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.

Members

The Historic Preservation Commission consists of seven (7) members including five (5) members of the community appointed by City Council and the Mayor, one (1) City Council representative, and one (1) representative of the Planning Commission. 

Resident Representatives:

  • Bobbe Rudge, Chair (term ending 12/31/2025)
  • Diane Deasy (term ending 12/31/2026)
  • Sandy Garrett (term ending 12/31/2025)
  • Cheryl Lister (term ending 12/31/2026)
  • Thomas Tyler (term ending 12/31/2025)

Council Representative:

  • David Kos, City Council, Ward 4

Planning Commission Representative:

  • Bob Haas (term ending 12/31/2025)

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.

Meetings 

The Historical Preservation Commission typically meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month in the Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Boulevard, at 6:00 p.m.

Interested in having your property recognized as a historical landmark?

Visit our Historical Landmark Guidelines page for more information or 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

Links & Resources