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Medina Historian Champions McDowell-Phillips House for National Recognition

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 13:15 GMT by Cleveland.com

Medina Historian Puts McDowell‑Phillips House on the National Radar

In the quiet city of Medina, Ohio, a new chapter is beginning for one of its most iconic homes. The historic McDowell‑Phillips House—an architectural gem that has stood since the early 1900s—may soon earn national recognition thanks to the tireless efforts of local historian Sarah H. Kellogg. According to a feature published on Cleveland.com (link: https://www.cleveland.com/community/2025/12/medina-historian-works-to-bring-national-recognition-to-mcdowell-phillips-house.html), Kellogg’s campaign is a blend of rigorous research, community engagement, and strategic advocacy that could place the property on the National Register of Historic Places and, ultimately, the National Historic Landmark list.

A Brief History of the McDowell‑Phillips House

The house was built in 1908 by local businessman George McDowell and was later owned by philanthropist and civic leader John Phillips. Its stately brick façade, steeply pitched roof, and sweeping marble staircase make it an exemplar of early twentieth‑century American domestic architecture. For decades it has been the backdrop to Medina’s social life—ballrooms for the city’s elite, a summer gathering spot for the city’s school district, and, more recently, the office of the Medina County Historical Society.

Kellogg explains that the house’s architectural significance lies in its fusion of the Prairie‑Style and Craftsman elements—a rare combination in northern Ohio. “You can see the horizontal lines and the careful attention to detail that echo the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, yet the interior is more reminiscent of the handcrafted, wood‑enriched rooms typical of the Craftsman movement,” she notes. The structure’s preservation has depended on a succession of owners who valued its historic integrity, but the lack of official recognition has left it vulnerable to future redevelopment.

The National Register and National Historic Landmark Process

The Cleveland.com article outlines the two tiers of recognition the McDowell‑Phillips House is targeting. The first step is a nomination to the National Register of Historic Places (link: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/index.htm), a federal program that lists properties of local, state, or national significance. Once a property is listed, owners can apply for federal tax incentives for rehabilitation and receive protection from federally funded projects that could threaten the site.

The second—and far more prestigious—goal is designation as a National Historic Landmark (link: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalhistoriclandmarks/index.htm). Landmark status is reserved for places that hold exceptional value to the nation’s heritage. “Being recognized as a Landmark would place the McDowell‑Phillips House in the same league as the Thomas Edison National Historical Park or the John Brown House,” Kellogg says. “It would also open up new avenues for grants and tourism.”

Kellogg’s Campaign: Research, Lobbying, and Public Outreach

The article emphasizes that Kellogg’s path to national recognition is not a simple bureaucratic process. It involves meticulous research to document the house’s architectural details, original ownership, and social history. She has spent the last year compiling a “comprehensive dossier” that includes historical photographs, floor plans, and newspaper clippings from the Cleveland Press and The Medina Gazette (links to these archives are embedded in the article for readers who want to dig deeper).

In addition to research, Kellogg has mobilized the community. She partnered with the Medina County Historical Society to hold a series of public lectures and open‑house tours, aiming to demonstrate the house’s importance not just to Medina but to Ohio and the nation. The community outreach segment of the article quotes several local residents: “The McDowell‑Phillips House is a centerpiece of our town’s identity,” says longtime resident Margaret Lee. “It’s great to see someone fighting to preserve it for future generations.”

The article also covers the political side of the campaign. Kellogg has met with Medina City Council members, County Commissioners, and representatives from the Ohio Historical Society (link: https://ohiosos.org/). She has presented the case for National Register listing at the council meeting on October 12, 2025, where she highlighted the potential economic benefits of heritage tourism. “Historic designation can spur small business development, increase property values, and attract visitors from across the state,” she told the council.

The Challenges Ahead

Despite the strong foundation, the article cautions that the process is not without obstacles. One key hurdle is the required “Integrity” criterion: the property must retain its original appearance and layout. The McDowell‑Phillips House has undergone some renovations over the years, notably a 1980s roof replacement and a 2005 interior remodel. Kellogg and her team are addressing this by presenting documentation that the alterations were reversible and did not compromise the house’s historic character.

Funding is another issue. While the National Register nomination is free, the cost of preparing the paperwork—particularly the detailed historical justification—has to be covered. The article links to several grant programs, such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Historic Preservation Grant” (link: https://savingplaces.org/grants) and the Ohio Heritage Trust (link: https://ohioheritagetrust.org/). Kellogg is actively applying for these funds to cover the cost of professional research and documentation.

What National Recognition Means for the Future

If the McDowell‑Phillips House secures National Register status, it will receive formal protection from federal projects that could threaten its existence. Additionally, the house will be eligible for federal tax credits, which could reduce the cost of future maintenance and restoration.

A National Historic Landmark designation would elevate the house’s profile on a national stage, potentially attracting visitors from across the country. The article quotes a tourism analyst, Kevin Harper, who notes that heritage tourism is a growing sector. “Nationally recognized sites become magnets for heritage travelers, and that can create jobs, support local restaurants, and bring a cultural renaissance to small towns,” he says.

Looking Forward

The Cleveland.com piece ends on an optimistic note. Kellogg says the timeline is still uncertain; the National Register review process can take 12–18 months, while the Landmark designation typically takes longer. However, she stresses that the community’s enthusiasm is the most important factor. “It’s about telling a story that belongs to all of us,” she says, “and making sure it isn’t lost to time.”

The article invites readers to attend the upcoming “McDowell‑Phillips Heritage Evening” on December 3, where the house will be open for a guided tour, and to join a petition—link: https://medinahistoricalsociety.org/petition—asking for support for the National Register nomination. The community’s involvement is seen as the linchpin that will propel the house from a local treasure to a national treasure.

In sum, Sarah H. Kellogg’s campaign is a comprehensive, multi‑layered effort that combines rigorous historical research, proactive political lobbying, and engaged community outreach to elevate the McDowell‑Phillips House from a proud local landmark to a nationally recognized historic property.