Nomination for First National Bank Tower

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior MAY 1 8 2007 NAT. REGISTER OF HISTORIL PLACES 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 1. Name of Property Historic name First National Bank Tower Other names/site number FirstMerit Tower 2. Location street & number 106 South Main Street - not for publication city or town - vicinity code OH county Summit _ code 153 zip code 44308 3.

State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of1986, as amended, I hereby certify that this X nomination - request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic 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 April 25,2007 Signature of certifying official Inventory & Registration 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 Ohio state Akron National Register NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NPS the information requested. If any item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural Department Head items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items. 6-27.0 First National Bank (FirstMerit) Akron, Summit Co., OH 5.

Classification Ownership of Property Number of Resources within Property (Check only one box) (Do not include previously listed resources in the count) X private E building(s) - public-local - district - public-State - site - public-Federal - object Name of related multiple property listing Number of contributing resources previously listed 6. Function or Use Commerce/financial and business 7.

Description Art Deco low slope built up roof brick, terra cotta, limestone, glass and metal storefronts (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) Noncontributing Foundation roof concrete Total other Architectural Classification Narrative Description Materials structure walls in the National Register Current Functions Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) See continuation sheets Category of Property (Check as many boxes as apply) (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.) NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev.

10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 7 Page 1 First National Bank of Akron (FirstMerit) Summit County, Ohio The First National Bank of Akron Tower, now called the FirstMerit Tower, anchors Akron's downtown at the southwest intersection of Mill and South Main Streets (Figure 01). It consists of a 28-story tower fronting South Main Howard Street, but that street was vacated and now serves as the entrance ramp for the Cascade Parking deck. The original elevation to the west is covered by two levels of parking deck and a new stone clad entrance pavilion (Figure 12). The south elevation originally was obscured up to the sixth story by a party wall building. However, the adjacent buildings were demolished to form the Cascade Plaza in 1967.

Currently the First National Bank Tower shares the city block with three additional isolated mid-rise buildings with the Cascade Plaza in between. The property being nominated consists of the First National Bank (FirstMerit) Tower and its immediate building line. The First National Bank Tower is Akron's tallest building at 28 stories and 309 feet high.! It was designed by Walker with the dedication of the building on 23 July 1931. The structure consists of two primary masses: the 28-story 10). The tower is articulated by setbacks which increase the apparent height of the building as it tapers upward. The first setback in the Tower occurs at the 13th floor where the building steps back approximately 12 feet on the north and south elevations. The 19th floor setbacks are small triangular areas where the tower's square corners transition to a chamfer.

At the 24th floor, the chamfered corners step back only slightly, while the walls recess further creating a The lit masonry acts as a crown positioned on the top of the building, emulating buildings erected in New York City, such as the New York Radiator Building. At the 19th story parapets, thin pencil-like light beams shine up against the four 12-foot corner panels of the Tower for added effect.* The west annex houses the three story banking hall on the main level, with a shopping arcade underneath and offices above. A small penthouse is located in the southwest corner of the west annex which houses elevator machinery and HVAC equipment. Large windows originally illuminated this space on the north because at the time of construction, a floors in this part of the building, a light well was cut into the west annex on the south side from the fourth floor up (Figure 4).

Since the removal of the adjacent buildings and construction of the Cascade Plaza in 1967, this light well 'Preliminary reports gave a figure of 290 feet, see "Local Bank To Build At Cost of $2,000,000." Akron Beacon Journal. 9 Mar. 1929: 1. However, as constructed the 28th floor roof is 309 feet above the first floor, and 321 feet above the Arcade level which has a ground floor entrance to the west. Grismer, Karl H. Akron and Summit County. Akron, Ohio: Summit County Historical Society, 1952. p. 432. 4 "Arrange Three Days For Public To Visit Tower." Akron Beacon Journal. 22 July 1931: 10.

S "Symbolic Style of Tower Lines Deserves Study." Exterior: party wall building occupied the land to the south.In order to introduce light and air into the offices on the upper projecting pier at each corner.Unlike the side elevations with their multiple setbacks, the front facade of the building tower to the east (Figure 7), and the eight-story mass behind the tower commonly referred to as the west annex (Figure to the street (Figure 7, Figure 9). Huge floodlights on the 24th story setback terrace illuminate the top four stories. Unlike the tower with its setbacks, the eight-story west annex has elevations which are unbroken from the ground to the parapets. This section was constructed first to provide the bank with office space while the tower was constructed. and Weeks Architects of Cleveland, Ohio in the Art Deco style in 1929.

