Historic Preservation Planning Kara Hamley O'Donnell, Historic Preservation Planner 216-291-4885 kodonnell@clvhts.com Historic Architecture For more information about historic architecture and historic preservation, see History/Architecture or contact the Historic Preservation Planner at 216-291-4885 or kodonnell@clvhts.com. Please include a specific subject in the subject line. Landmark Commission The Cleveland Heights Landmark Commission was created by City Council in 1973 to preserve and protect buildings, works of art and other objects of historical or architectural value to the community. The Commission has five members appointed to three-year terms by City Council. Commission activities are funded by the City and supported by staff. Landmark nominations are made by Commission members or by owners seeking designation for their properties. Nominations must be accompanied by thorough research and documentation. After receiving a nomination, the Landmark Commission tours the site and discusses its Landmark eligibility. Properties may be landmarked for their architectural and/or historical significance to the community. For a copy of the nomination form (in pdf format), click here. A designated Cleveland Heights Landmark can be identified by its circular bronze Landmark plaque, often located near the front entry. Owners are expected to keep these valuable resources in good condition so they will remain for future generations. If a Landmark property owner wishes to make exterior alterations, Landmark Commission approval is necessary. There are 50 designated Cleveland Heights Landmarks; for a free copy of the Landmark Booklet (in pdf format), click here. Historic Preservation The City's historic preservation efforts are led by the Department of Planning and Development, which considers Cleveland Heights' historic building stock to be one of the city's great strengths. Planning staff is sensitive to preservation when considering renovation of buildings and changes to neighborhoods, and works to encourage new development that respects the historic nature of our community. The City's Historic Preservation Planner offers assistance to homeowners who are rehabilitating their homes and provides literature and guidance on specific types of renovation projects, such as floor refinishing, paint color selection and preparation, stripping woodwork, and repairing windows, to name only a few. For assistance or more information, call 216-291-4885 or email kodonnell@clvhts.com. House History One of the most popular questions is 'When was my house built?' Staff can point you in the right direction of finding out the details of your home's original construction, see 'Your Old House.' Staff is also completing a database of original building permits for the city's historic structures. For many of the city's homes and commercial structures, the database includes the original permit date, original owner, builder and architect, as well as a 'footprint' drawing of your original home. Not included are original floor plans or photos. Walking Tours Interested in learning more about Cleveland Heights unique neighborhoods and architecture? The following walking tours were created by the City's Landmark Commission: A Tour of Several Unique Neighborhoods and their Distinct Bungalow Architecture: Caledonia, Oxford and Noble Neighborhoods Seeing Doubles: A Tour of Double Homes along the old Cedar Road Streetcar Line On and Off the Boulevard: Grand Apartments of Cleveland Heights Paper copies of the above brochures are available at the Department of Planning and Development. Call 216-291-4885 or email kodonnell@clvhts.com. Additional walking tours of two historic districts and one park listed on the National Register of Historic Places have been created by neighborhood groups: The Euclid Golf Neighborhood , A Walk through Ambler Heights and Forest Hill Park. Call 216-291-4885 or email kodonnell@clvhts.com for more information. Cleveland Heights Historical Center at Superior Schoolhouse A longtime dream was fulfilled when the Cleveland Heights Historical Center at Superior Schoolhouse opened in September 2000. Owned and operated by the City of Cleveland Heights, the Cleveland Heights Historical Center at Superior Schoolhouse is home to an archival collection and museum committed to the presentation and preservation of Cleveland Heights' history and architecture through documentation, exhibits, and special events. The Historical Center stands as an educational resource to deepen our citizens' commitment to preserving a rich cultural legacy for future generations. We invite residents to help the Historical Center by providing artifacts, memories, and volunteer efforts. We encourage the donation of old books, manuscripts, records, photographs and artifacts that are of historical significance to Cleveland Heights' history and development. Schoolhouse Lecture Series - An integral part of the Historical Center is the Schoolhouse Lecture Series, presenting lectures on Cleveland Heights architecture and history several times a year. Co-sponsored by the Cleveland Heights Landmark Commission and the Cleveland Heights Historical Society, most lectures are videotaped and played on the City's cable channel 23. For a list of videos from the Schoolhouse Lecture Series go to Cleveland Heights Historical Center. Schoolhouse hours - The Cleveland Heights Historical Center at Superior Schoolhouse is open Tuesdays, 1:00-4:00 pm and the first Saturday of each month from 9:00 am-noon, April through December. Admission is free. The Center is closed January through March. Tours are also available by appointment. Contact the Historic Preservation Planner Kara O'Donnell at 216-291-4885 or kodonnell@clvhts.com. The building may be rented by groups who are involved in architecture, preservation or history. For a free copy of the Historical Center brochure, click here. Low-Interest Home Renovation Loans for Preservation The City participates in the Heritage Home Program, which allows owners of older and historic homes to maintain, repair and improve their property. Also available is a home improvement loan available at KeyBank with an interest rate of 3.5%. See the Heritage Home Loan Program site for more information