A landmark study, years in the making, has the potential to change how we understand the value of sacred places in America. The Economic Halo Effect of Historic Sacred Places examined 90 Protestant, Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Jewish congregations in Philadelphia, Chicago, and Fort Worth. It analyzed the financial influence they have on their cities. The result is astounding, showing that the average urban sacred place brings an aggregate value of $1.7 million annually to its wider community. With close to 1,800 congregations in just these three urban centers alone, that translates to an impact of over $3 billion. The study resulted from a partnership of Partners for Sacred Places and the University of Pennsylvania, under the direction of Dr. Ram Cnaan, Professor and Director of the University's Program for Religion and Social Policy Research.

 

 

A large power plant in Austin, Texas has been adapted for mixed uses, a recent National Trust for Historic Preservation publication notes. It's interesting reading, given the current state of the FirstEnergy Lake Shore Power Plant in Cleveland and the work that CRS did to see a similar fate for that property. The Lake Shore Power Plant, a monumental symbol of Cleveland's industrial and economic strength, was built in stages between 1915 and the 1970 and shut down in April 2015, after owner FirstEnergy determined that changes to meet federal emissions standards would be too costly. FirstEnergy applied to the City of Cleveland for a permit to demolish the plant. Preservation experts from Cleveland Restoration Society toured the site and provided testimony at public meetings in support of a professional evaluation of the preservation potential of the plant. Cleveland's Design Review Committee tabled the demolition request to allow for more time to analyze the preservation viewpoint on March 31. However, on April 1, the Cleveland Planning Commission approved the demolition request. The plant is currently being demolished. Work appears to have started on the west end of the building, where the massive generator room shown here was located.

The Cleveland Restoration Society is sad to note the passing of Daryl Rush, a champion of Cleveland and an enthusiastic supporter of CRS's work. The City of Cleveland's Director of Community Development, Rush was a leader known for his commitment to improving the lives of city residents and to mentoring those around him. A resident of Glenville, he was an early participant of CRS's Heritage Home Program. He also helped to spur our work to assist with small commercial deals. The Cleveland Restoration Society extends our sincerest condolences to Daryl Rush's family and friends. Photo courtesy of Plain Dealer.   

 

Click here to see a full list of Heritage Program participating communities.

 

Click here for more information.

The Cleveland Restoration Society is seeking a full-time entry-level professional to be Heritage Home Program Assistant. Applicant must demonstrate the following:

Responsibilities include:

Please submit your resume, college and university transcripts and a writing sample by email to Thomas A. Jorgensen, Chief Operating Officer, tjorgensen@clevelandrestoration.org no later than January 25, 2017. No calls please.

The Shaker Heights Landmark Commission seeks submissions to its annual Preservation Month Photo Contest. The contest encourages residents and visitors to submit images that showcase the beauty of the city's architecture, parks, and neighborhoods. For the 2017, one or more winners will be selected from the following categories: Buildings; Parks and Public Spaces; and Moreland Neighborhood (special focus for 2017). Submissions will be accepted online through March 31, and winners will be announced in May. The contest is free and open to all. Contact Christian Roadman at christian.roadman@shakeronline.com or 216-491-1433 with any questions.    

The Board and staff of the Cleveland Restoration Society extend our best wishes to Colin Compton as he joins staff of the City of Shaker Heights. Colin has accepted a position as Neighborhood and Housing Specialist in the Economic Development Department, administering the city's property improvement grant programs, among other responsibilities. Colin has been an important part of CRS's Heritage Home Program for three years. We wish him well in his new position.

    

Join your fellow history advocates at this year's annual Statehood Day event at the Ohio Statehouse on Wednesday, March 1. Greg Harris, president and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, is the featured keynote speaker at lunchtime. The next round of History Fund grant recipients will also be announced.

   
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It's judge registration time for the Region 3 Ohio History Day contest. Volunteer judges are needed to evaluate student papers, websites, performances, documentaries, and exhibits. No experience is necessary and training will be presented by Ohio History Connection. The only requirement is the ability to provide constructive feedback to students and availability on Ohio History Day, Saturday, March 4, from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Following a morning session, three-person judging teams will disperse to evaluate student work at various sites at the Cleveland History Center of the Western Reserve Historical Society or at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. During a lunch provided by the Cleveland History Center, judges will rank projects and submit evaluation forms to Ohio History Day staff. After submitting evaluation forms, judges are invited, though not required, to judge run-off (second round) competitions and attend the afternoon awards program at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

   

Contact Steve Eigsti for more information.