Posts with tag 'Architecture'

Whether you're a historical enthusiast, a lover of fantasy fiction, or an admirer of ambitious architecture, the timeless mystique of castles is impossible to deny. Visiting them is the highlight of many people's European vacations, but did you know there are some you can visit a little closer to home? 

Ohio has many castles and castle-like structures spread out across the Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati areas. Some are historical buildings, while others were constructed a bit more recently. Here are nine of the most distinctive Ohio castles and some background information on what makes each unique. 

Loveland Castle Museum

12075 Shore Dr., Loveland, OH 45140 

Boy Scout leader Harry Delos Andrews created Loveland Castle Museum (sometimes called Chateau Laroche) as a hangout spot for his scout troupe (also called the Knights of the Golden Trail, or KOGT). Construction reportedly began in 1929 using materials fetched by Andrews and the 100-strong group of boys who made up the KOGT at the time. It was finally completed more than 50 years later and is now open to visitors.

Play a few games using the handmade chess, checkers, and puzzle sets scattered around the property, listen to a ghost story from one of the Knights on duty, or picnic in one of the many designated spots around the property. However you choose to spend your time here, this castle is sure to make you feel like a kid again.  

Elsinore Arch

1292-1298 Elsinore Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45202 

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Also known as Elsinore Tower, this small Cincinnati monument was built in the 1880s as a pumping station for nearby Eden Park. The arch's design was inspired by Hamlet's Elsinore Castle, though it was replicated on a much smaller scale; there are only a handful of rooms in this building, and all of them house the equipment needed to run the waterworks. Because it is so small yet still so visually impressive, this is an excellent spot for a quick outing on a trip to the city - you'll see some history up close and get a great photo opportunity as well!

Squire's Castle

2844 River Rd., Willoughby Hills, OH 44094 

Squire's Castle is not actually a castle at all, but rather a gatehouse for a castle that was never completed. The building dates back to the 1890s and is designed according to English and German baronial styles of the time. The structure has been remodeled slightly over the years to reinforce its structural integrity: its upper two floors have been removed and its basement filled in with concrete. Visitors can wander around the inside of the building, enjoy walks on the nearby trails, or eat a meal at the picnic area just outside the stone structure.  

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

714 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303 

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Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens was constructed in 1915 by F. A. Seiberling, one of the founders of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. The property was named after an Old English phrase meaning "stone hewn." Built in the Tudor Revival style, this Northeast Ohio estate includes 65 rooms and 70 acres of gardens and landscaped grounds.

Self-guided indoor tours are available for those who want to take a closer look at the remarkable interior finishes and architecture. Outside, you will find the hall's PlayGarden, a verdant paradise for kids. From bug catching and butterfly watching to geocaching, young visitors will always find something to do at this historic site.

Cote Bonneville

4795 Chapel Ridge Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45223 

Cote Bonneville was built in 1902 by Napoleon DuBrul, a cigar mold mogul originally from Quebec, Canada. This privately-owned 6-acre gated property features a towering stone manor built in the Romanesque Revival style. The stately castle-like home is part of the Cincinnati Preservation Association's annual Raeburn Estate House tour each spring, but even the outside of this incredible structure is well worth a visit. 

Ravenwood Castle

65666 Bethel Rd., New Plymouth, OH 45654

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Ravenwood Castle may look like a historical castle, but it was actually built less than 30 years ago in 1995. Inspired by English and Welsh castles from the 12th and 13th centuries, its original builders hoped to create a place where fans of medieval-themed popular culture could gather for a fun, immersive experience. They even built a tiny medieval village next to the castle to create a more immersive experience for their guests. In addition to grand occasions like weddings and formal events, this location is frequently used for recreational activities like board games, conventions, murder mysteries, and scavenger hunts. 

Glamorgan Castle

200 Glamorgan St., Alliance, OH 44601 

Glamorgan Castle was designed by Willard Hirsch for Colonel William Henry Morgan in 1904 and named for his ancestral home in Wales. Over the years, this gorgeous property has served as an Elk lodge and the corporate headquarters for Alliance Machine; it currently serves as the administrative building for Alliance City Schools, as well as a backdrop for local events like plays, weddings, and even car shows. For those interested in getting a better look at the castle's interior, there are guided indoor tours available every Friday afternoon. 

Landoll's Mohican Castle

561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842 

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If it's a fairytale atmosphere you're after, look for the fanciful peaks of Landoll's Mohican Castle on the horizon. This impressive edifice was built by Jim Landoll, founder of the famous Landoll Publishing Company, in 1997. There were no floor plans or blueprints to guide the construction process; every room was built one at a time according to Landoll's vision. The castle was finally completed and opened for business in 2002. Twenty years later, this one-of-a-kind building is a well-loved hotel and restaurant and an extremely popular wedding destination. You can even go on ghost hunts in the cemetery on the castle's grounds. 

Enjoy a Taste of Royal Living

Which of these magnificent Ohio castles is your favorite? 

