

Judging by the response to our roundtable discussion on October 10, there is much interest in the Boardwalk Hall Case and its meaning to the industry. An update via Preservation Action: Boardwalk LLC, the company that received the historic tax credit, requested a rehearing of their case based on alleged errors. Last week, the Court denied the request for rehearing without comment. In order to have been reheard, either a majority of the thirteen judges on the appellate court or one of the three judges on the panel that originally heard the case and concurred in the opinion would have had to vote for a rehearing.

Two Local Projects Receive National Recognition

During the National Preservation Conference in Spokane, Washington last week, the National Trust for Historic Preservation honored two Northeast Ohio projects as it bestowed its 2012 Richard H. Driehaus National Preservation Awards: Saint Luke's Manor in Cleveland and ASM International Headquarters in Materials Park, Ohio.

The Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation recognizes efforts that both advance the Nation's historic preservation goals and provide affordable housing and economic development opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents. Saint Luke's Hospital, a 390,000-square-foot building built in 1927 and vacated in 1999, was placed on the National Historic Register in 2005 for its significance as a local architectural landmark and for its contributions to the growth of the health care industry in Cleveland. Saint Luke's Manor, a project of Pennrose Properties, LLC, is now a landmark structure anchoring a 20-acre neighborhood revitalization effort. It is one of the buildings pursuing LEED certification within a LEED for Neighborhood Development master plan. The building's historic main lobby, once obscured by partitions carving it into offices, now serves as an elegant community room. The corridors adjacent to the community room contain a handsome marble floor that was uncovered and restored. The large public four-sided clock in the central tower that had been badly vandalized was rebuilt, complete with lighted faces and chimes. Other building amenities include a computer lab, card and billiard rooms, a fitness room, tenant storage, and on-site management.

Interior Designates 27 New National Landmarks

In October, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced the designation of 26 national historic landmarks and one national natural landmark as places that possess exceptional value and quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States.  Two of the new national landmarks are in Ohio:

• Dr. Bob's Home (Dr. Robert and Anne Smith House), Akron. Dr. Bob's Home is associated with Dr. Robert Holbrook Smith (Dr. Bob) who, along with William Griffith Wilson (Bill W.), co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous, a global organization whose mission is to assist alcoholics in achieving and maintaining sobriety (shown above).    
• Central Branch, National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers/Dayton Veterans Administration Home, Dayton. The home represents an evolution and shift in federal care for veterans starting in World War I (1917) and continuing through the consolidation of veteran's benefits and the establishment of the Veterans Administration in 1930.

 For a complete list of the recently designated landmarks, click here.  Currently there are only 2,527 designated national historic landmarks and 592 national natural landmark sites across the country that bear this national distinction.  

Trust Properties Weather Storm

News from the National Trust for Historic Preservation: Trust Historic Sites in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast escaped major damage when Hurricane Sandy cut a path of destruction through the region last week. "There is no substantive damage to any buildings or collections," said Estevan Rael-Gálvez, vice president of historic sites at the National Trust, "and most importantly, everyone is safe." The superstorm slammed into the New Jersey shore last Monday evening, packing 80-mile-per-hour winds and wreaking havoc with electrical service, affecting more than two million customers across the Northeast. Landscapes around several sites were affected. Power outages darkened Kykuit and Lyndhurst in New York, and Philip Johnson's Glass House in Connecticut. Other sites in the path of the storm were Cliveden in Pennsylvania; Belle Grove, Oatlands, and Woodlawn/Pope-Leighey in Virginia; and President Lincoln's Cottage, Decatur House, and Woodrow Wilson House in the District of Columbia. Trust staff evaluating current conditions at the sites reported minor roof leaks at Oatlands and Pope-Leighey, and minor damage to stone steps at Kykuit. "Planning and preparation for the storm helped mitigate serious impacts to the sites," Rael-Gálvez noted. "I am proud that our staff and co-stewardship partners are skilled at stewardship and crisis management of these assets of the National Trust." (photo: Downed trees at the Glass House in New Canaan, CT.)

State Office Gives Preservation Awards

On Saturday, November 3, the Ohio Historic Preservation Office honored ten outstanding rehabilitation projects from across the state, as well as the Columbus Landmarks Foundation for its exemplary education programs, at the OHPO's annual awards program. Read more about the award winners here. 

