Cleveland Landmarks Commission Approves Multiple Historic District Projects

HISTORIC RESCUE PROJECT Condemned Clinton Avenue Home Gets New Life Jack Kline presented schematic plans for renovating the condemned 1800s home at Clinton Avenue in Ohio City Historic District. The project represents a dramatic reversal for a property that commissioners previously denied for demolition, transforming it from teardown candidate to showcase restoration. The historic structure, described as "the oldest home on Clinton Avenue" by Commissioner Chris Loeser, will be restored as a single-family home with a modern garage addition connected by a walkway. The house was originally built as a single-family residence but was later converted to a duplex, likely in the mid-20th century, with a second front door cut out of one of the four original windows and a non-original second stairway added. Kline showed commissioners an old photograph from the 1950s that helped document the property's history. The restoration will return the house to its single-family configuration, preserving the original footprint while adding a two-story garage structure with bonus room above, accessed through a courtyard design. "This is extremely important and very appreciated by this board," Loeser said of maintaining the historic property. The house's interior has been gutted to bare studs after years of deterioration, but the bones of the structure remain salvageable. Kline, working with Inside Holdings developer Adam Hyion, emphasized the challenging site conditions that influenced their design approach. The house sits unusually close to the right property line, creating dead space between driveways that the new design addresses by eliminating the Clinton Avenue curb cut. Commissioners emphasized maintaining historic elements on the front facade including original window openings and horizontal lap siding while allowing modern elements in the rear addition. The design creates flexibility for the bonus room to potentially function as an accessory dwelling unit with exterior access via a proposed side porch. "It looked like a wonderful place to live," noted Planning Director Calley Mersmann, praising the outdoor living spaces created by the courtyard configuration. The project eliminates a curb cut on Clinton Avenue, using the rear alley for access and restoring the tree line along the street frontage. Commissioners will review final details when Kline returns with refined plans incorporating their feedback on materials, colors and porch proportions. PRESERVATION DECISIONS Historic Tile Roof Replacement Approved Property owner Deborah Solomon received approval to replace the deteriorated Spanish clay tile roof at 1123 East 98th Street in the East Boulevard Historic District with asphalt shingles. The house, abandoned for eight years, had extensive roof damage with holes allowing daylight and water infiltration throughout the structure. Professional assessments from Proy Custom Roofing and Durable Slate confirmed the roof was beyond repair, with complete underlayment failure and an estimated $149,622 replacement cost for clay tiles versus $18,595 for asphalt shingles. "This property had been abandoned for 8 years. The Spanish clay tile roof has experienced more than 20 years of deferred maintenance," Solomon explained. Commissioners approved the brownwood-colored asphalt shingles while encouraging salvage of reusable tiles for future historic projects. Commissioner Michele Anderson praised Solomon's preservation efforts: "Thank you for saving the house. Every day I see original incredible wood obliterated in these houses." Anderson also requested preservation of interior oak woodwork and stained glass windows. West Boulevard Restoration Approved Esbeey Madera of All Phase General Construction received approval for extensive renovations at West Boulevard in the Clifton/West Boulevard District. The project involves replacing deteriorated cedar shake siding with Hardy cement board materials while maintaining the historic character. The commission approved using shake-style siding on street-facing elevations and lap siding on less visible rear sections. Key requirements include using narrow corner trim painted to match siding colors and final details to be reviewed by landmark staff. Commissioners praised the use of quality materials over vinyl alternatives. "I appreciate the care that you've taken, how well you're working with your client to do things that sometimes we have to compel people to do," said Commissioner Mark Dulick. West Boulevard Restoration Approved All approved projects must comply with mounting requirements that protect historic masonry, with installations through mortar joints rather than stone or brick faces. Several cases required zoning variances for signage that exceeds standard limits, reflecting the entertainment and commercial district contexts. The commission's next meeting is scheduled for August 14, with staff noting an unusually large agenda due to the five-week gap between meetings. A new siding polic