Nomination for Melbourne Flats

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

OMB No. 1024-0018 Exp. 10-31-84 United States Department of the Interior received SEP 2 0 1984 date entered OCT | 8 1984 1. Name and or common 2. Location street & number 39 West McMillan s+, - not for publication city, town .vicinity of _ district - public - unoccupied _ museum X building(s) - private - park . structure work in progress X private residence _ religious - in process A yes: restricted . government - yes: unrestricted 4. Owner of Property John F. Melzer 585 Laveta Court courthouse, registry of deeds, etc. Court and Main Streets has this property been determined eligible? - yes .federal depository for survey records both county transportation none Category commercial date Accessible Hamilton educational entertainment Status state industrial historic site Cincinnati other: Ownership agriculture local being considered scientific 5.

Location of Legal Description Inventory-Nomination Form 6. Representation in Existing Surveys Hamilton County Courthouse Present Use (3-82) Melbourne Flats National Register of Historic Places National Park Service 3. Classification Type all entries-complete applicable sections Public Acquisition See instructionsin How to Complete National Register Forms military NPS Form 10-900 For NPS use only title Ohio code object X no - deteriorated X unaltered X original site Describe the present and original (if known) physical appearance

Description of the property

The classically-styled Melbourne Flats is located on a sloping site in the neighborhood combine motifs from several popular classical styles from the turn of the century, re- main virtually unaltered. Due to the rearward slope of the lot, this large buff-brick building is two stories high rests upon a limestone, rock-faced ashlar foundation. that is exposed to the rear because rectangular pilasters supported on a simple pedestal base with foliated capitals tive window treatment featuring the name "Melbourne" in stylized lettering of colored the entrance, at the second story level, are nine small rectangular windows which of the central entrance and at the clipped corners at the ends of the building, ex- story wood porches with turned balusters and round columns, the front facade porches complete the roof trim.

The interior consists of sixteen apartments which have recently been rehabilitated stairweli in the front of the building has several flights of marble stairs with rec- Due to its wide frontage on MMillan Street and the high quality of its details, the Melbourne Flats is a prominent building in the area. detailing. date moved unexposed fair 7. Description excellent Condition consisting of residences dating mainly from the mid-to-late nineteenth century. exhibits a low parapet with compound cornice, dentiled frieze, and architrave.Tall The neighborhood in which the Melbourne Flats is located is primarily residential, Check one with three large semi-circular compound arches supported by small columns with simple capitals.

Flush with the face of the building, these arches are separated by smooth corbelled chimneys which pierce the roof at various locations and pedimented dormers supporting a cornice.The center arch of this entranceway is enclosed with a decora- glass. The remaining arches are open,through which pedestrians enter doors leading of the slope of the hillside.The symmetrical front facade has a recessed central bay into the building.A standing seam metal roof oyer this entry section is trimmed by Areas of Significance - Check and justify below -...archeology-prehistoric - community planning - archeology-historic - economics Statement of

Statement of significance

(in one paragraph) The Melbourne Flats is significant for its turn-of-the-century, classically-inspired design that is found in very limited distribution as applied to older, multi-family false quoins and elaborate entablature, make_this building an important representative nificant as an example of the work of Joseph G. Steinkamp, the designer of many school, office and multi-residential buildings in Cincinnati.

This apartment building was constructed in 1898, one year after Joseph Steinkamp formed was responsible for the designs of many Cincinnati buildings, including the Merchantile Library Building (where their office was located), several buildings on the Xavier University campus, as well as most of the apartment buildings developed by the real residence of many young professionals, particularly physicians, it was also occupied by Steinkamp for a few years at the turn of the century. The construction of multi-family apartment buildings in the more "suburban" areas of Cincinnati was widespread at the turn of the century, many of them the product is distinctive in its combined motifs from the Beaux-Arts, Neo-Classical and Second Renaissance Revival styles.