Change to State Tax Credit

Effective September 28, 2012, the Ohio General Assembly has approved a legislative change that permits long-term qualified lessees of historic buildings to participate in the SB 314 program of the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit. Previously, only the fee simple owner of a historic building was an eligible applicant. In response, the Ohio Development Services Agency has drafted a revised Ohio Administrative Code to reflect the new provision for qualified lessees. The public comment period has ended, but you can see the draft changes here. For questions, contact Nathaniel Kaelin, Office of Redevelopment, at (614) 728-0995 or nathaniel.kaelin@development.ohio.gov.

State's Building Doctor Program Featured in Old-House Journal

The January 2013 issue of Old-House Journal features an interview with Mariangela Pfister, long-time staff member of the Ohio Historic Preservation Office, about the OHPO's Building Doctor program. This program, the only one of its kind in the country run by a SHPO, is a series of educational outreach clinics followed up by site visits. The purpose of the program is to teach owners how to recognize and solve some of the most common problems in maintaining older buildings and to help them make informed decisions about repairs and improvements. The clinics are offered in communities across the state, from March through November. This year eight events, which are free and open to the public, were held. The first Building Doctor clinic was held in 1979. For more information about the wonderful Building Doctor program, click here.

CRS Brings in ICA to Look at John Hay Murals

After an inquiry on CRS's Facebook page about the condition of the WPA murals at Cleveland's John Hay High School, CRS's Director of Preservation Services, Michael Fleenor, arranged for the Intermuseum Conservation Association to examine the murals to update an assessment they had made in 2006. CRS raised and has been holding some funds to rehab the murals, but lack enough money to complete the job. We will work with the CMSD to see what can be done and will let you know as this project progresses. (photo: Andrea Chevalier of ICA examines the Tom Johnson mural at John Hay.)

League Park Restoration Groundbreaking Held

On Saturday, October 27, Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson and City Councilman TJ Dow joined with other community leaders for a groundbreaking ceremony for the historic League Park at 6601 Lexington Avenue. The project will restore the playing field and some portions of the original ballpark as well as adding a new community park with a multi-purpose trail, open ball field and water spray basin. Built in 1891, League Park is the oldest remaining original ballpark in the United States and is noted for many historic milestones including the 1920 World Series won by the Indians, Babe Ruth's 500th home run and serving as home field for Negro League team the Cleveland Buckeyes, winners of the Negro League World Series in 1945. The project will restore the historic Ticket House and Grandstand Wall and construct a Visitors Center with display areas and a concession stand. There will also be a synthetic turf ball diamond with home plate in its historic location and a Great Wall (right field fence) and plaza with decorative and historical markings. League Park will also receive extensive streetscape and landscape improvements. Funding for the Park's $6.3 million restoration and improvement will come from General Obligation Bond Proceeds, the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission and Ward Allocation funds.

Shaker Boulevard Named "Top Ten Great Street"  

for 2012

The American Planning Association has designated Shaker Boulevard as one of its ten Great Streets for 2012 under the organization's Great Places in America program. Shaker Boulevard's "enduring design, multi-modal transportation options, engaged citizens who have fought to preserve the street's integrity, and surrounding community uses" were noted as distinguishing reasons for the designation. The 6.75-mile stretch of road, which begins in Cleveland, traverses Shaker Heights, and ends at I-271 in Beachwood, has carried millions of travelers over its 100-year history. This award is particularly fitting in 2012, which is the City of Shaker Heights' centennial year. The boulevard reflects the best of the city's unique characteristics - light rail transit, lush, tree-lined streets, and grand homes built during the apex of American architecture.

FutureHeights 8th Annual Online Auction Now Open

Support vital programs in Cleveland Heights including the Heights Observer community newspaper, the Best of Cleveland Heights Awards, HeightsShops shop local program, and speakers, tours, and community forums by bidding in FutureHeights' annual online auction. All bids are placed online and all items sell to the highest bidder on Sunday, November 18, 2012. The auction celebrates local independent business in the Heights area and enjoys thousands of hits during its four-week run. New items are added often. Every penny raised supports citizen-sponsored community programs that work to engage citizens in building a better Cleveland Heights.

