Hudson Heritage Association

Hudson Heritage Association Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Hudson Heritage Association, Community Organization, PO Box 2218/49 E. Main Street, Hudson, OH.

Founded in 1962, the mission of Hudson Heritage Association is to preserve and enhance the aesthetic appeal, the uniqueness of Hudson, and the historic character of the buildings, streetscape and architecture of the Western Reserve Community of Hudson. Our mission can be summarized as follows:

~ to urge the preservation of buildings that are fine or interesting examples of architecture;
~ to help

in the enforcement of zoning laws and to foster good taste in new building;
~ to maintain the character of the Green and its surroundings as the central feature of the village;
~ to encourage the planting & care of trees in the community;
~ to cooperate with other organizations devoted to the same ends.

*Edited to include information from the City Council recently approved legislation rezoning District 11 (the former JoAn...
06/12/2026

*Edited to include information from the City
Council recently approved legislation rezoning District 11 (the former JoAnn property), shifting its intended use from tax-generating light industrial development to a broader mix of office and commercial uses, despite significant opposition from residents.

We believe Hudson residents deserve to have their voices heard, and the referendum process is the legal and appropriate way to ensure that happens. A successful referendum will place this issue on the November ballot, allowing voters to make the final decision.

Why is this important?

• The rezoning does not align with Hudson’s Comprehensive Plan, which serves as the City’s long-term guide for growth and development. If the proposed development were consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, rezoning would not be necessary.

• Large-scale planned developments are now permitted within the new District 11. Under the new legislation housing and/or grocery stores are not permitted. However, based on Hudson’s Land Development Code (Section 1204.03), housing and/or a grocery store may still be included through a variance if a developer can demonstrate that the property would not otherwise yield a reasonable return without it. **The City has shared that Section 1204.03(g) of the LDC will prevent this, but these two conflicting areas of the code could be challenged by a developer.

• The Planning Commission has requested time to address concerns within the Land Development Code, but City Council has not provided the opportunity needed to complete those updates.

• Council members and City staff have held multiple meetings with the developer, as documented in subcommittee minutes and reported by both the Plain Dealer and Akron Beacon Journal. Meanwhile, many residents, as well as the Planning Commission, feel their concerns have not received the same level of consideration.

If you are an eligible Hudson voter and believe that voices of residents should be heard, regardless of political party or affiliation, we encourage you to sign the referendum petition. By doing so, you can help place this important issue on the November ballot and ensure the community has a say in Hudson’s future.

We need over 3000 residents to speak out this weekend. Please join us at one of these events to sign the referendum petition:

Opportunities to sign the referendum petition are:

Friday, June 12: 5:30 - 8:00, the sidewalk outside of Town Hall on the Green

Saturday, June 13: 9:00 - noon, the sidewalk outside of Town Hall on the Green

Sunday, June 14: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm - Drive thru signing at Barlow Community Center

Sunday, June 14: 5:30 - 7:00 pm - the sidewalk outside of Town Hall on the Green

This year's Hudson Home and Garden Tour includes the Austin-Lake House - 'Lucy's House' - as one of the tour stops. Th...
06/11/2026

This year's Hudson Home and Garden Tour includes the Austin-Lake House - 'Lucy's House' - as one of the tour stops. This property received a 2026 HHA Preservation Award following a massive restoration under the careful stewardship of Karyl and Russ Morrison. Constructed in 1837, the Austin-Lake house is one of the five original existing homes on this block of Main Street. Lucy Lake moved in to the home in 1841, working out of the home as a seamstress and tailor.

The Tour is a rare opportunity to see the renovation, restoration and decor of this historic gem. The restoration is a great example of a successful adaptive reuse project, as the structure exists on it s original site and retains much of its original appearance and architectural intent while retaining historic integrity in design, materials, and relationship to its surroundings.

Tickets and information for the Hudson Home and Garden Tour, June 12-13, are available at www.hudsonhomeandgardentour.org.

