Nomination for Hotel Metropole

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. Aug. 2002) United States Department of the Interior MAY 07 2009 National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES NAT. 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 Register of Historic 1. Name of Property historic name _ other names/site number 2. Location street & number_60g Walnut Street not for publication_N/A city or town - vicinity - N/A _code_061 zip code_45202 3. State/Federal Agency Certification request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for fegstering 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.

_meets does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant Dept. Head Signature of certifying official Ohio Historic Preservation Office, Ohio Historical Society State or Federal Agency or Tribal government In my opinion, the property _ does not meet the National Register criteria. (__ See continuation sheet for additional Signature of commenting or other official State or Federal agency and bureau Hamilton comments.) Date Cincinnati nomination may Hotel Metropole to complete all items. state_Ohio code_OH_county 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, See continuation sheet for additional comments.) Cnru Inventory & Registration not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories USDI/NPS Registration Form Page 2 Hamilton County, Ohio 4. National Park Service Certification entered in the National Register _determined not eligible for the removed from the National Register other (explain): 5. Classification Ownership of Property Number of Resources within Property (Check as many boxes as apply) X private X building(s) - public-Local _ district - public-State _site - public-Federal Name of related multiple property listing Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register 6.

Function or Use Historic Functions DOMESTIC: Hotel DOMESTIC: Multiple Dwelling 7. Description Late 19th and 20th Century Revivals: Noncontributing roof Total Other object structure National Register Classical Revival Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) Hotel Metropole Category of Property Current Functions See continuation sheet. (Enter categories from instructions) Materials (Enter categories from instructions) (Check only one Box) Date of Action (Do not include previously listed resources in the count) I, hereby certify that this property is: (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.) Brick, Terra Cotta Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) walls NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Hamilton County, Ohio Section 7 Page 1 Narrative Description Located at 609 Walnut Street, the Hotel Metropole is in downtown Cincinnati. It is between 6" and 7" streets, at the which is not visible from Walnut Street, contains rooms for mechanical operations and has two apartments. Commercial storefronts are on the ground level of the building. On the interior the building maintains some historic detailing from its The Hotel Metropole is situated within a dense, busy block near Fountain Square, the center of Cincinnati. Abutting it is these two large-scale cultural facilities, the block contains commercial properties and is a mix of modern and historic buildings. Most of the buildings are brick and range in height from two to over ten stories.

(Photo 1) The Hotel Metropole was initially constructed in 1912 in a simple rectangular plan. The building was seven bays wide hotel, which extended its footprint to Gano Street. The 1924 addition is oddly shaped with a narrow arm extending along Gano to Lodge Alley, the rear intersecting alley. Both phases of construction utilized steel and concrete construction with brick facing and terra cotta detailing. (Photos 2-3) The façade has replacement one-over-one metal sash windows that were added in the 1970s or 1980s. However, the three semi-elliptical, decorative windows in the mezzanine level on the north end of the elevation retain their original one-over-one sashes. Windows on the other elevations are two-over-two metal sash with embedded wire mesh. Aluminum storm windows were added in the 1980s.

The 1st floor storefronts have been altered, most recently in the 1980s with a rough stone covering, which has been painted. (Photo 4) The southern most storefronts did not receive the stone application, but have been painted. The original stringcourse of acanthus leaves is still intact in this section of the storefront area. The ground level had previously been altered in 1960 with the application of stainless steel, granite, and marble. The main entrance retains a the south of it. Images from the 1910s give conflicting evidence as to the location of doors and canopies. However a c.1913 image that appears to be an actual photograph and a 1914 illustration both show two canopies that correspond to the 1924 elevation drawing. (Attachments B and C) The canopy is topped by wrought iron cresting and metal cable basement in the 1912 section is still intact to the left of the main entrance.

Doors to the basement entry have been replaced and reconfigured. The entrance over the former restaurant on the south in the 1912 section is covered by a door and angled window configuration. (Photo 5) (8-86) Exterior Hotel Metropole hotel past. and was centered between E. 6 Street and Gano Street.In 1924 an addition was added to the north side of the original the newly constructed Contemporary Arts Center and across Walnut Street is the Aronoff Center for the Arts.Other than simple curved hood. The storefront to the north end of the building does maintain its basic early 2oth century recessed intersection of Gano Street. The ten-story, brick former hotel is of the Neo-Classical Revival style. A partial 11* story, canopy which may date from 1924. The 1924 elevation drawing indicates a canopy in this location and another one to supports extend from the building to the canopy's edge.

The name Metropole is attached to the top of the cresting on each side, but may be a later addition as the lettering does not match stylistically. An entrance leading directly to the NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Hotel Metropole Hamilton County, Ohio Section 7 Page 2 basement rathskeller entrance near the center on the ground floor. The older section is framed by window bays with rectangular balconies has decorative relief below it and brackets. The balcony brackets are an unusual stylized pattern, They are fluted on the front and have a spiral pattern on the sides. The cornice is constructed of galvanized metal. (Photo 6) With the use of chocolate-brown colored brick and the brown terra cotta detailing, the building nearly has a monochromatic appearance. floors.

The mezzanine window openings are semi-elliptical arches with an ornate lintel and grouped windows. Otherwise, the fenestration pattern is very similar to the 1912 section including the terra cotta sills and shaped lintels. Although the 1924 addition has different windows on the mezzanine level and the brick is of a slightly different color, the two portions of the hotel were seamlessly united. The stringcourse above the 2nd floor, the continuous sill of the 3rd connect the two phases of construction. The heavy cornice with large dentils continues across the entire building and further emphasizes the united facades. The 1924 addition does not have balconies in the end bay, but does have corner quoins and the large stylized brackets in the cornice as 1912 section does.

The northern, Gano Street elevation is plainer in detail than the façade and is entirely comprised of the 1924 section of the building. (Photo 7) Two round arch window openings with a soldier course lintel are on this elevation near the front of the building. The arched windows contain their original glass and are divided into multiple lights. The one closest to the front has been partially in-filled with an added door. Presently (and historically) secondary access to ground level businesses and an emergency stairwell is provided from the alley. In addition to the above mentioned later entrance, there are three other doors into the building from Gano Street. A secondary entrance into the current restaurant, located near the middle of the elevation, is denoted by a pent roof and applied panels that imply half-timbering.

Another entrance is beside it to the west and an original entrance to the rear fire stairwell is near the rear of the building. A stringcourse comprised of one row of header course and one row of soldier course bricks is located above the 2'd story windows. Windows on this elevation have soldier course lintels. Sills are comprised of smooth-cut limestone. A window opening on the ground level to the east has been blocked-in as well as four other window openings in the middle of the elevation. An original fire escape stair is located at the each end of the elevation and extends the full height of the building. (Photo 8) A fire escape landing at the mezzanine level roughly at the center of the elevation provides emergency egress from the ballroom.

The western end of the Gano Street elevation is much taller than the rest of the building, as it houses rooms at the penthouse level and mechanicals for the freight elevator. At the top of the elevator extension different colored bricks are arranged to form what appears to be frames. Color variation in this area indicates that a sign may have been painted here. (8-86) The 1924 addition added four bays on the facade. The addition contained a mezzanine level between the 1s and 2nd terra cotta balconies and wrought iron railings on the 3d through 7th floors.These end bays are further delineated by The original 1912 façade was symmetrical at the upper floors with the hotel entrance being off center to the right and the quoins. The central bay has paired windows.

The second floor has larger windows than those on the upper stories and Incorporated into the stringcourse are brackets that support and highlight the balcony bays above. Further, each of the which matches that of the cornice brackets. The cornice brackets are oversized compared to rest of the façade detailing. floor windows, the projecting stringcourse above the 9th floor, and the identical 1oh floor window surrounds all serve to complete surrounds that feature a keystone in the lintel.Between the 2d and 3d stories is a stringcourse with dentils. NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Hamilton County, Ohio Section 7 Page 3 The rear elevation on the west is only one bay wide. (Photo 8) It has a garage door on the ground level facing the rear alley.

