Two historic properties in Hudson — the Baldwin Buss Merino House and the Colonel S.D. and Marion Harris House — were among the recipients of the 2026 Architectural Heritage Awards.
The Society and Progress Through Preservation recently hosted the Architectural Heritage Awards at the Akron Woman’s City Club. The Architectural Heritage Awards program was started by the Summit County Historical Society in 1984 and is now a joint program with Progress Through Preservation.
The Baldwin Buss Merino House
According to Peg’s Foundation, which uses the historic property, the Baldwin Buss Merino House was first constructed in 1825 and was owned by three families: the Baldwins, the Busses, and the Merinos. In 2020, Peg’s stepped in to secure the property and partner in its restoration, launching a multi-year effort to return the house to its former beauty.
Today, the Baldwin Buss Merino House serves as a rotating space for public art exhibits, gatherings, and special events throughout the year, offering visitors a chance to experience both historic architecture and contemporary creativity in one place. Experiences change by season, and guests are encouraged to check the campus schedule to see what is currently on view.
According to the Hudson Heritage Association, the house was built by Augustus Baldwin, a prosperous early merchant and eldest of the seven sons of one of Hudson’s original proprietors, Judge Stephen Baldwin. John Buss, its second owner, had a popular general store nearby and acted as justice of the peace and, at times, town banker. The Buss family was followed by the Merino family, which operated Merino’s Beer and Wine Store nearby and owned the home from 1907 to 2020.
When Rich Merino passed away in 2016, local historians and preservationists focused on ensuring that the property was not razed, would remain in its present location and that its cultural legacy would survive, according to HHA. The Baldwin-Buss House Foundation (BBHF) was established and began a campaign to raise public awareness and funds to buy the property. Although their efforts fell short of the asking price, in 2020, Peg’s Foundation & Gallery stepped in to secure the purchase and partner with the BBHF. A five-year restoration process ensued and returned the house to its former glory.
The Federal façade of flush, matched boards has four fluted Ionic pilasters and capitals, and a draped fanlight. The sophistication of the design shows the master hand of its builder, Colonel Lemuel Porter, who also had a hand in constructing the Congregational Church in Tallmadge.
The Baldwin-Buss-Merino House is one of eight structures in Hudson chosen by the federal government to be included in the Historic American Buildings Survey, according to HHA.
Colonel S.D. and Marion Harris House
According to HHA, this gray clapboard house with its distinctive jerkin head gable was built in the late 1870s by Marion Harris on North Main Street. The decorative verge board with pendants on the front gable is noteworthy. The windows on the front façade are very long and narrow, with drip moldings; the front door has a drip molding surround. A red tile roof has been replaced. The foundation is sandstone blocks and the home has had several additions.
This 1876 home is of Folk Victorian Gothic style, according to the Hudson Library and Historical Society. “Ohio Farmer” editor and Mexican War veteran Col. Sullivan D. Harris (1812-1877) and his family first occupied it. Later owners include the widow Annie Peters O’Toole (1858-1939), who lost her spouse in the influenza epidemic of 1918. More recently, the home was owned for several years by the Hanna family.
Other Architectural Heritage Award winners
The other recipients of the 2026 awards included:
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Two historic Hudson properties win Architectural Heritage Award
Reporting by April Helms, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
