RESTORATION SOCIETY AND AIA CLEVELAND AWARD EXEMPLARY PRESERVATION PROJECTS

On Tuesday, May 6, 2008 the Cleveland Restoration Society (CRS) and AIA Cleveland, a Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, will announce the winners of the 2008 Preservation Awards at a Celebration of Preservation in Playhouse Square.  The program, followed by a reception, will be held at the Ohio Theatre, 1511 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. 

The awards will recognize exemplary preservation projects and individuals who have made a significant, positive impact in Northeast Ohio.  The 2008 Celebration of Preservation is the first collaborative awards recognition effort by the two organizations, which have held individual programs in past years.

This year 13 awards in a variety of categories will be given.  Projects completed by companies, organizations and individuals from throughout Northeast Ohio are represented. “Through their projects they are preserving the cultural history of our diverse communities, revitalizing our local economy and adding to our quality of life,” said Kathleen H. Crowther, CRS executive director, of the award winners.  “Many of these projects are completed by individuals who have taken a substantial financial and personal risk to renovate their properties using an historic preservation approach and have become catalysts for others to do the same,” added Mary Helen Hammer, executive director of AIA Cleveland.

The event is open to the public and is free for members of Cleveland Restoration Society, AIA Cleveland, and AIA Akron. Non-members may join the Cleveland Restoration Society at a cost of $35, which includes a one-year membership, or contact AIA Cleveland at 216-575-1242 for membership rates and information. Ample parking is available at the Playhouse Square Garage.  For reservations or additional information, call the Cleveland Restoration Society at (216) 426-1000.

The Celebration of Preservation is generously sponsored by Sherwin-Williams, Turner Construction, and Marous Brothers Construction.

The Cleveland Restoration Society is the region’s largest nonprofit preservation organization and is a Local Partner affiliate of the National Trust.  Founded in 1972, CRS is dedicated to the preservation of Greater Cleveland’s historic resources.  CRS is generously funded by Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.

For almost 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes.  AIA members have access to the right people, knowledge, and tools to create better design, and through such resources and access, they help clients and communities make their visions real.

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