Paired, original two-over-two windows are at each floor level except the third floor. At the top of the rear elevation are the remnants of a painted sign that reads "Metropole Hotel." (Photo 9) As with the Gano elevation, the brick pattern changes forming a framework for the painted sign. The south elevation abuts the Contemporary Arts Center and is not visible. (Photo 3) Two light wells are present within the building. The exterior walls of the 1912 light court are faced with white glazed brick from the second floor to the roof. (Photo 10) In this space window sills are curved and made of poured concrete. As with the secondary elevations, the windows are two-over-two with embedded wire mesh. A metal fire escape is within the light well. A second light well extending from the second floor to the roof was formed when the 1924 addition was added.

The 1912 section of the building had an elevator equipment room on the roof. It retains its original two-over-two windows. A penthouse, mechanical rooms, and an equipment room for the freight elevator were built on the roof of the 1924 section. The penthouse was joined to the 1912 elevator room by a hyphen. (Photo 11) The freight elevator block retains its original two-over-two windows. The windows in the penthouse were replaced in the 1980s when the penthouse apartments were remodeled. Window openings on this level have soldier course lintels and header course sills. The parapet wall is topped with clay coping tiles. While the exterior of the Hotel Metropole is largely unaltered (with the exception of the storefronts), the interior has undergone various alterations due to successive remodeling projects beginning in 1946.

As the hotel changed ownership and management from 1946 to 1971, updates were made to the public spaces. In particular, the conversion to an names of various rooms, however, to date, the location of these rooms within the building has not been uncovered. As a result, it is now difficult to ascertain which features date from which remodeling. Nevertheless, some historic fabric in the Hotel Metropole's former public spaces is intact. First Floor stone blocks. Niches with marble sills are set in the wall. (Photo 25) The spiral staircase was added as part of the 1924 addition and aligns with the floor levels of that section rather than the earlier section. Just to the right of the staircase wood desk, not original to the building, is centered in the lobby to the right.

The lobby is characterized by its historic (8-86) Interior Hotel Metropole the left are elevators and a spiral staircase that ends at the second floor.The staircase has a decorative metal rail. The within the lobby wall is a niche that is larger in scale than those within the staircase walls. It has a faux marble sill. A apartment building from a hotel in 1971 resulted in the loss of historic materials throughout the building, especially on the upper levels. Old newspaper articles indicate when changes were made to the building and sometimes mention the Primary access to the building is through the central lobby. (Photos 12-14) The lobby is long and somewhat narrow. To NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Hamilton County, Ohio Section 7 Sanborn maps (Attachment A) indicates that the elevators originally were on the opposite wall of their present location. Beyond the lobby to the west is a lounge with Neo-Classical Revival detailing and niches on either side of the doorway. (Photo 15) The niches are of the similar scale as the one in the lobby. This room includes an alcove with angled rear wall. The cornice is coved with plaster foliage decoration in the corners. A room of this shape is not on either Sanborn map and may be the result of a mid 20th century redecorating scheme. Although it has niches like the 1924 spiral staircase does, the cornice differs in detail from that seen in other rooms with sections of remnant historic fabric.

Currently the only interior access to the 1912 section of the building is through the lounge. This section is a large, open, double height room with remnants of an ornate ceiling intact above the dropped ceiling. (Photos 16-17) These remnants of original ceiling are in poor condition and a large percentage of it is deteriorated, but they do give an indication that this room was likely an elaborate public space when originally constructed. Other than the ceiling remnants there is no historic fabric remaining in the room. Most recently the space served as a Chinese restaurant, which closed in the mid 1990s leaving the storefront vacant since then. To the right of the central lobby is a series of small rooms that has housed various businesses at different times. (Photo mosaic floor. Beyond the reception desk is a small hallway leading to a currently operating restaurant.

The restaurant space wraps around a central kitchen. A smaller, separate storefront was in the northeast corner of the building. (Photo 19) Here the floor is one step below the rest of the first floor. This space is presently being incorporated into the restaurant business. The front portion of the 1924 section maintains most of the original mosaic tile floor similar to that seen in the lobby, otherwise the historic materials have been altered. The rear portions of the 1924 section contain a large commercial kitchen area, offices, and a hallway accessing the kitchen originally served the ballroom and dining room for the expanded Hotel Metropole. Two original dumbwaiters are intact in the kitchen.

One lowered to the basement level dish room and the other served the ballroom on the The 1924 addition to the Hotel Metropole contained a mezzanine level that the 1912 portion of the building did not have. The landing area of the mezzanine retains some historic cornice detailing at the elevators, but other sections of the floor. The opening has been enclosed and filled with mechanical systems. Sections of original decorative ceiling can be facing Gano Street are both visible within the mechanical room, indicating where the space was originally open to the first floor below. Much of the ornate ceiling likely has been compromised due to the attachment of mechanical (8-86) Mezzanine Secondary stairs in the building are original and utilitarian in appearance. They are comprised of poured concrete with Hotel Metropole mezzanine level.

Page 4 intricate mosaic tile floor.The original ceiling in this space is obscured by a drop ceiling.Evaluation of historic simple metal rails. 18) The wall partitions in these rooms appear to have been added later as they do not align with the patterns of the basement stairs, the freight elevator, rear stairwell, and a garage. (Photo 20) Although altered to serve later tenants, the NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Hamilton County, Ohio Section 7 Page 5 apparatus. Today, the mezzanine level is mostly comprised of small rooms that were either constructed more recently or, if original, have lost their historic features. The management offices in the northeast corner do maintain original wood floor and accessed by a short flight of stairs.

It has Colonial Revival style detailing that is large in scale and does not match the scale of other remaining historic details. (Photos 26-27) The ballroom features a terrazzo floor with coved baseboard, built-in shelves, curved corners, embedded pilasters, door surrounds with a broken pediment and urn, and wood paneled wainscot. Window and some door surrounds are more delicate in scale and do not appear to be from the same era as the embedded pilasters and broken pediments. They may date from 1924 or a later redecorating. A drop ceiling has been installed obscuring the original ceiling, which extended to the second floor. Recent investigation of the space above the drop ceiling in the ballroom indicates that the 1924 plaster ceiling may be intact.

Remnants of decorative plaster column capitals, cornice, and chandelier surround are visible and at least one bay of the room is barrel-vaulted. (Photo 28) Furthermore, this investigation revealed that the present embedded columns are different size and they are made of wood rather than plaster. Second Floor Because of the added mezzanine, the second story floor levels do not line-up in the two sections of the building. Steps no historic fabric extant on this floor. The early century materials have been removed. Third through Tenth Floors lobby. (Photo 31) It is of a similar pattern to the first floor tile, but differs in color. A currently operating bar occupies the space within the 1912 section. (Photo 32) It is accessed by stairs directly from Walnut Street. (Photo 33) On the wall at each end of the staircase is an engraved cartouche with the letters HM.

The 1924 section is divided into several small rooms. Only (what is now) the electrical room retains any historic fabric. The floor is tiled and segments of the walls retain glazed white tiles. The columns are also wrapped with the glazed tile. A secondary set of stairs to the contains a sub-basement with additional mechanical equipment. (8-86) Basement Hotel Metropole The basement is accessed by the elevators and the spiral staircase.The original mosaic tile floor remains in the elevator window sills.

