Historic Preservation ENews

March 2025

Announcement: 2025 Preservation Month Photo Contest

2023 Photo Contest, Architecture Category Runner-Up

Sunset on Winchell Road by Kiki Stout, Architecture Runner-Up, 2023 Preservation Month Photo Contest

The 2025 Preservation Month Photo Contest has begun and the Shaker Heights Landmark Commission seeks submissions to this year’s contest. The biennial contest was created in honor of National Preservation Month, which is celebrated each May by preservation organizations across the country. Submissions will be accepted via Instagram using the hashtag #PreserveSH25.

The contest encourages residents and visitors to submit images that showcase what makes Shaker “Shaker.” Photos can highlight a particular architectural detail, landmark building, neighborhood, street, park, place to eat or shop, view, or anything else that represents Shaker Heights to the photographer.

The contest is free and open to all. Entries will be accepted through Saturday, May 31. Winners will be featured in the fall issue of Shaker Life magazine.

Learn more about the contest details and official rules.

Project Update

Gravestone of Wilber Stiles, before and after restoration

The gravestone of Wilber Stiles, before and after the 2024 restoration project at the Warrensville West Cemetery.

Local Landmark Spotlight

Street view of the Van Sweringen Residence on South Park Boulevard in Shaker Heights.

17400 South Park Boulevard*

The Van Sweringen Residence
Architect: H.T. Jeffrey
Style: Tudor Revival

Constructed between 1909 and 1912, The Van Sweringen residence serves as an example of timeless elegance and the rich history of Shaker Heights. Designed by architect H.T. Jeffrey, this architectural gem was home to Oris Paxton and Mantis James Van Sweringen, two brothers who visualized and shaped Shaker Heights in the early 20^th century. 17400 South Park Boulevard is an example of the Tudor Revival style, and includes half-timbered/stucco gabled roofing with three prominent chimneys and a stone façade that includes tall, narrow windows. On September 27, 1999 the mansion was designated a local landmark, becoming an example within the community the two brothers had fostered. The total square footage of the residence is almost 12,000 square feet, making it one of the largest households in northeast Ohio behind, Roundwood Manor, another property built for the brothers. The Van Sweringen residence is not just a local treasure but a symbol of the community’s enduring heritage.

*Please be mindful that this is a private residence.

More information about this home and other local landmarks can be found on the following websites:

Did You Know?

Historic Preservation has been a slowly evolving field, seeking to find new methods of conservation and restoration, and adapting to the ever-changing American mindset and values. The original focus within preservation was limited to structures that were viewed as architectural masterpieces or identifiable symbols of historic events. In recent decades, this focus has shifted due to a growing interest in preserving the character of “Main Street” America, in addition to historic neighborhoods, schools, churches and cultural heritage. These elements make up the core of local communities and their identity, as well as their distinctive character. Another change within preservation is the increasing value and awareness of rehabbing old structures rather than demolishing them and building new. Rehabbing seeks to repurpose old structures, a process that is more cost effective, releases less carbon emissions, and saves historic structures and the heritage they embody.

Events

Shaker Sells Exhibit Opening - Shaker Historical Society

Date: Friday, March 7, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Shaker Historical Society (16740 South Park Boulevard, Shaker Heights, OH, 44120)

Join the Shaker Historical Society for the free opening reception of the new exhibition Shaker Sells. Light refreshments will be provided. This exhibit will be on view through August 10, 2025. For more information, view all upcoming events at the Shaker Historical Society.

History is Messy Exhibit Opening - Shaker Historical Society

Date: Friday, March 7, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Shaker Historical Society (16740 South Park Boulevard, Shaker Heights, OH, 44120)

Join the Shaker Historical Society for the free opening reception of the new exhibition History is Messy by photographer Charles Mintz. Light refreshments will be provided. This exhibit will be on view through June 1, 2025. For more information, view all upcoming events at the Shaker Historical Society.

Historic Homes Tour - Shaker Historical Society

Date: Sunday, April 6, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Meet at Nature Center at Shaker Lakes (2600 South Park Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44120)

Step back in time and experience the history of Shaker Heights, the Shaker Parklands, and the Freeway Fight of the 1960s. The program begins with a brunch and presentation. Guests will then join a trolley tour of four stunning and unique homes. Tickets are required for this event. For more information and to purchase tickets, view the full event details.

Wood Windows: Repair or Replace - Heritage Home Program

Date: Wednesday, March 12, 6:00 pm
Location: Zoom

Join the Heritage Home Program on Zoom or over the phone to learn the pros and cons of keeping your original wood windows and how your windows can improve the energy efficiency in your home. Registration is free and required. Register online or by calling 216-426-3116.

Information Session - Heritage Home Program

Dates: Thursday, April 17, 6:00 pm
Location: South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch of the Cuyahoga County Library (1876 S. Green Rd., South Euclid, OH 44121)

Join the Heritage Home Program at the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch of the Cuyahoga County Library to learn about the Heritage Home Program. Registration is free and required. Register online or by calling 216-426-3116.

Rehab 101 - Heritage Home Program

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 6:00 pm
Location: Mayfield Branch of the Cuyahoga County Library (500 SOM Center Road, Mayfield Village, OH 44143)

Join the Heritage Home Program to learn tips and tricks to help homeowners through their rehab and renovation projects. Registration is free and required. Register online or by calling 216-426-3116.

Zoom Information Session - Heritage Home Program

Dates: Tuesday, April 29, 6:00 pm
Location: Zoom

Join the Heritage Home Program over Zoom to learn about the program and services. Registration is free and required. Register online or by phone at 216-426-3116.

Home Repair Resource Center Workshops & Classes

Dates: Various
Locations: Various

The Home Repair Resource Center offers a variety of workshops and classes for Shaker Heights residents. Upcoming workshops include Plumbing & Plumbing Repairs: Home How-To for Women. Workshops are offered in person or on Zoom, with some courses requiring an admission fee. For more information and to register for a workshop, visit the Home Repair Resource Center Event Schedule.

Resources

Find a Specialty Contractor

The Landmark Commission maintains a list of specialty contractors and other resources to help residents maintain their historic homes. Learn more at the Landmark Commission's webpage.

Research Your Home

Did you know you can look up your home's original building card? Building cards contain the date the home was built, the names of the home's architect, building, and original owner, and the estimated cost to build the home, among other details. Visit ShakerBuildings.com to find your home's original building card and explore this database to learn about other Shaker homes.

Cleveland Restoration Society

The Cleveland Restoration Society offers a range of services to help owners maintain and upgrade Shaker Heights homes that are more than 50 years old. This includes site visits to help you plan renovations; the Heritage Home Loan program offers low-interest loans to help fund renovations.