Sarah Benedict House,  built in 1883, rehabilitated in 1998  

Cleveland Restoration Society & Preservation Resource Center of Northeastern Ohio

Contact Us The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation
   


2005 Preservation Award Winners


1. Malvern School, Adaptive Use to an Educational/Institutional Facility, Hanna Perkins Center

Shaker Heights Malvern Elementary School began as a one-story structure built in 1922. A second story was added in 1927, and a sensitively designed addition was constructed in the 1950’s or 60’s.  

When the school was vacated by the Shaker Heights School District, Hanna Perkins stepped forward with a plan for a school to serve children with developmental or emotional challenges. Many spaces were restored to maintain their use as classrooms, with dropped ceilings removed, and woodwork carefully restored.

Other areas were adapted to other uses, while carefully retaining important features that reveal the building’s original history, such as blackboards, lockers and cabinets, cloakrooms and signage. Skylights in the gymnasium were re-instated after being darkened for many years. All areas were updated with modern systems, including wiring for today’s telecommunications needs, video-teleconferencing facilities, and an energy-efficient geothermal heating and cooling system.

We are pleased to recognize this example of school restoration in action. We thank all who worked on this project and, especially, the Hanna Perkins Center for their investment in maintaining this landmark at the heart of its neighborhood.

Receiving the award: Hanna Perkins Center for Childhood Development; Bogart Architecture, Inc.; Bolton Pratt Company; Vocon


2. Walker and Weeks Office Building, Adaptive Use to a Residential Building, Michael Ujcich

The Walker and Weeks Office, constructed 1926-7, was designed by and used as the offices of the noted architectural firm Walker and Weeks.
 
before
 
after

The Hunkin – Conkey Company constructed the building with exposed concrete framing, industrial glazing, and brick spandrels that stretched from Carnegie to Prospect Avenue. Its Neo-classic façade held a ground floor salesroom for Lincoln automobiles. The fifth and sixth floors were the architects’ offices.

By the late 1990’s the severely deteriorated building had been vacant for ten years. Large sections of the roof were missing. It now houses 36 residential units, with innovative floor plans and spectacular city views. It also includes interior parking on the ground level for 67 cars.

Walker and Weeks designed the Cleveland Public Library, the Cleveland Board of Education, Severance Hall, the Federal Reserve Bank, the Lorain – Carnegie Bridge, and other significant structures. Their Office Building was featured in a January 20, 1928 issue of The American Architect, and later became the home of Cooper School of Art. It is both listed in the National Register of Historic Places and as a Cleveland Landmark.

We commend developer Michael Ujcich, who renovated the building using the historic tax credit, and his partners Sandvick Architects, Drake Construction, Sky Bank, National City Bank and Hausser & Taylor.

Receiving the award: Michael Ujcich; Sandvick Architects, Inc.; The Ferchill Group; Drake Construction; Sky Bank; National City Bank; Hausser & Taylor LLC

back to top

3. West Technical High School, Adaptive Use of a Residential Building, Orlean Company

West Tech, constructed in 1912, is a significant example of a modern vocational school designed by architect, Frank S. Barnum.  
before
 
after

Built in stages, the school grew with the city's population reaching an enrollment of over 5,000 students, making it the largest high school in the State of Ohio. Declining population led to its closure in 1995. And, it then stood vacant, the target of vandalism and an arson fire. This once great institution became a prime candidate for the wrecking ball.

However, thanks to the vision of Cleveland Ward 18 Councilman Jay Westbrook, the West Tech Alumni Association and other concerned members of the community, a rescue effort was launched.

Today, the West Tech Lofts contain 189 apartments with unique floor plans. Much of the building’s academic ambiance remains: metal lockers and quarry tile floors still line the corridors and many units feature original classroom chalkboards. The exterior brickwork and unique terra cotta details were carefully restored. All 1,100 windows were replaced with custom-made replicas and 450 new doors were crafted to match the historic originals. Original details of the burned-out auditorium have been painstakingly restored and rebuilt. It now serves as a party room and community center.

