Nomination for Alta Public Library

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES REGISTRATION FORM This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items. 1. Name of Property Historic name Alta Public Library Other names/site number Alta House, The Alta Social Settlement 2. Location street & number 12510 Mayfield Road - not for publication - vicinity state Ohio code OH county Cuyahoga code 035zip 44106 3.

State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of1986, as amended,1 hereby certify that this X nomination [ Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property X meets - does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant nationally - statewide X Locally. (LSee continuation sheet for additional comments.) Signature of certifying official Ohio Historic Preservation Office - Ohio Historical Society State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property meets - does not meet the National Register criteria. (- See continuation sheet for additional Signature of commenting or other official 4.

National Park Service Certification 1, hereby certify that this property is: determined not eligible for the entered in the National Register - See continuation sheet. removed from the National Register other (explain): Date of Action comments.) Date National Register National Park Service 1143 city or town Cleveland NPS Form 10-900 10.4.0 request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic - Department Head, Inventory & Registration Cuyahoga County, Ohio 5. Classification Ownership of Property Category of Property Number of Resources within Property (Do not include previously listed resources in the count) - private 8 building(s) - public-local - district - site - structure - object Name of related multiple property listing Number of contributing resources previously listed 6.

Function or Use RECREATION AND CULTURE/sports facility 7. Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) Noncontributing Walls STONE/sandstone Other SYNTHETICS ASPHALT Roof BRICK Narrative Description public-Federal Total Materials Classical Revival Current Functions Architectural Classification EDUCATION/library public-State See Continuation Sheet. Historic Functions in the National Register (Enter categories from instructions) Foundation (Check as many boxes as apply) Alta Public Library SOCIAL/civic (Check only one box) (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.) LATE 19TH AND CENTURY REVIVALS NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No.

10024-0018 (Oct 1990) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Alta Public Library Cuyahoga County, Ohio Section number Page The Alta Public Library is located in the Little Italy neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio at 12510 the Cleveland Public Library and recreational facilities for Alta House, a settlement house House between 1912-14 with funds and land donated by John D. Rockefeller, Sr., the library is a rectangular, single-story, brick building with a flat roof and an exposed basement on the front elevation. A modern, single-story addition constructed on the north elevation to provide a two- 1950s, but has been refaced several times since then. densely populated Cleveland Landmark District of Little Italy.

The parcel, which is a six-sided lot, measures approximately 104' along Mayfield Road, 322' along East 125 Street, and is 150' deep at the south end. The building itself measures roughly 150'by 65' and sits at a slight angle along E. 125' Street. Residential structures, both new and historic, are located on adjacent lots to the east along Mayfield Road, and to the west and south along E. 125" Street. the hill to the east sloping upwards. Along the property's frontage at the corner of Mayfield and Beyond the brick wall are two bocce ball courts. A concrete and brick wall along the east side of parking lot is adjacent to the building on the south and east sides; the east side also provides driveway access and parking for the neighboring townhouses through an easement granted by Built 1912-14, the Alta Public Library was designed by George B.

Post (1837-1913), a prolific designs of large, open interior spaces. His most notable commission in Cleveland is the Cleveland Trust Company Building (built 1906-08; NR 1973) at Euclid and East 9" Street, which Sited along the sidewalk on E. 125" Street, the Alta Public Library is a rectangular, red brick building features stone belt and string courses, patterned brickwork and parapets, brick and the historic fabric intact. Continuation Sheet Narrative Description Alta House. the bocce ball courts contains the stone"Alta House"sign from the original settlement house.A House(1900,demolished 1980). Several of the piers incorporated originate from Alta House. Mayfield Road. The firm of George B. Post & Sons designed the building to house a branch of E.