06/06/2026

Tomorrow, Sunday, June 7 from 1:00-4:00.

Hudson Community members have drafted a referendum petition to place the District 11 zoning decision on the November ballot. Passed by City Council despite overwhelming community opposition, the residents of Hudson deserve to have their voices heard.

If you are a Hudson resident and eligible voter please stop by the Barlow Community Center tomorrow, Sunday, June 7, from 1:00-4:00 for a drive-thru petition signing event.

This is your opportunity to help our voices be heard regarding a 50-acre minimum planned development possibility in Hudson.

Hudson Heritage Association recognizes that preserving the history and architecture our community prizes depends on each...
05/12/2026

Hudson Heritage Association recognizes that preserving the history and architecture our community prizes depends on each generation to protect the legacy they have inherited. That is why HHA is always on the lookout for opportunities to help students learn more about the individuals and events that shaped our town as it exists today.

We are especially pleased to have been invited to support two upcoming initiatives specifically designed to help younger members of our community gain a deeper appreciation for Hudson’s rich past. In June, the inaugural session of New Heights will take place -- a week-long summer program for local high school students being offered by Western Reserve Academy, Hudson High School, and the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art (ICAA). During the week, participants will explore historic architecture through hands-on learning and real-world examples throughout Hudson and the Western Reserve. We’ll report more on this exciting project in the fall.

This week, we invite the community to experience an informative and interactive pop-up museum created by the middle school students of Hudson Montessori School, who have been working diligently to curate a series of exhibits focused on Hudson’s heritage that will be displayed at the Hudson Library & Historical Society. The students will be available to present their exhibits on Thursday, May 14 th from 5:30-7 pm, and Friday, May 15th, from 10-11:30 am and 1-2:30 pm. The exhibits will remain on display between presentations and for a week following. HHA was pleased to provide a grant to the students to help make the project a reality – funding that was made possible by our generous members and supporters.

Please plan to stop by the Hudson Library this Thursday or Friday to meet these students and hear what they’ve learned about Hudson’s history!

Tomorrow is an important day for our community, with two key opportunities for Hudson residents to shape the town’s futu...
05/04/2026

Tomorrow is an important day for our community, with two key opportunities for Hudson residents to shape the town’s future.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 is Election Day, and that evening at 7:30 p.m., City Council will hold a public hearing at Town Hall on the proposed rezoning and creation of District 11.

There is one issue on the ballot in Hudson: Issue 12 is a library levy renewal (2.9 mills) plus an increase of 0.6 mills to replace the current levy expiring this year. Please take a few minutes to review the issue and vote. Our library is a vital resource for learning, connection, and opportunity for residents of all ages, and every registered voter has a say in how it is funded.

Also, consider attending the public hearing on the proposed District 11 zoning. Your voice matters. Showing up and speaking out helps shape the future of our town while preserving the qualities that make Hudson special, including its vibrant downtown, small-town charm, and strong civic engagement.

Make a plan to vote and take part in the decisions that impact us all.

Celebrating 200 years of growth, resilience, and legacy 🌳✨On behalf of the Hudson Heritage Association, we were honored ...
04/29/2026

Celebrating 200 years of growth, resilience, and legacy 🌳✨

On behalf of the Hudson Heritage Association, we were honored to join the bicentennial celebration of Western Reserve Academy with a meaningful tribute rooted in history.

Just south of WRA Chapel stands a remarkable American Elm - one of many planted during James Ellsworth’s transformative years in Hudson. Ellsworth admired the elm’s cathedral-like canopy, shaping the landscape with these majestic trees.

Though Dutch Elm Disease devastated millions of elms across Ohio in the 1960s, a few of these historic trees still stand, preserved through careful stewardship and treatment.

To honor this milestone, HHA will place a commemorative marker at the base of this enduring tree, sharing the story of Ellsworth’s vision and celebrating the strength of both the elm and the Academy it has watched over for generations.

