cheslergroup
The Chesler Group receives AIA-CRS 2011 Preservation Award of Merit
Sponsored by the Cleveland Restoration Society and the American Institute of Architects in recognition of projects that have contributed significantly to the quality of life in Greater Cleveland, The Chesler Group was presented with a 2011 Preservation Award for the Andrew Jackson House renovation.
Andrew Jackson House Wins Best Commercial Rehabilitation Award at Heritage Ohio’s Annual Awards Ceremony
NEWS RELEASE–HERITAGE OHIO
Columbus, OHIO–Heritage Ohio awarded the “Best Commercial Rehabilitation” to the Andrew Jackson House, Michael Chesler accepted the award Thursday, April 28th at Heritage Ohio’s Annual Preservation and Revitalization Awards Ceremony held at the Westin Hotel in Columbus. The Awards Ceremony is held in conjunction with Heritage Ohio’s Statewide Conference.
Best Commercial Rehabilitation co-winner– Andrew Jackson House
The Andrew Jackson House, built circa 1868 and located on the corner of East Mill Street and Union Street, is a prominent building in downtown Akron. The mansion was originally built as the private residence for Akron lumber magnate Andrew Jackson. This beautiful example of a Second Empire house near the University of Akron has played a significant role in the history of Akron for over 140 plus years.
The Chesler Group performed a complete historic restoration in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings. The structure was in a pre-rehab condition and required comprehensive interior and exterior renovation inclusive of all new interior partitions, finishes, flooring, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire suppression systems, and new water and sewer lines as well as comprehensive waterproofing. New code complaint egress stairs, elevator, restrooms and door openings were installed to make the building ADA complaint. Exterior work on the building and site was part of the renovation including window restoration, masonry restoration, roof work, landscaping, ornate fencing and the resurfacing of the parking area.
“All the communities, organizations and individuals receiving awards today have demonstrated a local commitment to sustaining and growing the preservation and revitalization movement. Ohioans are concerned about the future of their heritage,” stated W. Kevin Pape, Board Chair of Heritage Ohio. Added Pape, “The inspiration these award winners provide to other communities will pay dividends far into the future.”
More than 20 communities, organizations and individuals submitted nominations for consideration. The awards recognize the numerous preservation and revitalization accomplishments of downtowns and neighborhoods across the state. The Selection Committee reported an increased level of quality in nominations, awarding 9 categories at this year’s event.
Heritage Ohio is the statewide, not-for-profit preservation organization, dedicated to encouraging and assisting people and organizations to protect, preserve and revitalize Ohio’s heritage. Formed in 1989, Heritage Ohio has more than 500 members ranging from individuals and households to organizations and local governments. In 2002, Heritage Ohio was designated as the statewide partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Heritage Ohio encourages the development, redevelopment and improvement of downtown and neighborhood commercial districts. Heritage Ohio works as a catalyst for downtown development by bringing together downtown organizations, conducting statewide seminars and conferences and providing a network to share knowledge, common experiences and challenges concerning downtowns. Learn more at www.heritageohio.org.
Heritage Ohio has received support from the Ohio Department of Development’s Office of Housing and Community Partnerships, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and several Ohio corporations.
Historic Storefront Restoration in Downtown Warren
The Raymond John Wean Foundation To Restore Historic Storefront on Courthouse Square in Downtown, Warren, Ohio.
The Raymond John Wean Foundation, a private foundation dedicated to improving the communities and neighborhoods around Youngstown and Warren, plans to restore and occupy the Market Block Building, located at 147 West Market Street on the Courthouse Square in Downtown Warren. The Chesler Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based provider of historic property solutions, will develop and restore the building as part of the Wean Foundation’s mission to serve the Mahoning Valley by “helping to foster initiatives that will create a robust civic life and a dynamic and diversified economy with a good range of jobs and safe and attractive neighborhoods.”
This building was purchased by Warren Redevelopment and Planning Corporation in 2008 as part of the City’s Revitalization Strategy. The negotiated sale and development agreement with The Chesler Group, Inc. fits perfectly with the City’s 2009 Strategic Plan which calls for Historic Preservation of older, historically significant buildings.
The magnitude of the projected historic restoration of this building promises to accelerate the revitalization of the Courthouse Square area and similarly the entire downtown district. Warren Mayor Michael O’Brien states “I believe this project will provide the critical mass necessary to move the economics of the Square into a growth pattern for many years to come”.
The restored building will serve as the new headquarters for The Raymond John Wean Foundation. The Wean Foundation, which has become an important community leader and a catalyst for change in the area, gives approximately $4 million annually in grants. The building will also provide the community a space with a 120 seat meeting room, and incubator office space for non-profit programs in the Warren area. The Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership and the Eastern Ohio P-16 Partnership for Education both currently occupy space within the Foundation’s offices, and this project will allow the Foundation to expand this type of support to other non-profits in their early stages of development. Gordon Wean, Chairman of the Wean Board of Directors, said,” With this project we will be able to create a place for the Foundation to do its work, the community to meet and new non-profit organizations to develop. Additionally, The Wean Foundation understands this project is consistent with the City of Warren’s Strategic Plan, and hopes it will help to move that initiative forward.”