125th, a short brick wall featuring brick and stone piers encloses the site of the original Alta features a three-story interior rotunda with an immense stained glass dome 85 feet high. stone cornice detailing, and large, ornate round-arch windows. Original wood storm and screen southeast corner of the building. The exterior of the building is in good condition with most of New York architect and pioneer in the field of architectural engineering. Post was known for his building with Classical detailing that is eleven bays wide and three bays deep. Overall, the building's history. There is a simple, square brick chimney just inside the parapet near the frames no longer exist, and exterior doors have been replaced numerous times over the NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No.

10024-0018 (Oct 1990) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Cuyahoga County, Ohio Page the raised placement of the elevation entrance almost one full story above the street, exposing were added to the porch at the top of the original stone and brick steps and windows were on the opposite side of the vestibule. The original 4/4 double hung sash in the vestibule have front elevation features a stone water table, decorative belt and string courses in brick and windows in each of the five bays flanking the entrance vestibule. Two of the windows have stone cornice wrapping the entire building, the cornice now only exists on the southern half of The aches are partially obscured by a one story addition built sometime during the late 1950s the parking lot, and the bocce ball courts.

spaced, round arch wood windows with the sidelight, transom and fanlight details. Several sash variations add interest and dimension to this elevation. The windows in the first three bays are bays, the window openings have been made larger and the original bottom sash have been the center window, which is slightly wider and sits within a slightly projecting bay. As on the building, terminating at the end of the slightly projecting center bay. Section number Alta Public Library The one-story east elevation (rear) faces the parking lot and a driveway for the adjacent enclosed before 1950 to create the existing entrance vestibule. Double-leaf entrance doors installed in the remaining two openings. A secondary entrance for the basement level appears a panel of patterned brick just below a corbelled brick and stone cornice.

The remainder of the arches that mimic the size and detailing of the 9/9 window openings on the other elevations. that originally housed two garage bays and provided a physical connection between the library sheathed in Dryvit with an open, arcaded corner that provides access to and from the building, slightly shorter with a 15-light fixed sash, and a brick apron and stone sill. In the 4* and gth front elevation, the corbelled brick and stone cornice only runs along the southern half of the been bricked in and one has been converted to serve as an emergency exit door. Directly above the paired basement windows are large, regularly spaced, round arch, 9/9 double hung tablet with "Alta Public Library" is inset in the parapet above the entrance vestibule. NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No.

10024-0018 (Oct 1990) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Cuyahoga County, Ohio configuration differs slightly. There are two regularly spaced round arch openings; one contains Although some of the spaces now serve new functions, the interior of the building has retained most of its historic layout. In both the gymnasium and the former library, the high ceilings and the building historically housed the gymnasium on the first floor, and the pool, locker rooms, Although several partial walls and offices have been added, the former library space retains its floors and trim, as well as most of the interior doors and windows also remain. A small enclosed staircase in the middle of the building provides access to the basement.

While the first floor spaces are in good condition, some of the basement spaces, such as the pool, have deteriorated over the years. The building constructed as the Alta Public Library continues to serve the surrounding Little Italy its important place in the history of the neighborhood. Page Section number Alta Public Library building housed the Alta Public Library on the first floor and meeting rooms and offices in the Although the architectural elements on the south elevation match the other elevations, the bay the 15-light fixed sash with the sidelight, transom, and fanlight detail; the second opening is a blind arch, which is flanked on each side by a flat arch, 9/9 double hung wood sash. voluminous spaces created by architect George Post have been preserved. The north half of boxing ring, and other recreational rooms in the basement.

All these spaces exist today but the pool has deteriorated and is now used for storage. The gymnasium space remains unchanged basement. When the library closed in 1982 and Alta House took over the entire building, the alteration and adequate maintenance have helped to preserve the character of the building and first floor library space was converted to community space and offices for the settlement house. except the original skylight has been covered over from the exterior.The south half of the Cuyahoga County, Ohio 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Areas of Significance SOCIAL HISTORY X A Property is associated with events that have made our history. Period of Significance significant in our past. - C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. - D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield information important in prehistory or history. (Mark "X" in all the boxes that apply.) A owned by a religious institution or used for - B removed from its original location. George B. Post & Sons - D a cemetery. - E a reconstructed building, object, or structure. - F a commemorative property. within the past 50 years.

