Form Prepared By city or town The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: _ national X local Keeper of the National Register code 44221 county 0.4132 L.24000 date Easting Zone Northing state Akron-west Records. Ohio Quadrangle name UMT References Quadrangle scale Cuyahoga Falls Verbal boundary description and justification 10. Geographical Data State Historic Preservation Officer signature 9. Major Bibliographical References 12.
State Historic Preservation Officer Certification List all states and counties for properties overiapping state or county boundaries ACREAGE NOT VERIFIED UTM NOT VERIFIED For HCRS use only Chief of Registration [1,7] L4|5,6/5,8,0 665), I hereby nominate this property for inclusion in the National Register and certify that it has been evaluated according to the criteria and procedures set forth by the Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service. 1 hereby certify that this property is included in the National Register 216-928-9048 telephone name/title Much of the original blue-prints for the original building and for the addition are in Working Number 6,5,80,1505 Photos Inventory - Re-submit .
CONTROL HAER KEEPER ARCHEOLOGIST Entered Send-back Maps Property Review National Register Write-up BRANCH CHIEF United States Department of the Interior -Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service Federal Register Entry State ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIAN TECHNICAL Geographical Data -- Acreage: UTM Reference(s) : Verbal Boundary Description: tions concerning this nomination may be directed to k you for your attention to the above items. f, Branch of Registration Description: SUBMITTED.
Certification: Date: Statement of Significance: Map Coverage: Photographic Coverage: THE he National Register staff, telephone ttached National Register Inventory-Nomination form is being returned to your office for The Portage Hotel, Akron, OH The Portage Hotel is an attractive, if fairly typical, example of an early 20th century downtown commercial building, and is the only example of Georgian few alterations. existing hotels were considered "shabby and inadequate" for "The City of hotel, praising it as a source of civic as well as business pride which would attract conventions and additional businesses to Akron, convince transients to stay longer, and increase summer trade. It was the city's premier hotel until There have been extensive streetlevel alterations, and therefore the hotel no longer retains integrity of design.
In fact, this building retains Its integrity of setting has been destroyed by modern development. historic photos show the hotel to have been surrounded by an urban en- vironment of low-scale buildings, which is still the case. The hotel is an té other resources in Akron that. are either listed or eligibel for listing in "uniforrly high quality" heretofore identified with National Register properties. Moreover, a survey conducted for the city, which iden[tified several hundred.: older of national, state, and local significance if they meet the established criteria. Properties should be compared with other similar resources in the area, and not as not eligible that appeared to meet NR criteria. age.
Revival architecture in downtown Akron.The exterior has suffered unusually buildings, listed this as not eligible for the National every- The hotel has been nominated only for its architectural merits and there important remnant of an area which was once a prime business district. thing in the National Register is of equal quality;the Register lists resources The major objections to National Register listing are as follows: everything over 50 years old with integrity meets the criteria. This building, that the Portage meets criterion A as well as C.The success of the rubber Summit Co. Bell Growenn 20th centuries, resulting in rapid growth for the city.
By 1910, Akron's Opportunity," and the Portage was built by civic and business leaders as a booster a fairly high degree of integrity for a downtown commercial building of its The building is merely a local landmark which is in no way comparable information supplied by the state and the ncmination's opponengts indicates the National Register.Listing this marginal building will undermine the industry caused a major economic boom in Akron in the late 19th and early OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 8-86) SEP 6 1988 and areas of significance, enter only the categories and subcategories listed in the instructions. For additional space use continuation sheets (Form 10-900a). Type all entries. 1. Name of Property 2. Location street & number not for publication city, town Lvicinity code OH zip code 44308 3.
Classification Ownership of Property Category of Property X private X building(s) Name of related multiple property listing: 4. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, I hereby certify that this National Register of Historic Places and meets the proeeducal and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. State or Federal agency and bureau 5. National Park Service Certification 1, hereby, certify that this property is: V entered in the National Register. determined eligible for the National Register. See continuation sheet. determined not eligible for the other, (explain:) Noncontributing county Summit structure REGISTER Akron site object Total public-State NATIONAL Date district public-Federal public-local Portage Hotel National Register.
RECEIVED state Ohio Registration Form historic name See continuation sheet. Number of contributing resources previously National Park Service National Register of Historic Places removed from the National Register. Date of Action Signature of certifying official United States Department of the Interior 10 North Main Street This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations of eligibility for individual properties or districts.See instructions in Guidelines Number of Resources within Property other names/site number Signature of the Keeper Signature of commenting or other official listed in the National Register NPS Form 10-900 Snomination Jrequest for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the does not meet the National Register criteria. for Completing National Register Forms National Register Bulletin 16).
Complete each item by marking"x"in the appropriate box or by entering 6. Function or Use 7. Description foundation - walls . Limestone Describe present and historic physical appearance. Designed in 1911 by the Buffalo, New York firm of Esenwein & Johnson, the rectangular, windows are round-arched, with a double row of brick headers punctuated with limestone and eight have taller flat arches with limestone voussoirs and central keystones.
A11 While the south elevation repeats the facade ornament, the north elevation is unadorned; X See continuation sheet concrete roof The asphalt brick Architectural Classification DOMESTIC/Hotel Georgian Revival windows are arranged symmetrically with paired windows in the center and single windows on articulated by a series of round-arched storefront windows and entrances which combine to eight story flat roofed building dominates the important intersection of Market and South forming diamond patterns between single windows and window pairs. A projecting limestone The building's tripartite arrangement begins with a smooth limestone first floor base (enter categories from instructions) VACANT/Not in Use smooth, white quoins.The center entry bay projects slightly with massive metal supports Historic Functions (enter categories from instructions) escape occupies the second right bay.