The spiral staircase remains unaltered at the mezzanine level.(Photos 23-25) are used in several places to reconcile the differing heights.A U-shaped corridor in the 1912 section provides access to the rooms off ofit.The 1924 section has a series of connecting corridors from the elevator landing.(Photo 29) There is The ballroom is located on the mezzanine level, but is approximately three feet higher than the rest of the mezzanine historic fabric extant on these floors. The early 20 century materials likely were removed when the hotel was converted to apartment usage in 1971. The building currently houses 230total apartments, 222 of which are efficiencies. basement is in the rear of the building near the freight elevator, which also descends to the basement. The building also NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Hamilton County, Ohio Section 7 The penthouse is only accessible by rear stairs or the freight elevator. Other than some mechanical elements in the remodeled in 1994 to contain a building manager's apartment and a corporate apartment. The Hotel Metropole, although altered over time, retains sufficient historic integrity for National Register listing. Other than the first floor storefronts and some window replacements, the exterior retains the majority of its historic features and is largely intact. The window replacements were within the original openings and do not detract from the fenestration pattern. The handful of window openings that have been enclosed are all on a secondary elevation.

Historic materials on the interior have been lost since the 1940s when the commercial spaces were remodeled and then in 1971 when the hotel was converted to apartments. However there are remnants of historic fabric that convey the grandeur of the previous hotel. Intact historic features include the 1924 spiral stair, some sections of ceiling in the former 1912 dining room, and the ballroom space. Much of the 1924 mosaic, ceramic tile floor is intact as well. The sense of openness. Despite its interior alterations, the Hotel Metropole is still an imposing historic edifice within the streetscape. It (8-86) Penthouse Historic Integrity Hotel Metropole Page 6 elevator equipment rooms and a few original windows, the penthouse level retains no historic integrity. It was maintains a sense of time and place and continues to reflect the appearance of a large scale early 20*h century urban hotel.

large-scale public space of the 1912 dining room and the ballroom are intact overall and both still convey their original USDI/NPS Registration Form Page 3 Hamilton County, Ohio 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark "x" in one or more boxes Areas of Significance for the criteria qualifying the property for National Register listing) A Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad Property is associated with the lives of persons 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 Property has yielded, or is likely to yield information important in prehistory or history. owned by a religious institution or used for removed from its original location. Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) a reconstructed building, object, or structure. a commemorative property. Cultural Affiliation less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past 50 years. Joseph SteinKamp & Brother H. L.

Stevens & Co.

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) Primary Location of Additional Data: - preliminary determination of individual listing State Historic Preservation Office (36 CFR 67) has been requested. Other State agency _ previously listed in the National Register previously determined eligible by the National Register -_ Local government designated a National Historic Landmark recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey # recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # 1912-1946 1924 University Commerce Other Bibliography Federal agency Architect/Builder Hotel Metropole Name of repository: individual distinction. religious purposes. patterns of our history. Significant Dates a cemetery.

(Enter categories from instructions) distinguishable entity whose components lack Period of Significance Property embodies the distinctive characteristics Narrative Statement of Significance significant in our past. a birthplace or a grave. Criteria Considerations (Mark"x"in all the boxes that apply.) (Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section 8 Statement of Significance Hotels were an important component of downtown Cincinnati's growth from the mid 1800s through the first decades of the 1900s. Constructed in 1912 and enlarged in 1924, the Hotel Metropole was built during the peak of grandiose-hotel expansion in the business district.

The story of Cincinnati, originally called Losantiville, begins with the platting of a new village by pioneers in 1788. The area along the Ohio River was in a basin between the Great and Little Miami Rivers, which also made it an ideal military post. The nascent settlement was given a boost in population when Fort Washington was established there in 1789. Although the new settlement was strategically located on the Ohio River, population growth was slow due to conflicts with the indigenous Indians. In 1795 the population was nearly 500. In 1802 Cincinnati finally had enough people to be Expansion of the village and its population began to increase pace in the 1810s after the arrival of steamboats. Cincinnati quickly became a bustling river port, which in turn encouraged industrial development. In 1819 with a population of 10,823, the village was incorporated as a city.

By this time Cincinnati was an important stop for all manner of river traffic traveling between Pittsburgh and New Orleans. The booming industrial landscape, completion of the Miami & Erie Canal from Cincinnati to Toledo, and the arrival of the railroad all combined to make Cincinnati a thriving city reaching the status of sixth largest city in the U.S. by the late 1840s (1850 population- 115,435). The city In 1850 Cincinnati was third in manufacturers in the United States. One of the mid 19th century industries that wagons and carriages, various metal products and machine tools (both facilitated by the city's relative proximity to the Hanging Rock Iron Ore Region to the east), furniture, publishing, and clothing. Though Cincinnati continued to expand both physically and in population in the latter half of the 1800s, it never again dominance.

However, the city continued to maintain an industrial presence, but increasingly it became known as a center for music, the arts, expositions, conventions, and education. Cincinnati evolved into an entertainment and cultural on the Island Queen to Coney Island, and dances among the options. (8-86) Cincinnati incorporated as a village. Hotel Metropole General History The Hotel Metropole meets Criterion A for its association with early 2o century hotel development in Cincinnati. Hamilton County, Ohio dominated the city was the meatpacking industry, in particular that of pork. The byproducts of that industry gave rise to Cincinnati's dominance as a transportation hub and citiesin the Great Lakes region surpassed it in manufacturing Page 1 soap, candle, glue, and leather industries.

Other important manufacturing concerns throughout the 19th century included was a gateway for products and people moving both east and west. NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Hamilton County, Ohio Section 8 population. The population in 1900 was 325,902 and 503,998 in 1950, but only 385,457 in 1980 (just where it had been in the 1910s). The removal of many industrial jobs to the fringes of the suburbs contributed to the loss in population and changes to the character of the central city. Cincinnati Hotels Although growth was slow initially, the settlement of Cincinnati had enough transient traffic in 1800 to support Menessier's Hotel.

In 1819, the year of Cincinnati's graduation to city status, there were seventeen taverns with rooms operating in the city, but the number of travelers still made it difficult to secure accommodations. (Hill, p.8) As the city grew and matured so did hotel establishments. An English traveler wrote in 1840 that Cincinnati had numerous hotels of quality and called the Broadway Hotel "one of the cleanest and most comfortable we had seen west of the Alleghanies (sic)." (Hill, p.19) The Burnet House completed in 1850 by renowned Boston architect Isaiah Rogers ushered in a new era of hotel accommodations and distinction for the city. Commissioned by a stock company, Rogers was charged with designing the most elegant hotel in the United States.

Located at the edge of the business district, the building was grand in scale and sophistication and was called "the best hotel in the world" by the London Illustrated News. (Green, p.45) Constructed in 1849, the Gibson House was another of Cincinnati's important late 19"h century hotels. Cincinnati had nine principal hotels in 1855, and another world famous hotel was completed a decade later. The St. Nicholas Hotel "was known everywhere for its cuisine, its hospitality and social affairs and did much to advertise Cincinnati" (Hill, The 1870s brought another stock company backed hotel, the Grand Hotel. An additional significant hotel in the city's history completed in the 1870s was the Hotel Emery, 1877, which included an arcade from Vine to Race Street with stores and offices above.

It was the first hotel constructed by the Thomas Emery's Sons Company, a prominent real estate developer in metropolitan Cincinnati beginning in the 1850s. The company built numerous apartment buildings and half a dozen hotels in the city. The company constructed the upscale Palace Hotel, which charged $2.00 a day for a room and meals (inclusion of both room and meals was known as the American Plan versus the European Plan which only covered room). The eight-story (the tallest building in Cincinnati when completed in 1882) Palace Hotel was constructed out of Thomas Emery's belief "that the leading hotels of the city were profiteering; they were charging Downtown hotel development in the 1900s began with yet another stock-company supported enterprise in 1907, the with new construction and ever taller buildings. Several grand hotels were built or enlarged in this decade.