Narrative Statement of Significance -(Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.)) 9.

The rest of the file

Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.

Major Bibliographical References (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.) - preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been requested. - State Historic Preservation Office - Other State agency previously determined eligible by the National - Federal agency - Local government - University - Other Name of repository: Cleveland Public Library recorded by Historic American Engineering Record 1914-1955 EDUCATION Register Bibliography Criteria Considerations Architect/Builder ENTERTAINMENT/RECREATION religious purposes.

Property is: Applicable National Register Criteria Significant Person Significant Dates recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey (Enter categories from instructions) Cultural Affiliation designated a National Historic Landmark for National Register listing) previously listed in the National Register a significant contribution to the broad patterns of B Property is associated with the lives of persons Primary location of additional data G less than50 years of age or achieved significance Alta Public Library Previous documentation on file (NPS) Ca birthplace ora grave. (Complete if Criterion Bis marked above) (Mark "X" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property NPS Form10-900-a OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Alta Public Library Continuation Sheet Cuyahoga County, Ohio Page Summary Paragraph Located in the Cleveland Landmark District of Little Italy, the Alta Public Library, now known as Alta House, is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A in the areas spans from 1914 to 1955, is based on the year construction was completed, the building's Public Library was built to further the mission of Alta House, a settlement house founded to serve the fast-growing, Italian immigrant community in the surrounding Little Italy neighborhood, and to house a much-needed branch of the Cleveland Public Library.

Alta House reflected the social history of the national settlement house movement founded in the late 1800s, with the mission of sharing knowledge and skills to educate area residents while striving to understand and solve problems resulting from rapid industrialization and urbanization. Built between 1912- 14, John D. Rockefeller, Sr., financed the construction of the Alta Public Library building, which also housed recreation facilities for the adjacent Alta House (1900). The indoor facilities, which were unusual for the area, offered a gymnasium, swimming pool, and boxing ring along with other athletic amenities, classrooms, and club rooms. Inclusion of the library enhanced educational opportunities and provided social interaction among neighborhood residents.

The building was constructed on land owned by Rockefeller located adjacent to and directly behind Alta House on East 125th Street. From 1914until 1982,the Cleveland Public Library and Alta House were co-owners and co-tenants of the building. Since 1982, the building has been solely occupied by Alta House, which continues today as a non-profit, multi-service community center that provides social, educational, recreational and human services to area residents, as well as The Alta Public Library is located in the historic Little Italy neighborhood of Cleveland, which is designated locally as a Cleveland Landmark District Little Italy, extending from E. 119" to E settlements. This well-defined ethnic enclave is bordered by the forested bluffs of Lake View Hospital and Case Western Reserve University on the south and west.

At the time Alta House buildings was a stark contrast to prestigious Euclid Avenue to the west, and growing, wealthy population growth in Little Italy mirrored that of the rest of Cleveland. Between 1910 and 1920 18,189. Many of the new immigrants in Little Italy worked as stone masons and carvers at the nearby Lakeview Marble Works as well as in the skilled acework, garment-making, and the Section number (8-86) Little Italy Cleveland's population grew from 560,663(the 6 largest city in the U.S.) to of social history, education and entertainment/recreation.

