The Observation Deck

I had some time this afternoon so I stopped by LakewoodAlive's latest project house over
on Olive Ave. For those not familiar, Olive Ave. runs south off of Hillard, and some pretty
unique and diversified architecture. A typical nice quiet Lakewood residential street.


After a nice clean-up by Crosspoint Church, the Cleveland based Union Contractor, and
one of the many members of Grace Church that are also helping got their crews going.


Lift trucks make the difference.


LakewoodAlive Housing Outreach Director Allison Urbanek with LA's Lisa check out the work.


A cute little house on a nice street, owned by a nice 83-year-old man.


Cleveland Lumber, Mark McNamara, a local homeowner/Volunteer, the painting company,
are paying for the paint and labor.


Allison speak with one of the painters. They took the time to speak with neighbors, so
everyone knew what was going on and what to expect. The neighbors, well they were
just like your Lakewood neighbors.

If you are having any issues with your home, from keeping it up, to finding contractors, to
finding out how to do it yourself, LakewoodAlive and Allison Urbanek, is a great place to
start, for names, programs, different ways to handle things.

216-521-0655


.

Thanks for checking out this project, Jim. It has been quite some time in the making with so many different parties coming together to help the homeowner and improve the entire property, which will further strengthen the neighborhood.

This project is a partnership between many different companies and individuals. Cleveland Lumber, Grace Presbyterian Church, Cross Point Church, CEI Awnings, Mark McNamara (local resident and volunteer) and a local Cleveland based union contractor that is owned by a Lakewood resident.

By coming together and pooling resources, we were able to assist a senior citizen who was not able to tackle the project himself. The City of Lakewood has been supportive as well with help from Judge Carroll, the court's diversion program, building and housing, and other departments. Hilary Schickler worked closely with the homeowner and Allison Urbanek, LakewoodAlive Housing Outreach Director, has continued the relationship.

This collaborative effort is just one example of the work we all put in to help our neighbors sustain our historic homes which directly impacts adjacent homes and entire streets which impact housing values, school funding, and the strength of the community. Housing is our economic engine. I'm really proud of this long-term, team effort. Thanks to everyone who has helped!

So after a great breakfast at the Coffee Pot, I stopped by Olive Avenue last Friday to see how
progress was moving along with the LakewoodAlive Housing outreach project.


Low and behold, Old Ward 2 Councilman, and current Councilman-At-Large Thomas Bullock had
stopped by and joined with Ian Andrews, Director of LakewoodAlive, and Allison Urbanek, LakewoodAlive
Housing Outreach Coordinator, in admiring the progress.


Tom remembers Mr. Messigner well, and was happy to see the 83-year-old resident get some help.


The volunteers and union painters we cranking it out. Next the trim.


"Well I have a 30' fiberglass ladder and a 24' wood ladder, but they are a handful for me to move
around." said the 83-year-old Messinger. Yet another reason why Allison, and LakewoodAlive's
Housing Outreach Program is so important to this city.

Good work LakewoodAlive, and Tom Bullock for keeping in touch with the residents!

.