Construction began on 20 October 1929,2 goes straight up without interruption to the 24th floor, so that the South Main Street facade presents an imposing front NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 7 Page 2 First National Bank of Akron (FirstMerit) Summit County, Ohio cutout can be seen on the south elevation. When the adjacent party wall building was removed for plaza construction, a new granite cladding was installed up to the seventh floor of the tower, and new windows were installed in the banking room in the west annex. In 2000 the granite cladding was removed and a temporary weather coating was applied (Figure 8). It is the intention of FirstMerit to install a more permanent cladding in the near future.

along the perimeter of the tower, with columns and beams reinforced by multiple cover plates riveted to the rolled sections. A total of 3,600 tons of steel was used to construct the building's structural system. Floors consist of concrete pan joists in the west annex. However, in the tower portion concrete floor slabs are supported on open web steel joists, an early use of the technology. These open web steel joists have a small channel for the top chord, and a crimped plate for the bottom chord. The web portion is formed by a bent steel rod which zigzags up and down and is welded to the top and bottom chords. This contrasts with the typical double angle chords commonly used today. First developed in the early 1920's, inclusion of open web steel joists was an early use of this new technology?

Of the fourteen patents issued by the US Patent Office between 1924 and 1936, eight were issued to northern Ohio engineers. With so much local action in the development of this new technology, it is logical that a prominent Akron building would take advantage of this new building construction product. The structure features a curtain wall of primarily brick, terra cotta and Indiana limestone supported by outriggers and steel plates cantilevered from the steel frame. Brick piers run from the storefronts uninterrupted to the parapets, giving a vertical emphasis to the building. The brick has a white glaze with dark flecks, imitating limestone from a distance. uniform grid across the spandrel to give an accent of color and additional light / shadow definition (Figure 13). The elements (Figure 14).

Consistent with the Art Deco style, the patterns molded into the terra cotta feature wavy or zig- zag lines which create a dynamic contrast of light and shadow. Most of the brick and terra cotta were produced in The base of the building is clad in limestone up to the fourth story. The gently rounded profile of vertical reeds sets up the vertical rhythm carried by the brick piers above. At ground level are display storefronts with large plate glass panels and Monel metal trim. By discontinuing the heavy brick piers at the street level, the architect took advantage of the maximum amount of available display area for stores and lighting for offices. The original main entry along Main Street was a three-story recess faced by an aluminum grillwork (Figure 7).

The scale of the entry, together with the unbroken 24 story surface above, triggered updrafts and swirling winds around the Jonathan Ochshorn, "Truss Systems in 20th-Century Architecture," Encyclopedia of Twentieth Century Architecture. Taylor and Francis Publishers, 2003. Akron and its vicinity. 9 Face-Lifting Set At First Central."Akron Beacon Journal. 27Aug. 1940: 15. 8"Symbolic Style of Tower Lines Deserves Study."Akron Beacon Journal. 22 July 1931: 10. Deep riveted trusses carry the loads of the upper floors over the open banking hall. Primary wind bracing is placed The spandrels use a brick with a darker glaze, giving a receding shadow effect. Projecting dark bricks are spaced in a east face of the Tower. Additionally, the extensive grillwork was difficult to clean.?

The entry's reconfiguration in The steel frame features built-up columns and beams using cover plates riveted to rolled shapes to strengthen them. 6 "Steel Tests Show Fine Measurements." Akron Beacon Journal. 22 July 1931: 11. NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 7 Page 3 First National Bank of Akron (FirstMerit) Summit County, Ohio 1940 eliminated the maintenance and updraft problems.' Glass revolving doors and a projecting canopy replace the cotta sculpture depicts a Native American woman clenching a box in her hands. The figure is graceful yet powerful and imposing.

Two eagles, one above the projecting canopy and the other originally placed above the Howard Street entrance, were used by the architects to symbolize strength, keenness of vision and efficiency, as does the bank which the eagles protect. The most prominent change to the exterior is the addition of a wireless transmitter tower on the 28th floor roof. This pyramidal steel tower was added when microwave telecommunications equipment came into common usage. Currently there are nearly 20 antennas on the roof serving various cell phone, long distance, and local wireless style (Figure 21). Six elevators are placed in the core of the Tower.

Three elevators serve floors one through 11, while the opposite bank of elevators serves 12 through 26.These express elevators could obtain speeds of 800 feet per post deposit box, which has a slot at the top for inserting mail, and below is a large aluminum door featuring an eagle design (Figure 22). Beyond the elevator lobby is the main banking room. It is elevated five steps above the main entrance in order to accommodate the shopping arcade below. When constructed, it had 29-foot ceilings creating an open and expansive space. All of the columns, pilasters and countertops were crafted from domestic Tennessee marble reconfigured with a new layout and new finishes. Because the site slopes down towards the west, the Arcade (Figure 15) had a ground floor entrance on the west elevation along Howard Street, but it is below grade on the east elevation at Main Street.