The period of significance, which continuous use as a social, educational and recreational facility for the surrounding community, 125t streets on Murray Hill and Mayfield roads, was historically one of Cleveland's major Italiar suburban Cleveland Heights to the east Little Italy was established about 1885; by 1911 96% Van Tassel, Encyclopedia, p 658-9. and the National Register's fifty-year guideline for establishing historical significance. The Alta serving as a center for transmitting Italian-American history, identity and culture. largest). In the same period the number of Clevelanders born in Italy grew from 10,836 to (190o) was built, the crowded immigrant neighborhood with modest houses and commercial NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Alta Public Library Continuation Sheet Cuyahoga County, Ohio way of life in Cleveland. Alta House, which was founded in 1895 as a day nursery for working Italian families, expanded its services in 1900 to function as a settlement house in an effort to fill more of the needs of the growing immigrant population in the surrounding Little Italy Settlement Houses in Cleveland and America Cleveland, along with Chicago, Boston, and New York, "was one of the centers of the U.S. settlement-house movement. Local settlement work began in the 1890s, and within a decade a residence in a London slum. The mission of a settlement house was to share knowledge and and disease caused by rapid industrialization and urbanization.* Social settlements addressed religious or educational affiliation.

While supporters and settlement workers were generally and the neighborhood resident clearly distinguished the American settlement movement."® Typically each settlement house served a specific immigrant population in a specific neighborhood. The large and varied immigrant population arriving in Cleveland in the late 19th and early 20t centuries was a catalyst for the founding of many settlement nouses across the District, NR 1994), University Social Settlement (1922), and West Side Community House (1922; Ohio City Historic District - Boundary Increase - NR, 1989). Karamu House, one of the centers of African American theater in the U.S., and the Cleveland Music School Settlement, houses for their programs. * Ibid. Page (8-86) neighborhood.

Section number citizenship;recreation;health (with visiting-nurse networks and health inspections);labor, skills with area residents while striving to understand and solve urban problems.The urban embroidery trades.Often,newcomers to Little Italy needed assistance assimilating toa new 2 Van Tassel, Encyclopedia, p. 912. Settlement House (1915;NR 1982),Merrick Historic 1900. The settlement movement grew in response to overcrowding, impoverishment, corruption Progressive Era concerns: education (with adult classes, kindergartens, and vocational training) native-born, Protestant and middle-or upper-middle-class, clients in the early years were mostly Catholic or Jewish working-class immigrants.

The difference between the settlement worker city, including Hiram House(1897; first settlement house in Cleveland), Cleveland Music School began in England in 1884 when a group of Oxford University students established a settlement 6Ibid. half-dozen settlements operated in Cleveland neighborhoods."2The settlement movement 5Ibid. NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Cuyahoga County, Ohio "The 1920s and 1930s saw tremendous nationwide changes in settlement operation, especially program. National and local organizations, such as the National Federation of Settlements (est. on centralized welfare campaigns by 1930. Funding agencies frequently dictated areas in which development.

In Cleveland, the Federation for Charity and Philanthropy, and later the Welfare the continuing neighborhood emphasis by various city, state, and federal funding programs that began in the 1970s. Alta House is one of those surviving settlement houses that continue to be Alta House (1900) neighborhood of Cleveland. Its first building (Alta House) was constructed in 1900 on the corner of Mayfield Road and E. 125' Street. Residential in appearance, Alta House was a massive, featured large bracketed eaves and a series of asymmetrical wall and roof dormers in both brick entrance porches. Italian immigrant Joseph Carabelli (1850-1911), one of the first lay leaders in Little Italy and founder of he Lakeview Marble Works, approached John D. Rockefeller (1839- 8 Van Tassel, Encyclopedia, p. 913.

(8-86) Page Section number The Rockefellers National Park Service former day nursery was officially organized as a full-fledged settlement house.During the the hiring of trained social workers and the emphasis on a more scientific methodology and and wood.Entrances on both streets were marked by massive stone steps and arcaded The organization that was to become Alta House,"one of the city's oldest settlement houses, children in the neighborhood.When Alta House was dedicated on February 20,1900,the Alta Public Library a settlement could spend monies received from general solicitations, often hampering program Despite the loss of autonomy, the curtailment of immigration, and the general decline of urban populations, many settlement houses established during the Progressive Era," endured due to a social, educational, and recreational cornerstone in the neighborhood.