The Market Block Building, a historic storefront located at 147 West Market Street on the Courthouse Square in Warren, Ohio, will be restored by The Chesler Group, Inc. and Dimit Architects LLC. Local representation for the project is being provided by Kim Phillips, architect with Phillips/Sekanick Architects, Inc. located in Warren, Ohio. The property is located in the Warren Commercial Historic District which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The district is comprised of various commercial and government entities that surround Warren’s Courthouse Square. The Market Block Building, directly across from the main entrance of the Trumbull County Courthouse, has been vacant for years.
The 17,000 gross square foot commercial storefront was built in the late 1800’s and showcases the characteristic exterior architectural features of the Italianate/Tuscan style. As typical for historic storefronts, its overall footprint is long and narrow. The Chesler Group, Inc. will perform a complete historic restoration, as both developer and constructor. The result will be a beautiful, updated, code-compliant modern office building within the historic shell. The planned project will cost in excess of $2.5 million.
The restoration of The Market Block Building will strengthen Downtown Warren and support stability as Wean Foundation continues its efforts and commitment to revitalize neighborhoods and mobilize local resources. The anticipated occupancy date for The Market Block Building is the second quarter of 2012.
Both the City and Warren Redevelopment and Planning Corp. have expressed their appreciation to both The Raymond John Wean Foundation and The Chesler Group, Inc. for their commitment to the City of Warren and the Downtown District
An Open House to review design plans will be in late June or early July.
The Chesler Group, Inc. has restored over 25 such buildings in the Northeast Ohio area. For more information, see their website at: www.cheslergroup.com or contact Michael Chesler at (216) 431-9100 Ext. 201.
Andrew Jackson House Renovation receives 2010 Architectural Heritage Award
On September 20, 2010, The Chesler Group, Inc. accepted the 2010 Architectural Heritage Award “Excellence in Preservation of a Historic Landmark” by The Summit County Historical Society and Progress Through Preservation.
ASM Headquarters and Geodesic Dome is listed on National Register of Historic Places
The Chesler Group, Inc.’s nomination of the futuristic ASM Headquarters and Geodesic Dome was submitted to the Ohio Historic Preservation Office in early 2009. The nomination was reviewed and recommended for listing on the National Register of Historic Places by the Ohio Historic Preservation Advisory Board on August 28, 2009.
October 22, 2009, the nomination received the official approval for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. ASM Headquarters and Geodesic Dome is the first Modern architecture to apply for Federal and State Historic Preservation Tax Credits. The rehabilitation and renovation is planned to begin in 2010 coinciding with ASM International’s 50th anniversary of its history at Materials Park.
The Chesler Group, Inc. receives 2009 Ohio Historic Preservation Office Award
The Chesler Group received the Preservation Merit Award for over 20 years of service as an advocate for, and practitioner of, preservation and adaptive use of the Cleveland area’s historic buildings and was among this year’s 11 recipients.
The Ohio Historic Preservation Office Awards have been presented annually since 1983 on the basis of nominations from throughout the state. Awards are presented in two categories: Public Education and Awareness, and Preservation Merit.
The Preservation Merit Award is for preserving Ohio’s prehistory, history, architecture, or culture. Eligible activities include restoring, rehabilitating, or otherwise preserving an important building or site, longtime stewardship of a property, promoting protective legislation, funding preservation projects, offering leadership, support, or service, and furthering preservation at the local, regional, or state level.
The Ohio Historic Preservation Office is Ohio’s official historic preservation agency. A part of the Ohio Historical Society, it identifies historic places in Ohio, nominates properties to the National Register of Historic Places, reviews federally-assisted projects for effects on Ohio’s historic, architectural, and archaeological resources, consults on the conservation of older buildings and sites, and offers educational programs and publications.
For more information on 2009 Ohio Historic Preservation Office Award:
http://www.ohiohistory.org/resource/histpres/programs/ard/2009/ard2009rls.html
The Chesler Group, Inc. completed historic restoration of the Andrew Jackson House in Akron
The first project completed with the State Historic Preservation Tax Credit program
The Andrew Jackson Residence built circa 1868 is a prominent building near Downtown Akron. The mansion was originally built as a mid-nineteenth century merchant’s residence for Andrew Jackson. This beautiful example of a Second Empire house near the University of Akron has played a significant role in the history of Akron for over 130 plus years.
TCG has completed historic restoration of this 15,550 s/f structure for professional offices in August 2009. Andrew Jackson House Renovation project is the first project completed utilizing the State Historic Preservation Tax Credit program implemented in 2007.
The mansion is new headquarters for two private foundations serving Akron and Northeast Ohio. The anchor tenant is GAR Foundation. GAR houses its executive, administrative and program staff, as well as provides public space for community events. The mansion also provides space for the Akron-based staff members of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
