Imagine what Clifton would be like with a Wendy’s in the middle of its business district, instead of the Esquire Theatre.
As part of the development of a new neighborhood plan for Clifton, the feasibility of establishing one or more historic districts in Clifton is currently being studied. Neighborhood volunteers will conduct research and organize the designation process. Residents will have the opportunity to learn about this initiative, provide comments, and participate throughout the process.
Why is this issue of concern? Clifton’s quality of life results from several interconnected components, including its historical character. Protecting our historical character has always been part of a common vision of our residents. We all remember the neighborhood fight against demolishing the Esquire Theatre going all the way to the Ohio Supreme Court, the saving of Clifton Market, the elegant repurposing of Gaslight Bar and Grille and Ludlow Garage, to name just a few. The preservation of the historical character of the neighborhood does not happen by chance, it happens with dedicated and focused effort. Many structures would have vanished without local citizens’ efforts to preserve our heritage. Market forces and new codes often favor the demolition of solid buildings and their replacement with denser, cheaper-looking ones. Recent rezoning in Clifton now allows four-family buildings to be built in formerly single-family zones in an area covering most of the neighborhood south of McAlpin. This could lead to developers acquiring and demolishing buildings to put up new denser housing. This is one reason to consider establishing historic districts which generally prevent demolition of sound historic buildings
Establishing historic district(s) is a long process involving the Historic Conservation Board, City Planning Commission, and City Council.
Note that historic districts:
- Do not require renovation of property
- Do not affect the interiors of buildings
- Do not control paint color
- Do require that exterior changes are compatible with the architectural and historic character of buildings
- Do require new buildings to be compatible with the architecture of the neighborhood
Please participate in our survey to help us gauge the interest of our neighbors in the subject. Click here to take the survey.
See the existing map of Cultural and Historic resources in Clifton below. The map is a little old but a good overview of Clifton.
DRAFT PROCESS (subject to be modified)
Gauge interest on the issue: Conduct a broad survey using email, social media posting and physical posting in the Business District (this form is helping that task) – February & March 2025.
Information dissemination: Hold a public meeting to explain historic designation and further gauge support – March 2025.
Research: Volunteers review prior research, map historic properties, and identify structures – April & May 2025.
Second Public Meeting: Present research results, review maps, discuss district boundaries, and explain guidelines with examples – May 2025.
Evaluation: Assess meeting results and develop historic district boundary options – May 2025
Third Public Meeting: Present proposed boundaries, gauge interest, and determine necessary alterations – June 2025
Guideline Development: Draft guidelines and write architectural and historic narratives for potential districts – July 2025
Fourth Public Meeting: Discuss guidelines and boundaries to decide on proceeding with the process – August 2025
Let us know what you think about this issue by taking our survey. Click here to take survey.