serve the growing Italian immigrant population taking up residence and working in the Little Italy (1871-1962), for whom the building is named, became interested in the plight of the immigrant settlement with his purchase of adjacent land for a playground in 1910 and construction of a library and recreation building in 1912-14 (the Alta Public Library). 1937) regarding support for a new settlement house. Rockefeller agreed to finance the construction of the new building on land he owned after his daughter Alta Rockefeller Prentice 1° Alta house has risen from the ashes," Plain Dealer, May 31, 1982. Federation (predecessors of United Way Services),solicited and allocated charitable funds. NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Cuyahoga County, Ohio Section number Page 4_ Rockefeller directed the company until his retirement in 1896; he held the title of president until more and more time in New York where he bought a home in 1884, and where he eventually made his legal residence. Nevertheless, he maintained two homes in Cleveland and until 1915 Cleveland area.In 1909, John D. Rockefeller, Sr., transferred the Alta House property to his son John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Rockefeller's children continued his interest in philanthropy, and 1937, he was buried in Lake View Cemetery, part of which overlooks Little Italy and Alta House. The Cleveland Public Library The Cleveland Public Library traces its origins to 1869. The first branch library was established branches.

Sixteen of these were buildings funded by Andrew Carnegie, and "one branch growing Italian population in the neighborhood. Eventually the library housed a large collection twice before settling into the new building (the Alta Public Library) constructed on E. 125th Street and building maintenance. George B. Post, Architect B. Post &Sons, a prominentNew York-based architectural firm founded by George B. Post Ibid 15 Withey, p. 482 (8-86) Alta Public Library Library had established a"station"in Alta House in 1903 out ofa"necessity"to serve the D.Rockefeller,Sr.,an industrialist and philanthropist made his fortune in oil in Cleveland.In 13 1921 City Directory, p. 54. 11 Van Tassel, Biography, p.33. The Rockefellers were among America's most prominent and wealthy families. Patriarch John John D. Jr. (1874-1960) gradually took over his father's charitable efforts. While John D.

branches."3 Ten years later the public library owned over 600,000 volumes and there were 27 and the Cleveland Public Library owned and operated the building jointly. The library was required to buy its own furniture and equipment for the building, as well as pay for the utilities a noted New York designer of large city hotels, many commercial structures, and several notable residential buildingsin New York City including Cornelius Vanderbilt's home on Fifth 1911. Rockefeller was also involved in other business ventures that necessitated spending behind the main settlement house. The Rockefellers financed the construction, and Alta House Financed by John D. Rockefeller, Sr., the Alta Public Library (1912-14) was designed by George (1837-1913). Educated in avil engineering at New York University, Post then entered R. M.

continued to summer at Forest Hill.1²He also continued his charitable giving throughout the NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Cuyahoga County, Ohio Avenue. Post, who also won commissions in New York State, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington, Virginia, Indiana and Wisconsin, has twelve buildings listed in the National which allowed him to create large, open, interior spaces, as well as his pioneering work in the New York,' Post was one of the nation's most prominent and talented architects of his time elevators) and the 20-story World Building, which had the distinction of being the tallest building in New York at the time of its construction.

The New York Stock Exchange (NR 1978), with its systems, survives as another example of Post's creation of uncluttered interior spaces through Wisconsin State Capitol (NR 1970) in Madison, is the only granite dome in the United States under his name and went on to design other notable Cleveland buildingsincluding Wade Park National Town and Country Club (NR 2003), an Art Deco gem now known as Fenn Tower (at pioneer. However, the expansive interior spaces he created in a relatively small building reflect and recreational services offered there. Almost from its founding, Alta House had an ongoing relationship with Cleveland Public Library. The settlement house was used as a library "station" before the establishment of the full branch.

