NATIONAL TRUST EXPERT PRESENTS NEW THINKING ON SCHOOL RENOVATIONS

On Tuesday, November 23, 2004, Royce Yeater, Midwest Director of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, will present new national thinking on the renovation of existing school buildings at the Cleveland Restoration Society’s 32 nd Annual Community Luncheon. The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Marriott Key Center Ballroom, 127 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio.

As school districts across the country embark on the largest school rebuilding effort in our country’s history, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has been working with school facilities planning experts to understand contemporary educational needs and how older buildings can be adapted to meet them. The result is a fundamental shift in how school facilities planners view older buildings and the communities they serve.

“School facilities planning had been based upon a 1950s-era concept of obsolescence and ‘new is better,’” says Mr. Yeater. “The Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) has updated their guidelines to reflect today’s understanding of sustainable development.”

Mr. Yeater will discuss how historic schools can meet 21 st century education standards, save tax dollars and revitalize neighborhoods. His talk will highlight the issues surrounding school renovation and replacement decisions and illustrate the process with examples of successfully rehabilitated schools across the country.

Ohio’s current school facility funding guidelines make it difficult for communities to choose renovation. The Cleveland Restoration Society, Heritage Ohio and the National Trust for Historic Preservation advocate for state policies that would level the playing field for older and historic neighborhood schools. Restoring historic neighborhood schools typically saves tax dollars, reinvests in existing infrastructure, safeguards our cultural heritage and supports sustainable communities.

As Midwest Director of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Mr. Yeater has a national perspective on state policies affecting historic schools. Through his extensive experience as a practicing school architect, he understands the challenges school districts face in making renovation versus replacement decisions.

The community luncheon raises much-needed unrestricted funds for the Cleveland Restoration Society’s programs and operations. Individual tickets for the luncheon range in price from $40 to $125 each. For reservations and more information, contact the Cleveland Restoration Society at (216) 426-1000 or e-mail dbremer@clevelandrestoration.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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