Seven Shaker Heights properties have earned Preservation Awards from the Shaker Heights Landmark Commission. The awards were presented by Landmark Commission members on Monday, September 23, 2024, at Shaker Heights City Hall.
The Commission established the Preservation Awards program in 1998 to celebrate those who preserve and improve Shaker Heights properties with particular commitment to their heritage, craftsmanship, original materials, and continuing potential as viable and inspiring structures. The following properties received recognition:
Retention of Original Materials
Horn Residence - Leighton Road
William A. Bingham, Architect. Constructed in 1922
Homeowners identified that the visible part of two steel lintels supporting the brick parapets above an open porch were rusted and crumbling. The contractor provided a full replacement of the rusted beams and restored the existing brick. Every brick was salvaged and reused, restoring the original appearance of the porch. To complete the porch ceiling, a carpenter from Tuscarawas County was brought in and installed tongue and groove ceilings made from Amish milled pine that matched the original wood ceiling.
Excellence in Stewardship
Conn Residence - Sutherland Road
H.W.
Grieme, Architect. Constructed in 1927.
As a result of natural weathering, the original cedar shake roof reached the end of its life. The contractor stepped in and installed a new cedar shake roof that mirrored the original roof design and materials. Replacing the roof with another ceder shake roof upheld the property’s historic character and exhibits the aesthetic quality that can be achieved by utilizing historic materials.
Pulver Residence - Stanford Road
J.S. Kelly, Architect. Constructed in 1936.
After purchasing their Western Reserve Colonial, homeowners began a variety of exterior restorations, including garage renovations, new landscaping, a roof replacement, and front door restoration. They reconfigured the garage to allow space for two cars and storage. Additionally, the flat roof and window trim was removed and a new roof was installed. The front door and its brass hardware underwent a thorough two-month restoration, and the original, overgrown landscaping was dug out and a new landscape design and plan was implemented. The crew was able to salvage the rear patio hardscaping which was installed in the 1960s.
Distinguished Landscape
Moreland Courts Condominium Association - Shaker Boulevard
Alfred W. Harris, Philip Small, and Small & Rowley, Architects. Constructed in 1928.
In 2018, Moreland Courts’ Landmark Committee undertook a significant garden creation project to amplify the stately facade of the Point Building and enhance its surroundings. The contractor planted new garden beds with a mixture of native and non-native plants. Special attention was paid to selecting the ornamental trees in the oval to provide seasonal interest. To complete the garden, the northeast side of the triangle was planted with mature spruce trees. The result is a magnificent, oval English-style garden space for residents.
Other: Exterior Renovation
Lasky Residence - Shelburne Road
H.B. Burdick, Architect. Constructed in 1926. The porch on the west side of the house was severely deteriorated and the contractor removed the porch and rebuilt it to match the original exterior design. The original sandstone accent pieces were preserved and repurposed, and new custom brick was used to match that of the existing house.
Other: Interior and Exterior Renovation
Medved Residence - South Park Boulevard
J. W. C. Corbusier, Architect. Constructed in 1908.
After moving into their house, the homeowners undertook various interior and exterior projects, including relocating windows, creating a new rear entrance, adding a new rear patio, and the demolition and reconfiguration of the kitchen spaces. The homeowners matched architectural details and had base moldings and door casings custom-made to the original architect's specifications, and where possible, they salvaged and re-used doors, cabinetry, hardware, fixtures and fittings.
Other: Excellence in Rehabilitation
Fernway Elementary School - Fernway Road
C. S. Schneider, Architect. Constructed in 1926.
The Shaker Heights School Board and District made an investment to restore Fernway Elementary School after it was damaged by fire, smoke, and water. The entire roof structure was rebuilt and roofed with new green slate and copper flashing that matched the original details. Damaged sections to the original limestone cornice were replaced in kind and the original cupola was recreated using historic photographs to ensure the details were replicated. Three building additions were incorporated into the project and mimic the existing building massing, fenestration, cornice, entry details, and roofing.