Because of their ongoing support of Alta House, funding for the project by the Rockefellers was a natural outgrowth of a desire to further Alta House's service to the neighborhood. Alta 1 Main & Main, p. 6. (8-86) Page Continuation Sheet Section number commissions that defined his career and established him as an architectural and engineering includes the 8-story Equitable Life Assurance Society building first building to use Manor 1923;NR 1990),the precedent-setting residential hotel in Cleveland and the Alta Public Library 18 Van Tassel, Encyclopedia, p. 470. Cleveland as the architect for the Cleveland Trust Company Building (built 1906-08; NR 1973) 72-foot highceilings, observation galleries and one ofthe earliest large mechanical cooled-air innovative use of steel supports.

His last major building, the monumental Beaux-Arts-styled and the largest dome by volume." Post was aso a pioneer in modern hotel planning as exemplified in his design for the Cleveland Statler Arms Hotel (built 1912; NR 1998), a building the stature of the building in the neighborhood and the importance of the social, educational, When the decision was made to establish a permanent branch in Little Italy, the building was designed to house the library as well as additional recreation and meeting space for Alta House. construction of skyscrapers. Acknowledged in his lifetime as the "father of the tall building in maintained an office in Cleveland from 1907-29.

After Post's death in 1913, his sons continued Post's design for the Alta Public Library s modest in size when compared to other larger creating ever-taller buildings and large interior spaces for public use.16 Post is best known in at Euclid and East gth Street."Throughout his prolific career Post created pioneering work that NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Alta Public Library Continuation Sheet Cuyahoga County, Ohio House's activities expanded significantly with the construction of the Alta Public Library building immediately behind the main settlement house.

The south half of the new building housed the Alta Branch of the Cleveland Public Library, pool, manual training rooms, a boxing ring, locker rooms, and several other general purpose surrounding neighborhood in addition to the other established, traditional settlement house The Rockefeller family provided financial support for the construction and operation of Alta paid for the operation and upkeep of the recreation facilities run by Alta House. In 1921 the maintenance costs from the Rockefellers. Two years later Ata House was incorporated. In After 1950 Cleveland's population began to decline, as did the number of Italians in Little Italy. In 1972 the Italian book collection transferred to the main library building in downtown merged into the Martin Luther King Jr. branch on E. 105" Street. At this time the library was still damaged the main Alta House building and it was torn down.

A plaza was constructed on the installed there. After the fire, all functions of Alta House transferred into the Alta Public Library building. In 1982the library branch closed and Alta House took over the entire building to meet the needs of the organization's programming and services to the community. Throughout its history the settlement has maintained a close relationship with area residents, even as the population and ethnic make-up of Little Italy changed over the last few decades. Its Board of Trustees has always included neighborhood leaders, and Alta House programs have always reflected the cultural backgrounds and needs of the community.

For example, Alta House began to expand its programming to include more services to aid the elderly in the (8-86) its educational mission to the neighborhood.lt also provided more meeting space for Page which featured a large collection of books written in Italian, as well as other typical library Rockefeller family asked to be relieved of its financial responsibilities for the house and library. The next year Alta House joined the Welfare Federation, and the Community Fund took over 1931 the Alta House land and buildings owned by the Rockefellers transferred to the settlement house. These and other operational changes at Alta House paralleled the changes experienced nationwide by other settlement houses in the 1920s and 1930s when settlement associations a co-owner and co-tenant in the building with Alta House.

In 1980 a series of destructive fires and federations began to provide more financial support and direction regarding operational policies, training and employment of social workers, and settlement house programming. Section number NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Register of Historic Places Cuyahoga County, Ohio education and ecreation programs, and daycare. For more than a century, Alta House has traditions on which it was founded as a center and a forum for transmitting Italian-American traditions. The Alta Public Library is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A community. The construction of Alta Public Library furthered the mission of Alta House, which House, a mission that continues today. 19 Alta house Annual Report, 2003.

