Award-Winning Historic Restoration: Copper Cornice and Built-in Gutter | Cinecraft Productions, Cleveland, Oh
In 2015, the Cleveland Restoration Society and AIA Cleveland honored the meticulous restoration work of DM Crookshanks Copper Roofing on the historic Cinecraft Productions building at 2515 Franklin Boulevard with a Preservation Award, celebrating a project that skillfully blended historic integrity with modern functionality.
Cinecraft Productions, founded in 1939, is among the oldest continuously operating corporate film production companies in the United States. Its headquarters—a two-story commercial brick structure nestled in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood—has long served as both a creative workspace and a symbol of the city’s industrial and cultural legacy.
The project involved the restoration of the copper cornice and built-in gutter, as well as a complete rehabilitation of the underlying wooden structure that supports both features. We custom-fabricated the base cornice, which included intricate historic ogee molding elements.
New ornamental stamped copper modillions were installed, along with egg and dart moldings, flute moldings, and dentil moldings. The fascia board was decorated with dentils and egg and dart moldings, while the stamped modillions featured bed moldings on a coffered soffit. Additionally, the frieze board was adorned with stamped fluted panels, topped with a large ogee crown molding.
We approached this project with care and craftsmanship, using historically accurate techniques and materials to maintain the building’s character while enhancing its functionality.
This project was recognized not just for preserving a physical structure, but for supporting the legacy of a business that has been part of Cleveland’s cultural fabric for over 80 years. We’re proud to have helped ensure this historic building continues to serve its original purpose—with beauty, integrity, and durability.
The Cinecraft Building at 2515 Franklin Boulevard is a Cleveland landmark with a rich architectural and cultural legacy. Built in 1898 as the West Side Branch of the Cleveland Public Library, it was designed by John Eisenmann, architect of the Cleveland Arcade and creator of the Ohio state flag. The building’s Neo-Classical brick design reflects the ideals of late 19th-century civic architecture—dignified, durable, and community-focused.
In 1952, the structure was adapted for commercial use and became home to Cinecraft Productions, a pioneering film and television company. Cinecraft helped shape modern media, producing hundreds of industrial and educational films and commercials. It was the first studio to use teleprompters and synchronized multi-camera filming, and it produced the long-running series The Ohio Story, along with early infomercials for companies like Vitamix. The studio also launched nationally syndicated programs hosted by Louise Winslow, including Adventures in Sewing and Food is Fun.
The building remains the headquarters of Cinecraft Productions and retains much of its original character, including arched windows and red brick masonry. Today, it stands as a testament to adaptive reuse, bridging Cleveland’s architectural heritage with its contributions to American film and television history. Recognized as a Cleveland Designated Landmark, the Cinecraft Building is a rare example of a historic civic structure that continues to serve a vital creative purpose well into the 21st century.
The Cinecraft Building at 2515 Franklin Boulevard is a Cleveland landmark with a rich architectural and cultural legacy. Built in 1898 as the West Side Branch of the Cleveland Public Library, it was designed by John Eisenmann, architect of the Cleveland Arcade and creator of the Ohio state flag. The building’s Neo-Classical brick design reflects the ideals of late 19th-century civic architecture—dignified, durable, and community-focused.
In 1952, the structure was adapted for commercial use and became home to Cinecraft Productions, a pioneering film and television company. Cinecraft helped shape modern media, producing hundreds of industrial and educational films and commercials. It was the first studio to use teleprompters and synchronized multi-camera filming, and it produced the long-running series The Ohio Story, along with early infomercials for companies like Vitamix. The studio also launched nationally syndicated programs hosted by Louise Winslow, including Adventures in Sewing and Food is Fun.
The building remains the headquarters of Cinecraft Productions and retains much of its original character, including arched windows and red brick masonry. Today, it stands as a testament to adaptive reuse, bridging Cleveland’s architectural heritage with its contributions to American film and television history. Recognized as a Cleveland Designated Landmark, the Cinecraft Building is a rare example of a historic civic structure that continues to serve a vital creative purpose well into the 21st century.
Copper Roofing | Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- How long does a copper roof last?
Copper roofs can last from 60 to over 100 years, making copper one of the most durable roofing options available. The lifespan of a properly installed copper roof primarily depends on the amount of water it is exposed to, as well as the thickness and hardness of the copper material.
While copper roofs develop a protective coating, the green oxidized patina seen on old copper roofs can be worn away by water running consistently over the surface, which can then erode the copper metal. At about 60 years of age, copper roofing will develop pinholes below slate and tile roofs, where water tends to drip repeatedly onto one area of copper.
Copper valley flashings will wear through the center of the valley, near the lower end of the valley. Long roof valleys will wear through sooner than short valleys as they carry more water.
Copper roofing will also wear through at the edge of parallel folded or lapped seams.
Copper roofing and flashings are also adversely affected by acidic tannins leaching from some cedar and oak tree species.
Roofing Slate | New and Used | For Sale
North Country Unfading Black roofing slate—also known simply as North Country Black or Canadian Black—is a high‑end natural roofing slate produced by North Country Slate from a quarry in Saint‑Marc‑du‑Lac‑Long, Quebec, near the Maine border. A smooth, deep blue‑black stone with a subtle natural sheen and consistent tone that resists fading, hence the “unfading” label. It closely resembles the historic Monson, Maine slate
North Country Black ¼ New $4.50 EA
10" wide x 16" long – 1323p 5.95 SQ
Total – All - 1323 x $4.00 = $5292.00
Vermont Non‑Weathering Green Slate — also known as Unfading Green or Non‑Fading Green — is a high-quality Vermont quarried roofing slate prized for its stable color and long-lasting performance.
Vermont Green Heavy 3/8 – ½ Used $10.00 EA $5.00 EA FOR ALL
16x20 – 73p
14x20 – 92p
12x20 – 192p
12x18 – 173p
11x18 – 94p
10x18 – 208p
7x20 – 9p
6x20 – 16p
Total – < 857 ~ 857 x 5 = 4285.00