Remnants of painted advertisement for the hotel windows have limestone sills. for the once canopied central entrance. Above the first floor, the 1/1 double hung sash Current Functions (enter categories from instructions) above windows and no projecting beltcourse or cornice at the top two floors.A fire limestone lintels also with keystones in the center and on ends;windows on floors seven a new painted advertisement occupies 2/3of the seventh and eighth floor space.The limestone pilasters finished with Ionic capitals to form eleven sections.Second floor Materials (enter categories from instructions) facade and south elevation design wraps nearly half way around the west (rear)elevation remain at the cornice level reading "Cocktail Bar PORTAGE HOTEL Excellent Food." with paired 1/1,two single 1/1,and a single 1/1 flanked by two narrow 1/1 windows under Main Streets.
Dark red, Flemish bond brick with limestone trim covers structural steel middle section. The top of this section is punctuated with brickwork and limestone tiles The facade is also a three part composition horizontally, with each section articulated by to the 1926 addition, but the ornament is more subtle with only simple limestone lintels and reinforced concrete construction. The Hotel Portage stands as the only Georgian Revival building in downtown Akron. beltcourse separates the middle and top sections.The two floor top section is distinguished by limestone Ionic pilasters between windows or window pairs (facade and keystones framing the blind (limestone) arch.Windows on floors three through six feature either side.The bays on either side of the center section reverse the window patterns dart molding and dentils. NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No.
1024-0018 National Park Service The Portage Hotel, Summit County, Ohio columns dominate the central grand lobby. Retail space occupied the areas south of the 1obby and a ballroom filled the northwest corner of the first floor. Originally a bar operated in the northeast corner, remodeled into the Rubber Room in 1933, and remade into of gypsum tile, the reinforced concrete brick-faced Portage was among the earlier Akron the ballroom in the northwest corner, the addition is only visible from the back of the Continuation Sheet have been razed, giving the hotel added prominence on the Akron skyline. National Register of Historic Places SEP6 1988 a coffee shop in 1963. The guest rooms on the floors above form a horseshoe around a the addition),enclosing the light court to expand the number of rooms.Built on top of previous hotels:The Ohio Exchange and The Empire Hotel.
designed an addition (Noah and Frank, Associated Architects were the local associates for United States Department of the Interior center light court. building. More recently, the first floor windows, still intact, have been covered and the Section number 7 Page 2 (8-86) light fixtures between the arches were removed.Adjoining buildings on Main Street still Seating capacities ranged from 275 in the examples of buildings classified as"fire-proof."The Portage occupies the site of two remaining 1oo having hot and cold water. 8. Statement of Significance Period of Significance Other: Labor Movement June 11, 1912 Sept. 13, 1936 The Portage Hotel, serving as the premier hotel for Akron during the rubber boom of the Rubber made Akron, and rubber created the Portage Hotel and helped it prosper. By 1910, major social, industrial, and political events until the Art Deco Mayflower Hotel, 259 S.
Main St. at the corner of State, opened in 1931. labor struggles in the 1930's, the Portage Hotel was known as the "labor hotel." The planning, where deals were struck for the union men." The Rubber Room embodied the spirit of Akron, fitted with rubber flooring, rubber tables, rubber booths, and rubber tractor the rubber industry from rubber plantations to cars with rubber tires.
In all, four tons X See continuation sheet 1912-1937 Architecture SEP61988 Architect/Builder Significant Person remodeled bar, titled the Rubber Room, served informally as the clearinghouse for strategy tires for chandeliers.The rubber walls were covered with rubber mosaic murals depicting attracting Akron's most prominent citizens.It served as the city's premier hotel hosting Areas of Significance (enter categories from instructions) convention of rubber workers, the American Federation of Labor reluctantly gave them their The prolonged hearings investigating the causes of the strike were headed by Senator Significant Dates host salesmen and executives traveling to town.A group of prominent businessmen, room itself still exists within the plan of the hotel. Of greatest significance is the hotel's role in the labor relations with rubber workers.
city's only example of the style in commercial architecture. including three rubber company executives, formed a corporation to finance the Portage Cultural Affiliation Applicable National Register Criteria As early as 1913,the hotel hosted the Ohio State Senate hearings on the International In 1935,the "council of unions" met in the Portage Hotel to begin the process of creating locally Certifying official has considered the significance of this property in relation to other properties: Criteria Considerations (Exceptions) State significance of property, and justify criteria, criteria considerations, and areas and periods of significance noted above.
significant as a fine example of Georgian Revival architecture in Akron, representing the first third of the twentieth century, is significant as a key site in the formation and Akron boomed because of the rubber industry, but the city was without a decent hotel to William Green, who would become a national labor leader. During the tumultuous rubber statewide nationally development of the United Rubber Workers of America.The Hotel is additionally of rubber were used.The room was dismantled in 1963 and replaced by a coffee shop.The Workers of the World (I.W.W.) strike of rubber factories in the late winter of that year. 9. Major Bibliographical References Akron Beacon Journal, 1911-1935. Masters Thesis, Kent State University, 1986. Development, 1978.
Previous documentation on file (NPS): N/A preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) X State historic preservation office previously determined eligible by the National Register Survey # Record # 10. Geographical Data 11. Form Prepared By organization - June 22, 1988 street & number 1359 Delia Avenue city or town _ state Ohio _ zip code 44320 Northing Easting date Akron Zone Local government UTM References See continuation sheet The boundary includes the city lots historically associated with the property.
