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2005 Annual Awards

Best Special Event

2004 Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival in Gahanna

Gahanna Events, Inc. marked the 6th year for the Creekside Festival in 2004.  The festival began as a celebration and introduction to the new Creekside Park and kicked off the beginning of major revitalization efforts for Olde Gahanna.  The three-day festival included classic cars, carnival rides, five area performances, and hot air balloons.  The festivals attendance increased from 40,000 to over 70,000.  The 2004 event, which encompassed a large part of Olde Gahanna’s commercial core and surrounding Creekside Park space along Big Walnut Creek, saw more volunteers, partnerships, and activities than years past.  The festival has taken the position of not only a major hometown festival but as a regional family event.

Best Promotional Piece

The Strand Theatre MainStreet Delaware Marketing Promotion

This program was developed in an effort to better market the MainStreet Delaware downtown businesses to moviegoers at The Strand Theatre. The downtown theatre has been in operation since 1916 and draws approximately 60,000 people per year.   The promotion MainStreet Delaware merchant ads ran on three separate screens ½ hour before each movie, a minimum of 13 times per week.  Each merchant that wanted to be included had to schedule a photo shoot and provide bullet points for the slide.  The project required about 50 hours of volunteer effort.  The promotional piece serves the purposes of entertaining and educating the moviegoers and to market the products and services of the downtown MainStreet members.  The overall impact of the program is still being determined, but, theatre staff have heard people discussing the slide show when exiting the movie!

Best New Development Project

Blending the Old with the New: First and Main in Hudson

The initial vision to revitalize downtown Hudson was conceived in the City’s Comprehensive Plan in 1995, which mandated the creation of a plan to revitalize the historic, quaint Western Reserve- style downtown and restore it to its former economic prominence.  The city’s emphasis was to preserve the downtown core as the retail center of the community.  With many businesses moving out of the downtown area, many stores were having financial difficulty and were considering moving out of Hudson. After various economic feasibility studies and reports, City Council approved the purchase of the Morse Controls 11-acre property in 1999.  The goal was to use the property to create a mixed-use development that would become a destination for residents and visitors to shop, dine, and enjoy the historic downtown.  Throughout the process of shaping the new downtown, City officials and the developer sought community feedback through a series of town meetings, newsletters, cable TV programs, and the city’s web site.  Many of the citizens suggestions, such as downscaling the original plan, were incorporated in the final project.  The developer for the project was chosen because their plan best matched the City’s vision for a project that was not only unique in terms of retail and office space, but also incorporated green space and many pedestrian-friendly features and amenities.  The development features wide sidewalks, brick streets, and old-fashioned streetlights.

Best Rehabilitation Project

St. Clair Village in Toledo

The Toledo Warehouse District Association purchased 30-48 South St. Clair Street in 1998 with the help of a federal HUD grant.  By utilizing the federal tax credits and a local façade program, the project resulted in 11 apartments and commercial spaces.  The district has had such significance over the years that it has caused the rerouting of planned expressways and former one-way streets through Downtown Toledo.  The success of St. Clair Village prompted construction to begin in 2003 for new multi-story townhouses on brownfield sites immediately south of St. Clair Village, where unsightly, outdoor storage had once stationed.  There has been over $40 million dollars invested in the District within the last 10 years.  The area has seen a rise in galleries and restaurants as well as loft residences and business offices.  The district’s designation as a National Register Historic District has provided incentives to invest.

Best Rehabilitation Project Award of Merit

Wooster Board of Education Building

The Wooster City Schools Board of Education building was built originally as a United States Post Office in 1913. The building had one addition constructed on the back in 1928.  The Wooster Board of Education purchased the building shortly after the Postal Service relocated.  The building had been renovated to accommodate administrative offices.  In 1978 the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.  There has been only minimal change to the interior office space, mechanical heating and cooling systems, and the exterior site since its initial renovation in the late 60’s.   A decision to renovate the building due in part to the inefficiencies of the office space layout allowed for maximizing office and storage areas, upgrading all mechanical systems, restoring the buildings services to meet modern building codes including ADA requirements, and to correct foundation water problems. The renovation was funded by several sources including LuK, Inc., United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund, the district’s Permanent Improvement fund, and Congressman Ralph Regula’s sponsorshio of a Save America’s Treasures grant.