The New Hotel Gibson, constructed in 1912, replaced the earlier version and in 1922 was enlarged to cover over an acre of land was demolished to make way for the 48-story Carew Tower complex, which included the fantastic Netherland Plaza Hotel, constructed 1929-1931. As with most cities, construction slowed during the Depression and war years. In 1948, 399) (8-86) p.23) Cincinnati's population trends carried into the 20th century until 1950 when ensuing decades brought losses in Page 2 Hotel Metropole guests $3 and $3.50 per day, American Plan.." This included the Burnet, Grand, and Gibson hotels.(Harlow, p. 398- and was one of the most expensive properties in the city. (Hill, p.30) The Thomas Emery's Sons Company continued into the 2ot century under the leadership of a third generation, John J. Emery, Jr. Under his direction the Hotel Emery Hotel Sinton.

Other hotels were constructed in the 1910s. By the 1920s, Cincinnati's skyline was dramatically changing NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Hamilton County, Ohio Section 8 Emery again completed a modern, state of the art hotel in Cincinnati. The Terrace Plaza included a hotel on top of a today represent the 1980s boom of corporate chain hotels. Joseph C. Thoms, was instrumental in the development of the new hotel. Thoms is listed in the 1894 Illustrated Business Directory, as an attorney. Thoms, through his partnership of Thoms & Breneman, was active in 1910s downtown real estate expansion having recently been involved with the construction of the Power Building. The architectural firm of Perhaps in an attempt to express sophistication, hotel entrepreneurs in the U.S.

used the Metropole name in the early Wellsville, and Columbus, in addition to Cincinnati. While Thoms spearheaded the development of the hotel, it appears that the business was owned by the Metropole Café Company, which paid rent to him. Emil G. Schmitt was the president and manager of the company. Schmitt formerly was president of the Bismarck Café Company, long considered one of Cincinnati's finest cafes, and was noted as an expert in the restaurant business. The Hotel Metropole was christened with a grand opening on New Year's Eve, 1912. The public party was held in the Café Company was placed into receivership by court order in July, 1913. Although the Metropole Café Company, with Schmitt as president, was listed in the 1913 and 1914 city directories as the proprietor, the business was overseen by two different court appointees from July, 1913 to December, 1914.

In December, 1914, George W. Martin and Joseph Thoms purchased the troubled hotel business from the Metropole Café death in 1929. Martin had previously been the manager of the Hotel Gibson and in 1927 simultaneously managed the Parkview, Metropole, and Vernon Manor hotels. During the years, various men are listed as assistant managers under From its completion the Hotel Metropole was one of the city's top hotels and a member of the Cincinnati Hotel Association, which only included 12 of the approximately 70 hotel establishments during the 1910s. The hotel further endorsement, the 1914 annual report of the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce listed the Hotel Metropole as one of only eleven hotels in the city, ignoring the other sixty-plus businesses listed in the hotel section of the city directory. (8-86) Martin's direction.

Hotel Metropole The Metropole name was chosen by Joseph Thoms.Metropole was a popular name for hotels in 19th century Europe. Page 3 association advertised that its member hotels had "stood the test for respectability." (Cincinnati City Directory, 1924) As Located in Cincinnati's bustling business district, construction began on the Hotel Metropole in 1912. Property owner, Joseph G. Steinkamp & Brother was chosen to design the new hotel. 1900s with examples found in Chicago, Wichita, Oakland, and New York. In Ohio, Metropoles were located in Dayton, dining room and grill, and the event was packed with 780 advance reservations. Unfortunately the glamour was short- lived as the company suffered financial difficulty and legal issues with a contractor the following year. The Metropole NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Hotel Metropole Hamilton County, Ohio Section 8 The hotel contained a grand dining room, a rathskeller in the basement, and a Turkish bath complete with plunge. The 1915 city directory advertisement named the Hotel Metropole as having the "finest Turkish Bath in the state." Joseph Thoms' early vision for the hotel was that it would be a stag hotel, filling what he perceived as a deficiency in that Ownership of the Hotel Metropole eventually passed to Thoms' daughter, Eunice Thoms Resor, after his death in 1922. Under Eunice's ownership, a large addition was added to the north side of the hotel, doubling its size, in 1924. The the Metropole from a 178 to 400 room hotel and the address changed from 609-617 to 609-621.

It also allowed for more commercial space throughout the building. However, the much touted Turkish bath was discontinued and demolished The hotel now included affiliated businesses such as the Hotel Metropole Beauty Shop, Circulating Library, Pastry Shop, accessible from Walnut Street (always with the address of 621). Other businesses renting space in the hotel that did not share the Metropole affiliation, during the 1920s-1950s included of the hotel from the 1920s to at least 1951. Beginning in the early 1940s several clubs, trade unions, and organizations were also listed as being located in the building. Trade unions located at the hotel in 1942 included the Queen City Association of Baseball Umpires and the Metal Polishers Buffers Platers & Helpers International Union No. 68. The listed in the 1950 directory).

Reflecting Cincinnati's 1920s hotel boom, there was an increase of members in the late 1920s to 15, but by 1934 only 8 are in the association. In late March, 1946, the hotel was sold out of the Thoms family. The Hotel Metropole Co. was incorporated earlier that finest, exclusive cocktail lounges in the Midwest." (Metropole Sold for S1,000,000) Ownership changed again the following year when a consortium of Columbus and Cincinnati businessmen purchased the stock held by the Detroit based owner. The sale was finalized in June, 1947 for $1,000,000. They kept the name, Hotel 1950, complete with a 15-foot mural. In 1953 the ballroom was designated a soft drink night club, aimed at teenagers. Lerman's Restaurant and its management took over the Metropole's dining room, ballroom, and private dining rooms in 1957. (8-86) as "A home for the man away from home" subsequent to their new ownership.

Room rates ranged from $1.00 to $2.50. addition was designed by H.L.Stevens & Co.,an architectural and engineering firm from Chicago.The addition altered during the addition's construction. Hotel Metropole continued tobe a member of the Cincinnati Hotel Association until 1949 (the association isno longer Page 4 a barber, cigar shop, detective agency, engineering firm, and a stenographer. The barber, Joseph Trendler, operated out owners announced immediate plans for a $125,000 remodeling of public spaces which would provide for, "one of the Metropole Inc., but once again changed management. Other changes included replacement of the long running Hotel Metropole Pastry Shop with a candy store in 1949. One of the public spaces was redecorated as the Parisian Room in operated until 1947.

The pastry shop likely had an extended operation due to the fact that it had a storefront directly NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Hamilton County, Ohio Section 8 Page 5 The Hotel Metropole was promoted as one of Cincinnati's finest hotels into the mid 20th century. Interestingly, room rates did not change much from the 1910s, as the 1951 city directory indicates that daily rates were only from $2.50 and up. In 1956, it was still advertised as being among the city's distinctive hotels with affiliated hotels in New York City, Columbus, Detroit, and Miami Beach. Although the building began hosting clubs and organizations in the early 1940s, there was a dramatic increase in the number of such entities in the 1950s.

In the 1958 city directory there were over a dozen organizations listed including the Duckworth Democratic Club, the Variety Club, the Shoe and Leather Club, the Early American Glass Club, the Main Street Business Association, and the Railway Mail Club. There was also a women's health club with baths on the mezzanine level. In a continuing effort to keep the hotel updated, a $150,000 remodeling was conducted in 1960. Exterior and lobby alterations were completed, as well as the enlargement of the Parisian cocktail lounge into a night club. A second remodeling took place five years later. This included the rooms and a new bar for $500,000. By 1971 the Hotel Metropole had changed ownership to the Mid-Towne Associates, who converted the building to low-income apartments.

