Aug. 22: Cleveland Landmarks Commission
Covered by Documenter Ashley Lubecky (notes)
Fairfax church near Cleveland Clinic set for roof replacement
East Mount Zion Baptist Church, located on Euclid Avenue in Fairfax, will be getting a new roof. The commission unanimously approved the plans following a presentation from project representative Erin Carpenter of City Architecture.
The roof replacement is the first step of a larger restoration of the church, according to Carpenter. The proposed roof will consist of 30-year asphalt shingles.
At one time it wasn’t clear there would be a new roof at all.
In 2019, the future of the building, a Cleveland landmark, was in doubt due to the extent of restoration needed and “pressure from the neighboring institution,” said City Planner Karl Brunjes. The Cleveland Clinic previously eyed the church for acquisition and demolition but has since partnered with the church on community outreach events, according to Cleveland.com.
The successful restoration of similar churches – such as Broad Street Methodist Church in Columbus – suggested renovation was possible, Brunjes said.
Commission Member Regennia Williams commended the Black congregation’s 100-plus-year history in Cleveland.
Storefront renovation planned for Ohio City
The commission also approved plans for a renovation of the Jamestown Building, located on Detroit Avenue in Ohio City.
Ben Trimble, of community development corporation Ohio City Inc., said the renovation would include first-floor retail space. Four apartment units would be above the retail.
The project was approved by the local design review committee two years ago, according to Landmarks staff.
Read the notes from Documenter Ashley Lubecky:
