By JAIME ANTON

The Post staff writer

Neighbors near the historical home at 10241 Ridge Road may have noticed some activity there lately.

Friends of the Big Creek Watershed and the West Creek Preservation Committee, two organizations that work hand in hand to conserve green space and waterways, are collaborating to restore this home to its original 1920s look and feel.

The house was donated to West Creek by a Big Creek board member who lived there from 1970 up until about two years ago. He had only two requests - that a green space area with an intermittent stream in the back of the property be preserved and that the proceeds made from selling the home be used for other conservation efforts along Big Creek.

The house, which lies near Albion Road, was built in 1830 but had a major remodel in the 1920s that revamped the interior with the beautiful arts and crafts style, wood trimming and oak flooring throughout.

Bob Gardin is the project manager for West Creek and has been overseeing the project. The two groups began work earlier this month and are trying to put the house on the market by month's end. Gardin has sought the aid of volunteers to help accomplish the deadline. And it's not too late to help. Anyone interested in lending a helping hand is more than welcome to pick up a paintbrush and help with the cause.

"The house was in pretty bad shape, but you could see the potential. It's just beautiful. We're trying to restore some of the historical character of the home," he said. "It's a pretty neat house. If you look in the basement, you can see the brick work and art shelving for canning and wine. The previous owner made and stored his own wine. It's really a unique house for that area."

The home is being painted inside and out, a side porch is being rebuilt that was damaged, the electrical work has been updated, storm windows and screens are being repaired and painted, a few plumbing issues are being addressed, and the kitchen is being completely redone. The garage barn had to be demolished because the foundation was in poor condition.

"The solid oak flooring is pretty stable, and all the windows are from the 1920s and are completely functioning, it's amazing," he said. "It is amazing how things have held up, but the challenge has been the kitchen floor. It's going to be a completely new kitchen, a starter kitchen."

The group is consulting an architect and blue prints as well as historical research to ensure work adheres to the 1920s aesthetics.

When the house sells, the proceeds will be used to conserve two significant parcels adjacent to the main steam of Big Creek that flows through Brooklyn.

Tom Jordan, North Royalton's community development director, said this type of project is great for not only the organization, but also the community.

"Friends of Big Creek is a worthwhile organization that works to restore Big Creek and help with the management of storm water. The side benefit is the major investment in one of our homes," he said. "We appreciate that they are going to renovate a house sorely in need of some upkeep, and I know the proceeds will be well used by Big Creek."

To volunteer on the project, contact Bob Gardin at 216-269-6472 or West Creek Trustee Dave Vasarhelyi at 216-749-3720. For more information about West Creek, visit westcreek.org. For more information about Friends of Big Creek, visit friendsofbigcreek.org.