This partly subterranean shopping arcade was designed to maximize the rentable retail space available. The west elevation of the west annex originally had an Arcade level entrance and glass storefronts, but construction of the Cascade Parking Deck has covered that portion of the facade. Now a low, battered granite form serves as the entry from the elevated Cascade Plaza, with one of the original eagles placed above the granite wall (Figure 12). This new entrance leads down to the main banking hall in the west annex via twin escalators. The aluminum and glass entry to the safe deposit vault (Figure 20) is located at the foot of the stairs leading from the main lobby to the shopping arcade. An aluminum screen which provides security to the area features a moon and star motif.

The double doors use horizontal lines combined with a scallop pattern, and the transom above the doors features two male figures pulling taut a rope wrapped around a box, representing security (Figure 19). The original networks. Interior: 13 Walker and Weeks, op. cit. 10 "Face-Lifting Set At First Central." original entrance (Figure 11). The focal point of the front entry is the "Security" figure over the doorway. The terra sees the building directory, made of aluminum and featuring geometric and chevron patterns typical of the Art Deco minute, which was impressive for its time. The original elevator doors have been replaced in the main lobby, but the original doors are present in the Arcade level below (Figure 17). To the rear of the elevator lobby is the aluminum "Walker and Weeks, "The Central Tower Building of the Central Depositors Trust Company," Akron: 12 December 1930.

12 "Roof Offers Splendid Panorama of Akron." Akron Beacon Journal. 22 July 1931: 11. NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 7 Page 4 First National Bank of Akron (FirstMerit) Summit County, Ohio elevator doors remain on this level, using vertical lines and a scallop pattern similar to that of the safe deposit doors Lobbies and corridors in the upper hall have been altered through renovations in most of the building below the 12th floor, but the upper section of the tower (with its smaller floor plate that is less desirable in today's office rental market) retains much of the original corridor and lobby finishes. A white veined marble wainscot framed with wood trim characterizes these upper lobbies.

Where original dark stained oak doors are present, they have a door handle with an escutcheon plate that has a stylized bas relief of the tower. Most original corridors also have a vertical mail slot on the hinge rail. Terrazzo floors remain in most of these upper lobbies. A state-of-the-art mechanical system originally ventilated the building. It produced 1 1/2 million cubic feet of washed air per hour. Seven thousand gallons of water were used every hour to wash incoming air and keep the system running. After leaving the spray chamber, the air passed through a series of plates that eliminated moisture. Large blowers made of steel and powered by 25-horsepower electric motors drove the air into the structure. Separate Foul air was piped and emptied far above the tower roof.

Because of the ventilating system, the huge ornate paneled building still takes advantage of the ductwork and chases included in the original design. (Figure 17). 14 "Provides Washed Air Throughout."Akron Beacon Journal. 22 July 1931:10. First National Bank Tower (FirstMerit Tower) Akron, Summit Co., OH 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Areas of Significance (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property (Enter categories from instructions) for National Register listing) X A Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of -B Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. X 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 Period of Significance 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 Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) - B removed from its original location. - C a birthplace or a grave. - D a cemetery. - E a reconstructed building, object, or structure. - F a commemorative property. -G less than 50years of age or achieved significance Walker and Weeks, Cleveland, Ohio within the past 50 years. Carmichael Construction Co., contractor 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.) Previous documentation on file (NPS) - preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR Primary location of additional data 67) has been requested x State Historic Preservation Office - previously listed in the National Register - Other State agency - previously determined eligible by the National - Federal agency - Local government - designated a National Historic Landmark L University - recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey - Other L recorded by Historic American Engineering Record 1931-1956 Register Commerce Architecture Bibliography Criteria Considerations Engineering religious purposes. Property is: Significant Dates Architect/Builder Applicable National Register Criteria Cultural Affiliation our history.

Name of repository: NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET First National Bank of Akron (FirstMerit) Summit County, Ohio The First National Bank Tower is Akron's first skyscraper and still is its tallest building. It was designed by Walker and Weeks Architects of Cleveland, Ohio. It represents a cutting-edge Art Deco design by a significant regional architectural firm, hence its nomination under Criteria C. The form of the Tower is defined by setbacks, which became symbols of modern skyscraper construction following the New York City setback law of 1916. Its physical size also Central Savings and Trust Company, which later was known as the Central Depositors Bank, and then for most of its history was called the First National Bank of Akron.

