Historical Preservation Commission

Avon Lake has a rich history – and the Avon Lake Historical Preservation Commission helps to foster and share this history with our residents and visitors. Specifically, the Commission oversees the execution of the Preservation Plan, outlining goals and initiatives for the identification and protection of historic buildings, districts and sites within our community.

Among the several well-known sites of historical significance in Avon Lake are the Folger Home, the Cottage District, and the Lake Shore Cemetery. All sites are located on the shore of Lake Erie on Lake Road as is the Peter Miller House. Also known as U.S. Route 6 or the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, Lake Road traverses the northern limits of Avon Lake from Bay Village to Sheffield Lake. This route also is part of the Lorain County Scenic Byways Tour.

Commission Members

  • Bobbe Rudge, Chair (term ending 12/31/2025)
  • Sandy Garrett (term ending 12/31/2025)
  • Cheryl Lister (term ending 12/31/2024)
  • Douglas Rider (term ending 12/31/2024)
  • Thomas Tyler (term ending 12/31/2025)

Council Representative

  • David Kos

Meeting Times & Locations

Every Fourth Wednesday of the month this commission meets in the Avon Lake Public Library at 6:00 p.m.

Interested in having a property recognized as an historical landmark?

Visit our Historical Landmark Guidelines page.
Contact us at:
Avon Lake Historical Preservation Commission
City Hall, 150 Avon Belden Road
Avon Lake, OH 44012-1699
440-933-6141
ALHPCinfo@avonlake.org

Specific Commission Responsibilities

The National Historic Preservation Act became law on October 15, 1966. This act established the following institutions: Advisory Council of Historical Preservation, State Historic Preservation Office, National Register of Historic Places, and the Section 106 review process. The National Registry of Historical Places is overseen by the National Park Service. The office maintains the nation’s official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects worthy of preservation.

The State Historic Preservation Office was established to coordinate statewide inventory of historic properties, nominate properties to the National Register, maintain a statewide preservation plan, assist others, and advise and educate locals. The City of Avon Lake declared in 2010 that as a matter of policy the importance of safeguarding the architectural integrity of historic sites, buildings, structures, works of art and other objects having a special historical, community or aesthetic interest or value in the interest of the health, prosperity, safety and welfare of the residents of this city.

It was the intent of Ordinance 2010-36 to establish procedures whereby certain areas, places, sites, buildings, structures and objects shall be allowed the measure of protection afforded by a thorough study of alternatives to incompatible alterations or demolition before such acts are performed. To this end, the Avon Lake Historical Preservation Commission was established.

Learn more about the commission


LINKS AND RESOURCES

Local & State Historical/Preservation Organizations

Avon Lake Historical Society
Meetings 2nd Monday of the month at the Avon Lake Public Library: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
www.heritageavonlake.org

Ohio Historical Preservation Office
1982 Velma Avenue
Columbus, OH 43211
614-298-2000
www.ohiohistory.org/ohio-historic-preservation-office

Ohio Historical Society
1982 Velma Avenue
Columbus, OH 43211
800-686-6124
www.ohiohistory.org