Best Streetscape Project

Downtown Greenville, Inc.’s Flower Program

When Downtown Greenville, Inc. decided to proceed with the flower program its goals were to have a standardized color scheme through-out the downtown, involve downtown merchants, local garden clubs and community.  The funding for the project came from local and county garden clubs, realtors, and foundations. The organization worked with the city to water plants during the week and a volunteer from the design committee watered on Sundays.  The project’s estimated cost was $2,250.00

Best Public Improvement – TIE

Maumee Indoor Theatre

The City of Maumee purchased the Maumee Indoor Theatre in 2000.  The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998 and was envisioned by the City as the Gateway to Uptown Maumee with completion of the building restoration and  streetscape.  Built in 1946, the Art Deco building had some minor interior renovations, but was relatively true to the original design.  In order to make the operation of the facility financially viable, it was critical that two theaters be established to allow for simultaneous events, and a minimum number of 500 seats was to be maintained in the main theater.  The main theater stage was expanded to allow limited live performance.  Back of house support areas were created by constructing a basement level under the new second theater.  The building interior design is reminiscent of the original art deco interior, but provides durable, maintenance-friendly finishes. The community response to the project has exceeded the City’s expectations.  Total construction cost of the 11,000 sq. ft. renovation and expansion was $2,119,300.  The project was completed in 2004.

Best Public Improvement – TIE

Kirk Road Trailhead

The Kirk Road Trailhead was proposed, designed and constructed to function as a support facility for the users of the Mill Creek MetroParks Bikeway.  Through the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the existing stone structures, along with the construction of new site components, the project would physically and functionally unite the upper and lower areas of the site to create an appealing and convenient destination for Bikeway users. The MetroParks desired to create a useful, scenic and unique haven along the Bikeway in the Austintown Township area in Mahoning County.  They achieved this goal by rehabilitating the existing structures and adapting them to support Bikeway users.  The FERA building was converted into a picnic pavilion and the WPA building serves as a support structure for trailside activities and programs.

Best Publication

Canal Fulton Main Street Identity Packet

The goal of the identity packet was to create an image for Canal Fulton Main Street which would bring attention to the historic commercial district.  The tourist brochure needed to be colorful and interactive.  And the business recruitment piece provides prospective businesses with a quick guide to the strengths of the community and access to technical and financial assistance programs.  The project involved the collaborative efforts of many people from the Canal Fulton community.  Assistance and support were provided from the City of Canal Fulton, the Historic Preservation Design Review Commission, the Canal Fulton Heritage Society, and members of Canal Fulton Main Street.

Best Newsletter

The Focus and Architectural Scavenger Hunt by Main Street Elyria

Main Street Elyria set out to create a newsletter that could bring a greater understanding of the mission of Main Street and at the same time create a stronger sense of community in the district, to “Focus” attention on the Downtown.  The first issue was delivered to over 300 individuals, businesses, and organizations in November 2004.  Distributed on a quarterly basis, the newsletter’s purpose to educated recipients on the mission, vision and goals of Main Street Elyria, and to encourage a greater sense of belonging in Downtown Elyria.

The Architectural Scavenger Hunt involved people of  every age searching the downtown for architectural features on buildings.   The Extreme Makeover series and architectural features continue to stimulate conversation around downtown.

Best Website

Mount Victory Website

Mount Victory developed its website to meet the needs expressed by residents, business owners, village council, and the Mount Victory Community Development Association.  The site serves as a way to keep residents connected to local events, meetings and social gatherings. It’s also a vehicle to promote town events, solicit media attention— especially Ohio travel and tourism, —and position Mount Victory as an antique and craft destination. Features the site offers are historic preservation resource for property owners and new-business start-up information, and economic development tools that encourage the use of local merchants and services.  The site as been an economic way to effect change for the better in the village.  All web development is donated by orbit design, Inc.  The next goal is to move away from the free service in exchange for a banner and sell at least one ad space to a local business.  The funding for the project was through the Mount Victory Community Development Association.