1700-1799 1600-1699 1400-1499 military 1500-1599 commerce conservation transportation communications education engineering industry theater architecture humanitarian music science Period prehistoric literature law social/ sculpture Specific dates 8. Significance Criterion C invention 1900- - other(specify) ---politics/government -art landscape architecture - agriculture apartment buildings within the city of Cincinnati. The sophistication displayed in the building's massing and detailing, exhibited in the large semi-circular arches, of neo-classical architecture in the city. The Melbourne Flats is additionally s1g- a partnership with his brother, Bernard. The firm, called J. G. Steinkamp and Brother, not only was it designed by Steinkamp, it was also developed by him. Originally the and Colonial Revival, as well as more exotic revivals.

The Melbourne Flats' design 1800-1899 philosophy religion exploration/settlement Greater Cincinnati and Its People: A History, Editor-in-Chief, Lewis A. Leonard (1927) Cincinnati-The Queen City: 1788-1912, Charles Frederic Goss (1912) 10.

The rest of the file

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

Geographical Data Acreage of nominated property Quadrangle name UT M References 109.61' x 145.20 irr. Tot 8 and pt. Tot 7 in Findlay & Ludlow's subdivision, Book 100, building stands, including a garden area and parking lot behind the structure. - state 11. Form Prepared By date May 1984 4238 Brookside Avenue street & number city or town 12. State Historic Preservation Officer Certification The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: . national 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 Nationat Park Service.

State Historic Preservation Officer signature I hereby certify that this property is included in the National Register Keeper of the National Register Chief of Registration GPO 894-785 code Easting Northing county date organization Attest: Zone 1:24,000 4333660 Entered in the Quadrangle scale List all states and counties for properties overlapping state or county boundaries Verbal boundary description and justification Less than one acre Cincinnati West 9. Major Bibliographical References National Register For NPS use only SHPO X local A 1,6] Rita Walsh, Preservation consultant Ohio 45223 As the designated State Historic Preservation Officer for the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966(Public Law89- name/title NPS Form 10-900-8 OMB No. 1024-0018 Exp.

10-31-84 United States Department of the interior National Park Service Far NPS use only Melbourne Flats, Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio Continuation sheet Item number JOSEPH G. STEINKAMP. Literally a constructive force in the progress made for a Joseph G. Steinkamp received his elementary and college ings designed by them, and the construction of which was Steinkamp, and the style of the firm became J. G. Steinkamp as desirous of being of the best possible service to the greatest fied in professional and business circles by their style, finish, number of people in the ever-widening community. quality of materials and their individual integrity. Mr. Stein- Joseph G. Steinkamp was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, October kamp and his brother have their offices in the Mercantile Li- brary Building, Cincinnati.

Steinkamp, his father a native of Germany, who came to Cin- Included in the great number of buildings designed and cinnati in 1835 at the age of eight years, and died in 1890. constructed by the firm of J. G. Steinkamp & Brother are the He was at different times superintendent of construction of the following, rated as in the more important class: Mercantile Grand Hotel, the Queen City Hotel, and superintendent, for nati at the age of eighty-eight years. which is recognized as one of the foremost real estate and development firms in Cincinnati. Joseph G. Steinkamp is a Republican in his politics, but iated with the Knights of Columbus. His high standing in his profession has been abundantly recognized by the Ohio State Architects' Association, which elected him as its president, and by the Cincinnati Architects' Association, of which he is presi- dent.

He is also a member of the American Institute of Archi- tects. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and the GREATER_CINCINNATI AND ITS PEOPLE: A HISTORY, Lewis A. Leonard Editor-in-Chief (1927) continued Page Inventory-Nomination Form National Register of Historic Places (3-82) Library Building, Hotel Metropole, St. Xavier College build- 18,1868,a son of John Bernard and Elizabeth M.(Ahrens) the construction type for Thomas Emery & Sons date antered Greater Cincinnati is the firm of J. G. Steinkamp & Brother, preparatory training in the parochial schools of Cincinnati, and numbered among the leading architects of that city, and of then entered St. Xavier College, in his native city, whence he which Joseph G. Steinkamp, the elder brother, is the senior was graduated.