The $33 million investment in West Tech has created an exciting and wonderful place to live for many and has generated considerable economic development in its near West Side neighborhood. We recognize all of the partners involved in this outstanding project. Congratulations!

Receiving the award: The Orlean Company; Sandvick Architects, Inc.; Cleveland Development Advisors; Marous Brothers Construction; Cudell Improvement Inc.; Cleveland Councilman Jay Westbrook; Ohio Department of Development; Baker & Hostetler; U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development; Greater Cleveland Partnership; West Tech Alumni Association; National City Community Development Corp.


4. Southwestern Savings & Loan, Commercial Revitalization, Cudell Improvement, Inc.

Cudell Improvement purchased the abandoned building, , located at 9815 Lorain Avenue in the Lorain Station Historic District, in late 2001 with the goal of saving and restoring this significant but “drastically deteriorated” structure.  

before

 

after

Amazingly, almost all of the original architectural details, such as the paired ionic columns, and the ornate entablature survived in tact. The only detail lost was one of the two corner antefixa lining the top of the entablature, which was completely recreated, by hand, by the foreman of the masonry restoration contractor.

The exterior restoration began with the installation of a new roof and repairs to the original skylights and chimney. ADA Architects was hired to design the façade restoration in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior Standards and Cleveland's Storefront Renovation Program. Ohio Northern Contracting completed the restoration of the storefront and second floor windows, the lobby doors, the wood trim, and exterior lighting.

Cudell Improvement, Inc. deserves high praise for its strong commitment to both community revitalization and historic preservation.

Receiving the award: Cudell Improvement Inc.; City of Cleveland Storefront Renovation Program; ADA Architects; Ohio Northern Contracting; VIP Restoration, Inc.

back to top

5. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, On Going Stewardship

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens has always taken the preservation of the American Country Estate of F. A. Seiberling, co-founder of Good Year Tire, and Gertrude Seiberling very seriously since the foundation was entrusted with the responsibility in 1957.  

 

historic view

 

 

new greenhouse

However, since president and C.E.O. Harry P. Lynch assumed responsibility in 1995, Rehabilitation, Restoration, and Reconstruction are three additional principles that have been actively practiced.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is one of 2,200 National Historic Landmarks in the United States. It is accredited by the American Association of Museums, a merit earned by fewer than 4% of all museums in the United States, and is an Official Project of the Save America’s Treasures program.

Harry Lynch and his staff have aggressively planned, funded and executed the restoration and expansion of an infrastructure system, which is stabilizing the 65,000 square foot Manor House foundation. This work and the museum’s extensive collection of historic photographs have allowed for the faithful restoration of seven of the estate’s nine major gardens designed by landscape architect Warren Manning.

Additional achievements include the re-opened Gate Lodge, which was the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous, and a reconstruction of the original Greenhouse and Conservatory complex.

We commend the staff and trustees of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens for their on-going stewardship of one of Northeast Ohio’s, and America’s, historic treasures.


6. City of Shaker Heights Landmark Ordinance, Organizational Achievement in Preservation


The City of Shaker Heights was created by developers Oris P. and Mantis J. Van Sweringen beginning in 1912. Known for its beautiful homes and historic buildings, Shaker has made a commitment to preserving its architectural heritage.

 

The heart of a preservation ordinance is the landmark commission’s authority to approve or deny proposed changes to buildings, structures, and landscapes that are designated landmarks, either individually or within districts. The revised ordinance, adopted in November 2004, grants the Shaker Heights Landmarks Commission this authority. New safeguards for the applicant include the right to appeal a commission decision and a procedure to determine whether denial of an application will cause an economic hardship. In addition to preventing undue burden, these provisions prevent the ordinance from being declared a taking of private property and thus unconstitutional. The revised ordinance expands public participation in the designation process.

The Cleveland Restoration Society salutes the City of Shaker Heights and Mayor Judith Rawson for this extraordinary achievement.