Currently known as the FirstMerit Tower, it is the flagship bank building in Akron, and its growth mirrored the growing industrial base and economic activity of the greater Akron region, hence its nomination under Criteria A. The architectural significance of Akron's First National Bank Tower is best highlighted with a comparison to the Terminal Tower in Cleveland (National Register, 1976). Both buildings served as the premier skyscrapers for their of pride for their citizens. However, whereas Cleveland's Terminal Tower is a conservative architectural statement from a long established Chicago firm, the First National Bank Tower is a cutting-edge design by a relatively young York, the First National Bank Tower shares its aesthetic vision with Eliel Saarinen's futuristic second-place entry for the Chicago Tribune Competition of 1922.

The firm of Walker and Weeks looked beyond the regional standards and practices of the day and stylistically joined the major financial centers of the world with their bold Art Deco design. Akron's early history is tied to the canal which ran through its central business district. The Ohio and Erie Canal connects Lake Erie at the city of Cleveland to the Ohio River at Portsmouth, Ohio. Thus Akron had a direct water connection to New York City via the Great Lakes and Erie Canal, or New Orleans via the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Akron's founding in 1825 coincides with the beginning of the construction of the canal which was completed in 1832. The 17 locks in Akron created water power opportunities for industry. Pottery and barrel-making were the primary early industries. By the 1860s, railroads had begun to eclipse the canals as the primary mode of transportation.

As the canal-dependent industries did before them, the railroad-dependent factories located as close to the main line and spurs as possible. As the canals were replaced by railroads, large flour mills replaced the small canal-supporting industries, and farm natural deposits of high quality clay. However, the biggest growth in Akron was to come from the tire industry. Dr. Benjamin Franklin Goodrich was attracted to Akron by a Board of Trade flyer. With the establishment of B. F. Goodrich, Firestone, Goodyear, Seiberling, and other tire manufacturers, Akron was poised for significant growth. The automobile created a huge demand for tires, and Akron became the self-proclaimed "Rubber Capital of the in the rubber factories.

War production directly contributed to Akron's expansion, prompting the locally used Anderson, Probst, and White (1929) is loosely based on the campanile of the Cathedral in Seville. Background History: Section number 8 Page 1 respective cities for decades. Both buildings mark the primary transportation node in the urban grid and were objects regional firm.!S While the Terminal Tower has close stylistic affinities to the 1907 Metropolitan Life Tower in New reflects the economic growth of Akron, fueled largely by the rubber and tire industry. The project was begun by the implement manufacturers replaced barrel factories. The farm implement companies in turn spawned machine tool factories, parts manufacturers and other supplier industries.

Pottery-makers were also taking advantage of the area's World." World War I accelerated this growth, as thousands of people migrated to the area to get new high-paying jobs 15 "Roof Offers Splendid Panorama Of Akron," Akron Beacon Journal. 22 Jul 1931: 11. NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 8 Page 2 First National Bank of Akron (FirstMerit) Summit County, Ohio construction of the First National Bank Tower. The story of the construction of the First National Bank Tower actually begins with the development of the local banking industry. The Bank of Akron was established in 1845 when the city of Akron was small and commerce from the Ohio Canal was booming. In 1863, two national banks were established, First National and Second National Banks.

As the Civil War progressed, Akron prospered like never before. New industries thrived, money poured into Central Savings and Trust, was established. This bank eventually funded the construction of the First National Bank Tower.? In 1918 Central Savings and Trust established itself at the intersection of Main Street and Mill Street (Figures 6 and 23) - what was then the Hamilton Building - and remained there throughout its lifespan, where the a signature office building. On October 30, 1929, at the same time construction began on the new tower, Central industry came a proportionate demand for automobile tires. The rubber industry in Akron underwent an expansion that mirrored the growth of manufacturing in and around Detroit. The following table from U.S.

Census data shows the rate of growth of Akron from 1900 through 1940: City Rank in US As can be seen in the table, the greatest rate of growth occurred between 1910 and 1920 when Akron went from a #87 is what created the economic base to support the banking infrastructure of Akron, of which the First National Tower was its greatest physical manifestation. After the decision was made by the Central Savings and Trust Company to build the Tower, they organized the Akron Central Tower Company in the summer of 1929 which, in turn, planned the two million dollar structure." Walker and Weeks, a Cleveland-based architecture firm, received the commission to design the Tower. The First National Tower record table below. 20 Scott Dix Kenfield, ed. Akron and Summit County Ohio 1825-1928. Akron: 1928, p. 303. 21 Grismer, 431-53.

1900 1920 1910 1940 1930 Year 69,067 208,435 Population 255,040 42,728 244,791 22 Grismer, 432. 19Karl H. Grismer, Akron and Summit County. Akron: 1952, p. 202. 18 "First National Bank of Akron" Newspaper clipping from personal collection of Hugh S. Hill, source unknown. Trust Company was headed by G.Karl Dietz and George H. Dunn. Tower now stands. By the late 1920s, the institution decided it needed a more imposing home and that Akron needed Savings and Trust absorbed the Depositors Savings and Trust Company. The resulting Central-Depositors Bank and ranking of population in US cities to #32. Population growth over this decade was approximately 200%.