Verbal Boundary Description has been requested previously listed in the National Register Urban Design Incorporated for the City of Akron Department of Planning and Urban Other State agency Other designated a National Historic Landmark recorded by Historic American Engineering recorded by Historic American Buildings Federal agency name/title 0.4132 acres The University of Akron Archival Services Acreage of property Kris Runberg Smith, consultant Boundary Justification University Specify repository: Primary location of additional data: New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1988. The Portage Hotel covers lots 3, 4, 5, and 6 in Block 2 in the Town Plat of Akron. _telephone(216) 867-8074 OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 SEP 6 1988 The Portage Hotel, Summit County, Ohio own charter.
On September 13, 1936, in the Portage Hotel ballroom, William Green, who had up rooms in the Portage Hotel, while Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company officials occupied entrance central section, Flemish bond brick facing with limestone details, and large, details include limestone quoins, limestone Ionic pilasters, and a large metal cornice associations with McKim, Mead and White, a firm prominent in the popularization of the style. Continuation Sheet National Park Service architecture and the only one to be found in Akron.The building features such Georgian National Register of Historic Places in the smoked-filled rooms at the Portage where deals were hammered out. United States Department of the Interior suites at the more elegant Mayflower Hotel.Local and national labor leaders such as John NPS Form 10-000-a fledgling URWA.
During the tense negotiations through January and February, the union set Revival elements as a rectangular plan, a symmetrical facade with slightly projecting Section number 8 Page - Johnson, were prolific at the turn of the century in Buffalo, New York. Their choice of multi-paned round-arched windows creating an arcade-like effect.The Georgian Revival Georgian Revival for the Portage is not surprising given James Johnson's prior Finally, the Portage Hotel is an attractive example of commercial Georgian Revival featuring dentils and egg and dart molding.The building's architects, Esenwein and become the president of the A.F.of L., presented the charter creating the United Rubber L.Lewis Hapgood Rose Pesotta met with company officials OMB Approval No.
1024-0018 Portage Hotel, Akron, Summit Co., OH PHOTOGRAPH LABEL INFORMATION 1 Portage Hotel Akron, OH 44308 Photographer: Kris Runberg Smith Detail of lobby window SEP61988 Continuation Sheet National Register of Historic Places Negatives on file at University of Akron Archives Rear and South Facade looking East National Park Service Front Facade looking West 12 photographs Front and north Facade looking South Detail of center projecting bay cornice Detail of porte cochere and second floor windows Rear looking East up Market Street Detail of limestone tile work and center bay quoins Detail of second floor windows Front and South Facade looking North June 1988 10 North Main Street United States Department of the Interior Detail of lobby Page Section number photos (8-06) PORTAGE HOTEL/facade and south elevation/c.
1915/Akron, Summit Co., Ohio SEP 6 1988 WASO Form - 177 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ("R" June 1984) NATIONAL PARK SERVICE EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET Fed. Reg. Date: Date Due: _ nomination by person or local government Federal Agency: . L sample Lrequest -appeal Reviewer - - _see continuation sheet Nomination returned for: . _ technical corrections cited below 1. Name 2. Location 3. Classification 4. Owner of Property 5. Location of Legal Description 6. Representation in Existing Surveys Has this property been determined eligible? 7.
Description -excellent - unaltered - original site J moved - fair summary paragraph Accessible yes dates Category ruins RESUBMISSION completeness REJECT Condition Ownership Status deteriorated alterations/integrity RETURN unexposed Substantive Review Summit County Action: Portage Hotel boundary selection clarity Public Acquisition owner objection NR decision substantive reasons discussed below Present Use Reviewer's comments: Working No. good Describe the present and original (if known)physical appearance NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES Check one ACCEPT 16-17-88 Discipline_ Historiae 8. Significance relating significance to the resource relationship of integrity to significance Other 9. Major Bibliographical References 10. Geographical Data Acreage of nominated property 11.
Form Prepared By _national State Historic Preservation Officer signature Questions concerning this nomination may.be directed to - Date Builder/Architect context state Signed Period clarity Maps title completeness justification of exception Quadrangle name Photographs applicable criteria UTM References justification of areas checked The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: 12. State Historic Preservation Officer Certification Verbal boundary description and justification Comments for any item may be continued on an attached sheet Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) Areas of Significance-Check and justify below Specific dates J summary paragraph - Phone: _ GPO 918-450 _local PORTAGE HOTEL PORTAGE HOTEL 2. PARKING PEPSI ANY TIME ACADEMY PORTAGE NOTEI PORTAGE HOTEA AKRON. SUMNIT CO.-OM PEPSI PORTAGE HOTEL 5. AKPON, SUNIT CO. ,OH PORTAGE HOTEI AKRON.
SUMMITCO - OH PORTAGE HOTET AKRON - SUMMIT CO. OH PORTAGE HOTEI AFRON. SUMMIT CO..OH PORTAGE HOTEL AKRON- SUMMIT CO.. OH Akron, Summit Co.OH portage hatel 6.5 MINUTE SERIES (TOPOGRAPHIC 1967 AKRON WEST QUADRANGLE AKRON WEST, OHIO DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR OHIO-SUMMIT CO N4100 - W8130/7.5 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY UNITED STATES Revised in cooperation with State of Ohio Agencies 17454G80/4548130 COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215 AKRON, OHIO (216) 867-4967 May 27, 1980 Ms. Carol Shull Dept. of the Interior Washington, D.C. 20243 Dear Ms. Shull: ment in the National Register of Historic Places, and I write to There had been some controversy regarding the nomination, as feelings, and support its placement. CC: Irvin Apelbaum 43215 W434 COMMITTEES: FINANCE-APPROPRIATIONS HUMAN RESOURCES CHAIRMAN PETE CROSSLAND Thank you for your consideration.
