Shaker Square Alliance Newsletter - Providence House Receives Recognition for Historic Preservation to Weizer Building

Posted March 02, 2026 in Articles

Providence House is receiving the Award of Excellence for Façade Restoration from the Cleveland Restoration Society and AIA Cleveland next month for its renovation and restoration of the historic Weizer Building on Buckeye Road!

The organization purchased the vacant building in 2019 to expand its support for children and families in crisis and address a significant increase in demand for its services from near east side neighborhoods.

As a local nonprofit, Providence House took an enormous risk in purchasing, renovating, restoring, and expanding the historic building. However, the need for accessible services for children and families made it an important and

worthwhile investment for the organization, which is celebrating its 45thanniversary and more than 20,000 children kept safe and families together.

Beyond the challenges of raising $16 million to renovate the Weizer Building and build an attached residential Crisis Nursery, Providence House also faced challenges in repurposing the building while still meeting strict state licensing and accreditation standards, as well as acquiring Cleveland Landmarks and Board of Zoning approvals.

Providence House leadership made building relationships with the Buckeye-Shaker community a priority, understanding the significant disappointments experienced in the neighborhood when other investors failed to follow through on promises for neighborhood development.

Now that their Weizer Building restoration and Crisis Nursery construction are complete, licensed by the state Department of Children and Youth, and accredited by The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, Providence House has been proudly serving hundreds of children and families at its East Campus since July.

The nonprofit remains committed to being a partner in further improving the health and well-being of Buckeye-Shaker. Stay tuned for another exciting announcement about another development on its East Campus and details on a Community Celebration in September to honor the 100th anniversary of the Weizer Building!