Cleveland Restoration Society
Cleveland, Ohio
AWARD: For preserving Cleveland's historic neighborhoods since its founding in 1972 by impressive programs that include technical advice to property owners, loan assistance for approved restoration projects, and community outreach through classes, tours, and publications.
The Society has grown over forty years from a handful of volunteers to an organization with a $1 million budget and a staff of ten professionals. Its creative programs have revitalized and stabilized neighborhoods throughout the city, resulting in restoration projects totaling $84.8 million, technical advice to 3,460 homeowners, and low interest loans to 8,903 residents.
Its innovative initiatives include its church steeple lighting program and the saving of major individual landmarks, as well as presenting annual preservation awards, conducting 30 free classes and tours each year, and producing a magazine and monthly newsletter.