Here’s to deep roots and a flourishing future. 🌱
Happy 200th, WRA!

Two important events this Thursday!Members of the Hudson Community - especially WRA alumni and families - are invited to...
04/09/2026

Two important events this Thursday!

Members of the Hudson Community - especially WRA alumni and families - are invited to the April's speaker series on Thursday, April 9, at 7:00 pm. WRA alumnus (1981) and H. Arthur Bellow, Jr. '56 Chair in History Diccon Ong will trace the history of WRA through one enduring question: what is the purpose of education?

Founded in 1826 by 12 visionary settlers from Connecticut including David Hudson, Western Reserve College was established as the “Yale of the West” — an institution that quickly gained a reputation for academic excellence and political activism.

Drawing on both the school’s evolution – from its founding through moments of challenge, reinvention, and growth, the talk will explore how WRA has continually balanced tradition and change. At its heart is a deeper reflection on whether education is meant simply to prepare students for the world as it is, or to equip them to question it, shape it, and imagine what it might become.

Prior to the 7:00 presentation at Barlow Community Center, all community members are encouraged to attend the city-sponsored Open House at City Hall (1140 Terex Rd) from 6-8:00 pm to provide feedback on the proposed District 11 rezoning and Planned Urban Development initiative at the former JoAnn's location, which could include 200-400 apartments, grocery stores and more in a 'Live - Work - Play' planned development. This proposed zoning change is in direct opposition to the Comprehensive Plan adopted in 2024, and has the potential to adversely impact Hudson's historic downtown. The Open House is 'drop-in' format, so please consider attending both events on Thursday.

Update on the District 11 rezoning proposal: The Hudson Heritage Association (HHA) continues to advocate for thoughtful,...
03/18/2026

Update on the District 11 rezoning proposal: The Hudson Heritage Association (HHA) continues to advocate for thoughtful, responsible planning that protects the character of our historic community.

In recent weeks, HHA Board members have spoken before City Council and the Planning Commission—joined by members of the Comprehensive Plan Task Force and former Planning Commission members—all voicing serious concerns about the proposed District 11 zoning change.

We’ve also connected directly with our downtown business community, walking door-to-door to share information. Many business owners were unaware of this significant proposal and its potential impact.

The City Charter makes clear that the Comprehensive Plan should guide development decisions. This proposal appears to be driven by a private developer’s interests—not the long-term vision adopted by the community through the Comprehensive Plan.

Why this matters:

District 11—and the Planned Unit Development (PUD) being considered—is inconsistent with Hudson’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan. This has been clearly reaffirmed in sworn testimony by those who helped write the plan.

HHA believes that a competitive retail district could be detrimental to the vitality of our downtown. Hudson’s downtown has been carefully sustained for over 200 years. Creating a competing commercial district risks undermining the small businesses, restaurants, and unique character that define our community.

A project of this size and impact—affecting traffic, development patterns, and local businesses—should not move forward “by right” through zoning changes that limit public input. A Planned Unit Development (PUD) can lead to overdevelopment, reduced oversight, and a shift in control away from residents and local boards once zoning is approved.

HHA also believes that City staff and elected officials should remain neutral and fully consider public input before making decisions. Residents deserve a fair, open process where every voice is heard.

HHA supports preservation—but also the qualities that brought families to Hudson in the first place: a strong sense of place, a vibrant downtown, and a connected community.

What can you do?

-Write to your City Council representative (and request your comments be entered into the public record)

- Attend the April 9 Town Hall (tentative)

- Speak at the May 5 Public Hearing

- Talk with your neighbors and stay informed

- Read Councilman Skyler Sutton’s recent Facebook post for a helpful summary of the District 11 process.

Together, we can ensure that Hudson’s future respects its past—and protects what makes this community special.

