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©2001 The Blade.                                  Toledo Blade Article published May 6, 2003

Preservation group lauds pair of Sylvania-area houses

The restoration of two old Sylvania-area homes has netted awards from the Landmarks Preservation Council.

The council is handing out its annual Excellence in Preservation Awards at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Toledo Club to the Sylvania Historical Village and Boxell Interiors at Lilac Hill.

John Squire, a landscape architect who is a member of the preservation council, said the city-owned home that anchors Sylvania’s Historical Village at 5717 North Main St. has helped the downtown area retain its historic feel. The age of the home is unknown, but it was standing when it was purchased in 1897 by Dr. Uriah Cooke.

"The little historical village there in Sylvania really alerted the community to its past," Mr. Squire said. "The city made a strong commitment to preserving history when they bought that house. I think the work they’ve done has really stimulated interest in local history."

Mr. Squire said the renovated home that houses Boxell Interiors at 4230 North Holland-Sylvania Rd. in Sylvania Township helps retain some of the history of an area that has been largely developed for commercial purposes. The business estimates the home was built in the 1880s.

"They really did a nice job in bringing out its character," he said. "With all the pressure of development around that place, it really helps maintain the historic fabric in that area. Places like this, historically, someone usually makes a decision just to wipe it out."

Irene Martin, chairman of the preservation council, said the awards are given to encourage people to save and renovate buildings that can’t be replaced.

"We do it to have people take another look at some of these buildings," she said. "We do it so if someone is thinking about tearing a building down, they might think twice."

Winning individual awards were:

Sue Burkett and Stuart Cline for restoration of the Raymond-Ketcham House, 329 Walnut St., and their involvement in the Vistula Historic District.

Friends of the Lathrop House for trying to save the Lathrop House, 5372 South Main St., Sylvania.

The Mannik & Smith Group, Inc., for a report called "History/Architecture Reconnaissance Survey of TPS."

Jack and Deborah Pozsik for renovation of their home at 2016 Scottwood Ave.

Uptown Area Main Street Program for its restoration work along portions of Adams Street.