FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2008
Contact:
Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission: Jessica Fagan – 614.995.7552; jfagan@culture.ohio.gov
Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition: Daniel M. Rice – 330.283.2410; drice@ohioeriecanal.org
Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission Approves
$150,000 for Richard Howe House
Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission approved $150,000 at its quarterly meeting today for the renovation of the Richard Howe House.
Built in 1836, the historic building was the home of Richard Howe, the resident engineer for the Ohio & Erie Canal between Cleveland and Massillon from 1825 to 1832. The Howe House is the oldest home in Akron, and one of only two Federal-style homes in the city. Upon completion of the renovation, the Howe House will serve as a regional attraction along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The building will function as a visitors’ center and will contain historical exhibits related to the canal and the life of Richard Howe. The building will also house meeting and office space for the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition. The project will include complete interior and exterior restoration, as well as the construction of an addition, which will function as a conference room.
The Commission approval, coupled with the signing of legal agreements, allows the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition to be reimbursed on a pro rata basis with funds appropriated in Am. Sub. H.B. 16 and 699 of the 126th General Assembly. Summit County General Assembly members who voted in favor of the bill include Senator Kevin Coughlin; Representative Brian G. Williams; former Senator Kimberly Zurz; and former Representatives Robert Otterman, Barbara Sykes, Mary Taylor, and John Widowfield.
The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission is a state agency that helps enhance the quality of life for Ohioans by improving the state’s cultural facilities. Since 1988, the Commission has disbursed more than $400 million of capital funds appropriated by the Legislature and Governor for facility improvement projects at nonprofit theaters, museums, historical sites and publicly owned professional sports venues. The Commission partners with nonprofit groups and local governments on more than 300 projects in 72 of Ohio’s 88 counties. For more information on the Commission, visit www.culture.ohio.gov.
