HERITAGE OHIO NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact:
Joyce Barrett
T: 614.258.6200
JBarrett@heritageohio.org

June 17, 2010
Lakewood Schools honored with “Best Civic Benefit” Award
at Heritage Ohio’s Annual Awards Ceremony

Athens, OHIO–Heritage Ohio awarded the “Best Civic Benefit” for Lakewood Schools rehabilitation of Horace Mann and Emerson Elementary Schools. Rick Berdine of Lakewood City School and Paula Reed of Lakewood Alive accepted the award Thursday, June 17th at Heritage Ohio’s Annual Preservation and Revitalization Awards Ceremony held at the Baker Center on the campus of Ohio University. The Awards Ceremony is held in conjunction with Heritage Ohio’s Statewide Conference.

Located in Cleveland’s first-ring suburb of Lakewood, Ohio, these “twin” schools were originally built in 1921 by architect Charles H. Hopkinson. In the renovation process both Emerson and Horace Mann schools, both originally junior high schools, were converted to elementary schools at a cost of $36 million. The source of funding was bond proceeds as approved by Lakewood taxpayers.

The projects were completed in 2008 and today services 375 and 396 students in grades k-5 respectively.

The two facilities have served the communities for nearly 100 years and remain icons of their respective neighborhoods. The original architects drawing were found at the Cleveland Public Library Archive. Historic photographs from the Lakewood Historical Society were also used to verify the original construction of the building.

“All the communities, organizations and individuals receiving awards today have demonstrated a local commitment to sustaining and growing the preservation and revitalization movement. Ohioans are concerned about the future of their heritage,” stated W. Kevin Pape, Board Chair of Heritage Ohio. Added Pape, “The inspiration these award winners provide to other communities will pay dividends far into the future.”

More than 20 communities, organizations and individuals submitted nominations for consideration. The awards recognize the numerous preservation and revitalization accomplishments of downtowns and neighborhoods across the state. The Selection Committee reported an increased level of quality in nominations, awarding 9 categories at this year's event.

Heritage Ohio is the statewide, not-for-profit preservation organization, dedicated to encouraging and assisting people and organizations to protect, preserve and revitalize Ohio’s heritage. Formed in 1989, Heritage Ohio has more than 500 members ranging from individuals and households to organizations and local governments. In 2002, Heritage Ohio was designated as the statewide partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Heritage Ohio encourages the development, redevelopment and improvement of downtown and neighborhood commercial districts. Heritage Ohio works as a catalyst for downtown development by bringing together downtown organizations, conducting statewide seminars and conferences and providing a network to share knowledge, common experiences and challenges concerning downtowns. Learn more at www.heritageohio.org.

Heritage Ohio has received support from the Ohio Department of Development’s Office of Housing and Community Partnerships, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Ohio Historic Preservation Office, and many Ohio corporations.

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