Berea in Cuyahoga County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Ark
September 10, 2008
1. The Ark Marker
The ARK in Berea is the first structure in Cuyahoga County to incorporate sustainable building concepts from the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Hand built in 1994 as a work of art by environmental artists David and Renate Jakupca, it is a study for future buildings for the Headquarters of the International Center for Environmental Arts (ICEA) and Eco Village. A hybrid structure utilizing cob, straw bales, aluminum cans, used tires, and recycled construction materials, the ARK (Architektur Recycled Kulturstall) helps to address the environmental problems of large urban areas and the trend of rebuilding rather than remodeling existing structures. The ARK is used as a museum, community center, and art studio of David Jakupca.
Erected 2003 by the International Center for Environmental Arts (ICEA) and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 42-18.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Environment • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1992.
Location. 41° 22.754′ N, 81° 51.804′ W. Marker is in Berea, Ohio, in Cuyahoga County.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Berea Union Depot (approx. half a mile away); Baldwin University (approx. 0.7 miles away); Ogilvy Chapel of St. Thomas Episcopal Church (approx. 0.8 miles away); Lyceum Square (approx. one mile away); First Congregational United Church of Christ of Berea (approx. one mile away); The Berea Triangle (approx. one mile away); The “Big Quarry” (approx. 1.1 miles away); Berea Sandstone Quarries (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Berea.
More about this marker. The marker is on private property and currently propped against the house itself and partially obscured by weeds.
Regarding The Ark. It is unclear which structure is referred to by the marker. The house itself was built in 1956, with the garage added in 1997. As a part of Ohio's Bicentennial celebration (2003), the studio of Environmental Artist David Jakupca was registered as an Ohio State Landmark, recognizing his art work which has represented and promoted Ohio's cultural and ethnic diversity on a worldwide basis. Berea, Ohio is considered the Home of Environmental
September 10, 2008
2. The Ark Marker
Also see . . . International Center for Environmental Arts (ICEA). Website homepage
... formed by David and Renate Jakupca in 1987 ... (Submitted on September 10, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
Photographed By Kate McNeece
3. Front of the ARK property
Photographed By Kate McNeece
4. Side view of the ARK
Photographed By Kate McNeece, November 10, 2009
5. Karen Drive
View up Karen Drive to "The Ark." The house itself is not visible.
Photographed By Kate McNeece
6. The ARK, 519 Karen Dr., Berea, OH
Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2008. This page has been viewed 2,076 times since then and 51 times this year. Last updated on October 12, 2009. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 10, 2008. 3. submitted on October 12, 2009. 4. submitted on October 12, 2009, by Kate McNeece of Fairview Park, Ohio. 5, 6. submitted on October 12, 2009. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
