February Newsletter

February 4, 2023

January has been an active month for HHA as we continue to track ongoing community issues relevant to our mission, promote excellence in historic preservation, and provide resources and information to our members.

HHA Monthly Program: The Ravenna Arsenal

HHA is excited to provide a unique program on February 9^th at 7:30 p.m. on the Ravenna Arsenal. Occupying over 20,000 acres in Portage County, the facility produced more weapons for the war effort than any other facility in the United States during WWII. Come listen to Col. (Retired) Ed Meade, Base Operations Manager and Mr. Tim Morgan, State Environmental Supervisor, talk about the past, present and future use of the facility. More information can be found below.

Photo courtesy of Hiram College Archives

Hudson Comprehensive Plan

On January 11, 2023, the Hudson Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee met to elect its chair and vice chair whose primary roles will be to facilitate efficient meetings, collaboratively determine agendas, and ensure progress in meeting objectives. The chair will also serve as a liaison between City Staff and the consultant, OHM, and will stay informed of community interests and opinions provided through engagement forums. Subcommittees may be formed to address specific issues and will report back to the Steering Committee.  

Doston B. Jones was elected chair, and Rebecca Leiter was elected vice chair. Doston has lived in Hudson for four years and brings with him 15 years of experience in planning, advising, and negotiating urban community development projects and large-scale real estate transactions in both the public and private sectors. Rebecca works for a large public utility company and has contributed to the areas of business strategy, risk management, financial analysis, and smart technology. A Hudson resident for over 50 years, she is focused on preserving the charm and historical aesthetic that Hudson offers. She is also a member of the Hudson Heritage Association Board of Directors. A summary of each committee members’ interests and professional experience can be viewed by clicking here.

The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee agendas and meetings can be accessed by visiting https://www.hudson.oh.us/1300/Comprehensive-Plan-Steering-Committee.

City of Hudson Phase II

The City of Hudson completed the purchase of the Windstream Building at 94 Owen Brown Street in late 2022. The adjacent parcel, 100 Owen Brown Street, was purchased during the planning stage for Phase II several years ago. Demolition of the building will take place this year. There are no current plans for the land. However, city officials have noted that the vision for the property and Phase II will be a part of the final Comprehensive Plan to be completed later this year.

Windstream Building on Morse Road

Hudson Walking Tours

Looking for something to do with your guests, children, or grandchildren? HHA has developed a series of walking tours to showcase the architectural styles in homes and commercial buildings that represent the “golden age” of Western Reserve architecture. The tour guides may be picked up at the Hudson Visitors Center or downloaded directly from our website by visiting https://hudsonheritage.org/walking-tours/. The tours include Main Street and its nearby neighbors, East Main and Aurora Streets, the Historic Village Neighborhood, and Western Reserve Academy and its neighbors.

Homeowners’ Guide to Historic Properties

Published by Hudson Heritage Association in 2019, the Homeowners’ Guide to Historic Properties is intended to help current or prospective owners of historical homes in Hudson navigate city ordinances and provide information and guidance about best practices for the preservation, repair, and use of historical property. The guidelines are intended to help the property owner make informed decisions pertaining to the specific character and features of a property. The guide may be accessed by clicking here. Alternatively, you may request a copy by emailing info@hudsonheritage.org or pick up a copy at the Hudson Visitor’s Center.

Baldwin-Buss House

Work progresses on the Baldwin-Buss House. A bathroom on the second floor of the main house was removed, rotted sill plates are being replaced, and the foundation is being shored up. Asbestos remediation required removal of some of the plaster revealing original hand-riven lath. Most of the lath will remain, although some removal is required to reinforce the second floor and to allow for upgrades to the electrical, plumbing, and heating systems.

Hudson Community Living LLC Project 

On January 23, 2023, City Council approved a settlement offer between Hudson Community Living LLC and a local resident reducing the density of the project from nineteen to sixteen units. The settlement states the developer will comply with the settlement offer by a reduction of 5,380 square feet (sf) of total living space (from 35,880 sf to 30,500 sf) and the reduction of 1,174 sf of total building footprint (from 29,311 sf to 28,137 sf).

Be well and stay healthy.

Kathy Russell & Diccon Ong

Co-Presidents

Hudson Heritage Association

February Program

Ravenna Arsenal - The Past, Present & Future

Thursday, February 9, 2023

The history of the Ravenna Arsenal will be the topic of the next Hudson Heritage Association meeting when the group gathers February 9 at Barlow Community Center.  Mr. Tim Morgan, State Environmental Supervisor, and Col. (Retired) Ed Meade, Base Operations Manager, will talk about the past, present and future of this important military facility located only 30 miles from downtown Hudson in Portage County.

According to Ohio History Connection, from 1942 to 1945, workers at the Ravenna Arsenal produced more weapons for the war effort than at any other plant in the United States. More than 14,000 Ohioans were employed at the site during World War II. The arsenal eventually included 1,371 buildings located on 21,418 acres. The complex stopped arms production at the end of World War II, although it continued to store ammunition. When the Korean War began, production of arms resumed, and the site again manufactured arms during the Vietnam War until the facility closed in 1972. Today, a portion of the site, now known as Camp James A. Garfield, is used by the Ohio National Guard for training.

2023 Program Dates

Plan to join us for our popular monthly programs. Unless otherwise noted, these meetings are open to the general public and are held in the Assembly Room of Barlow Community Center at 7:30 p.m. Light refreshments are provided. Mark your calendars for the following dates:

March 9

Ohio Historic Markers & His Adventures in Searching for Them by Dennis Reiser

April 13

Students from WRA (Topic to be determined)

May 11

HHA Annual Meeting - TBD

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