This growth " Although not the fastest growing by national standards, it did enjoy a 200% growth rate from 1910 to 1920, see the US Census the town, payrolls soared, and merchants enjoyed record-breaking business." In 1904 Akron's first major bank, These mergers and acquisitions mirrored the growth of Akron during these years. With the growth of the automobile nickname "the fastest growing city in the world.*17 It is this growth and economic prosperity that culminated in the OMB No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET First National Bank of Akron (FirstMerit) Summit County, Ohio was to be one of the variations of a new building style that Walker and Weeks named "modern." Originally from Massachusetts, Walker and Weeks moved to Cleveland in 1905, and set up their own office on Euclid Avenue in 1911. The partnership of Walker and Weeks grew during a period of rapid urban growth in the 1920s and as their firm grew, they carved a secure niche for themselves designing banks, offices, and commercial buildings. They had no competition within 300 miles of Cleveland. Their firm offered a combination of things that made them highly successful: aggressive salesmanship, competent delivery of services and superior design.

They brought a surprising variety of style into their designs even though the main programs of all their banks were extremely similar. Walker and Weeks produced more than a hundred mutations of the basic Classical and Renaissance styles such as the temple front, colonnade, arch, and rusticated walls. The firm met extraordinary demands of largeness of scale and complexity because of their internal office structure. In its heyday their firm had over 60 staff members which topped most large businesses at that time. Staff members brought in most of the firm's work and their method of marketing, as well as to speak of an architect's personal style, Walker and Weeks were considered by many to have a recognizable style, mainly Neoclassic. The combination bank and office building was a distinct type in the prewar period that found expression in many new buildings.

Walker and Weeks' typical designs followed a common pattern. A classical street façade of two or three stories provided a base for a shaft of identical floors, which was topped by a separate band of upper stories (like the First National Bank Tower's "crown"), a colonnaded section, or simply a cornice. Almost without exception these buildings were faced with Indiana limestone, marble or granite at the street-level stories, terra cotta ornamentation, or a frequently had an elevated platform for the bank officers at one end.It may have columned aisles, a flat-beamed or coffered ceiling, a shallow vaulted ceiling, or rarely, an open truss roof. Access to the office tower was provided by a its height, multiple setbacks, and Art Deco style make it a unique design.

The First National Bank Tower was built in the Art Deco style, a new modern architectural style influenced by the geometric forms, naturalistic elements, and figural designs (zigzags, chevrons, stylized floral and leaf motifs, conventional figures and animals). Materials used include polychrome terra cotta, colored mirrors, aluminum, marble, cast stone, and limestone. There was an emphasis on verticality through the introduction of multiple vertical lines, a rejection of historical style elements. However, the basic massing and proportioning of Art Deco buildings tends to follow traditional models established in the Neo-classical styles. The Tower was to be twice as tall as any building in Akron at the time of construction in 1929. Construction took place in two phases.

The west side of the building facing Howard Street was eight stories and was occupied before the northeast corner of the Tower at street level, an arcade of shops (Figure 15) existed at the basement level with an 2 Eric Johannesen, A Cleveland Legacy: The Architecture of Walker and Weeks. Kent, OH: 1999, p. 44-46. 2 Johannesen, 6-7. 2 Johannesen, 33-34. (Rev. 10-90) NPS Form 10-900 Section number 8 Page 3 separate elevator lobby located at either the main entrance before entering the banking room, or through a different entrance at the side or rear of the building." The First National Bank Tower follows most of these typical criteria, but machine age and its new technologies. Some of the most outstanding characteristics of the style are low relief, Tower construction even began. The banking room occupied the entire first floor of the Tower.

A restaurant served in offering a complete planning service, was the reason for their success. In a time period when it was nearly impossible NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 8 Page 4 Summit County, Ohio entrance off Howard Street, and a parking garage was built at sub-level with accommodations for 64 cars at completion.? Building construction was awarded to Carmichael Construction Company and, soon after, the Hamilton Building was demolished to begin Tower erection on July 25, 1930."The entire Tower frame was erected in a three-month period, beginning in September and ending in November 1930. The Burger Iron Company, who erected the steel, built a structure that was technologically up-to-date.