The former hotel was gutted and the rooms converted to the current configuration of 220 efficiency and 10 one-bedroom apartments. The building continues to house low-income apartments. The Hotel Metropole was designed by well known Cincinnati architect, Joseph G. Steinkamp. Steinkamp began his career in his father's architecture office. The senior Steinkamp worked on at least three downtown hotels (the Grand, the Queen City, and the Palace), as well as superintending for Thomas Emery & Sons Company. Upon his death in 1890, Joseph Steinkamp took over his father's business becoming Cincinnati's youngest architect at the age of 22. He worked alone for a few years before forming a partnership with his brother, Bernard, in 1897. The firm was known as Joseph G.

Steinkamp and Brother, which according to a 1927 history "a fine record attaches to the career of the Steinkamp firm for the goodly number of notable buildings designed by them." (Leonard) Joseph Steinkamp & Brother was considered among the leading architectural firms of the city. In addition to the Metropole Hotel, Steinkamp designed the Mercantile Library Building, numerous buildings for the Thomas Emery's Sons Company, the Robertson Building, St. Mark's School, St. Andrew's School, St. William's School, and several buildings, along with the 1913 master plan, for Xavier University.

The Robertson Building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Race Street Despite the fact that the Hotel Metropole was designed by one of Cincinnati's prominent architectural firms, it is not being nominated for Criterion C.It was determined that not enough of the interior features are intact to reflect Steinkamp's work. Additionally, only half of the nominated building was designed by the firm as it received a sizeable The 1924 addition was designed by the H.L. Stevens & Co. of Chicago. The H.L. Stevens & Co. was an architectural engineering firm that had been in business since at least the 1910s. Harold L. Stevens was the long time president of the company. It was a national company with branch offices in Houston and San Francisco (established in 1922). Examples of their work can be found in Chicago, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Atlanta, and Birmingham.

In addition to Cincinnati, (8-86) Architects they designed buildings in Dayton (New Miami Hotel, 1916), and Canton (Hotel Onesto, 1925, NR-1982), Ohio. Historic District (1995). Hotel Metropole addition in 1924. NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Hamilton County, Ohio Section 8 The Hotel Metropole meets Criterion A for its early 20t century role in Cincinnati's broad pattern of large-scale the hotel opened, there were nearly seventy lodging facilities in the city, but only fourteen belonged to the Association.

The building was substantial enough within the context of Cincinnati to be included in a 1987 AIA guide, which Beginning with taverns and inns in the early 1800s, American hotels throughout that century were often the site for a citizens of early pioneer settlements. As inns served transient guests from the trail or the canal, they also served as places of assembly for local residents participating in political debates, court room hearings, voting, dancing, and collecting news and mail from distant locations. As settlements expanded into villages and cities, the political and governmental functions of community life were relocated from the inn or hotel into their own dedicated buildings, but the social aspects of a community often continued to be centered in the hotel.

In the book When the Astors Owned New York, the author refers to the writings of an 1860s British novelist, Anthony Trollope, who, "noted that American hotels had a more central and expressive function in community life than in any other country he had visited and were built on a scale that seemed to him 'unnecessarily extravagant.'" (Kaplan, p.90-91) It was Trollope's further observation that it was not uncommon for even the most fledgling of settlements to have a multi-story hotel with the amenities of the day. late 1800s through the 1920s were a lush background for the wealthy that frequented such establishments and increasingly were choosing to live there. This high-class, luxurious setting captured the communal imagination of the non-wealthy.

The desire of the general public to experience the backdrop of luxury in their lives coincided with the rise of the American middle class and sumptuous urban hotels were able to cater to this desire. "The financiers, architects, and decorators of the great fin de siecle hotels had recognized in the American public a taste for luxury and social spectacle and turned this into a need.

Far more than a convenience or commercial venture, the luxury hotel was a visionary attempt to create a world that was materially near-perfect down to its smallest details and workings, flattered the senses, anticipated and satisfied needs, and conferred status on anyone, guest or tourist, who entered its precincts.....Combining the functions of marketplace and town square, the hotel lobby, only recently evolved from barroom and parlor, became one of the theaters of modern life." (Kaplan, p.90) For a few decades in the early 1800s, Cincinnati was a prominent manufacturing center. As the century progressed, cultural cities of Europe instead.

German entertainment establishments in Over-the Rhine and the festive architecture of (8-86) Cincinnati, p.91) Page 6 Historic Context Hotel Metropole By the end of the 19th century, lavish hotels in American cities were a reflection of wealth and social status. One, or described it as"one of Cincinnati's prominent hotels in the early 2o" century."(Architecture & Construction in downtown hotel development. Hotel development was often considered an integral part of a city's image and its commercial health. The Hotel Metropole was a member of the exclusive Cincinnati Hotel Association. In 1913 when community's social and political gatherings. Other than perhaps a church, there were no central meeting places for more, extravagant hotels were essentially a requirement for a city to be considered modern.

The opulent hotels of the many of the city's leaders wished for it to remain that way and tried to emulate the great manufacturing cities of Europe. The 1870s brought a shift in opinion and the city's supporters began to promote the idea of emulating the artistic and NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Hamilton County, Ohio Section 8 Page 7 the hilltop incline resorts were already attracting people to the city, when it was advocated, "that by building additional entertainment and meeting facilities, Cincinnati might become a cultural capital, the 'Paris of America." (Painter, et al, Cincinnati's movement to a cultural center paralleled the palatial luxury hotel trend of the late 1800s.

By the 1870s when civic leaders were campaigning for Cincinnati's transformation to the 'Paris of America,' the city already had a few fine hotels: Broadway, Burnet, Gibson, and St. Nicholas. Between the 1870s and 1900 at least three more were built: Grand, Emery, and Palace. After 1900, the Sinton, a new Gibson, and the Metropole were the next generation of luxury hotel development. The last of the hotels to be constructed during Cincinnati's golden hotel era was the Netherland Plaza Hotel completed in 1930. All were sizeable buildings that could simultaneously host large events, the 1850s). Most were designed by acclaimed Cincinnati or national architects. For decades, dances, grand balls, banquets, and all manner of socially important events were held at the city's hotels.

Reflecting the understanding of a first class hotel as integral to the commercial goals of the city, the various hotels were typically constructed by stock companies or prominent developers in the city. Certainly a successful hotel was an The Hotel Metropole exemplifies this trend with the emphasis on its ornate dining room, unsurpassed service, modern facilities such as private baths and showers, and "best in the west" Turkish bath. Joseph Thoms, Metropole developer, initially conceived a two-story commercial building on his property, but concluded that Cincinnati had a dearth of stag hotels and opted to construct one instead. In addition to its other hotel amenities, the Metropole Hotel quickly became a noteworthy location for holding conferences.

From the time of its opening in 1913 until the 1950s, the hotel was a popular convention headquarters for statewide insurance groups, the Teamsters, the MIT Alumni Association, and education organizations to name a few. Of the historic hotels that were contemporaneous with the Hotel Metropole when it was constructed in 1913 and enlarged in 1924, only three are still extant. The Netherland Plaza Hotel (National Register, 1982), the Palace Hotel, which became the Hotel Cincinnatian (National Register, 1980), and the Vernon Manor (although the Vernon Manor was constructed in the 1920s, it differed in that it was a sprawling hotel in a landscaped suburban setting rather than a downtown high-rise hotel) are the remaining examples from Cincinnati's golden hotel era.

