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The History of Cleveland Heights' Alcazar Hotel

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 06:37:54 GMT

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The Alcazar through the years

1922-23: Plans are completed and construction begins for a distinctive five-story apartment hotel to be called the Alcazar, a Spanish word for fortress. It was built for George W. Hale, Edna Florence Steffens, Harry E. Steffens and Kent Hale Smith, who, according to a society newsletter, "personally planned and executed this Spanish castle of their dreams." Smith's widow, Thelma, lived at the Alcazar toward the end of her life. (She died in 2007.)

Oct. 1, 1923: The Alcazar Hotel opens to guests and tenants. It is the only hotel in Cleveland Heights.

Dec. 5, 1933: Prohibition ends after 13 years; the Alcazar, like other establishments, can now serve liquor in its restaurant and bar.

1936: The Great Lakes Exposition and Billy Rose's Aquacade draw entertainers and visitors to the Alcazar.

1940s and 1950s: The Alcazar continues to be a favorite site for dancing, dining and listening to entertainers in the lounge and restaurant.

Tags: preservation, hotel, cleveland heights

A Profile of Historic Perkins Observatory

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:30:26 GMT

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Clip Source: connect2.owu.edu

The Sky’s the Limit

Hiram Perkins’ gift inspires generations

For almost 90 years, students and community members have been seeing stars at one of OWU’s most beautiful and historic buildings.

Every detail of the Perkins Observatory, which was built in 1923, was lovingly designed and funded by Hiram Mills Perkins, who taught at Ohio Wesleyan University for more than a half-century. The care that went into the design can be seen in the fantastic detail of the structure, from the 135,000-pound dome to the carved likenesses of Helios and the Zodiacal beings. Sadly, the benefactor never saw his work completed. He died shortly after the groundbreaking ceremony in 1923; visitors to the observatory are told that on cloudy nights his ghost still wanders the place and reads the old books by the light of the library’s original brass lamps.

Burns believes that Perkins Observatory is a place for people of all ages and academic fields to appreciate that universe.

Tags: preservation, observatory, delaware

Creating Walkable Communities in Ohio

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 06:00:28 GMT

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Clip Source: www.columbushomesblog.com

Walkability is nothing new and it’s not a new topic here in Columbus. Who doesn’t want it all right out their doorstep so long as they also have a bit of the American Dream along with at least a bit of grass? While the above statistic may be accurate, I’m not sure we see it here in Columbus.

Olde Worthington and historic downtown Upper Arlington seem like they would capture a premium price for their own brand of urban walkability but, although it’s true to a point, there are other neighborhoods within those municipalities that do equally well if not better but that’s more about space.

It’s True that the Short North and German Village command a premium price because it’s all right there for you. Why haven’t Olde Towne East and Franklinton also become considerably more popular in light of movement back to the city centers? (True, Franklinton’s housing stock isn’t steller but it certainly is affordable) Is it because the amenities aren’t there yet?

Tags: urban, walkability, columbus

Rehabbing Superman's Cleveland House

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:46:03 GMT

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Clip Source: www.wtam.com

Work is getting underway at the Superman House.

The Kimberley Avenue home on Cleveland's east side is where Jerry Seigel grew up. Seigel and Joe Shuster created Superman while students at Glenville High School.

Residents Jefferson and Hattie Gray sought $50,000 to repair the roof and repaint the exterior but raised about twice that amount, with help from the Siegel and Shuster Society and novelist Brad Meltzer.

The renovation work is being coordinated by the Glenville Development Corporation.

Rob Woodbridge, Bleick & Kessler Construction Co. reports the home will get an extensive exterior make over, that will take about 6 weeks to complete.

Woodbridge explains he has rehabbed a lot of historic homes on Cleveland's east side, but none as famous as this one. He read Superman comic books as a child, and now his kids are doing the same.

Woodbridge says he is constantly being asked by people passing by if this is the famed Superman House.

Tags: preservation, renovation, cleveland

Historic Church Celebrated

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 22:06:12 GMT

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Clip Source: www.irontontribune.com

A century ago, the then-newly built Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church opened its doors to the community for the first time.

Between then and now, some changes have been made to the neat white- steepled structure at 715 Adams St. A church office and a choir loft were added in those years, but one thing remained constant: the church’s mission to spread the message of Christ and serve the community.

On Sunday, Oct. 14, the congregation of Quinn Chapel will celebrate the building’s 100 years in the Ironton community with a special program at 4 p.m.

In the beginning

While the building itself is 100 years old, the actual congregation has roots that reach further back. Quinn Chapel was originally founded in 1856 by newly freed slaves who crossed the Ohio River at Burlington, via the Underground Railroad. The new Ohioans settled in Ironton and sought work at the Vesuvius Furnace.