Floors are supported by open web steel joists, and the masonry veneer is held in place by corrugated metal ties. Numerous tests were done on the Tower steel by a Pittsburgh testing laboratory designed for closer contact between teller and customer. Also, the room was organized for increased flexibility for rearrangements of departments and spaces. One of the results in this early open office plan was more typewriter clatter noise. Testing was done to create a system reducing noise and vibration and, at the same time, reflecting light to brighten the space. Asbestos fiber and hair were combined to create a noise-deadening system in the banking quarters. and ambition which built Akron as The Rubber City. At the time it was built, the First National Bank Tower utilized the latest in design and building technologies, and featured a rapid yet accurate construction.

These design features and elements were proudly proclaimed to reflect the building's function as well as the character of Akron's The First National Bank Tower is one of the greatest single developments in the history of Akron. It symbolized for local newspapers the spirit of Akron, the faith its people had in its strength and the community and a measure of " Grismer, 432. community. confidence in Akron's future. Despite the onset of the Great Depression in 1929, construction on the Tower First National Bank of Akron (FirstMerit) 29 No Noise!," Akron Beacon Journal.22 Jul 193 1:14. that found it to be one of the most exact jobs ever tested by that laboratory. Variations in the measurements were less In the main banking room, the days of tellers behind cages were eliminated.

A new type of banking screen was than 3/8 inch, whereas most skyscraper jobs fluctuate between 3/4 and 2 i/2 inches. 28 "Steel Tests Show Fine Measurements," Akron Beacon Journal. 22 Jul 1931: 10. 31 "Faith In Akron," Akron Beacon Journal. 11 Mar 1929:4. This acoustic felt absorbed between 50 and 75 percent of the clatter produced by an ordinary typewriter.9 26 "Local Bank To Build At Cost Of $2,000.000,"Akron Beacon Journal. 9 Mar 1929:1. NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET First National Bank of Akron (FirstMerit) Summit County, Ohio continued. The Tower was formally dedicated on 23 July 1931.

Thousands of people visited and ventured to the top, belongings over to the Tower overnight and placed everything in its exact location as if nothing was disturbed so that it The positive impact the Tower had on the community was evident in Akron's changing skyline. There were many However, the First National Bank Tower did not just house businesses - it made a statement about the city of Akron and its economic role in the region. Like few other cities in the nation at that time, Akron was expanding its civic, industrial, and commercial influence." The construction of the First National Bank Tower was vital in establishing Akron not just as a manufacturing center, but a financial one as well. More than any other single building, The First National Bank Tower reflects the economic growth of the tire industry and its related support industries.

Section number 8 Page 5 every guest.An opening luncheon was held at the Mayflower Hotel.Guest speakers and all prominent Akronites viewing the entire city2 Music and flowers filled the main banking room and souvenir booklets were passed out to other seven-to-ten story buildings erected in the same time period, meeting the demands of the local economy. attended. Despite all the commotion at the opening, banking business was conducted as usual." The bank moved all was up and running the next morning at opening. Tellers went about their business as if nothing had ever happened.* 32 "New Bank Tower Open To Public," Akron Beacon Journal. 23 Jul 1931: 14. 34 "City Bank Opens Business In New, Improved Office," Akron Beacon Journal. 7 Jul 1931: 24. NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev.

10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET First National Bank of Akron (FirstMerit) Summit County, Ohio 2. "Arrange Three Days For Public To Visit Tower." Akron Beacon Journal. 22 Jul 1931: 10. 3. "City Bank Opens Business In New, Improved Office," Akron Beacon Journal. 7 Jul 1931: 24. 4. "Face-Lifting Set At First Central." Akron Beacon Journal. 27 Aug 1940: 15. 5. "Faith In Akron," Akron Beacon Journal. 11 Mar 1929: 4. 7. Grismer, Karl H. Akron and Summit County. Akron: 1952, p. 202. 9. Kenfield, Scott Dix, ed. Akron and Summit County Ohio 1825-1928. Akron: 1928, p. 303. 11. "New Bank Tower Open To Public," Akron Beacon Journal. 23 Jul 1931: 14. 12. "No Noise!," Akron Beacon Journal. 22 Jul 1931: 14. 13. "Steel Tests Show Fine Measurements," Akron Beacon Journal. 22 Jul 1931: 10. 14.

"Symbolic Style of Tower Lines Deserves Study," Akron Beacon Journal. 22 Jul 1931: 10. 1930. Bibliographic References 6.First National Bank of Akron" Newspaper clipping from personal collection of Hugh S. Hill, source unknown. 10.Local Bank To Build At Cost Of $2,000,000," Akron Beacon Journal. 9 Mar 1929: 1. 8.Johannesen, Eric. A Cleveland Legacy: The Architecture of Walker and Weeks. Kent, OH: 1999, p. 44-46. 15.Walker and Weeks,"The Central Tower Building of the Central Depositors Trust Company,"Akron: 12 Dec 1."Akron's Changing Skyline Reflects Great Prosperity,"Akron Beacon Journal.11 Mar 1929:21. Section number 9 Page 1 First National Bank Tower (FirstMerit Tower) Akron, Summit Co., OH 10. Geographical Data Acreage of Property less than 1 acre (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) 1 17 456415 4547800 Verbal Boundary Description Boundary Justification 11.

