20.7 Historic Preservation

Historic preservation is the practice of protecting, conserving, and managing buildings, landscapes, and objects with historical, cultural, or architectural significance. This effort aims to maintain the authenticity and integrity of these resources so that future generations can appreciate and learn from them. Historic preservation can include activities like restoring a building to its original state, adapting historic structures for modern use while keeping their significant features, and documenting historic sites for research and education.

In Ohio and Cleveland, government agencies work closely with for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations to preserve historic places. Agencies like the Ohio History Connection and the Cleveland Landmarks Commission provide grants, tax credits, and technical support to help fund preservation projects. Nonprofits such as the Cleveland Restoration Society and Heritage Ohio advocate for preservation, offer educational programs, and assist communities with their projects. For-profit companies, like architectural firms and cultural resource management firms, provide the expertise needed to restore and adapt historic buildings. This collaboration ensures that Ohio’s and Cleveland’s rich history is preserved and accessible to the public.

A great example of historic preservation in Cleveland, Ohio is the restoration of the West Side Market. This iconic public market, which opened in 1912, is not only a hub for fresh produce, meats, and other local goods but also chairs the architectural landmark. The Westside market features a beautiful clock tower, intricate tile work, and a stunning interior design that reflects its early 20th century origins.

Efforts to preserve and restore the West Side Market have ensured that it remains a vibrant part of Cleveland’s community. The market underwent significant renovations in the early 2000s to update its infrastructure while maintaining its historic charm. These preservation efforts have helped keep the market functional and relevant, allowing it to continue serving as a cultural and economic asset for the city.

Historic preservation often involves public-private partnerships, where government agencies, private companies, and nonprofit organizations work together to protect and restore historic sites. These partnerships leverage the strengths and resources of each sector to achieve preservation goals that might be unattainable for any single entity. In Ohio and Cleveland, these collaborations have led to the successful restoration and adaptive reuse of several historic buildings and districts.

Governments commit resources, especially when historic preservation projects support broader urban revitalization efforts. Urban revitalization is the process of improving and renewing urban areas that have experienced decline or neglect. This often involves renovating or replacing outdated infrastructure, buildings, and public spaces to attract residents, businesses, and visitors. Urban revitalization aims to enhance the economic, social, and cultural vibrancy of a city, making it more livable and appealing. The process can include efforts like historic preservation, new construction, improving public transportation, and increasing access to parks and community services.

One notable example of a public-private partnership in Cleveland is the adaptive reuse of the former Ameritrust Tower. Once a vacant office building, it has been transformed into The Nine, a high-end hotel and residential complex. This project involved collaboration between private developers and public agencies to revitalize the structure, preserve its historic features, and create a vibrant new use for the building. Similarly, the restoration of Playhouse Square, though primarily a public-nonprofit collaboration, also demonstrates how different sectors can come together to preserve and rejuvenate historic spaces for contemporary use.

The Warehouse District in Cleveland is another example of historic preservation driven by the private sector. This area, once filled with vacant and deteriorating buildings, has been revitalized through the efforts of private developers who saw the potential in these historic structures. The transformation of buildings on Euclid Avenue, such as the Schofield/Kimpton Hotel, the Cleveland Athletic Club, and the entire E. 4th Street, showcases how private investment can lead to the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings, turning them into modern amenities while retaining their historical charm. These projects highlight the vital role of public-private partnerships in preserving the rich architectural heritage of Ohio and Cleveland.

One potential pitfall of urban revitalization and historic preservation can be gentrification. Gentrification is the process where an area’s building stock is improved and attracts wealthier residents, often leading to the displacement of long-time, lower-income residents because prices and property taxes increase. This can be negative because it forces people out of their homes and communities, increasing inequality. To avoid gentrification, developers and city planners should include affordable housing in their projects and make sure that community engagement allows the voices and needs of all community stakeholders to influence projects.