Upon leaving college he was received by his partner, the other member being Bernard Steinkamp, both sons father into the latter's practice of the profession of architec- of John Bernard Steinkamp, for years a well-known architect ture, and when his father died, in 18g0, he succeeded him, and carried on the business under his own name for seven years. of the Steinkamp firm for the goodly number of notable build- In 1897 he formed a co-partnership with his brother, Bernard & Brother. This firm at once drew to its offices a very desir- are school and college buildings, while they have to their credit able number of clients, and through all its career of nearly thirty years it has enhanced its reputation for the construction of buildings of the better type, particularly those housing edu- recognized throughout the city as public-spirited citizens, and cational institutions.

The members of this house have quali- twenty-five years, of Thomas Emery & Sons Company in their liam's School, to which list should be added many others of a own account as an architect. His widow is living in Cincin- never has aspired to the holding of public office. He is affil- poses within the Cincinnati area.The Steinkamp brothers are received ings, St.Mark's School, St.Andrew's School and St.Wil- building operations.In 188s he engaged in business on his a large number of other structures built for investment pur- OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service For NPS use only Melbourne Flats, Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio Continuation sheet Item number Old Colony Club, of Cincinnati. His religious connection is with St. William's (Roman Catholic) Church, of Cincinnati. Mr. Steinkamp married, June 10, 1895, Laura M.

Menke, of Cincinnati, daughter of John B. and Elizabeth (Schaefer) Menke, her father a former State Senator and well-known kamp: I. Albert J., born November 17, 1896; attended St. Xavier College, and has seen some military service. 2. Eugene M. (Ahrens) Steinkamp, was born in Cincinnati, May 3,1876. active member of the firm of J. G. Steinkamp & Brother. is of distinctive value to the house of Steinkamp in its widely ramifiying professional practice of architecture and in its con- able reputation that the firm enjoys among its contemporaries. Institute of Architects, and the Cincinnati Chamber of Com- olic) Church at Cincinnati. daughter of Clem and Mary (Koebbe) Sunderman, of Cin- cinnati. Children: George A., born July 23, I901, and Paul J., born March 2, 1911. Page struction business.

He shares, and quite properly, in the envi- National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form received (3-82) nership with his brother, Joseph G.,and since has been an A., born August 29, 1903, attended St. Xavier College. politician in Ohio.Children of Mr.and Mrs.Joseph G.Stein- Xavier College, Cincinnati. In 1897 he was received into part- Mr. Steinkamp married, in 19oo, Clara M. Sunderman, His education was received in the parochial schools and at St. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Bernard Steinkamp, son of John Bernard and Elizabeth merce.He is a communicant of St.Mark's (Roman Cath- date antered NPS Form 10-900-a Exp. 10-31-84 NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 Exp. 10-31-84 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service Melbourne Flats, Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio Continuation sheet Item number 8 JOSEPH G. STEINKAMP.

Steinkamp have found tangible manifestation, for in recent years he has figured Steinkamp & Brother, architects with offices in the Mercantile Library building. To begin at the very beginning of the life history of Mr. Steinkamp we note brought by his parents from Hanover, Germany, to the new world when eight penter's trade, later becoming superintendent of the construction of various buildings in this city during a period of twenty-five years. In the last five years of his life he carried on business merely as an architect and was widely known honorable man to whom was accorded high respect up to the time of his death. which occurred February 7, 1890, when he was sixty-two years of age, his re- number of Catholic societies and was a faithful communicant of the church. Mrs. Joseph G. Steinkamp was sent to the parochial schools near his home and afterward continued his education in St.

Xavier College up to the age oi eighteen years. His educational training which more specifically fitted him for the prac- tical duties of business life was obtained in the Ohio Mechanics Institute of latter's death and since that time has carried on the business, being at the time of his father's death the youngest architect of the city. For the past twelve year his brother, Bernard F. Steinkamp, has been associated with him and they rank with the prominent architect firms of Cincinnati, doing a business which in volume and importance has been entirely satisfactory.

They utilize the scientific principles which since the days of early Greece have constituted the basis of the highest architectural work and at the same time have originated many good CINCINNATI-THE QUEEN CITY:1788-1912, Charles Frederic continued Page (3-82) received National Register of Historic Places date entered Inventory-Nomination Form Steinkamp still survives her husband. Goss (1912) that he was born in this 15,1868,a son of J.B.and Elizabeth For NPS use only In the improvement of Cincinnati architecturally the labors cr joseph G. in the activity of building operations as a member of the firm oi Joseph G. (Ahrens) Steinkamp, and that he is of German lineage, for his father was years of age, and after acquiring his education learned and followed the car which he is an alumnus. He afterward worked in his father's office until the NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No.