Other National Register listed hotel buildings in Cincinnati include the Auburn Hotel (2003), a small inn type hotel constructed in a residential In general, downtown hotels, in Cincinnati, mimic the city's overall development. The location of hotels historically, were located in the central business district, as that was most expedient to river, stagecoach, and railroad traffic. Additionally, a hotel's centralized location related to its role as a community center. The presence of a fine hotel was, and is, still important to a city, but as the 20th century progressed hotels stopped serving as social and cultural centers for (8-86) communities. As the city grew outward, particularly after the construction of the interstate system in the late 20th p.93) During the waning decades of the 19t century, Cincinnati had evolved into a city for tourists and conventioneers.

house temporary guests, and provide permanent living quarters (a trend that had begun among Cincinnati's well-to-do in and currently, was determined by transportation routes. Naturally, downtown hotels and inns of the early 19th century Hotel Metropole neighborhood in 1884, and the Kellogg House (1979), an 1835 Federal tavern type hotel. NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Hamilton County, Ohio Section 8 Page 8 century, new commercial and business hubs were created away from the downtown. This necessitated the need for nice hotels on the city's edge that could more conveniently accommodate travelers.

As the ranks of the middle-class grew, travel became an affordable activity for more people, and the hotel as a symbol of opulent wealth ceased to be part of the collective imagination, as it had been at the turn-of-the-century. Other than, perhaps, having a restaurant, modern high-end hotels have less emphasis on commercial spaces than they did one elegant hotels of the past, tend to be part of a national or international chain. Chain hotels, while still catering to transient visitors, are more concerned with their specific lodging business, or brand development, and less concerned boutique hotel, which like hotels of the past seek to create an atmosphere that is unique to the hotel. However, they are similar to the chain hotels, in that boutique hotels are not primarily concerned with creating a social space for the Period of Significance The Period of Significance ends with 1946.

This date was chosen for several reasons. First, 1946 was the year that the Hotel Metropole passed out of the Thoms' family ownership. Second, the era of hotels serving as focal points for upscale social gatherings had faded and the Metropole no longer served in that capacity. It continued to be a part of the 1946 the hotel underwent a succession of redecorating and remodeling schemes that gave it a different temperament than what it had had as an early 20th century fine hotel. Fourth, while the Hotel Metropole was considered one of Cincinnati's distinctive hotels into the 1950s, a shift to more commercially oriented hotels took place in 1948 with the construction of the Terrace Plaza Hotel. This International style hotel sat atop a seven-story commercial and office block, reflecting a changing philosophy in the role of a downtown hotel.

The Hotel Metropole is being nominated under Criterion A for its association with the broad pattern of Cincinnati's downtown hotel development. Large-scale, ornate hotels were often considered an integral part of a city's image and a reflection of its sophistication. Constructed in 1912 and enlarged in 1924, the Hotel Metropole illustrates this trend, as it hotel expansion in Cincinnati's business district. Its ornate dining room, attentive service, modern facilities such as private baths and showers, and much touted Turkish bath, placed the hotel squarely within the context of Cincinnati's other contemporaneous hotels, during the early 1900s. Summary (8-86) hundred years ago.New hotels constructed since the late 2o" century, that would be comparable to the expensive Hotel Metropole community at large.

with mixed uses that will appeal to the residents of the community.An exception, to the chain hotel, is the contemporary community with public restaurants and nightclubs, and several trade unions, clubs, and organizations made their headquarters there, but that was a decidedly different role than what luxurious hotels had played in the past. Third, after played out in Cincinnati during the early 20th century. The Hotel Metropole was constructed during the peak of high-end NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Hamilton County, Ohio Section 9 Architecture and Construction in Cincinnati: a guide to buildings, designers, and builders, Architectural Foundation of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, 1987. Chambrun, Clara Longworth.

Cincinnati: Story of the Queen City, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York & London, 1939. Cincinnati Atlas, 1922. Cincinnati City Directory: 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1924, 1925, 1927/28, 1929/30, 1933/34, 1938, 1940, 1942, 1945, 1947, 1949, 1951, 1956, 1958. "Columbus Group Seeking to Buy Hotel Metropole," Post Times-Star, 06/05/1942. "First Step Taken to Acquire Hotel," Cincinnati Times Star, 02/26/1946. Goss, Rev. Charles Frederic. Cincinnati-The Queen City: 1788-1912, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., Cincinnati & Chicago, Green, Marilyn and Michael Bennett. Cincinnati: A Pictorial History, The Donning Company Publishers, Norfolk/Virginia Beach, 1986. "Half of Cincinnati Greets New Year with Scenes of Revelry," Cincinnati Times Star, 01/01/1913. Harlow, Alvin F. The Serene Cincinnatians, E.P. Dutton and Company, Inc., New York, 1950. Hirti, Leo.

"Who's Who Is New Game at Hotel," Post, 09/26/1950. "Hotel Metropole on Walnut," Cincinnati Enquirer, 05/17/1912. "Hotel Metropole Opened in 1912," Post Times Star, 1986. "Hotel to Change Hands at Midnight," Post Times Star, 03/26/1946. (8-86) 1912. Bibliography "George Martin, Hotel Dir., Dies at Age of 59," Cincinnati Times Star, 04/08/1929. Hotel Metropole Hill,Stacy I.A History of the Inns and Hotels of Cincinnati,1793-1922,Webb-Biddle Co.,1922. Page 1 NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Hamilton County, Ohio Section 9 Kaplan, Justin. When the Astors Owned New York: Blue Bloods and Grand Hotels in a Gilded Age, Penguin Group, New York, 2006. Klein, Benjamin F., Editor. Cincinnati Souvenir, Young & Klein, Inc., Cincinnati, 1958. Leonard, Lewis A.

Greater Cincinnati and Its People: A History, Lewis Historical Publishing Company, Inc., Cincinnati, 1927. "Lerman's to Move off Seventh Street to Hotel Metropole," Cincinnati Enquirer, 02/13/1957. "Metropole in Hands of Receivers-Must Close Unless Suitable Offer is Received," Cincinnati Times Star, 12/09/1914. Memoirs of the Miami Valley, Robert O. Law Co., Chicago, 1920. "Metropole Remodeling Begins," Cincinnati Enquirer, 10/15/1971. "Metropole Sold for $1,000,000," Cincinnati Post, 03/11/1946. Miller, Zane L. Boss Cox's Cincinnati: Urban Politics in the Progressive Era, Oxford University Press, New York, The Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church: 1868-1943, Cincinnati, 1943. National Register Nominations, Ohio Historic Preservation Office: Palace Hotel, Stephen C. Gordon, 1980. Carew Tower, Fred Mitchell, 1982. Race Street Historic District, Beth Sullebarger, 1995.

Glencoe Rowhouses and Auburn Hotel, Thomas Hefley, 2003. "Ownership of Hotel Changes," Cincinnati Times Star, 06/26/1947. Painter, Sue Ann, et al. Architecture in Cincinnati, Ohio University Press, Athens, Ohio, 2006. Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps: 1904-1930, 1934-1961. Ramey, Jack. "Soft Drink Nightclub," Cincinnati Enquirer, 01/17/1953. 1968. (8-86) "Metropole Sale Near Completion," Post Times Star, 03/25/1946. Hotel Metropole "Metropole is Getting $150,000New Look',"Cincinnati Post Times Star, 06/30/1960. Page 2 NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Hamilton County, Ohio Section 9 Page 3 Silberstein, Iola Hessler. Cincinnati Then and Now, The League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area, Cincinnati, Sullivan, Joseph.