Receiving the award: City of Shaker Heights; Jane C. Busch, Preservation Consultant

back to top

7. Baldwin Water Works, Institutional / Public Restoration, City of Cleveland

This impressive example of early twentieth century urban public architecture stands prominently on Cleveland’s East Side, near the crest of Fairhill Road, as the commanding structure.    

This group of stylistically and functionally inter-related buildings composes the handsome 50-acre Baldwin Reservoir campus.

Cleveland landscape architect Albert D. Taylor designed the site on which the Water Works stands in 1920. In 1925, Herman Kregelius designed this superb Palladian building, rendered in red brick and stone, and capped by huge slate roofs. It is 750-feet in length, three-stories tall and stands adjacent to the largest covered reservoir in the world measuring 1,035 feet long, 551 feet wide and 39 feet tall, and containing 1,196 columns to support its subterranean roof structure. The reservoir has a storage capacity of almost 136 million gallons.

The restoration of the Baldwin Water Works is the first phase of a multi-million dollar restoration and rehabilitation of the entire campus. Begun in 2000, the project was substantially completed in 2004. The Cleveland Restoration Society recognizes The City of Cleveland and its partners for their commitment and excellence in restoration.

Receiving the award: City of Cleveland; City of Cleveland, Department of Water; City of Cleveland, Landmarks Commission; Richard L. Bowen & Associates; VIP Restoration; Shook Kokosing LLC; Malcolm Pirnie, Inc.; The Albert M. Higley Company


8. Emory M. Hessler House, Residential Restoration, Jason Lallo and Michael Brancatelli


This was awarded for the thoughtful, historically accurate restoration and renovation of the Emory M. Hessler House, located at 11333 Hessler Road in University Circle.
   

In consultation with the Cleveland Landmarks office and neighbors, “the Hessler House” (as it is commonly known) has been meticulously restored. The intricate exterior that had long stood dowdily dressed in dark brown-stained siding has been dramatically changed to a gray-green stain appropriate to the era and to the home’s flamboyant style. It has been balanced with cream paint for stucco portions and darker green and cream for trim. Roofs, eaves, windows, porches, and brackets were restored to the last detail. Exterior architectural features also reflect attention to detail from lanterns selected for balconies to decorative balustrades. Interior renovations are ongoing and follow the preservation standards expressed in the exterior work for one of the most distinctive examples of residential architecture in Greater Cleveland.

Receiving the award: Michael Brancatelli & Jason Lallo; City of Cleveland, Landmarks Commission

back to top

9. Judson Manor Canopy Restoration, Historic Building Detail Restoration, Judson Manor


Originally known as the Wade Park Manor, this University Circle landmark served for many years as a luxury residential hotel.
 
before
 
after

The building was completed in 1923 from the designs of renowned New York City Architects, George B. Post & Sons.

Since 1983, Judson Manor has been part of Judson Retirement Community, providing a gracious home and services to both independent and assisted living residents. Judson has invested more than $19 million to improve the building.

Today, we specifically recognize Judson for their meticulous restoration and reconstruction of the original entrance canopy. This exuberant element, which marks the entrance of this stately and otherwise reserved building, had become significantly deteriorated. The original iron and glass skirt had been lost, the metal structure was severely corroded and the reinforced concrete frame was in a state of advanced decay.

In most other cases, an element such as this would have simply been removed and replaced with a contemporary structure. Thankfully, Judson Manor chose to restore it to its original grandeur. A team of talented craftspeople carefully removed the corrosion and replaced deteriorated and missing portions of the canopy. Using historical photographs, a local blacksmith skillfully recreated many lost details and reconstructed the dramatic cast iron and glass skirt along the perimeter.

Today, the canopy once again welcomes residents and visitors to Wade Park Manor. We applaud Judson for their stewardship of this important building and commend them for the care and attention to detail lavished upon their historic canopy.

