It was a glorious Saturday so the MarJ and I wanted to investigate the rumors that the Old Coast Guard Station had recently been made a bit more accessible.
We grabbed the camera and decided to check it out.
I have to admit that I have always been partial to the design of the station. Built in Art Moderne and designed by Cleveland architect J. Milton Dyer the station was a beautiful homage to nautical design. Years of neglect have compromised the structure but the current owner (the City of Cleveland) are currently looking at possible solutions to revitalize the site.
I am extremely excited about any plans to turn this part particular building into an amenity on the lake and feel that the design of the site should be preserved. I could not fathom a more well thought out and beautiful facility for that site, not that I would be one whom would preface any argument based upon the context of forcibly preserving historical precedence. I just believe that the design is an invaluable asset to the community and adds a much needed softness to our architectural vernacular. I am excited to keep tabs upon the future of this project.
Hopefully the increased access will result in greater attention. Make sure to visit it while the weather is nice and the building lasts.
resources:
- J Milton Dyer Landmarks Commission List (.pdf)
- Burning River Fest
- Wendy Park Foundation - Coast Guard Station
- Lifeboat Station #239 History - Cleveland LSS
- Ohio Trespassers Check Out #239
- Green City Blue Lake talks of the earlier discussions to save the site - March 2006
- The Proposed schemes - also GCBL
- Case Western Reserve - Encyclopedia of Cleveland History - Station #239
On River Day, Cleveland City Planning Director, Bob Brown suggested that the building can be resurrected; in fact, money is available for the restoration, but the building will need an end user. Asked who that may be, he said that the city is in discussions with local universities who might be willing to take on the maintenance and usage of a restored Coast Guard Station.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope they do not select CWRU who abandoned the East Cleveland Warner and Swasey Observatory, leaving a major chapter of our built environment history (as well as the region's and their own science history) to decay on the bluff.
Jeff Buster and I discussed it at realneo - google warner and swasey realneo.
Dyer seems to have been responsible for quite a number of our significant buildings, eh?
Let's hope we can restore and maintain this beauty. I love how it looks like a ship planted there on the point.