April 15, 2004

CONTACT:
Deanna L. Bremer
Director of Marketing
Cleveland Restoration Society
Phone: (216) 426-3111
Fax: (216) 426-1975
E-mail: dbremer@clevelandrestoration.org

APRIL 20 IS HISTORIC SCHOOL DAY

Tuesday, April 20, 2004 is Historic School Day. Many communities throughout the country are celebrating their historic schools through special events and publications. In Cleveland, the Cleveland Restoration Society has published Monograph 12: “Cleveland’s Historic Neighborhood Schools,” an 8-page survey of the wide array of architectural styles and rich history of Cleveland’s school buildings.

Cleveland schools’ prominent locations, beautiful ornamentation, premium building materials and fine craftsmanship demonstrate the high-value Clevelanders place on educating their children and the pride they have for their community. School buildings were built as integral parts of the neighborhoods they served, often reflecting the tastes and culture of their constituents as well as prevailing architectural styles. Beginning in 1889, the Cleveland School Board employed a trained architect, often of national reputation, who designed and oversaw all school construction projects. Several innovative ideas in school design for fire safety and educational instruction originated in Cleveland.

Many of these spectacular school buildings still exist today and are either still being used for educational purposes or have been adapted to other important uses. The Cleveland Restoration Society has partnered with the Cleveland Municipal School District to conduct a feasibility study to determine whether two schools currently slated for replacement under the school rebuilding plan, A. B. Hart and William Cullen Bryant, might instead be renovated to meet the needs of today’s children and provide a superb 21st century education. To obtain a copy of “Cleveland’s Historic Neighborhood Schools,” please call (216) 426-1000.

Historic School Day is part of School Building Week (April 19-23), sponsored by the Council of Educational Facilities Planners International (CEFPI), a trade organization of the providers, users and builders of school facilities. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, in cooperation with the National Park Service, is co-sponsoring Historic School Day. For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.

The Cleveland Restoration Society/Preservation Resource Center of Northeastern Ohio is the region’s largest non-profit preservation organization and is a Local Partner affiliate of the National Trust. Founded in 1972, the Society is dedicated to the preservation of greater Cleveland’s historic resources.

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