Receiving the award: Judson at University Circle; Harmon, Inc.; VIP Restoration, Inc.; Reader Roofing; Village Blacksmith, Inc.; Elite Renovations; D. E. Williams Electric


10. Stager-Beckwith Mansion (University Club), Club Building Restoration, Ferchill Group and Myers University


Closed by the University Club in 2002, this is one of the last surviving examples of the original 260 Cleveland Millionaire’s Row mansions.
   

Colonel Anson Stager, an associate of Jeptha Wade, built the front of this building in 1866. The structure was built for a whopping $6 per square foot, for total construction costs of $60,000. Subsequent owners included Thomas Sterling Beckwith, a prominent dry goods merchant, and Charles Brush.

Myers University stepped in to reclaim the building in 2002 as it faced an uncertain future. This 19th century landmark has since undergone $10 million in renovations, including a much-needed update of its electrical and mechanical systems, and has been returned to its original splendor. The Cleveland Restoration Society is pleased to present this award for Club Building Restoration to the Ferchill Group, Myers University and the entire project team. Congratulations!

Receiving the award: Myers University; MCM Company, Inc.; The Ferchill Group; Sandvick Architects; D-A-S Construction Co.; VIP Restoration, Inc.

back to top

11. The Union Club, Historic Club Building, Union Club

The Union Club, at the corner of East 12th Street and Euclid Avenue, was designed and built by Charles Schweinfurth, Cleveland’s most accomplished architect. The massive building constructed of Berea Sandstone opened with a gala reception in December 1905.  
before
 
after

It was immediately recognized as one of Cleveland’s architectural jewels. It is now a National Historic Landmark. The club attracted many civic-minded members, including 5 US presidents and 6 US senators.

In 2003 the club began its Second Century Renovation Project with the goals of attracting more diverse and younger members and ensuring the club’s ongoing prominence into the 21st Century. Major renovations to the clubhouse include a new state of the art fitness center; a new bar and casual, bistro-style dining area; and a formal dining room overlooking Euclid Avenue.

The first floor reading room is the crown jewel of the restoration. Ornate decoration, which had been covered by a four foot dropped ceiling in the 1960’s to accommodate air conditioning, was uncovered. An eight of an inch of paint was stripped from the beautiful wood paneling. Stenciled canvas decorates the four-foot area between the paneling and the ceiling, with matching custom designed ventilation vents. The rich fabric wall covering and oriental rugs add richness to this beautiful room. We congratulate the Union Club for this outstanding interior renovation!

Receiving the award: The Union Club; Westlake, Reed Leskosky Architects; Dick Pace; Cumberland Development, LLC; Illes Construction Company; Decorative Artworks, Inc.; Rose Metal Industries, Inc.; Audio Visual Innovations, Inc.


12. 1549 East 47th Street, Neighborhood Preservation Program, Maureen Hayden and Mike Milano

Maureen Hayden relocated to this Stick Style home in Cleveland’s St. Clair – Superior neighborhood in the mid-1990s to care for her elderly mother. By 2004, Maureen had assumed ownership. She contacted the Cleveland Restoration Society’s Neighborhood Preservation Program to address a variety of exterior repair issues.  
before
 
after


There were several layers of old paint on the house, much of it peeling off. Maureen’s contractor, Mike Milano of MCM Home Services, completely hand-scraped and sanded, primed and painted the exterior. CRS worked with Maureen to select appropriate colors and placement to bring out her home’s best architectural features.

Projects also included a complete roof tear off and replacement and installation of new aluminum triple track windows.

 
Maureen Hayden

back to top

13. 1917 West 73rd Street, Neighborhood Preservation Program, Scott Plate and Rocco Sutera

When Scott Plate purchased this “Cleveland double” located at 1917 West 73rd Street in the city’s Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood, in June 1999, he immediately saw the potential for restoration. It was covered from top to bottom in aluminum siding!  
before
 
after

In a multi-year project completed in 2004, Scott used CRS’ Neighborhood Preservation Program to remove the aluminum siding and repair and re-paint the original clapboards. The front porches had settled and were leaning a bit so Rocco Sutera was hired to stabilize the upper porch roof; repair or replicate the detailed scalloped siding in the gables; and repair the floors and railings on both upper and lower front porches.