Best Website Award of Merit

Future Heights Website

In 2003, Future Heights realized the need for a website that would serve as the primary vehicle for communication with residents of Cleveland Heights. With a limited budget and an optimistic spirit, Future Heights made a cost savings decision to design and develop the website themselves. The website includes articles of interest, community calendar, Future Heights events, discussion board, development projects, lecture transcriptions, PowerPoint presentations, a gallery, links, opinion polls, on-line membership enrollment, gift certificate purchases, and finally lists of participating merchants.  Through the website communication has greatly increased in Cleveland Heights.  The website has been designed and maintained by volunteers and staff.

Preservation Hero Award

H.M. Turner Foundation

The Turner Foundation was established in 2001 to create a platform and a catalyst for the improvement of life in Springfield and Clark County.  Historic restoration of the built environment has been a significant focus of its mission.  Over the last four years, the organization has been the force behind major restoration progress in the Springfield area.

Accomplishments include providing the funding for Phase I and II of the Westcott House. They have initiated restoration in East High Street district in Springfield, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.  With the Turner Foundations efforts, three houses thus far have been carefully restored to their former beauty.  The Foundation is working with several organizations to turn 19th century houses, which have been split into apartments, back into single-family dwellings in the South Fountain Avenue Historic District.  Springfield’s most prominent manufacturing firm, International Harvester Buildings I and II were restored with the support of the Turner Foundation.  In addition to funding restoration projects in Clark County, the Foundation offers support to other groups and activities that champion the cause of historic preservation.

Accepting the award for the Turner Foundation is Executive Director, John Landess.

Preservation Hero Award Award of Merit

Joseph HofBauer

Joseph HofBauer is the founder of the Plain City Historical Society. A former professional photographer and column writer for the Marysville Journal Tribune, Joe has many historic photos that he has contributed to the historical society.  Joe is a walking, talking wealth of information on Plain City history.  He is working to preserve and record the photos and papers donated to the historical society for future generations to enjoy.  Joe lives in a historic home and has documented and written a complete history of the house and grounds.

Spirit of Main Street Award

Trent Thompson

Trent Thompson is project manager of Paramount Properties of Greenville, LLC. Owning several buildings in Downtown Greenville, he has restored the façades to their original appearance with all private funds.   Trent is an active community leader sitting on the YMCA Board, president of Downtown Greenville, Inc., and a restoration leader for Greenville.  Trent’s personal theme is that history should repeat itself. At the end of the day your project is only as good as the research and effort you put into it.  A challenge Trent has is that there are only 24 hours in the day.  He feels that gratification will not be immediate, but it will be enduring. Trent is dedicated to the restoration and rehabilitation of his hometown and especially it’s downtown.

Board Member of the Year Award

Donna Meyer

Donna Meyer is the volunteer treasurer for MainStreet Delaware.  After a period of  mishandled financial statements and taxes, Donna stepped up to the plate to help the organization see a positive balance instead of seeing red.  She set up an account system that would allow up-to-date financial tracking and membership information. She set up measures so uncontrolled spending was stopped.  Now the organization is making payments on time and is in the clear with a positive balance.  Last year Donna had an accident, breaking her leg in three places and leaving her on crutches.   She continued handling MainStreet Delaware’s paperwork even though it was up a steep flight of stairs. She had to go up the stairs on her rear end to get the work done.  That is dedication to the organization.

Staff Member of the Year

Matt Cline

Matt is the site manager of the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House in Springfield.  He began working with the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservatory in 1995 in Chicago, trying to determine how the house could be saved.  In 1999, Matt and Wittenberg University professor Dr. Thomas Taylor started working on the formation of the Westcott House Foundation.  The Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy bought the house in 2000 and brought Matt on as a site manager.  He worked on the preservation easement placed on the house by the Conservancy and was one of the founding members of the Westcott Foundation. He has initiated fundraising efforts, administered virtual tours on the website, and promoted public awareness for the support of saving the house.  Matt’s colleagues say Matt was the magnet for volunteers.  He is the hero of the project, serving key roles in coordinating between the architects, engineer, and friends of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy. One of Matt’s major contributions in the restoration of the Westcott House has been his photo-documentation of the entire house. His productions include a video documentation, which is a virtual tour of the house.

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