Conclusion Page Continuation Sheet (8-86) Section number for its continuous use as a social, educational and recreational facility for the surrounding was founded and modeled after the national settlement house movement.The library and Alta Public Library National Park Service 1970s, which continues today and complements the wide array of youth and family services, worked in the Little Italy neighborhood as an established leader, partner and advocate for the recreational facilities the building housed made a significant contribution to the mission of Alta NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 10024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Register of Historic Places Alta Public Library Continuation Sheet Cuyahoga County, Ohio Cramer, C. H. Open Shelves and Open Minds. 1972. Goulder, Grace. John D. Rockefeller: The Cleveland Years. 1972. Huttner, Marion A.

Programs for Branches, 1976-1980: Buildings. 1976. Krause, F. L. Atlas of the City of Cleveland. 1898. Pignataro, Joseph A. Editor. Little Italy, Cleveland, Ohio...." 1982. Van Tassel and Grabowski. The Dictionary of Cleveland Biography. Cleveland: OH, Case Western Reserve University, 1996. Van Tassel and Grabowski. The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History. Cleveland: OH, Case Withey, Henry F. and Withey, Elsie Rathburn.Biographical Dictionary of American Architects (Deceased). Los Angeles, CA, Hennessey & Ingalls, Inc., 1970. "Who Was Who in America." Vols. 3 (1966) and 4 (1968). "Alta house is Given Deed." Cleveland News. Feb. 27, 1931. "Alta Social Settlement, Fortieth Anniversary..." (Booklet, 1940). "Another Rockefeller Gift to Alta House." The Bystander. Feb. 28, 1931.

"At the Corner of Main & Main - Euclid Avenue and East Ninth Street: A Photographic "Fifty Years of Service." Cleveland Press. July 10, 1945. Books Bibliography Articles National Park Service Retrospective of a Historic Cleveland Crossroads. Retrospective brochure. December, "Alta House has risen from the ashes.The Plain Dealer.May 31,1982.p.D-10. (Oct 1990) Section number Page "Body of Rockefeller to Rest in Family Plot." Cleveland Press. May 12, 1960. NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 10024-0018 (Oct 1990) United States Department of the Interior National Register of Historic Places Cuyahoga County, Ohio Section number 9_ Page Obituary for Alta Rockefeller Prentice. Cleveland Press. June 22, 1962. "Shed a tear for Alta House." Plain Dealer. Nov. 21, 1980. Cleveland City Directory, 1921 (Introductory material, p. 54-5). Cuyahoga County Property Ownership Maps, 1999.

Hopkins Plat Books, various editions. Sanborn Insurance Maps, various editions. Alta House Annual Report, 2003. Miscellaneous Maps City Directories Continuation Sheet National Park Service Cuyahoga County Property Ownership Maps.Cuyahoga County Archives (c.1895-c.1935). Alta Public Library "John D.Jr.Spent Boyhood Here."Cleveland Press.May 12,1960. Clipping Collection, History Department, Cleveland Public Library, "Alta Social Settlement." Cuyahoga County, Ohio 10. Geographical Data Acreage of Property_one (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) 1 17 450260 4595130 - See continuation sheet. Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet.) Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet.) 11. Form Prepared By Name/title organization Heather Rudge, Sandvick Architects, Inc.

Date 1/21/05 Street & number 1265 West Sixth Street - Telephone 216-621-8055 State Ohio Zip Code 44113 Submit the following items with the completed form: A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location. (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items) (Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.) street & number city or town _zip code Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to the Chief, Administrative Services Division, National Park Service, P.0.

Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of Continuation Sheets name state Photographs Additional Documentation telephone Additional items UTM References Property Owner Zone Easting Northing Representative black and white photographs of the property. Alta Public Library City or town Cleveland benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.). Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503. Maps NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 10024-0018 (Oct 1990) United States Department of the Interior National Register of Historic Places Cuyahoga County, Ohio Beginning at the sidewalk at the intersection of Mayfield Road and E. 125* Street, proceed east The boundary of the building is based on the current tax map.

