In March, Brecksville became the latest city to join the Cleveland Restoration Society’s Heritage Home Program, giving homeowners of properties 50 years or older access to low-interest loans and free technical advice for renovations. This move was prompted by the high number of aging homes in the city—nearly half of all Brecksville residences are eligible.
The Heritage Home Program is designed to help owners maintain and improve the character and value of older homes. Unlike many preservation programs, homes do not have to be officially historic to qualify—any property over 50 years old is eligible, provided it is valued at less than $750,000 and the owner’s household income does not exceed $77,760.
Homeowners can use the program’s resources for a wide range of projects, including interior and exterior renovations, HVAC upgrades, insulation, kitchen and bath improvements, and repairs to masonry, windows, and roofs. Free technical assistance includes a 30-minute visit from a construction specialist, who can provide advice on contractors and evaluate project bids.
For those moving forward with renovations, the program offers low-interest loans through Key Bank at a 2% fixed rate for five to ten years, or through Third Federal Savings & Loan at 4.99% for up to fifteen years. This financial support makes it easier for residents to invest in their homes and, by extension, in the community’s long-term stability and property values.
Mayor Daryl Kingston has praised the program, noting that it offers substantial savings for residents and helps preserve the city’s architectural heritage. The Heritage Home Program is part of a larger effort to encourage reinvestment and neighborhood stability across Northeast Ohio.
The city has promoted the program through workshops and informational sessions, making it accessible for interested homeowners. Residents can visit heritagehomeprogram.org for more information and to check eligibility.
Sources:
Brecksville Magazine (Scriptype): “Heritage Home Program offers loans, advice for owners of older homes”
City of Brecksville Official Website: Heritage Home Program Information, Cleveland Restoration Society: Heritage Home Program