With signs of habitation dating back to 13,000 BC, Ohio has a rich and colorful past. No matter what you learned in history books, it can't compare to seeing it with your own eyes. Whether it's a castle in Northeast Ohio, a covered bridge near Columbus, or a library in Cincinnati, a visit to these incredible sites will give you a new appreciation of our state.

Squire's Castle

North Chagrin Reservation, 2844 River Rd., Willoughby Hills, OH 44094

If you're fascinated by the fictional royalty of Game of Thrones or real-life royalty of Queen Elizabeth and her family, don't miss Squire's Castle. Located at North Chagrin Reservation, Squire's Castle was built in the 1890s and patterned after German and English baronial castles. The gatehouse also serves as the trailhead for one of the North Chagrin's more scenic routes, and there's an adjacent picnic area that includes grills and seating. North Chagrin Reservation is open daily from 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Maltz Performing Arts Center

Case Western Reserve University, 1855 Ansel Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106

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The design and backstory of Maltz Performing Arts Center are as compelling as the events that take place inside it. Founded in 1850 as a temple for the local Reform Jewish congregation, the building has a unique heptagonal shape to fit the lot's odd configuration while approximating a circle, symbolizing unity. Thanks to the creative architecture and stunning interior, the building was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. A partnership between the Temple and Case Western Reserve University led to the creation of the Performing Arts Center, which hosts a number of concerts, lectures, and other cultural activities.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

714 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303

While many historical buildings bear the name of their original residents, that's not the case with Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. "Stan Hywet" is actually an Old English term that translates to "stone quarry," which is a nod to the property's most prominent natural feature. The estate served as the home for the family of F.A. Seiberling, co-founder of Goodyear Tire and Rubber, but they also generously opened their doors to the public for frequent community events. Hours are 10 a.m. - dusk Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $15 for adults and $6 for ages 6-17.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203

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Natural and man-made history combine to spectacular effect at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The 13-acre facility, located just two miles from downtown Columbus, is anchored by the John D. Wolfe Palm House. This glass greenhouse, which dates back to 1895, features 43 species of palms, including fiddle-leaf figs that were part of the original plantings. Seasonal and visiting exhibitions supplement the lush gardens and botanical biomes on permanent display. Franklin Park Conservatory is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $19 for adults and $12 for ages 3-12.

Decorative Arts Center of Ohio

145 E. Main St., Lancaster, OH 43130

Do you think of art as something that requires specialized skill or talent? The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio has a mission to awaken the creative spirit in everyone. Programming includes themed exhibits, classes, workshops, and lectures aimed at making art accessible to all. Welcome the new year with the upcoming exhibit, "Hindsight: The Art of Looking Back," which is particularly appropriate for exploring the past. "Classrooms" are located in the Reese-Peters House, a Federal/Greek Revival-style home built in 1835 and widely acclaimed as the finest house in Lancaster. Hours are 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 1 - 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

Mink Hollow Covered Bridge

Arney Run Park, 2340 Meister Rd. SW, Lancaster, OH 43130

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Covered bridges, once a common sight around the countryside, have become rare but treasured relics of the past. Only about one in 10 have survived to the present day, with Mink Hollow Covered Bridge being one of the more picturesque structures. At a length of 54 feet, this charming "house bridge" boasts the longest official name of any bridge in the country: Mink Hollow over Arney Run in Oil Mill Hollow near the Borcher's Mill Covered Bridge. Dog-friendly Arney Run Park is also a great spot for hiking, photography, bird-watching, and picnicking. Park hours are dawn till dusk, 365 days a year. 

National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting

8070 Tylersville Rd., West Chester, OH 45069

Before social media and television, news and entertainment were transmitted across radio waves. The National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting highlights the development and impact of radio technology, both locally and globally. Cincinnati native Powel Crosley Jr., once dubbed "the Henry Ford of radio," was the driving force behind the Bethany Relay Station, which broadcasted from the building that now houses the museum. Other attractions include displays of early wireless transmitters and a fully-equipped ham station where you can observe the workings of shortwave radio. The museum is open weekends from 1 - 4 p.m. Admission is $10 for everyone aged 16 and older. 

The Mercantile Library

414 Walnut St. #1100, Cincinnati, OH 45202

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Established in 1835, the Mercantile Library is one of only about two dozen membership libraries that still exist in the country. Spread across the 11th and 12th floors of the building, the library holds more than 80,000 volumes on subjects ranging from contemporary fiction and poetry to travel and history. Harriet Beecher Stowe, Salman Rushdie, and Julia Child are just a few of the exciting guest lecturers who have appeared at the Mercantile. Hours are 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday.

Carillon Historical Park

1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, OH 45409

Kitty Hawk may be the site of their first flights, but the dreams of the Wright Brothers first took hold in their hometown of Dayton. Carillon Historical Park shines a light on the Wright Brothers and other regional pioneers of transportation and industry. The 65-acre open-air museum includes displays such as the Wright Brothers National Museum, Great 1913 Flood Exhibit, and Heritage Center of Dayton Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship. Carillon Historical Park is open 9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon - 9 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for ages 3-17.

