Preserving Avon Lake’s History
Avon Lake has a rich history and we strive to preserve it with the guidance of the Avon Lake Historical Preservation Plan. Throughout Avon Lake, you’ll find many historical residences and locations, as well as the people and stories that bring our 200+ year history to life.
Avon Lake Historical Preservation Commission
City Hall
150 Avon Belden Road
Avon Lake, OH 44012-1699
440-933-6141
ALHPCinfo@avonlake.org
Quick Links
Apply for Designation of Historic Landmarks & Districts | Historic Preservation Plan | Historic Designated Houses | Guidelines for Designation of Historical Landmarks, Districts and Historical Sites | ALPL Local History Room
Apply for Designation of Historic Landmarks & Districts
Historic landmark and district designations recognize places of special historical, architectural, or cultural significance, offering varying levels of protection and recognition at the federal, state, and local levels. You can apply for historic designation through the Community Development section of the Access Our Avon Lake permitting and licensing portal. Please note, you will need to create an account to access and submit your application.
The Avon Lake Historic Preservation Plan
The Avon Lake Historic Preservation Plan outlines the goals and initiatives for the identification and protection of historic buildings, districts and sites in our community. It is also the intention of this plan to honor the memory of historically important citizens of Avon Lake and to identify the accomplishments of our industrial, farming and recreational enterprises. It is essential that we perpetuate these resources in order to maintain a strong, vibrant community whose character, quality of life, and long-term economic wellbeing will continue to grow and evolve.
Avon Lake’s Historic Designated Houses
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 of these sites are located on the shores of Lake Erie and can be accessed via Lake Road. This route also is part of the Lorain County Scenic Byways Tour.
Guidelines for Designation of Historical Landmarks, Districts and Historical Sites
In considering the designation of any area, property or site as a historic district or landmark, the ALHPC shall apply the following criteria:
- Its character, interest or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the city, state, or nation.
- Its location as a site of significant historic event.
- Its identification with a person of significance in our past.
- Its exemplification of the cultural, economic or social heritage of the city, state or nation.
- Its portrayal of a group of people in an era of history, characterized by a distinctive architectural style.
- Its embodiment of distinguishing characteristics of a building or architectural style.
- Its embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship, which represent a significant architectural innovation.
- Its identification as a work of an architect or master builder whose work has influenced the city, state or nation.
- Its potential to yield information important in prehistory or history.
- A unique location or singular physical characteristics representing an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood or of the City.
Avon Lake Public Library Local History Room
The Avon Lake Public Library located at 32649 Electric Boulevard offers many historical resources and collections. If you or someone you know has items they would like to share or donate to the library, please contact the Library's Local History and Genealogy Specialist.