HHA is proud support the Institute of Classical Architecture and Arts (ICAA) New Heights summer program in Hudson. A sp...
03/12/2026

HHA is proud support the Institute of Classical Architecture and Arts (ICAA) New Heights summer program in Hudson. A special collaboration between Western Reserve Academy and the Hudson City Schools, Ohio, based on the inspiration of former Baldwin-Buss House Foundation and HHA board members Kathy Russell and Donovan Husat, the New Heights program is a 4-day immersive program from June 15-18 that will include architectural drawing and design exercises, walking tours of Hudson, and hands-on demonstrations in building craft.

Hudson's architecture will be used as a learning tool to expand interest in classical design as well as to foster an appreciation for Hudson's rich architectural history. More information on the ICAA may be found at classicist.org.

Open to rising high school students who live or attend school in Hudson, registration for this free program is expected to fill up fast. Registration is available using the link below.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQRvUvbJIjJlYTI1ZE6LoCHxg0c45MhoKJ4vtjVlUI8ur_Jg/viewform?usp=header

Are You Aware, Hudson Residents?The City Council is preparing to vote Tuesday evening on a major zoning change for the J...
02/27/2026

Are You Aware, Hudson Residents?

The City Council is preparing to vote Tuesday evening on a major zoning change for the JoANN property district that could dramatically affect the businesses in downtown Hudson — and many residents haven’t heard about it.

The proposed District 11 Zone would expand beyond the former JoAnn’s headquarters property to include both sides of Darrow Road and a section north of Terex Road. The development has been described as potentially similar to Valor Acres in Brecksville — an “Live • Work • Play” district.

City Council's vote is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3.

Yet:
- This proposal has not been included in the weekly town E-News this year to generate community awareness.
- No feedback has been solicited on Let’s Talk Hudson.
- At the recent pay-to-attend “State of the City” breakfast, only a brief mention (25 seconds) and 1 slide were shared — without outlining the full potential scope of the project.

The City continues to present this as impacting only the former JoAnn’s site, but the new district is significantly larger, covering both sides of Darrow Road and a section north of Terex.

Why Are We Concerned?

- The rezoning contradicts the City-adopted Comprehensive Plan for zoning and development priorities in Hudson that took almost 2 years to create.
- The project prioritizes developer interests over resident input
- The development could negatively impact downtown Hudson merchants and restaurants by creating a competing shopping and dining destination.
- The project is aimed at serving workers and businesses, not the needs of residents.

At the last Council meeting, HHA spoke in opposition to this zoning change, in addition to a representative of the Comprehensive Planning Committee and a member of the Planning Commission. We are concerned that Council is abandoning the priorities of the 10-year comprehensive plan, which took almost two years to create using input from over 1,000 resident comments. This plan was adopted by Council to serve as the blueprint for development and City priorities for the next 10 years, and a major priority was to maintain a vibrant downtown.

During a separate exchange at that meeting, one Council member stated: “We were told to get this passed… That’s what we were told.” While not specifically about District 11, that statement raises serious concerns. Council members represent the residents, not the City. Public comment exists so community voices can be heard and considered thoughtfully.

What Can You Do?

- Email, write, or call your Council member and urge them to follow the adopted Comprehensive Plan.
- Attend the City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 3 and speak during public comment if you are able.
- Share this information with your neighbors so they are aware before the vote on March 3rd.

This is about transparency, responsible planning, and protecting the character and vitality of our community.

Your voice matters. Make it heard.

Council email addresses and phone numbers (taken from the town website):

Patricia Goetz, Ward 1: 234-346-2921; [email protected]
Dan White, Ward 2: 330-805-3428; [email protected]
Skylar Sutton, Ward 3: 330-422-3939; [email protected]
Michael Ward, Ward 4 & Council President: 234-346-2942; [email protected]
Kyle Brezovec, At-Large: 234-422-3649; [email protected]
Samantha D'Eramo, At-Large: 440-823-2325; [email protected]
Amanda Weinstein, At Large: 440-823-8202; [email protected]
Aparna Wheeler, Clerk of Council: [email protected]

Address

PO Box 2218/49 E. Main Street
Hudson, OH
44236

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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