To register for our 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. tour, go to https://www.clevelandrestoration.org/snoop-tours.

With a shared love of history and an abundance of patience and imagination, homeowner Paul Meeker and his wife Ann Michaels are nearing completion of a four-year long comprehensive interior and exterior rehabilitation of the 1872 home.

D.H. Ellison Architects used an extremely high-resolution historic photograph along with graphic manipulation software and computer-aided drafting software to get a very close approximation of original millwork and other design elements that have been reconstructed on the exterior.

Every door in the house is original – stripped, refinished, and rehung. Original pocket doors were removed from the wall structure, refinished, and replaced. The staircase and balustrade were restored. New curved portions of the stair railing were crafted by Paul.

A retired industrial designer and self-taught carpenter, Paul did a significant portion of the work himself along with an Amish crew and a host of other tradespeople, including one of the few plasterers in the Cleveland area.

The project is an excellent example of an historical restoration that also updates the home’s modern comforts and conveniences. The house’s windows were restored and, in some cases, replaced. The home is completely re-insulated to modern standards and has all new energy efficient appliances and mechanical equipment.

The homeowners are not newcomers to the Ohio City Preservation District. Paul saved the terrace development at 4201 Clinton Ave. from demolition, winning the Celebration of Preservation “Neighborhood Enhancement Award” in 2019.

They had not yet moved into one of the units at 4201 Clinton Ave., when 2908 Franklin Blvd., went on the market. Having long admired the home, across the street from the iconic Rhodes Mansion, Paul and Ann quickly jumped at the chance for another restoration.

Pandemic shortages and challenges hampered progress, as did the ongoing stream of problems that are uncovered in any old house project.

Come hear about the challenges, see the finished product and be inspired for your next home renovation project.

In case of inclement weather that makes on-street parking difficult, this SNOOP! tour will be rescheduled for a later date. Registrants will be notified.

Interested in this event, but not a CRS member? Join CRS today, visit https://www.clevelandrestoration.org/join