HUMAN RESOURCES SECTION PC/tae OHIO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the city had proposed other plans for the area in which the hotel however, convinced those involved that the building warrants a place Columbus urge your support. I am aware of the nomination of the Portage Hotel for place- Photographs revealing the original beauty of the hotel SUMMIT COUNTY (PART) in the National Register.Iam hopeful that you will share their 42ND HOUSE DISTRICT WAYS & MEANS is located. MAY 3 0 1980 TELEPHUNE CALL (ATTACHED) INITIALS THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES DATE REC'D DATE ACTION TAKEN INDS DUAL RESPONSE (ATTACHED) Ohio Historical Center 1-71& 17th Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43211 (614) 466-1500 May 28, 1980 Ms. Carol Shull, Acting Keeper JUN 5 Washington, D. C. 20243 Dear Ms.
Shull: Garver Barn, Butler County Glen Ellen, Butler County Hidlay Cottage, Butler County One letter from owner Rosedale Cottage, Crawford County Root & McBride-Bradley Building, Cuyahoga Co. One letter from owner, and infor- Hollencamp House, Greene County Water Street Historic District, Greene Co.
Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, Hamilton County Vaughn, Daniel, Homestead, Mahoning County Monroe County Courthouse, Monroe County Newcom House, Montgomery County Two letters from a descendant of a historic owner, three letters from the regional officer, and a xerox W434 Enclosures 1980 Name REGISTER NATIONAL Ohio Historic Preservation Office Regular Submissions Department of the Interior One brochure on the district mation sheet from regional officer National Register of Historic Places several patent records notification procedures as finally published have been followed and all One letter from the owner and a list of the nominations with additional enclosures noted: Heritage Conservation & Recreation Service have been reviewed and approved by the state review board.Following is of a historic photo Broom-Braden Stone House, Guernsey County Ms.
Carol Shull May 28, 1980 Page 2 Buckingham-Petty House, Muskingum County Lilienthal Building, Muskingum County St. Mary's Church, Noble County Horsey-Barthelmas Farm, Pickaway County One letter with enclosures from Portage Hotel, Summit County July 18, 1956; Akron Beacon-Journal article, June 30, 1975, and January 16, 1980; The Akron Press article, June 12, June 12, 1912; excerpt from History of Akron 1925; Blueprint of original drawings of hotel; letter from owner's architect review board meeting, April 25, 1980; copy of a telegram from the City of Akron, 3/14/80; comments from the regional officer; letter from mayor of Akron, April 22, 1980; letter from JUN 5 Summit County Historical Society, April 18, 1980; letter from William Wallace, April 21, 1980; letter from the Akron ment, May 2, 1980 with attachments. David L.
Brook DLB: cw enclosures Sincerely, REGISTER Mackinaw Historic District, Warren County from city. Ohio Department of Transportation comments; Cleveland Plain Dealer aticle, State Historic Preservation Officer RECEIVED 19l2; Akron Beacon-Journal article, Department of Planning and Urban Develop- Art Institute; letter from the Akron Staff comment sheet and Review Board with attachment; minutes of the state Please let me know if we can provide any additional information. One letter from owner and one letter The above nomination was approved by a 6 to 5vote of the state reivew board. NATIONAL Z PLEASE CALL L IS WAITING TO SEE YOU - RETURNED YOUR CALL L WISHES AN APPOINTMENT STANDARD FORM 63 (Rev.
8-76) 63-109 DATE MEMORANDUM TIME MESSAGE WILL CALL AGAIN OF CALL OF (Organization) FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6 3.15pm - YOU WERE VISITED BY- mark albrecht RECEIVED BY Prescribed by GSA YOU WERE CALLED BY- 5/30 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HERITAGE CONSERVATION AND RECREATION SERVICE 2. ADDRESS (Tel. No. if needed) June 1978 FHR-8-227 TELEPHONE REPORT 6.2.80 TIME OF CALL 3. SUBJECT, PROJECT NO., ETC. 4. DETAILS OF DISCUSSION OFFICE TITLE DATE - Fakke a hard look June 6, 1980 Carol Shull met with: 1. Robert Edwards, Deputy Mayor 2. David Moore, Community Cousultant 3. Robert D. Pritt, Director of Law 4.
Bill Wallis, Cousultant nomination of the Portage Hotel, Akron, Ohio representing city to discuss the City's opinion on the Approved 6-5 vote by State Review Board 2 misstatements in original: nomination, according to city entrance - almost all of windows and - only building in Georgian Revival style 1. Not eligible 2. Proposal for demolition architectural significance Portage Hotel nomination Summarize city's arguments No exterior changes except 2 architects voted against first floor have been greatly modified City says there are about 30 such bldgs. in Akron. Institute do not think the bldg. is significant. in survey. Used Ohio survey forms, prob. David Moore- Dept. of Community Developments. Owner & real estate broker want to drive up price. important older hotel about 15% of the block. chitectural historian), thought the hotel should have dition. vitalization. quality.
meeting) worked on survey. rehabilitation plan. five years. it is not practical to rehabilitate the property.The The owner and the architect stated that while they The Mayflower Hotel- art deco style- is the most hotel.The hotel has been on the market for some time subterfuge to drive up the asking price for the hotel. a downtown loan program to provide an incentive for re- there is no feeling that the Portage Portage Hotel is slated for demolition for residential merits attention since itis no longer in a historic setting and its block is almost vacant.The hotel comprises The lawyer believes the owner is carrying out a development on that site.
have a rehabilitation plan they have not yet drawn up the architect is involved in plans to rehabilitate the The hotel is directly across the street from the Bill Wallis has been working as a consultant in historic A member of the Review Board, June Highgrove(ar- Summit City Historical Society and Akron Art Portage Hotel- not an open hotel- as the owner has been trying to sell it for at least Mr.Wallis-this bldg.in local context is not of very high Broker had an option to buy at one time.Also, was done with HPF monies. did an initial survey. David Moore (also attending Came up with 350 landmarks. Portage Hotel Federal courthouse and is slated for demolition; however, to be a feasible alternative. Survey: City commissioned the survey.- Dick Frank The city has said that lawyer for the city thinks the hotel is in very bad con- moved South.