Form Prepared By name/title organization Elwin C. Robison, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. date 19 October 2006 street & number 9655 Sweet Valley Drive, Suite 3 telephone 216.642.2300 city or town Cleveland -state Ohio zip code 44125 Submit the following items with the completed form: A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location. Representative black and white photographs of the property. Additional items (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items) (Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.) name FirstMerit Corporation, Inc street & number 106 South Main Street telephone 330.996.6649 city or town Akron Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C.

470 et seq.). instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503. Photographs Additional Documentation Continuation Sheets UTM References Property Owner Zone Easting Northing See continuation sheet A Sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. _ zip code 44038 Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including the time for reviewing this form to the Chief, Administrative Services Division, National Park Service, P.0. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev.

10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section number 10 Page 11 First National Bank Tower (FirstMerit Tower) Summit County, Ohio Beginning at the intersection of the easterly line of South Howard Street with the southerly line of East Mill St., and 5/8 inches to the westerly line of South Main Street, thence with the westerly line of South Main Street S 26 said party wall N 74 degrees W 172 feet 2-7/16 inches to the easterly line of South Howard Street; thence following along South Howard Street N 16 degrees E 72 feet 6 inches to the place of beginning.

Verbal Boundary Justification Verbal Boundary Description The plot roughly coinciding with the building line located in Lots 1 and 2, block 10, King's Addition, Akron, Ohio: running thence with the northerly line of Lot 1 and the southerly line of East Mill Street S 74 degrees E 204 feet 10- degrees 15 minutes W 108 feet 10 inches to the middle of a party wall [now removed]; thence along the middle of said street line N 5 degrees 53 minutes W 37 feet 5-3/4 inches to an angle in said street line, thence continuing Property boundary of original and current owner and is the property historically associated with the building NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev.

10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET First National Bank Tower (FirstMerit Tower) Summit County, Ohio Figure 1 - Location Map Figure 2 - Ground Floor Plan Figure 3 - 1st Floor Plan Figure 4 - 6th - 8th Floor Plan Figure 6 - Aerial view of the building site during construction, c. 1931. Photograph from the FirstMerit Figure 7 - Exterior view after 1931 showing original configuration of main entry Figure 22 - Original banking hall at Christmas time, undated photograph. Figure 23 - 1916 Sanborn Map Figure 8 - First National Bank Tower, Summit OH Photographer: Elwin C. Robison September 2005 Exterior view from the southeast showing the current configuration of main entry and south façade Photographer: Doreen Katz Front elevation, exterior view from the east. archives.

List of Figures Digital image Figure List of Current Photographs NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET First National Bank Tower (FirstMerit Tower) Summit County, Ohio Photographer: Elwin C. Robison Exterior view from the northeast, tower and west annex behind Figure 11 - First National Bank Tower, Summit OH Detail showing the east entry, current configuration of the entry along Main Street Exterior view from the west showing the granite entry from Cascade Plaza Photographer: Michael Nagle Detail of a terra cotta panel on the 13th floor parapet. Digital image Detail of a brick spandrel panel. September 2005 Arcade corridor on ground Level Additional Documentation Page 12 NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev.

10-90) United States Department of the Interior NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET First National Bank Tower (FirstMerit Tower) Summit County, Ohio Entry to the former restaurant space on the ground level. Figure 17 - First National Bank Tower, Summit OH Photographer: Elwin C. Robison Elevator lobby on ground level with original elevator doors Security Deposit office on the ground level. Vault door in the Security Deposit office on the ground level Building Directory at the Main Street entry lobby. Post Deposit Box in the elevator lobby on the Ist Floor. Digital image September 2005 National Park Service Page 13 Additional Documentation NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev.

10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES First National Bank Tower (FirstMerit Tower) Summit County, Ohio Of Akron Figure 1 Area map of the First National Bank of Akron (now FirstMerit). North CONTINUATION SHEET eneral Medical Center University Additional Documentation Hospital-Medical Center Page 14 NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET First National Bank Tower (FirstMerit Tower) Summit County, Ohio South Main St. above GROUND FLOOR PLAN Figure 2 Ground floor plan (Arcade level) with key for Figures. North National Park Service United States Department of the Interior Page 15 Additional Documentation NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev.