"Civic and Private Enterprise Contributed to City's Advance," Cincinnati Times Star, 01/01/1913. "Syndicate Buys Hotel Metropole for $1,000,000," Cincinnati Times Star, 06/11/1947. "The New Hotel Metropole, Walnut, Near Sixth Street, Cincinnati's Latest Fireproof Structure,"Cincinnati Enquirer, Vorys, Arthur I. State Insurance: An Address Delivered at the Banquet of the Insurance Federation of Ohio, Metropole Hotel, Cincinnati, Ferbruary 26, 1914, Unknown publisher, 1914. Wade, Richard C. The Urban Frontier: The Rise of Western Cities, 1790-1830, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, "Warm Welcome Awaiting 1913 in Cincinnati," Cincinnati Times Star, 12/31/1912. Architectural drawings by Perfido, Weiskopf, Wagstaff & Goettel, Pittsburgh, PA, 2008. (8-86) 03/13/1913. 1982.

www.books.google.com www.cincinnatimemory.org http://www.ohiohistory.org/resource/histpres/toolbox/nr/ Hotel Metropole Additional Resources "What $500,000 Can Do,"Cincinnati Post & Times-Star, 11/19/1965. Newspaper Clippings on Cincinnati compiled by the Reference Dept. Public Library of Cincinnati, v.57. 1959. USDI/NPS Registration Form Page 4 Hamilton County, Ohio 10. Geographical Data Acreage of Property_Less than one acre 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 _ Nathalie Wright date December 2008 street & number P.O.

Box 10582 telephone 614-299-2226 city or town - - state_OH zip code 43201 Additional Documentation Submit the following items with the completed form: Continuation Sheets A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location. A sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. Representative black and white photographs of the property. Additional items (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items) Showe Management _ telephone _ eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.). A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number.

Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and Places, 1849 "C" Street NW, Washington, DC 20240. Northing Columbus Photographs Hotel Metropole Cincinnati Zone Easting Property Owner See continuation sheet. UTM References(Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) (Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.) organization_Historic Preservation Consultant street & number60g Walnut St., Suite 240 maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to Keeper, National Register of Historic name Zone Easting Northing NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Section 10 Page 1 Verbal Boundary Description The nominated property includes Parcel ID # 077-0002-0152-00 as defined by the Hamilton County Auditor. Verbal Boundary Justification The nominated boundary includes the property historically associated with the Hotel Metropole. (8-86) Hotel Metropole Hamilton County, Ohio NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET Hamilton County, Ohio Page 1 Photographer: Judy Williams & Nathalie Wright July 21, August 27, and September 25, 2008 1. General streetscape view, looking south from across Walnut Street 2. Façade, looking southwest 4. Façade, storefront detail, looking south 5.

Façade, northern storefront detail 6. Façade, cornice detail 7. Gano Street elevation, looking west 8. Gano Street and west elevations, looking east 9. West elevation, ghost sign detail 10. Light court from roof top, looking northwest 11. 1912 elevator shaft and 1924 penthouse 12. Lobby looking toward entrance 13. Lobby, spiral stairs 14. Lobby, looking west 15. Lounge 16. 1912 restaurant space 17. 1912 restaurant space, ceiling detail 18. 1924 storefront space 19. 1924 storefront space, current restaurant business 20. Kitchen 21. Mezzanine landing 22. Mezzanine ceiling detail, mechanical room 23. Mezzanine looking from the ballroom to the corridor 24. Mezzanine, management office 25. Mezzanine, stair landing 26. Ballroom, looking north 28. Ballroom, ceiling detail 29. Second floor corridor 30. Typical apartment, 10t floor 31. Basement lobby 32. Basement, Subway Bar 33.

Original 1912 entrance to the basement (8-86) Date: Section Photographs Hotel Metropole P.O. Box 10582, Columbus, OH 43201 Negatives: Attachment A - Sanborn Maps Hotel Metropole, Hamilton Co., OH 1904-1930 1934--1961 BUILT ONLY SPR A-TEN STORY- -1084 7 Attachment B - 1924 Architect's Elevation Hotel Metropole, Hamilton Co., OH - TO THE- HLSTEVENSO Attachment C - Historic Photos Hotel Metropole, Hamilton Co., OH illustrations typically depict the building as having a two-tone appearance implying the use of stone detailing rather than terra cotta.

March 13, 1913 - Cincinnati Enquirer NOTE:Although the building is nearly monochromatic in appearance due to the use of similar colored brick and terra cotta detailing, most of the historic Attachment C - Historic Photos Hotel Metropole, Hamilton Co., OH HOTEL METROPOLE c.1913 photo (Greater Cincinnati Memory Project- online photo collection) Attachment C - Historic Photos Hotel Metropole, Hamilton Co., OH c.1913 postcard (Greater Cincinnati Memory Project-online photo collection) New Metropole Hotel. Cincinnati, Ohio.

Attachment C - Historic Photos Hotel Metropole, Hamilton Co., OH Cincinnati "The Queen City" (Newspaper Reference Book), 1914 Attachment C - Historic Photos Hotel Metropole, Hamilton Co., OH CINCINNATI, OHIO 400 ROOMS of Cincinnatians for c.1950 Postcard HOTEL METROPOLE Excellent Food and Drinks Robert A Jenkins General Manager Still The First Choice POST CARD Attachment C - Historic Photos Hotel Metropole, Hamilton Co., OH Modern Facilities - bur In the Heart of Cincinnati Heudquarters of the Eiks B.P.O.E. No.

5 From 1949 and 1951 City Directories Lounge Cocktail Ballroom Private Dining Room 400 Facilities Excellent ROOMS Beautiful Coffee Shop Old Fashioned Hospitality Grill Rates from $2.50 Daily Rooms with bath from $4:50 Had Metropole Garage Phone PArkway 5100 A-102 METROPOLE HAMILTON CO.OH BASEMENT FLOOR PLAN BUILDING HOTEL METROPOLE CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ART FIRST FLOOR PLAN NICHOLSON'S ON GANO A-103 METROPOLE BUILDING GANO ALLEY HAMILTONI CO., OH 412.30:1697 *X NALNUT STREET BUIL DING A-104 METROPOLE WAGSTAFEH HOTEL METROPOLE HAMILTON CO., ON SECOND FLOOR PLAN A-105 METROPOLE BUILDING HOTEZ METROPOLE BUILDING A-106 METROPOLE THIRD FLOOR PLAN HAmILTON CO, OH HAMILTON CO, OH A-107 BUILDING METROPOLE FOURTH THRU TENTH FLOOR A-108 BUILDING METROPOLE PENTHOUSE PLAN HAMILTON CO, ON 1924 ADDITION SUBBASEMENT FLOOR PLAN 1/32" = 1'-0" HOTEL METROPOLE 609 WALNUT STREET PITTSBURGH, PA 15219-1301 CITY OF CINCINNATI WAGSTAFF + HAMILTON COUNTY, OH PWWG PROJECT NO.

20804.01 DECEMBER 2008 PERFIDO A-101e GOETTEL WEISKOPF WWW.PWWGARCH.COM 412.391.2884 PH 412.391.1657 FX BOILER ROOM 408 BOULEVARD OF THE ALLIES 1924 ADDITION BASEMENT FLOOR PLAN 1/32" = 1'-0" HOTEL METROPOLE 609 WALNUT STREET CITY OF CINCINNATI HAMILTON COUNTY, OH WAGSTAFF + 412 391.1657 FX PWWG PROJECT NO. 20804.01 DECEMBER 2008 PERFIDO A-102e WEISKOPF WWW.PWWGARCH.COM TRANSFORMER PITTSBURGH, PA 15219-1301 412.391.2884 PH © COPYRIGHT PERFIDO WEISKOPF WAGSTAFF + GOCTTEL 2008 LOBBY BAR GOETTEL ELEVATOR DOUBLE HEIGHT WALNUT STREET 1924 ADDITION FIRST FLOOR PLAN 1/32" = 1'-0" HOTEL METROPOLE 408 BOULEVARD OF THE ALLIES PITTSBURGH, PA 15219.1301 CITY OF CINCINNATI HAMILTON COUNTY, OH WAGSTAFF + PWWG PROJECT NO.