(question?: does the writer mean 'economic heart' instead?) The rearview shown is on the side as seen from Market Street, the main thoroughfare into town. Good examples of Georgian architecture in Akron, Ohio (population 250,000) are the following: the University Club, in the downtown area; the Miller school, which is close to the Goodyear Tire Company. Also, decision process. The hotel is located at the north end of the business district meeting where a vote was taken on the hotel. The city has lent us its slides and a copy of the survey. They have also promised to send us whatever they can to help in the National Register been rehabilitated before its nomination.She was absent from the which was the historic heart of the city.The historic heart has now there are many Georgian Revival residential structures in the city. United States Department of the Interior Washington, D.C.
20243 Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service 216-375-2084 10Am HCRS /0:00 Cityg alron ROBERT D. PRITT DIRECTOR OF LAW CIty of ARRON . (216) 375-2084 & Urban Development 403 Municipal Building / Akron, OH 44308 David A. Moore Community Resource Specialist ROBERT A. EDWARDS Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Office of the Mayor/Room 204 166 South High Street/Akron, Ohio 44308/375-2133 Capital Planning Division The Department of Planning CITY OF - YOU WERE VISITED BY- - WILL CALL AGAIN - IS WAITING TO SEE YOU - RETURNED YOUR CALL STANDARD FORM 63 (Rev. 8-76) MESSAGE MEMORANDUM Prescribed by GSA YOU WERE CALLED BY- OF CALL WISHES AN APPOINTMENT 63-109 TIME FTS DATE RECEIVEDBY - YOU WERE VISITED BY- - WILL CALL AGAIN - IS WAITING TO SEE YOU - RETURNED YOUR CALL STANDARD FORM 63 (Rev.
8-76) RECEIVED BY 63-109 MEMORANDUM DATE YOU WERE CALLED BY- WISHES AN APPOINTMENT OF CALL FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6 TIMEam MESSAGE Prescribed by GSA OF (Organization) 9.25 JUN I 8 1980 Mr. Pete Crossland Columbus, Ohio 43215 Mr. David Brooks ICRO, Regional Director, HCRS-Ann Arbor, MI 48107) w/c of inc. FHR:S Harrison:mc: 6/17/80:343-6401 NR-Harrison Register Sincerely, NR-Reading File Ohio House of Representatives Register staff during the review of this nomination. Acting Keeper of the National We appreciate your interest in the National Register. Thank you for your letter of May 27,1980,supporting the nomination BASIC FILE RETAINED IN NR Dear Mr. Crossland: If we can be of further assistance to you, please let us know. Carol D. Shull (Sgd.) Ohio SHPO w/c of inc. Harrson G/1 436 of Historie Places. ) Atron, Onio Surue Oevelopdent PBlockis Sowed: U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HERITAGE CONSERVATION AND RECREATION SERVICE 2. ADDRESS (Tel. No. if needed) June 1978 FHR-8-227 DATE TELEPHONE REPORT 7-10-80 TIME OF CALL FROM (Name) OFFICE CALL L YOU WERE BALLED BY- - YOU WERE VISITED BY- - WILL CALL AGAIN - IS WAITING TO SEE YOU - RETURNED YOUR CALL - WISHES AN APPOINTMENT 216 -375-2084 STANDARD FORS 63(Rev.8-76) FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6 MESSAGE MEMORANDUM FTS TIME OF CALL PLEASE CALL Prescribed by GSA OF 9.45 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HERITAGE CONSERVATION AND RECREATION SERVICE TIME OF CAL ADDRESS (Tel. No. if needed) June 1978 FHR-8-227 TELEPHONE REPORT 2.15 SUBJECT, PROJECT NO., ETC. 4. DETAILS OF DISCUSSION OFFICE TITLE DATE NAME OF PERSON PLACING/RECEIVING CALL FROM (Name) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HERITAGE CONSERVATION AND RECREATION SERVICE 3:15 CPM 2. ADDRESS (Tel. No.
if needed) 614-466-1500 June 1978 FHR-8-227 TELEPHONE REPORT DETAILS OF DISCUSSION TIME OF CALL 3. SUBJECT, PROJECT NO., ETC. Daril Brook TITLE OFFICE DATE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HERITAGE CONSERVATION AND RECREATION SERVICE 2. ADDRESS (Tel. No. If needed) 4. DETAILS OF DISCUSSION June 1978 FHR-8-227 TELEPHONE REPORT SUBJECT OFFICE Dand Broat U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HERITAGE CONSERVATION AND RECREATION SERVICE TIME OF CALL ADDRESS (Tel. No. if needed) 3. SUBJECT, PROJECT NO., ETC. June 1978 FHR-8-227 TELEPHONE REPORT 10:30 224-3121 Betsy Cuebetsou DETAILS OF DISCUSSION OFFICE DATE CALL -JOHN F. SEIBERLING 14TH OHIO 1225 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING TELEPHONE (202) 225-5231 - JUDICIARY INTERIOR AND INSULAR AFFAIRS House of Representatibes TELEPHONE: (216) 375-5710 October 28, 1980 Honorable Cecil D. Andrus Department of the Interior Dear Mr.
