Award-Winning Historic Restoration: Copper Cornice and Built-in Gutter | Cinecraft Productions, Cleveland, Oh
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.
How much does a copper roof cost?
Installed cost ranges from $20 to $40+ per square foot, depending on the complexity of the roof and design details.The cost of simple, small copper roofs—such as those for bay windows, entryways, and awnings—typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,500. For roof dormers, the price can vary from $4,500 to $9,000. Larger and more complex copper roofs, like the curved porticos found on the front of elegant homes in Shaker Heights, may cost between $12000 and $16000 for installation. For an entire house roof, the cost can range from $ 35,000 to $ 125,000 or more.
Curved roofs, steep roofs, multiple gables, multiple chimneys, and various valleys are design features that increase costs. Details such as swept eave ends, chimney transitions, traditional double-locked standing seams, custom-fabricated copper shingles, and custom eave and rake moldings also contribute to the overall expense of a copper roof. However, these elements enhance its beauty, longevity, and appeal.
Replacing existing copper roofs can be more expensive than the prices mentioned above. If the current roof has undergone multiple repairs, has sustained damage from leaks, or has been covered with newer roofing materials, the costs for removal and repairs can increase significantly.
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
Customer Testimonials, Thank you's & Roofing Reviews in Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio
At DM CROOKSHANKS SLATE AND COPPER ROOFING, we believe the best proof of our craftsmanship comes directly from our customers. For over 35 years, homeowners across Cleveland, Shaker Heights, and Northeast Ohio have trusted us for copper and slate roof repair, restoration, and installation. Our clients appreciate the care, attention to detail, and old-world craftsmanship that go into every project. Below, you’ll find real testimonials and reviews from homeowners who experienced the DM CROOKSHANKS difference—durable roofing, timeless beauty, and peace of mind knowing their investment is protected.
"Dennis, Thanks for the exceptional work again on our dining room bay window slate/copper roof."
"Dennis Thanks for the excellent service and quality work!"
"Dennis, Thank you to you and your brother for all the work on the chimney. It looks great and was important to get done. Lucy C"
"To Dennis/Neil, I appreciate your good work in repairing the roof and am grateful that you were able to do it before the winter. Many thanks! Sincerely Lucy C."
"Dennis, I apologize that it has taken us a few weeks to get the full amount owed for your services. We appreciate the great work you two have done, as well as your patience. Thank you! Audrey B."
"Dear Dennis, Thanks for prompt inspection and repair. I will definitely recommend you to the new owners. Sincerely, Richard P."
"Dear Dennis, While I continue to be shocked by the cost of these jobs, the quality of your work is impeccable. I apologize for the confusion last year that led to very slow payment of your bill. Thank you for sticking to your promise of getting our work done this Fall without prompting. Please feel free to use us as a reference if needed. Richard B."
"Sept. 9,1999 Dear Dennis, Thank you very much for installing the new slate & copper roof on out kitchen bay window. It looks fantastic and we have had a lot of compliments from other family members and friends. We look forward to having you do a similar job for us next year on our south side bay window. If you need a reference let us know. But I'll bet your work speaks for itself. Sincerely, Terry Tincher PS: Thanks so much for working on the weekends for us. I hope your family was OK with that. If you need some help, don't hesitate to call. We'd like to do something for your family some time."
"11/29/99 Dennis- Thanks for the inspection/repair. Please put me on your schedule for spring/summer 2000 for another maintenance stop. Thanks, Barb H."
"Neil/Dennis- Thanks for a great job, new roof looks good, hopefully our skylight problems will also go away. We're very pleased. Mike & Shirley M."
"Dennis, Thank you very much. The copper is elegant. And, it is a great solution for our leak. "
"Dennis, Thank you!! so much I appreciate you good work and for sending me the documents. Phil"
"Dear Dennis, Thank you for taking care of the repairs on my roof. Dan H said you were the one to ask. Sincerely, Jim S."
"Dennis- Sorry for the delay. All the joking aside, we really appreciate your help with the roof/house. You've been great. Tom M."