20804.01 DECEMBER 2008 RESTAURANT PERFIDO A-103e 412.391.2884 PH WWW.PWWGARCH.COM 412.391.1657 FX GOETTEL WEISKOPF NICHOLSON'S ON GANO CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ART C COPYRIGHT PERFIDO WEISKOPF WAGSTAFF + GOETTEL 2008 GANO ALLEY 1924 ADDITION MEZZANINE FLOOR PLAN 1/32" = 1'-0" HOTEL METROPOLE 408 BOULEVARD OF THE ALLIES 609 WALNUT STREET PITTSBURGH, PA 15219-1301 CITY OF CINCINNATI WAGSTAFF + HAMILTON COUNTY, OH PWWG PROJECT NO. 20804.01 DECEMBER 2008 A-104e GOETTEL PERFIDO WEISKOPF WWW.PWWGARCH.COM COPYRIGHT PERFIDO WEISKOPF WAGSTAFF + GOETTEL 2008 ROOF MEZZANINE 412.391.1657 FX 412.391.2884 PH 1924 ADDITION SECOND FLOOR PLAN 1/32" = 1'-0" HOTEL METROPOLE 408 BOULEVARD OF THE ALLIES 609 WALNUT STREET CITY OF CINCINNATI HAMILTON COUNTY OH WAGSTAFF + PWWG PROJECT NO.

20804.01 DECEMBER 2008 A-105e ROOF GOETTEL MEZZANINE WEISKOPF PERFIDO LIGHT COURT 412.391.1657 FX PITTSBURGH, PA 15219-1301 412 3912884 pH C COPYRIGHT PERFIDO WEISKOPF WAGSTAFF + GOETTEL 2009 WWW.PWWGARCH.COM MEZZANINE ROOF 1924 ADDITION THIRD FLOOR PLAN 1/32" = 1-0" HOTEL METROPOLE 408 BOULEVARD OF THE ALLIES 609 WALNUT STREET PITTSBURGH, PA 15219-1301 CITY OF CINCINNATI 412.391.2884 PH HAMILTON COUNTY, OH WAGSTAFF + PWWG PROJECT NO. 20804.01 C COPYRIGHT PERFIDO WEISKOPF WAGSTAFF + GOETTEL 2008 DECEMBER 2008 ROOF 2ND A-106e GOETTEL WEISKOPF PERFIDO ELEVATOR LOBBY 2ND FLOOR ROOF COURT 412.391.1657 FX ELOOR MEZZANINE ROOF 2ND FLOOR ROOF 1924 ADDITION FOURTH THRU TENTH FLOOR PLAN 1/32" = 1'-0" HOTEL METROPOLE 408 BOULEVARD OF THE ALLIES 609 WALNUT STREET PITTSBURGH, PA 15219.1301 CITY OF CINCINNATI HAMILTON COUNTY, OH WAGSTAFF + PWWG PROJECT NO.

20804.01 DECEMBER 2008 2ND A-107e PERFIDO GOETTEL WEISKOPF 412.391.2884 PH WWW.PWWGARCH.COM ELEVATOR LOBBY © COPYRIGHT PERFIDO WEISKOPF WAGSTAFF + GOETTEL 2008 ROOF 412.391.1657 FX ELOOR 10TH FLOOR ROOF MEZZANINE ROOF 1924 ADDITION PENTHOUSE PLAN 1/32" = 1'-0" HOTEL METROPOLE 609 WALNUT STREET CITY OF CINCINNATI 412.391.2884 PH HAMILTON COUNTY, OH WAGSTAFF + PWWG PROJECT NO. 20804.01 DECEMBER 2008 A-108e ROOF FIRST ELEVATOR WEISKOPF PERFIDO 2NDF 412.391.1657 FX FLOOR 2ND FLOOR ROOF EQUIP ROOM 408 BOULEVARD OF THE ALLIES PITISBURGH, PA 15219.1301 GOETTEL WWW.PWWGARCH.COM 10TH FLOOR ROOF ROOF OVER EQUIP. ROOM 1924 ADDITION 1/32" = 1'-0" HOTEL METROPOLE 609 WALNUT STREET PITTSBURGH PA 15219.1301 CITY OF CINCINNATI HAMILTON COUNTY, OH WAGSTAFF + 412 301.1657 FX DECEMBER 2008 GOETTEL PERFIDO FIRST WEISKOPF PASSENGER A-109e PWWG PROJECT NO.

20804.01 408 BOULEVARD OF THE ALLIES ELEVATOR WWW.PWWGARCH.COM UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET NAME : DATE OF 16TH DAY: N PERIOD: N PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: COMMENT WAIVER: N V ACCEPT ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS: TELEPHONE MULTIPLE RETURN 6/10/09 DISCIPLINE DATE 5/07/09 REVIEWER 6/20/09 OTHER: Entered in RECOM./CRITERIA PDIL: Historic Places DATE RECEIVED: If a nomination is returned to the nominating authority, the The National Register REASONS FOR REVIEW: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N DATE OF 45TH DAY: STATE & COUNTY: OHIO, Hamilton REQUEST: N PROPERTY Hotel Metropole SAMPLE: 1. HOTEL METROPOLE, HAMILTON Co., OH 2. HOTEL METROPOLE HAMILTON CO., OH 3. HOTEL METROPOLE, HAMILTON CO., OH TROPOLE SUBWA 4. HOTEL METROPOLE, HAMILTON CO.,OH 5.

HOTEZ METROPOLE, HAMILTON Co., OH 6. HOTEZ METROPOLE, HAMILTON CO., OH 7. HOTEz METROPOLE, HAMILTON CO., OM 8. HOTEL METROPOLE, HAMILTON CO, OM 12. HOTEZ METROPOLE, HAMILTON CO., OM 13. HOTEL METROPOLE, HAMILTON CO. OH 18. HOTEZ METROPOLE HAMILTON CO. OM 19. HOTEZ METROPOLE, HAMILTON CO. OH 22. HOTEZ METROPOLE HAMILTON CO. OH 23. HOTEZ METROPOLE HAMILTON CO., OH 24. HOTEZ METROPOLE, HAMILTON Ca, OM 26. HOTEZ METROPOLE HAMILTON CO., OH 27. HOTEZ METROPOLE, HAMILTON CO., OH 28. HOTEZ METROPOLE, HAMILTON CO. ON 30.HOTEL METROPOLE, HAMILTON CO., ON 6am- 9pm SUBWAY HAPPY HOUR OPEN UNTIL 2:10AM DOWNTOWN'S LONGLST - 225 33. HOTEZ METROPOLE HAMILTON CO. OH COVINGTON QUADRANGLE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR GEOLOGICAL SURVEY UNITED STATES COVINGTON, KY.-OHIO 7.5 MINUTE SERIES (TOPOGRAPHIC) STATE OF KENTUCKY KENTUCKY GEOLOGICAL SURVEY KENTUCKY-OHIO RECEIVED 2280 MAY 07 2009 NAT.

REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES National Park Service 2280 May 4, 2009 Ms. Jan Matthews, Associate Director and Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places 1201 "T" (Eye) Street, NW Washington DC 20005 Dear Ms. Matthews: notification procedures have been followed for these new submissions. NEW NOMINATION Born Capital Brewery Bottling Works If you have questions or comments about these documents, please contact the National Register staff in the Ohio Historic Preservation Office at (614) 298-2000. Dr. William K. Laidlaw, Jr.

State Historic Preservation Officer Ohio Historic Preservation Office 1982 Velma Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211-2497 ph: 614.298.2000 fx: 614.298.2037 COUNTY Enclosures Lawrence Hamilton www.ohiohistory.org Sincerely, Franklin National Register OHIO OHIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY Selby Shoe Company Building Hotel Metropole Enclosed please find three (3) new National Register nominations for Ohio.All appropriate HISTORY