The Cleveland Restoration Society and the American Institute of Architects, Cleveland recently honored the City of Lakewood, the Lakewood Historical Society and Downtown Lakewood (part of LakewoodAlive) with a 2009 Preservation Award.  The Preservation Awards recognize projects that have contributed significantly to improving the quality of life in Greater Cleveland through the preservation of our historic architectural resources.  These three groups have worked together to increase awareness of Lakewood’s heritage and promote the preservation of our community’s history. 

City of Lakewood Planning & Development Director Nathan Kelly accepted the award on behalf of all three groups at the Cleveland Restoration Society’s annual Celebration of Preservation at the recently restored Hanna Theater.  The award committee stated that, “The entire streetcar suburb of Lakewood has been determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.  In the last several years, this historic city has successfully promoted preservation through the activities of both its government and its many nonprofits.”

“In 2005, the City strengthened its demolition ordinance and then three years later passed a Preservation Ordinance.  In 2006, the City nominated the Birdtown neighborhood, an ethnic enclave developed for workers of the Union Carbide Company, to the National Register of Historic Places.  The City’s Planning & Development Department has applied for Certified Local Government status and has also surveyed the city’s commercial buildings through Lakewood’s Heritage Advisory Board.  The results of the survey, including a ranking of historical and architectural merit, are being used to guide development decisions.  Notable new projects, such as Rockport Square and Rosewood Place, have been carefully planned and incorporate preservation components.  Successful and highly visible adaptive reuse projects, such as the Winking Lizard and the rehab of the First Church of Christ, Scientist into the Maxxum Corporation offices, also highlight the best of Lakewood.”

“Non-profit groups have also worked to promote the city.  In 2007, the Lakewood Historical Society, which has traditionally focused on its museum, archives, and education programs, created a Preservation Fund for endangered properties.  To date $20,000 has been raised.  Downtown Lakewood, which recently earned accreditation from the National Main Street Center, holds many events that celebrate the vitality and walkability of the city’s downtown.  The group is currently developing design guidelines for the central business district.”

“Preservation at the local level is often best achieved through thoughtful partnerships like that of the City of Lakewood, Lakewood Historical Society, and Downtown Lakewood.  We commend these groups for their model efforts and their many accomplishments.”