 

Additional projects included demolition of an unsalvageable garage and construction of a new gabled garage, updated kitchens and bathrooms in both units, and restoration of original woodwork.

CRS commends Scott Plate and his general contractor Rocco Sutera for a job well done.

 

 
Scott Plate and Cyril Nulty


14. 1520 Grace Avenue, Lakewood, Preservation Program Award, Shay Fitzgerald and Bernard Hoefsmit

The third Preservation Program Award recognizes the perseverance of Shay Fitzgerald and Bernard Hoefsmit, the owners of this 1900 Queen Anne home on Grace Avenue in Lakewood. When Shay and Bernard purchased this home six years ago, some elbow grease and a bit of TLC on the exterior were all they figured it would take to make it a perfect home for raising their two young daughters. However, priorities quickly changed when Shay fell through the water-damaged attic ceiling! After a few more years of tending to critical interior structural issues, Shay and Bernard were finally able to focus on the exterior.

Inspired by a neighboring Cleveland Restoration Society project, Shay and Bernard contacted CRS’ Heritage Home Program for guidance with aluminum siding removal. They immediately discovered exquisite exterior details, including scalloped shingles, half-timbering and a decorative scrollwork in the front porch gable. Contractors repaired and replaced damaged wood siding, repaired and replaced missing architectural features, restored the front porch, rebuilt the front railing, painted the home in historic colors, and installed new landscaping.

The Cleveland Restoration Society congratulates Shay and Bernard on their perseverance in completing this fantastic historic restoration project.

back to top

15. The Duane Building, Trustees Award for Preservation Achievement, Jon Veard

The Trustees Award for Preservation Achievement recognizes a project that truly demonstrates the spirit of preservation. The winner is Jon Veard, President of Veard Duane Limited Partnership.

 
before
 
after

This is for Veard's outstanding commitment to the restoration of the Duane Building, located at 401 Broadway in downtown Lorain.

Designed by prominent local architect, Hamilton E. Ford and constructed in 1906, the Duane Building’s elaborate architectural design reflects the city’s economic power and optimism just after the turn of the last century. The ornate storefronts were home to some of Lorain’s finest clothing stores.

A fire in February 2002 nearly destroyed this landmark; however, restoration architect, Gary Fischer of Arkinetics, Inc. assured Jon that the building could saved, and that the fire had actually opened the opportunity for a more historically accurate restoration of the interior spaces.

For example, the original main stair, which had been turned 90 degrees in an earlier alteration, was destroyed in the fire and was reinstalled at its original location during the restoration project. Other original interior details were restored and recreated, including balustrades, decorative molding, and mosaic tile floors. Natural light was once again allowed to fill the interior spaces. A historically accurate color scheme was added to the original façade design.

The dramatic transformation of the Duane Building sparked such interest in Lorain, that only seventeen days after the completion of the project, every apartment was rented, and within five weeks the commercial spaces were filled. The Cleveland Restoration Society commends all involved for this stunning example of the effective restoration and reuse of an historic structure!

Receiving the award: Veard-Duane LLC; Veard Construction Co.; City of Lorain; Arkinetics, Inc.


2005 Preservation Awards File

For a PDF copy of the visual presentation shown during the awards ceremony for the 2005 Preservation Award Winners, you will find it HERE. (note: this has been saved as a PDF file, which is 15 MB in size. You may Open the file or Right Click, Save as Target, and download into a file on your hard drive)

back to top

 

 
Home | Events | Get Involved | Press Room | Publications | Assistance | FAQs | Site Map

Copyright 2004-2006 - all rights reserved
Cleveland Restoration Society and Preservation Resource Center of Northeastern
Ohio
Sarah Benedict House; 3751 Prospect Ave.; Cleveland, OH 44115-2705
(216) 426-1000 (main); (216) 426-1975 (fax)

Website designed by Creative Keys

Contact Us The National Trust Ohio Arts Council