2009 Celebration of Preservation

Despite tough economic times, Northeastern Ohioans are using creative strategies and preservation incentives to bring new life to our local historic resources. Cleveland Restoration Society and AIA Cleveland presented the annual Celebration of Preservation on Wednesday, May 6 at the Hanna Theater in Playhouse Square to highlight how important historic preservation is to our region.

See the Awards Presentation PowerPoint HERE (opens as PDF).

Catholic Diocese Announces Church Closings

Following a nearly two-year clustering and collaboration process, Most Rev. Richard G. Lennon, Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, announced  a reconfiguration plan. Over the years, CRS has developed a valuable working relationship with the Diocese. We will continue to work in partnership with the Catholic Diocese to address the future of their closed churches, and we call upon the entire Cleveland community to participate in the effort to find continued and adaptive-use for these buildings. LEARN MORE

Three of the churches originally slated to close under the Diocese's plan are:

St. Colman, Cleveland

St. Ignatius of Antioch, Cleveland

St. James, Lakewood

We are pleased that Bishop Lennon has reconsidered his initial decision for St. Colman and St. Ignatius of Antioch and both will remain open to serve their neighborhoods. However, both churches must also meet specific goals over the next several years to ensure their futures.

We're bringing SNOOPing back

(and a whole bunch of other events!)

This year we will be bringing you more opportunities than ever before to go behind the scenes to see the architectural gems in our communities and learn more about the positive power of historic preservation. Check out our calendar for a full listing of our upcoming workshops, tours, and other events!

The Year Ahead

Much is made of the idea that we Northeastern Ohioans are our own worst critics. And it’s true - sometimes we forget how fortunate we are to have such a large inventory of properties built around the turn of the last century. News outlets focus on the storm clouds that hang overhead in our current economic times. But through it all, the Cleveland Restoration Society looks for the silver linings.

As our world shifts and changes, our work is more important than ever before. In 2009 we will continue to promote the strengths of historic preservation as an effective tool that addresses a variety of important goals that profoundly impact our local economy, such as neighborhood reinvestment, downtown revitalization, and tourism promotion. LEARN MORE

Great Opportunity in Shaker Heights

A local nonprofit is offering a two-family house in a lovely historic district to a company or person who can restore it to the highest quality. The property is located at 17423 Winslow Road in Shaker Heights.  View the RFP HERE. Proposals must be submitted by noon on April 3.

Assessing Cleveland Restoration Society’s
Home Improvement Program

Historic preservation investments are meant to save and protect a community’s architectural past. However, they may also come with financial benefits for today and the future. Loans to help homeowners rehabilitate
older houses may ultimately boost neighborhood property values. A new study by Cleveland State University’s Center for Housing Research & Policy has quantified gains in market value among homes participating in local historic preservation programs, as well as those nearby participating homes.

Read the Executive Summary.

Planned Giving
You don't have to be a millionaire to make a difference

Please consider including a provision for the Cleveland Restoration Society in your estate planning and become a member of the Elizabeth J. Parsson Society. LEARN MORE

Looking for a Distinctive Place to Meet?

The Sarah Benedict House, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is a beautifully restored residence complete with fully landscaped garden. The house is available for many types of events, from business meetings to weddings and cocktail receptions to formal dinners. A central location in Cleveland's MidTown neighborhood and elegant, historic charm make the Sarah Benedict House ideal. LEARN MORE

The Cleveland Restoration Society is generously funded by Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.