Tags: preservation, churches

Singing ABBA at Delaware's Historic Strand Theatre

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:40:29 GMT

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Clip Source: connect2.owu.edu

At Delaware’s historic Strand Theatre, 28 E. Winter St., the answer is a resounding yes. It does show again.

Beginning Friday, the Strand will be showing Mamma Mia! The Sing-A-Long Version, where fans of ABBA’s infectious pop music are invited to sing their hearts out. Lyrics to the many ABBA songs featured in the hit movie will be printed right on the screen, says Kara McVay, manager of the Strand.

“Now everyone can sing as loud and proud as they want and know all the words,” McVay says, adding that the movie also was a crowd-pleaser when it first played at the theater this summer.

Special sing-a-long showings of Mamma Mia are set for 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday; 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, and 9:30 p.m. Saturday; 1:30, 4:30, and 7:30 p.m. Sunday; and 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Tags: revitalization, downtown, theatre, deleware

Former Schoolhouse to be Auctioned

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:08:49 GMT

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Clip Source: www.cantonrep.com

Historic schoolhouse on auction block

MARLBORO TWP. The death of John T. Abell this summer has put his unique home on the auction block.

The 138-year-old building on state Route 44 was a two-room schoolhouse, then a Grange hall before becoming Abell's home.

Catherine J. Mungo of Medina reminisced about her first cousin, now that his home of 30-some years is being auctioned off.

"It is sad (the house isn't going to someone in the family), but I know we have to move on. He is giving the money to a good cause."

Built as a two-room schoolhouse in New Baltimore in 1870, the brick building served as the Marlboro Grange No. 1401 for several years, beginning in 1894.

It became known as the Abell schoolhouse in the early 1970s, after he bought the 3,586-square foot building on 11⁄2 acres and converted it into a family home with the help of well-known historic decorator, Nancy Kalin, who has since died.

Tags: preservation, school, auction

Akron Neighborhood Honors Renovations

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:25:51 GMT

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Clip Source: www.akron.com

Residences, businesses recognized at WHNO annual event

The West Hill Neighborhood Organization (WHNO) will host its annual free-to-the-public meet-and-greet event Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the Highland Theater.

Those who attend can learn more about WHNO’s mission, programs and volunteer opportunities. There will be gifts for attendees and concessions and a bar provided by the theater.

The event also will include the presentation of the WHNO’s housing/community awards to local residents and businesses, including:

WHNO President Jane Startzman said the awards broadly cover the WHNO’s service area and range from individual homes to businesses that have worked to improve the West Hill/Highland Square community to neighborhood satellite groups of WHNO that have utilized Neighborhood Partnership Program funds to enhance their streets.

Such was the case with the new concrete planters established by the Dodge/Payne group, according to group member Holli Mallak.

Tags: neigborhood, renovation, akron

A Restored Montpelier Honors James Madison

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:33:24 GMT

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Clip Source: blog.cleveland.com

Montpelier restoration gives Founding Father James Madison overdue recognition

It isn't exactly common to make a house two-thirds smaller or to remove the indoor plumbing. But that's been done at Montpelier, the plantation mansion of President James Madison.

The brick Georgian home at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains has undergone a $24 million restoration with a goal of returning the structure to the way it was between 1809, when Madison was elected the nation's fourth president, and 1836, the year he died. Historians view Madison as the architect of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

"We determined at the outset that it would not be a made-up restoration," said Michael Quinn, president of the Montpelier Foundation, which operates the 2,650-acre estate. "Every part of it would be accurate and would be authentic, and we would restore every room in the house, the cellars where the slaves worked and lived, as well as the dining room and all the bedrooms."

Tags: restoration, presidential sites

New Downtown Mount Vernon Signage Installed

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:02:31 GMT

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Clip Source: www.mountvernonnews.com

MOUNT VERNON — New street signs are going up in downtown Mount Vernon. The new signs, which will go up in three stages, are designed for more readability and will mark intersecting streets, direct motorists to free city parking areas and show the way to area parks.

Installing the signs will be an ongoing project for an indeterminate time. Debris removal in the city is taking precedence over the new signs, although some have gone up already. Motorists should be aware of the installation process and the lift trucks that will be blocking some traffic during the installation.

The effort is a result of a determination by the Greater Downtown Management Council that realized better and more informative signage was needed in the city.

There will be blue signs with white lettering to identify street names. Signs with a black background will direct motorists to municipal parking areas. Signs at the seven entrances to the city will have a brick-red background and welcome visitors to Mount Vernon.

