Wanted: A Talking Building
Do you live on the Near West Side of Cleveland? Are you an organizer, an activist, an urban history buff, or do you just plain love cool, old buildings? Are you a “veteran” Near West Sider who remembers the Lorain Street Bank Building, located at Lorain and Fulton Aves., during the late 1960s and 70s, when it was home to a bevy of grassroots, neighborhood based groups? Or do you remember when it was occupied by a local branch of Cleveland Trust Bank?
If you have an opinion, perspective, memory or story to share about this building, then we want you! The Cleveland Green Building Coalition has begun a project, spearheaded by Cleveland artist Lee Chilcote, to capture the rich history of the Lorain Street Bank building. This building has gone from being a bank, to a seedbed for grassroots groups, to an abandoned relic. And now it’s the renovated “green” home to many of Cleveland’s environmental groups, and the lobby of the building will soon be occupied by a branch of Fifth Third bank!
The goal of this project is to capture and preserve the stories and histories surrounding this unique, Near West Side landmark, and the way that it has touched, shaped and interacted with this vibrant neighborhood.
As a part of the project, Lee will interview community members and Clevelanders with a history of involvement on the Near West Side or in the Lorain Street Bank Building, and complete archival research on the history of the building prior to its redevelopment. When the project is completed, we will produce a permanent installation that will become a part of the new Cleveland Environmental Center, and a tour booklet that will capture the history and the stories in print.
If you would like to contribute to this project, please contact Lee Chilcote, Coordinator at 216/406-3750 or by email at leechilcote@yahoo.com.