Yesterday Is History, Tomorrow Is a Mystery

What site in Ohio is associated with a significant memory from your own past?

A breath of fresh air and the open road does us all good every now and then. For anyone trying to balance the need to maintain distance from others with a desire to get out and explore, a scenic drive might be just the answer.

If that sounds like you, then Northeast Ohio is a great place to be. Be sure to check out these amazing historical buildings on your driving tour in the Cleveland area!

Tiedemann House

4308 Franklin Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44113

 

 

 

 

 

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Commonly known as Franklin Castle, the Tiedemann House has overlooked Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood from its perch on the north side of Franklin Boulevard for more than 125 years. This spectacular stone mansion is a prime example of Victorian architecture in the American Queen Anne Style, complete with turrets, gargoyles, and more than 80 windows. The Tiedemann House also has more than 20 rooms, including a ballroom that runs the entire length of the fourth floor. The house is rumored to be haunted and also to include as-yet-undiscovered secret rooms and passageways used by bootleggers during prohibition. 

Old Stone Church

91 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113

 

 

 

 

 

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The Old Stone Church looks oddly out of place among the high rises that surround it in present-day Downtown Cleveland. It wasn't always that way. Cleveland was a very different city when this Presbyterian church was first dedicated in 1834. But even as time has moved on all around it, the Old Stone Church remains virtually unchanged. It's the oldest building on Public Square and the second-oldest church within the city limits. No visit to Cleveland is complete without taking some time to admire this incredible piece of living history. 

Rockefeller Building

614 W Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113

A memorable high-rise office building in Downtown Cleveland, the Rockefeller Building was built between 1903 and 1905. Seventeen stories tall and massively wide, the building was one of the city's most imposing structures at the time of its completion. The famous American business magnate John D. Rockefeller oversaw the construction of the building, which partly swallowed up the Weddell House, its historical neighbor. The Rockefeller family sold the building to Cleveland businessman Josiah Kirby in 1920, only to buy it back shortly thereafter to prevent the name "Rockefeller" from being removed. 

The Louis Penfield House

2203 River Road #9685, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094

 

 

 

 

 

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Nestled in the quiet Cleveland suburb of Willoughby Hills, the Louis Penfield House was built in 1955 and designed by none other than famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. With its floating staircase and several walls made entirely of windows, the house has a number of features typical of Wright's unique architectural vision. Many of those windows offer incredible views across the home's 30-acre plot to the Chagrin River. And while there are a handful of Frank Lloyd Wright homes scattered across Northeast Ohio, the Louis Penfield House is the only one where guests can spend the night. 

Terminal Tower

50 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113

 

 

 

 

 

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One of Cleveland's signature landmarks, the 52-story Terminal Tower was formally dedicated in 1930, after a long process of demolition, excavation, and construction that lasted four years. Built during the peak of the "skyscraper boom" in the '20s and '30s, Terminal Tower was the second-tallest building in the world when it opened its doors. Today, it's the second-tallest building in Cleveland (after Key Tower), and it remains one of the city's most recognizable structures, with hundreds of LED lights that illuminate the building's iconic spire in different colors throughout the year. 

Dunham Tavern

6709 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103

 

 

 

 

 

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Dunham Tavern is the oldest building in Cleveland. Originally built as a private residence by the Rufus and Jane Pratt Dunham family in 1824, the structure was expanded with the addition of a taproom. It was used for many years as a tavern and stagecoach stop, gradually falling into disrepair until it was purchased and restored by landscape architect A. Donald Gray in 1932. Dunham Tavern was then re-opened as a museum, which it remains to this day. Visiting the Dunham Tavern Museum is like stepping back in time, offering an unmatched glimpse into a time when Ohio was at the very edge of the Western frontier. 

Saxton McKinley House

331 Market Ave. S, Canton, OH 44702

 

 

 

 

 

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Built in 1841 by the grandfather of Ida Saxton McKinley—first lady and wife of President William McKinley—the Saxton McKinley House is a beautiful Victorian building in Canton, Ohio. With its expansive porch and irregular massing, this incredible three-story brick house was Ida's childhood home. The couple lived there for years prior to his election as president and the house served as a stage for William's campaign. Today, it's the only surviving home with direct ties to the McKinleys in their hometown of Canton. The Saxton McKinley House is managed as a First Ladies National Historic Site and is home to the National First Ladies Library.

St. Stanislaus Church

3649 E. 65th St., Cleveland, OH 44105

 

 

 

 

 

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Cleveland offers no shortage of spectacular churches, but few can match the grandeur of the St. Stanislaus Church. Known by the full name Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr, the church was built in 1873 and served Cleveland's growing Polish Catholic community. Many Polish immigrants settled in the part of Cleveland known then as Warszawa—today it's called Slavic Village—and the splendid architecture of St. Stanislaus Church was as prominent then as it is today. The church itself, as well as its surrounding neighborhood, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Find Your History

Northeast Ohio offers a rich history of architecture dating back centuries. Did we forget to mention your favorite Cleveland area landmark? Let us know in the comments section!

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