Tags: revitalization, downtown, mount vernon

Steeple Restoration in Peninsula

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:35:57 GMT

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Clip Source: www.akron.com

The first step toward restoring the steeple and bell tower at Peninsula United Methodist Church took place Sept. 3. Workers set out that day to remove the steeple while a crowd of residents looked on. Some members of the church and its Board of Trustees are pictured at left as they watch the task unfold.

A crane carefully moved the steeple away from the building and then turned around to retrieve the bell, dated 1872, which was lowered onto a wooden platform, as shown at right middle. A temporary roof was then placed on top of the bell tower, pictured at right bottom.

The work last week was the first part of an extensive restoration project at the church, which is marking its 175th anniversary this fall. According to Gregory Preneta, Board of Trustees chairperson, the project has been under consideration for about a year.

While the work is ongoing, the church is raising money for the project, expected to total $50,000.

Tags: preservation, restoration, church, peninsula

School Building History Celebrated

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 02:01:10 GMT

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Clip Source: www.catholiccincinnati.org

St. Boniface School celebrates its heritage

CATHEDRAL DEANERY - Students, faculty and staff at St. Boniface School recently marked the 75th anniversary of the current school building located on Pitts Avenue in Northside.

A special ceremony, "Remembering our Roots, Celebrating our Heritage" began with a school-wide Mass Sept. 5. The students also honored their school's history with a ribbon cutting, blessings and stories about school policies in 1933. During that time students weren't allowed to use the school's front doors, nor were they allowed in the gymnasium, and they had to form separate lines based on gender.

"This whole school year we proclaim as 'Heritage Celebration,'" teacher Barbara Luken told the students during the ceremony.

The hallways displayed memorabilia such as desks, chairs and books from the past. A timeline on the walls highlights Cincinnati history as well as international and national events that took place the same year.

Tags: preservation, schools, cincinnati

Burlington Celebrates Cabin Restoration

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 19:02:55 GMT

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Clip Source: www.irontontribune.com

Log cabin ceremony a long time coming

BURLINGTON — It was an evening of contrasts.

With the roar of a powered Parglider pulsing through the sky, Harriette Ramsey gave the signal to cut the yellow ribbon to open the 19th Century Josiah Riley Log Cabin.

It was the realization of a dream long coming.

“It took a community to get involved for this log cabin to be here,” Ramsey, president of the Concerned Citizens of Burlington, told the audience who gathered Saturday evening at the Burlington Commons.

There will be the final home for the historic Riley log cabin, whose restoration has been an ongoing project for the Concerned Citizens.

The last family to live in the cabin were Jim and Clella “Aunt Tike” Riley. Jim Riley was a son of Josiah, born Jan. 2, 1879, and grew up in the cabin that was built before 1877.

Lawrence County historian Betty Burchem contacted the Burlington supporters about a year ago about the possibility of acquiring the cabin, then located on County Road 1 in Chesapeake.

Tags: preservation, restoration, burlington

Toledo's White Tower Restaurant is Rescued

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 02:46:52 GMT

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Clip Source: dinerhotline.wordpress.com

We’ve been watching the developments with the on-going story of the last White Tower in downtown Toledo, Ohio. The small white building was not originally built to be a White Tower restaurant but within a few years of its construction, it was purchased by the White Tower Corp. to be their first outlet in Toledo. In the last few months there has been news that the building which has been closed for a while, was being offered for sale for the amount of $1.00. The catch is the building had to be moved so the site could be redeveloped.

It was announced today that someone finally stepped forward to save the beleaguered structure from the wrecking ball. Here is the story from “The Blade” dated September 18th.

Article published Thursday, September 18, 2008

That neon-lit era of 24-hour diners and the 3 a.m. ButterBURGER could soon return to downtown Toledo.

Tags: preservation, recent past, commercial, toledo

Historic Tax Credits to Boost Cleveland Neighborhood

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:43:44 GMT

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Clip Source: blog.cleveland.com

The empty windows and scarred face of the brick hospital mask the energy brewing in blighted neighborhoods near Buckeye Road.

At the heart of this slow reknitting of the urban fabric, the hospital waits.

That could change this month, however, when state officials expect to announce awards of tax credits critical to preserving and reusing the historic building. The tax credits, a key piece of a complex financing puzzle, would allow a nonprofit group and a private developer to begin, finally, turning the hospital into apartments for the elderly.

And, proponents say, it could create a model for diverse, sustainable neighborhoods that bring together young families and the elderly, workplaces and homes, education and transportation and Cleveland's history and its future.

"Look at the scale of this project," John Hopkins, executive director for the Buckeye Area Development Corp., said while pointing to a development plan.

Tags: preservation, ohio historic preservation tax credit, cleveland