Just in time for summer repairs and fresh coats of paint, four more Cuyahoga County communities officially joined the Heritage Home Program (HHP) on July 1, 2025. Homeowners in Brook Park, East Cleveland, Garfield Heights, and North Randall now have a powerful new partner in preserving (and modernizing) the houses that tell their cities’ stories.
Created and administered by the Cleveland Restoration Society, HHP combines preservation expertise with practical financing so owners can care for their older homes with confidence.
What Makes the Heritage Home Program Unique?
HHP is built on a simple promise: old homes deserve expert guidance and affordable financing—without the headaches of navigating renovation alone. The program offers two services that can be used together or separately:
- Free, one-on-one technical advice from preservation specialists who understand plaster walls, slate roofs, and quirky mid-century floorplans.
- Low-interest rehabilitation loans, made possible through a partnership with Cuyahoga County and managed by the Cleveland Restoration Society, to turn sketches and dreams into reality—whether that means replacing knob-and-tube wiring or adding an energy-efficient furnace.
The result is a kind of “concierge desk” for historic home improvement: practical answers, vetted contractor lists, clear scopes of work, and financing that respects a homeowner’s budget.
Why These Four Cities? A Closer Look
Brook Park’s compact post-war neighborhoods were built for the aviation workers who powered Cleveland’s aerospace boom. Now, owners of those sturdy brick capes and colonials can upgrade without sacrificing vintage charm.
East Cleveland boasts grand Victorians and century-old apartment blocks once known as “Millionaires’ Row suburbs.” HHP’s arrival brings new tools to residents determined to revive those architectural gems, block by block.
Garfield Heights—defined by tree-lined streets and starter homes from the 1920s through the 1950s—has long championed do-it-yourself pride. With HHP’s expert advisers on call, residents can feel confident tackling everything from porch repairs to full attic conversions.
North Randall, the smallest of the four, is best known for its historic racetrack and close-knit side streets. For homeowners here, HHP funding fills the gap between wanting to restore and actually being able to afford it.
How the Program Works in Practice
- Call or Click
Homeowners book a free site visit or virtual consultation through the Cleveland Restoration Society’s HHP team. - Receive a Custom Action Plan
Within days, the homeowner gets a written report: prioritized repairs, cost estimates, and suggestions for historically appropriate materials. - Secure Financing (If Needed)
If the project’s price tag is daunting, the homeowner can apply for a low-interest HHP loan—often below market rate—covering everything from roof replacement to kitchen rewiring. - Renovate with Confidence
HHP staff remain on call throughout construction, answering questions, reviewing bids, and helping resolve surprises that lurk behind plaster walls.
Voices from the Front Porch
“The HHP report was like having a preservation architect in my back pocket,” says Carla Moore of Garfield Heights, who used the program last year to restore her 1935 bungalow’s original wood windows. “They demystified the process, and the loan meant I didn’t have to choose between a new roof and my kids’ college fund.”
Brook Park’s housing director, Miguel Alvarez, is equally enthusiastic: “We’ve been looking for a way to support homeowners who love their older houses but worry about the cost of keeping them up. HHP brings expertise and dollars—exactly what our neighborhoods need.”
Upcoming Events and How to Get Involved
The Cleveland Restoration Society’s HHP staff will host free workshops and pop-up “ask-an-expert” tables across the county this summer. Topics range from vintage bathroom plumbing to choosing the right exterior paint palette. Dates and locations are posted on the Heritage Home Program website, along with registration links for virtual webinars.
Ready to Begin?
Whether you own a Victorian painted-lady in East Cleveland, a brick ranch in North Randall, or anything in between, the Heritage Home Program—proudly offered by the Cleveland Restoration Society—is your gateway to timeless curb appeal and rock-solid repairs without breaking the bank.
Visit the Heritage Home Program website today, explore upcoming events, and discover how a little expert advice (and a smart loan) can help your house shine for decades to come.
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