Page Boundary Justification Verbal Boundary Description Continuation Sheet Alta Public Library National Park Service Section number and southern property lines to the sidewalk on E.125th Street;proceed 325.31' along the the eastern property line;proceed southeast 41.24';proceed 177.24'along the southeastern 73.00' south along the eastern property line;proceed east 12.56';proceed 166.95' south along approximately 120', measures roughly 65 by 150. western property line (sidewalk) back to the point of beginning. along the northern property line(Mayfield Road) 104.97'to the eastern property line;proceed NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 National Park Service Cuyahoga County, Ohio LAKEVIEW CEMETERY MAYFIELD ROAD Page LIBRARY ALTA PUBLIC Continuation Sheet Alta Public Library Section number (8-86) National Register of Historic Places IRVIEW United States Department of the Interior OVERLOOK RD. NTS NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior Cuyahoga County, Ohio LAKEVIEW CEMETERY Page Section number Continuation Sheet (8-86) TAIRVIEW National Park Service PHOTO DOCUMENTATION KEY ALTA PUBLIC LIBRARY MAYFIELD ROAD National Register of Historic Places OVERLOOK RD. . 125TH STREET NTS NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior Cuyahoga County, Ohio PHOTO DOCUMENTATION KEY - INTERIOR Page Section number (8-86) National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet National Park Service Alta Public Library NTS NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 10024-0018 (Oct 1990) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Cuyahoga County, Ohio Taken December 2004 By Heather Rudge Sandvick Architects, Inc. 1265 West 6* Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44113 The following list corresponds to the photo key included this nomination. 1. View looking NE down E. 125" Street towards Alta Public Library; camera direction NE. West elevation showing main entrance; camera direction NE. 3. West elevation showing main entrance detail; camera direction E 4.

View from across Mayfield Road showing setback, north and west elevations; camera View of north elevation (with addition) and bocce courts; camera direction SW. 6. North elevation, detail of addition; camera direction SE 8. East elevation and parking lot; camera direction NW. 9. South elevation and parking lot; camera direction N 10.Interior of former library space, first floor, south half of building; camera direction NE. 13. Gymnasium, first floor, north half of building; camera direction NE. Photographs Continuation Sheet direction SE. Alta Public Library East elevation(with addition) and parking;camera direction SW. Negatives are on file at this location.

Section number HOUSE Alta Public Library SALTA cuy co, OH Alta Rublic Librany cuyco, Alta Public hibrary Cleveland Public Library Archives (undated) Alta Public hibramy, cuycc, ot Cleveland Public Library Archives (undated) Biog Alta Public Library, cuyca, OH Cleveland Prern, Undatcd Alta Public Librany, MALT Hopkins Plat Book, 1921, vol. 1, pl. 20 ROAD LEVELAND HEIGHTS ALTA PUBLIC LIBRARY 12602. 12608 1260 HERT: STERM.- LIGHTS: ELECTRIC. 2023 MAYFIELD Alta Piblic Libraf NOT REVISED SINCE CITVELANO PUBLIC THIS SEC.

OE SHEET CLEVELAND BRANCH LIBRARY OVE 125 MAYFIELD--A" NAME : DATE OF 16TH DAY: N PERIOD: COMMENT WAIVER: N ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS : DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N If a nomination is returned to the nominating authority, the TELEPHONE DATE REJECT RETURN MULTIPLE DISCIPLINE 8/24/05 10/07/05 REVIEWER 9/28/05 PDIL: RECOM./CRITERIA OTHER: EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET NATIONAL PARK SERVICE VACCEPT PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR DATE RECEIVED: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: REASONS FOR REVIEW: DATE OF 45TH DAY: Eantered in the REQUEST: N N SLR DRAFT: N NATIONAL: SAMPLE: nomination is no longer under consideration by the NPs. HOUSE Photo 8 Cuyanoga County. Photo o 25 MINUTE SERIES (TOPOGRAPHIC) 1994 EAST CLEVELAND QUADRANGLE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR EAST CLEVELAND, OHIO GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OHIO-CUYAHOGA CO.

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