10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET First National Bank Tower (FirstMerit Tower) Summit County, Ohio FIRST FLOOR PLAN Figure 3 First Floor Plan (South Main Street level) with photo keys. North South Main St. NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET First National Bank Tower (FirstMerit Tower) Summit County, Ohio 6TH - 8TH FLOOR PLAN Figure 4 Typical floor plan 6th to8th floors. NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev.

10-90) United States Department of the Interior NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET First National Bank Tower (FirstMerit Tower) Summit County, Ohio 16TH - 18TH FLOOR PLAN National Park Service Figure 5 Typical floor plan in the tower,16th to18th floors. Page 18 Additional Documentation NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET First National Bank Tower (FirstMerit Tower) Summit County, Ohio Figure 6 Aerial view of the building site prior to construction, c. 1929. Page 19 Additional Documentation National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev.

10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Additional Documentation First National Bank Tower (FirstMerit Tower) Summit County, Ohio Figure 8 First National Bank from the southeast, 2005. Note original entryway before renovations in 1940 and the the former party wall on the lower6 stories of the south adjacent party wall commercial buildings. elevation, and the new banking hall windows inserted that Photograph from the FirstMerit archives. wall. Page 20 NPS Form 10-900 Figure 7 First National Bank c. 1931 showing the NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES Summit County, Ohio Photograph from the FirstMerit archives. Figure 22 Undated photograph showing the original banking hall interior at Christmastime.

CONTINUATION SHEET First National Bank Tower (FirstMerit Tower) Page 21 Additional Documentation United States Department of the Interior NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET First National Bank Tower (FirstMerit Tower) Summit County, Ohio Additional Documentation Page 22 Figure 23.1916 Sanborn Fire Insurance map showing the Hamilton Building which formerly occupied the site. NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Additional Documentation First National Bank Tower (FirstMerit Tower) Summit County, Ohio Figure 24 Sanborn Fire Insurance map of 1940, showing the building before destruction of adjacent party wall Page 23 National Park Service structure in 1967.

NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET NAME : DATE OF 45TH DAY: APPEAL: N N PDIL: N PERIOD: N PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: N COMMENT WAIVER: N ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS: If a nomination is returned to the nominating authority, the TELEPHONE 6/20/07 5/18/07 DATE MULTIPLE DISCIPLINE RETURN 7/01/07 REVIEWER RECOM./CRITERIA ACCEPT OTHER: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE DATE RECEIVED: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR REASONS FOR REVIEW: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N DATE OF 16TH DAY: Bntered in tho STATE & COUNTY: OHIO, Summit nomination is no longer under consideration by the NPS.

PROPERTY REJECT First National Bank Tower Crosby Bluff St S Maple St Glendale Ave Dart Ave N High St Park St Perkins St Parkwood Ave W Market St S Forge St W Exchange St Hamilton Ave 261 Grace Canal Childrens Semp Hospital-Medical Center University Aly eneral Medical Center Aspen St Carroll S Innerbelt Of Akron S Main St Fumace St S Walnut St Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Bowery St W State St nerit Cir Cemetery Quaker St S College St Summit, OH Fiqure 1 GROUND FLOOR PLAN Summit, OH First National Bank Tower FIRST FLOOR PLAN 6TH - 8TH FLOOR PLAN Summit, OH 16TH - 18TH FLOOR PLAN Summit, OH Photographer Unknown FirstMert archives . 1929-30 Aerial View Summit, OH photographer unknown after 1931 FirstMerit archives East elevation Elwin C. Robison Figurt 8 Exterior view from the southtast Digital Photograph figurt 9 Digi tal photo graph StptembtR 2005 Figurt 10 Elwin C.

Roblson Digital photograph summit, OH TRST NATINAL FIRST NATIONAL Digital photograph Elwin C. Robison Stp+em bR 2005 Elwin C. Robison Summi+,otl M ichael Nagle Digital photograph Stptt m DtR'2005 El win C. Robison Digital photograph First National Bank TowtR Elwin c. Robison Summit, oH figure 15 Elwin c. Robison figure Ilo Summit,OH Digital photograph First National Bank TOWER summit, OH Digital photo graph ElevatoR lobbj on ground with FIgURE 17 Elwin C. Robison SEptembeR 20s Elwin C. Robison Stcurity Deposit office on the ground level. Figure StptEmbER Figurt Elwin c. Robicon Thank You For Not Smoking DIAECTORY Elwin c. Robioon STOP! Banking Hall interior photographer unknown 7.5 MINUTE SERIES (TOPOGRAPHIC) W6 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AKRON WEST QUADRANGLE COMMERCIAL SURVEY CO Sumnit county, GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OHIO-SUMMIT CO.