Secretary: I understand that an application has been submitted by the owner of the Portage Hotel, located in Summit County, Ohio, for placement of the property Akron and, l believe, is presently vacant. I also understand that the application, which was originally approved by the State of Ohio, was returned to the State by the National Council On Historic Preservation, with a request for further information, and that the by the City of Akron at both the State and Federal level. My purpose in writing you is to offer my personal view, which is that far as l can determine, the only reason why it was nominated is because the A listing of the Portage Hotel in the National Register would have another undesirable effect, namely it would complicate the efforts of the master development plan prepared by its consultant, the Rouse Corporation.
That plan envisionsan extremely different type of development for the block on which the Portage Hotel is presently situated. Secretary COMMITTEES: WASHINGTON OFFICE: FEDERAL BUILDING Interior Building DISTRICT OFFICE: is undistinguished in every sense, both historically and architecturally.As owner wishes to develop it as an apartment building and is seeking to gain National Register would tend to degrade the Register as a listing of the tax benefits that accrue from restoration of buildings on the National THIS STATIONERY PRINTED ON PAPER MADE WITH RECYCLED FIBERS City of Akron to redevelop the downtown area in accordance with the City's justify inclusion in the National Register.I believe its listing in the Congress of the Cnited tates Washington, D.C. 20240 The hotel is located in downtown Register.
the building does not have sufficient merit as a historical property to on the National Register of Historic Places. AKRON,OHIO 44308 BOR Mal ontol No3277 5 Honorable Cecil D. Andrus October 28, 1980 Page 2 While I realize that you are required to weigh objectively all of the relevant factors, in the event that this material comes before you for a decision, l thought it would be helpful to you to have the foregoing views desire any further comments or information. Member of Congress JFS: gs Sincerely, and information, for whatever they may be worth. Please let me know if you John F.
Seiberling DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT Rep/Seiberling, John ACTION SLIP NCOMING DATE 10/28 11/3 OPA PBA SOL US-G FOR DIRECT REPLY FOR APPROPRIATE ACTION RETURN SLIP TO ES WHEN COMPLETED 22775 FHR Secretary 11/14 DATE SUBJECT Historic Places IDENTIFICATION STAFFING FINAL ACTION Assigned To INFORMATION FW CL Ohio on the National Register of Placement of the Portage Hotel in REMARK Due lit PREPARE FOR SIGNATURE OF JHarrell DES-HM,GG.MKJ Ionorable John P. Seiberling Washington, D.C. 20515 Thank you for your letter of October 25, 1980, concerning the nomination of the/Portage Hotel, Sunit County, Ohjo, to the Director, The Ohio Historical Society, Interstate 71 at 17th Avenue, US-G / S-D / ES-HM / GG JH / AR Deputy Associate Director, CP FHR-CL / FHR-Lumpkin Control No.
22775 FHR:S Sheffield:mc: 11/12/80:343-6401 OHIO - Summit County HCRS NR-Sheffield NR-Reading File Director's Reading File Associate Director for Cultural Programs-Moore BASIC FILE RETAINED IN NR Secretary's Reading File (2) Secretary's File House of Representatives National Register of Historic Places. Sincerely; If we can be of further assistance to you, please let us know. Dear Ir. Seiberling: SECRETARY cc: Mr. Dallas H. Harder, SHPO, Columbus, Ohio 43211 ) w/c of inc. SOL bcc: 11-13-80 C/O 146 SOUTH HIGH STREET, SUITE 1000 (216) 434-5027 June 20, 1988 Dr. Ray Luce 1985 Velma Street Columbus, OH 43211 Dear Dr.
Luce: a property in the National Register of Historic Places.I recognize that, under the National Historic Preservation Act, I am owners of this property and a majority of the owners object, the Akron, OH 44308 I hereby waive my right to object to the proposed listing and notify you that I request that my property be listed in the Very truly yours, PORTAGE ASSÓCIATES II, INC. AN OHIO LIMITED PARTNERSHIP PORTAGE PLACE PARTNERSHIP LIMITED property will not be listed. OHIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY State Historical Preservation Officer National Register at the earliest possible date. General Partner Following is the address of my property: 10 North Main Street entitled to object to the proposed listing ofmy property bya notarized, written statement. If I am the sole owner and I This will confirm that Iam fully aware of the effects of listing object, my property will not be listed.
If there are multiple 1988 SEP DONALD L. PLUSQUELLIC June 28, 1988 Dr. Ray Luce 1985 Velma Street Columbus, Ohio 43211 Dear Dr. Luce: This will confirm that I am fully aware of the effects of listing a the National Historic Preservation Act, I am entitled to comment on the proposed Akron, Ohio 44308 DP/ fh Mayor City of Akron, Ohio Following is the proposed listing: property in the National Register of Historic Places.I recognize that, under Ohio Historical Society Very truly yours, State Historical Preservation Officer "Portage Hotel" listing of property within my jurisdiction. 10 North Main Street I hereby waive my right to comment on the proposed listing. 6 1988 SEP Ohio Historic Preservation Office 1985 Velma Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43211 Ms. Carol Shull, Chief P.O. Box 37121 W.
