Doty and Miller Architects

Introduction

If we think of the buildings in our communities as representative of the times when each building was constructed we begin to see a mosaic of historical snapshots assembled to create a single image. As new buildings are constructed, old buildings are often sacrificed to make room. Since about the middle of the 20th century, there has emerged a growing sense that the new architecture is often not as appealing and of lesser quality than which was demolished. Now, entire neighborhoods have become a non-descript commercial "hodge-podge" dominated by signs and automation. Over the last few decades, the popular acceptance of high-quality historically-preserved, renovated and adapted older properties, has supported an entirely new preservation industry. In several urban areas of the nation, with the assistance of state and federal tax incentives, historic preservation projects have been the fastest growing part of the construction market.

Hiram College

Doty and Miller Architects is proud to be associated with numerous historical preservation projects in northeast Ohio. At Hiram College, we have provided services for several projects. The first was the Mahan House, originally an early Western Reserve settlers home. The Mahan House was rehabilitated with a new dry basement and guest facilities for visiting lecturers. Today it serves as the Center for Literature in Medicine at Hiram College. Another project was the Hiram Inn. In the 1820s, the Young residence was constructed in Hiram at the intersection of two main roads. Over time the Young residence served as a tavern and overnight lodging for travelers to the early Western Reserve frontier. It also was used as the Post Office and even housed Hiram College students at one time. In 1992 the college decided to acquire the property to consider it for its own use. It was ultimately decided that there was a real need for a small hotel or

The Cleveland Restoration Society

The Cleveland Restoration Society has earned a highly regarded reputation for leadership in historic preservation efforts in northeast Ohio. Doty and Miller is proud of our continued association with CRS. Chuck Miller, a Doty and Miller principal, is a past trustee of CRS and is currently chairman of the Sacred Landmarks Committee. A recent project combined the efforts of the CRS staff and the Church in the City Project of the Cleveland Catholic Diocese. Facilities assessment studies were conducted at five urban churches and the resulting reports and prioritized recommendations were published for the churches. The next step will be to evaluate the reports to determine a means to implement the building improvements.

Hiram's oldest dormitory is Bowler Hall. Constructed in the 1880s, the Victorian era influence is evident. In the 1980s a lightening strike toppled the brick chimney through three stories of student rooms and caused it to be closed. After considering demolition, the alumni decided to organize a fundraising campaign to save the building. Even though the renovation removed all of the old inside plaster, the rooms were left essentially as originally constructed. The entire front porch was reconstructed, using historic photos to determine original detailing. The previously unused attic was converted to a computer lab and study space. With the rehabilitation complete, the dormitory is now the most popular residence hall on campus. Additionally it preserves another historic landmark for future generations at Hiram to enjoy.

East Boulevard

East Boulevard is a lazy, winding residential street running along the east side of historic Rockefeller Park in Cleveland. The East Boulevard neighborhood, adjacent to University Circle, is being rediscovered as a desirable residential community. The Famicos Foundation, a nonprofit housing revitalization organization, is working with Doty and Miller to rehabilitate eighteen condominium units in three 1920s era apartment building. The building exteriors will be restored to the original design while the interiors will be modernized to current market standards. This combination of updated interior conveniences and restored exterior architecture has proven to be the fastest growing segment of the housing market.

Doty and Miller Architects are committed to supporting historic preservation initiatives that lead to community stabilization. Older communities are filled with high quality structures, valued for their beautiful architecture and durable construction materials. Every effort should be made to recycle these buildings for new generations that can bring back community connections and new life to urban streets and neighborhoods.

With interest in historic architecture on the rise, there has also been an increase in the establishment of historic districts. When property owners join together to create historic districts it can result in a dramatic improvement in property values and greater reinvestment. New homeowners are rediscovering older neighborhoods where streets are characterized by mature trees and landscaping, front porches, rear yard garages and slower traffic. Likewise, older commercial districts are being returned to the scale and beauty of previous generations through the use of local design standards and historic preservation guidelines. Merchants associations, building owners, city planners, retailers, and realtors have now joined homeowners in supporting historic preservation efforts. We see the future of historic preservation moving quickly from the individual building restoration projects to plans covering entire neighborhoods and multiple owners. This exciting trend toward community preservation promises to reconnect new generations with the scale and interaction of the old "main street" communities of the past.

'inn' for overnight guests at Hiram. The Hiram Inn opened in 1995 with 12 guests suites and conference facilities. The design respectfully restored the original house and the addition replicates its size and character. Inside, all of the suites are complete with fireplaces and period decoration including historic photos, antiques, and artifacts.