Tom and Cindy Einhouse of Lakewood see opportunity in decay and hope in crisis. Similar to artists, they’ve transformed their vision into brick and steel. Tom, as vice president of facilities and capital at Playhouse Square, has led renovations at the Allen, Ohio, Hanna, Palace and State theaters. During the past 35 years, he’s restored and refurbished buildings, plazas and streetscapes in the Playhouse Square district. Cindy took over a financially struggling Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood in 2007. Under her leadership, the 86-year-old Beck not only has remained open but also is in the middle of a $5.7 million fundraising effort to redevelop its campus. Annually, Beck hosts plays and gallery exhibits and provides arts education for more than 60,000 people in five counties.
Historic Passion: Both Tom and Cindy have a passion for the arts and preserving historic arts venues. “Even today, when I see something in a deteriorating condition, I get excited at the possibilities,” Tom says.
Lobbying Efforts: One of Tom’s latest high-profile projects was the $5.3 million renovation of the Ohio Theatre lobby, unveiled in 2016. The original lobby was destroyed by a fire in 1964. Tom and Playhouse Square, working with EverGreene Architectural Arts and Turner Construction Co. in Cleveland, as well as Westlake Reed Leskosky in Cleveland, studied original theater drawings and old photos to recreate the lobby.
Promoting Passion: Beck was dealing with turnover in leadership and lack of funds when Cindy became president and CEO 12 years ago. With her fundraising background, she secured philanthropic support to upgrade Beck’s technology, allowing the center to promote itself more effectively. The redevelopment plan will see Beck consolidate three buildings into two and create centers for dance, music, visual arts, creative arts therapies and theater education.
Conducting Business: The Einhouses don’t feel comfortable with the Power Couples moniker, pointing out that so many hardworking people helped them in their efforts. “We are directing the orchestra, but the musicians we have are so spectacular,” Cindy says.