Ray Luce WRL : ame SOCIETY Enclosures HISTORICAL County 614/297-2470 Cuyahoga RECEIVED Portage Hotel New Submissions REGISTER Summit NATIONAL September 2, 1988 As a side note, would you please forward a copy of the Broadway Avenue National Park Service Historic District nomination to Jim Charlton at the NHL office; the coverage Broadway Avenue Historic District State Historic Preservation Officer Washington, D.C. 20013-7127 Saint Colman Roman Catholic Church Dear Carol: SINCE 1885 Please contact me if you have any questions. Department of the Interior of Cleveland's ethnic heritage may be of interest to him. SEP 6 1988 Sincerely, resubmission for a nomination, the Portage Hotel, which was returned in 1980; Colman nomination. notification procedures have been followed for the new and resubmitted Enclosed are 2 new National Register nominations. Also enclosed is 1 U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 2. ADDRESS (Tel. No. if needed) June 1978 FHR-8-227 CALL TELEPHONE REPORT DATE DETAILS OF DISCUSSION HERITAGE CONSERVATION AND RECREATION SERVICE TIME OF CALL 3. SUBJECT, PROJECT NO., ETC. NAME OF PERSON PLACING/RECEIVING CALL OFFICE TITLE OF THE AKRON/SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO The City of Akron, Ohio Roy L. Ray, Mayor June 27, 1980 10 NORTH MAIN STREET WRITTEN COMMENTS OPPOSING THE NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION Submitted by PORTAGE HOTEL PORTAGE HOTEL NOMINATION 1. Architectural context 2. Environmental context 3- Community concerns 4. Nomination form misstatements During the summer of 1978, the City of Akron, in cooperation with the Ohio Historic Preservation Office, conducted a citywide survey to identify historic and architectural landmarks in Akron. The final survey report, the criteria.
OPPOSING ARGUMENTS from four basic areas: referred to in the National Register criteria as necessary for National National Register of Historic Places.The City of Akron's opposition stems mark of local interest and does not possess the"quality of significance" The City of Akron opposes the nomination of the Portage Hotel to the vation Office in March 1980.The Portage Hotel was surveyed as part of the The City of Akron contends that the Portage Hotel is strictly a land- National Register based upon the application of the National Register Akron Historic Landmark Survey, Was submitted to the Ohio Historic Preser- Akron Historic Landmark Survey and is listed as not eligible for the Register eligibility. Specifically, in an architectural context, the Portage Hotel has had extensive street level alterations made to both the Society, the Akron Art Institute, and William V.
Wallace, Jr., who directed with respect to the architectural quality of the Portage Hotel, it should be noted that during the review of the nomination by the Ohio Historic Site National Register quality. Environmental Context The City of Akron contends that the Portage Hotel does not meet the immediate environment. When the Portage Hotel was constructed in 1911, the however, most of the buildings on the block have been removed due to deteri- the Akron Historic Landmark Survey.Letters from these parties expressing alterations are inconsistent with the original design of the building and, historical period which gave the block an identifiable character.Today, Main Street and Market Street facades.The City of Akron believes these their opposition to the nomination are attched as Appendix I. Furthermore, required for National Register eligibility.
"quality of significance"criterion when considered in the context of its Preservation Advisory_ Board on April 25,1980, two of the three architects the block no longer exists. Consequently, the City of Akron believes that present stated their professional opinion that the Portage Hotel is not of The City of Akron's contention that the Portage Hotel is not of adjacent retail and commercial buildings along Main Street were of a similar oration and subsequent renewal activities and the historical character of National Register quality is supported by the Summit County Historical National Register eligibility. designation. To date, the eleven buildings in Akron listed on the National tectural significance. Similarly, many other properties in Akron of compa- and architectural value.
Community Concerns The City of Akron as well as other Akron organizations interested in on the National Register would have a negative impact on historic preser- the Portage Hotel on the National Register would adversely affect both the As previously stated, the City of Akron is committed to the National Register Program and, to date, has been able to maintain a uniformly high Register.In contrast, the Portage Hotel possesses very marginal historic historic preservation are seriously concerned that listing the Portage Hotel believes that listing on the National Register is a unique and important rable significance have been identified as eligible for the National A second point of contention within an environmental context is that local National Register program and the Tax Reform Act of 1976.Specific Register are all of uniformly high quality in terms of historic or archi- The City of Akron is committed to the National Register Program and strongly cance to other properties in Akron that are either listed on the National Register or identified by the City as eligible for the National Register.
standard of quality among its National Register listings. In contrast, the the Portage Hotel does not possess the "integrity of setting" required for vation efforts in Akron. Specifically, community concern is that listing Akron. Therefore, the City of Akron, as well as the Summit County Histori- cal Society and the Akron Art Institute, are concerned that listing the present quality standards of the local National Register program and invite intended to be. Already, there is critical discussion about the multitude of requests for of the Tax Reform Act raises the possibility that the tax incentive program truly of National Register quality- Portage Hotel to office space, as proposed by the developer.
Based on today's average rehabilitation costs of $50 per square foot in Akron, the Finally, the City of Akron is concerned about the conversion of the Portage Hotel on the National Register would significantly compromise the National Register listing which have resulted in tax certification. Abuse listing of truly significant architectural and historic properties as it is Program nationally -- the increasing tendency to nominate marginal or Hotel to office space would be approximately $7 million.Since the proposed incentives for historic preservation provided by the Tax Reform Act of 1976.
numerous nominations of other marginal properties which could also be listed will not be renewed when it expires in 198l.Elimination of this program nation represents an example of a growing danger to the National Register would adversely affect historic preservation efforts involving properties Portage Hotelis of very marginal historic and architectural value and is of significantly lesser quality than existing National Register properties in properties, the National Register program in Akron would no longer be a Community concern in Akron also exists that the Portage Hotel nomi- City forecasts that total rehabilitation costs of converting the Portage on the National Register.By inundating the National Register with marginal the developer has not illustrated to the City his involvement in any pre- to the City that the project can be successfully completed.