National Register Building Demolished in Burton

The building originally completed as the Burton High School, and then used by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was recently demolished. Completed in 1868 for the sum of $4,000, the two-story frame Burton High School was originally located on the west side of the Burton green and was moved in 1884, when a larger school building was constructed in its place (the present library). A high school curriculum was established by Burton Township in 1866 and those students occupied the second story. Course work included elocution, composition, philosophy and languages such as Latin, Greek and German. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows took over the building shortly after relocation and used it as a lodge until the mid-twentieth century. In 1974, the building, along with thirteen others, was listed in the National Register as the Burton Village Historic District. The former school was converted to commercial uses until purchased by the Burton Volunteer Fire Department in 2006. The structure had been vacant since then, and on October 16, 2012, it was demolished by the fire department to make way for an addition to their current building, the 1881 Town Hall and Opera House, also in the National Register Historic District. No Section 106 review was conducted before the demolition.

Ravenna Flag Pole Endangered

If you are familiar with the community of Ravenna in Portage County, then you may have noticed a familiar site on page 15 of the Fall 2012 issue of Preservation magazine. The town's distinctive flagpole, located in front of the Portage County Courthouse, is endangered because its current owners, township trustees, have expressed an interest in demolition due to deterioration and maintenance costs. Nearly the height of the Statue of Liberty, the Ravenna Flagpole was constructed in 1893 by the Van Dorn Company of Cleveland. This distinctive iron structure,  is a symbol of civic pride. There is a community-based organization, Friends of the Flagpole Association, that wishes to preserve the flagpole and develop a long-term plan for its continued upkeep.

Congratulations to CRS Trustee  

Jason Jones

Jason Jones, a Cleveland Restoration Society trustee, has been named General Manager of Turner Construction's Cleveland Office. During his fifteen years with Turner, he served as manager of Turner's Special Projects Division in positions of increasing responsibility and working in a number of departments. Jones now leads all operations and business strategy for Turner's Cleveland office. "Jason is the ideal choice to lead the Cleveland office. He knows our business and the Cleveland community inside and out," said Tom Manahan, vice president and general manager of Turner's Ohio operations. Jones is involved in a variety of civic, professional and charitable organizations including the Cleveland Restoration Society, the American Institute of Architects, Associated General Contractors, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Boy Scouts of America. Jones is a native of the Cleveland area, attended Cleveland State University and received an MBA in Finance, and the University of Akron.

Bill Joseph, a Community Advisor of the Cleveland Restoration Society and a friend to many nonprofits in Northeast Ohio and beyond, died on Friday, October 26. An attorney at Weston Hurd, Bill was an expert in nonprofit law and a tireless advocate who did much to advance the network of arts and culture organizations in our region.   Our thoughts are with Bill's family and many friends at this time. 

Oberlin Heritage Center Offers Expanded Hours  

This Weekend

As part of Oberlin College's Parents' Weekend activities, the Oberlin Heritage Center has expanded its guided tour schedule for Friday, November 9 and Saturday, November 10.   Out-of-town visitors and residents of the area are welcome to take part in the Freedom's Friends History Walk on Friday at 3 p.m. and Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The guided 75-minute walk features stories of historic decisions that shaped Oberlin's growth as a hotbed for abolitionism and highlights individuals and events that marked Oberlin as one of the most active stations of the Underground Railroad. Or, tour the Oberlin Heritage Center's beautifully preserved historic sites (the 1866 Monroe House, 1884 Jewett House and 1836 Schoolhouse) to learn more about Oberlin's founding and its crucial role played in socially progressive causes and scientific discovery as well. The guided on-site tour takes place Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.   Remember - tour and history walk participants receive a 15% discount on any purchases made that day in the Museum Store. For reservation and tour fee information, or Museum Store hours, visit www.oberlinheritage.org or call (440)774-1700.

Complete the Towpath Trek

Individuals and families are invited to hike or bicycle four sections of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail between now and November 30, 2012 and experience the natural, historical, and recreational resources along the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area. Complete all four sections of the 2012 Towpath Trek and celebrate your accomplishment with a commemorative pin. Click here to learn more about the towpath trail.

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. Help us plan and execute fun events spotlighting our accomplishments, like our awards program, membership and networking events, neighborhood, annual benefit, snoops, and members receptions. Specific duties may include finding event venues, negotiating great rates, coordinating guests or speakers, and marketing & PR. Time commitment is up to 5 hours/week. Contact Felicia Hall for more information.  

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.