For the record, it should be pointed out that the Portage Hotel nomi- November 23, 1979, contains the following two misstatements: appearance, the nomination states: "The present canopy at the Main street entrance has been modernized, however building has not been altered." (Emphasis added) In point of fact, as previously noted, both the Main Street and Market Street facades have been extensively altered the City of Akron on April 25, 1980, before the Ohio 2.
Under the statement of significance, the nomination form Nomination Form Misstatements 1.Under the description of the present and original Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board in a slide original design.Other than this the exterior of the building even by to-day's standards.And is an outstanding states:This building still stands as a solid and sound project is a tremendous financial undertaking, the City is concerned because at the first floor level.This point was documented by plans include the restoration of this entrance to its vious undertakings of a similar nature and scope or otherwise demonstrated nation form submitted to the Ohio Historic Preservation Office and dated presentation showing the Portage Hotel in 1915 and 1980. example of Georgian Architecture.
There is no other (Emphasis added) In point of fact, there are many examples Approximately thirty Georgian Revival buildings are documented building in Akron representing this type of architecture." of Georgian Revival architecture in the City of should be noted that elsewhere in the nomination form the style of architecture is referred to as Georgian Revival.) in the Akron Historic Landmark Survey- Appendix I: COMMUNITY LETTERS OPPOSING THE PORTAGE HOTEL NOMINATION akron art institute 69 EAST MARKET STREET/AKRON, OHIO 44308/(216) 376-9185 Mr. David A. Simmons I-71 & 17th Avenue Columbus, OH 43211 total restoration of the Old Akron Post Office, located at 70 East Market Street, for use as the new Art Institute. The old Post Akron structures presently located on the National Register. Historic Places.
much better examples of architectural and historical structures Further, this action would jeopardize other local efforts to place National Register of Historic Places for the following reasons. Ohio Historical Center Office is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Art Institute is concerned with maintaining the continued high would compromise the historical and architectural value of these from the Akron area on the National Register of Historic Places.
significance and, therefore, would dilute the importance of those Ohio Historic Preservation Office Currently, the Akron Art Institute is involved in a S3,000,000 Historian and Manager April 3, 1980 other structures that are eligible for the National Register of It has come to our attention that the Portage Hotel, located at The Art Institute is concerned that the Portage Hotel nomination National Register Program Dear Mr. Simmons: Akron Art Institute is deeply involved in historical preservation quality of the National Register of Historic Places.The Art the intersection of Main and Market Streets in Akron, Ohio, has architectural significance and possesses little local historical Institute is of the opinion that the Portage Hotel is of marainal Institute would urge that the Portage Hotel not be entered on the Mr. David A.
Simmons April 3, 1980 Page 2 facades are not completed, and the ground level facades facing mation, please contact me. John V. Frank President, Board of Trustees JVF/mms Market Street and Main Street have been altered significantly. eligibility criteria established for the National Register of flect any architectural style at all, and the north and west Therefore, the Akron Art Institute strongly recommends that the Portage Hotel not be placed upon the National Register of Historic Akron Art Institute Sincerely The Art Institute does not feel that the Portage Hotel meets the Places.If you have any questions or need any additional infor- Apr1l 18, 1980 Mr. David A. Simmons National Register Program Colunbus, Ohio 43211 Dear Mr. Simmons: of llistoric Places. - and Surait County area, will lead to the sano conoluaion. Portage Hotel to the National Registor.
erfective historic preservation I oppose the nomination of the credibility and ultimate effectiveness - the increasing tendoncy I an a strong and active supportor of historic proservation Historian and Managar, I do so not because I oppose the preservation and rehabilitation Olio Historical Center Chic listoric Preservation Office I-71 and 17th Avonue of the Portago Hotel but because I considor its nomination a ive cnalysis of the structure, within the contoxt of the Akron vivid example of a growing danger to the National Rogiator's to include in the Register marginal or totally inappropriate sites and structures in order to mako them eligible for the var- end historic heritage of Summit County.But as an'advocate for which I understand bas been nominated for the National Rogistor I an writing this letter in regard to.the Portage Hotel in Akron, Page 2 ically significant sites and struotures, overy offort must be by the Ohio Historic Presarvation Advdaory Board.
Sincorely, bo, a national listing of truly architecturally and/or bistor- Director made to maintain the quality and logitimacy of those sites and James D.Stridar xoi Eric Johanneson Btructures listed on it.It id for that renson that I porson- ally oppose the Portage Hotel'o nomination and urge its donial If tho National Jogistor is to ronain what it vas intondod to WILLIAM ". WALLACE,JR. April 21, 1980 Mr. David A. Simaons Columbus, Ohio 43211 As you may know, I expect to attend meetings of the its executive connittee this week.
Although I will be speaking on the Portage Hotel National Register nomination at the request of Akron's Department of Planning and Urban Developuent, I hope to make it clear to the Board that I forued my opinion as I wrote him, "I just don't believe it qualifies." has many better exanples of the Georgian revival - Even if the Portage had architectural distinction originally, it would be a poor candidate for the street level alterations have been made to its Iacade and south side. style. Sincerely yours, Ohio Historic Sites Preservation Advisory Board and The Fortage is not an outstanding example of any James Alkire My reasons include these: Dear Dave: dininish the others and subject the whole NR National legister because extensive, tasteless knowledge of the City of Alron's plan for redevelopment of the Portage site. program to ricicule locally.
The rortage is clearly inferior in quality to such Ohio listorical Center nominate the Fortage for the National Register because, Neltzer that I could not accept his request that I Iistoric Preservation Office cc llayor Roy Ray Theatre. architectural style. on the Portage independently and long before I had any Acding the Portage to this list would It is basically a commercial Hower House, and Akron Civic (foraerly Loew's)
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