1024-0018 Exp. 10-31-84 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service For NPS use only Melbourne Flats, Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio Continuation sheet Item number Page 5 and attractive ideas in adapting business principles to modern needs and in pro- Mercantile Library building, between Fourth and Fifth streets, on Walnut street, which is considered the best office building in Cincinnati; the Robertson build- ing at Seventh and Race streets; they also designed the Verona apartment house on Park avenue; the Clermont on Woodburn and McMillan avenues; the north and south Warwick apartment house at Avondale; Haddon Hall at Avondale and numerous other buildings of more or less importance.

They have erected a number of office buildings in this city but their specialty has been apartment found in the structures which are the visible evidence of their skill and work- In Cincinnati, on the igth of June, 1895, occurred the marriage of Mr. Steinkamp and Miss Laura M. Menke, a daughter of J. B. and Elizabeth Menke, the former a irell known democratic politician who filled the office of state attending the Cedar Grove Academy. The family reside at No. 912 Suire avenue, Price Hill, and theirs is one of the beautiful homes of that locality. Mr. Stein- kamp is a progressive republican who looks beyond the old and conservative methods and seeks out new plans for political action in keeping with the spirit to advance the work of the profession and is now treasurer of the Cincinnati Chapter of the American Institution of Architects.

His religious belief is indi- cated by his membership in St. Williams Catholic church at Price Hill and he is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He also holds membership in the Art Club and the Automobile Club of Cincinnati. received Inventory-Nomination Form (3-82) National Register of Historic Places senator. Mr.and Mrs. Steinkamp have two sons: Albert, born November 14, date entered moting in public and private buildings the comforts which one should derive from a place of habitation or of business. The firm were the architects for the ing laws of the city. At all times he keeps in touch with those things which tend 1896, now a student in St. Xavier College; and Eugene, born August 29, 1903, manship.

Cincinnati, Ohio FRIARS CLUB & ATHLETIC BUILDING 262 SCIOTO Melbourne Flats General Location Hap GYMNASIUM VAN LEAR WASO Form - 177 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ("R" June 1984) NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET SEP 2 0 1984 Fed. Reg. Date: _ Date Due: _ nomination by person or local government owner objection Lappeal Lsample Lrequest - NR decision Reviewer - _ see continuation sheet Nomination returned for: - _technical corrections cited below _ substantive reasons discussed below 1. Name 2. Location 3. Classification Present Use Public Acquisition 4. Owner of Property 5. Location of Legal Description 6. Representation in Existing Surveys 7.

Description Check one J unaltered -original site J excellent J moved Accessible Category resubmission Status REJECT completeness dates yes fair Condition Recom./Criteria unexposed Hamilton County alterations/integrity ruins Discipline deteriorated clarity boundary selection Working No. Substantive Review: Federal Agency: summary paragraph Melbourne Flats Reviewer's comments: Describe the present and original (if known)physical appearance Has this property been determined eligible? Ownership 8. Significance Specific dates Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) completeness J justification of areas checked relationship of integrity to significance justification of exception J other 9. Major Bibliographical References 10. Geographical Data Acreage of nominated property Quadrangle name 11. Form Prepared By 12.

State Historic Preservation Officer Certification The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: _national State Historic Preservation Officer signature Questions concerning this nomination may be directed to - Phone: - Comments for any item may be continued on an attached sheet Date Builder/Architect context summary paragraph Signed title clarity state Maps Photographs local UTM References applicable criteria relating significance to the resource Verbal boundary description and justification Areas of Significance-Check and justify below Period Rita Walsh, photographer Photographer facing southeast from May 1984 facade of the building McMillan Street Melbourne Flats 39 W.McMi1lan Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio Photograph shows the front Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio Rita Walsh, photographer May 1984 Photographer facing south from McMillan St.

intersection with McMillan Melbourne Flats 39 W.McMi1lan PHOTO#2 Photograph shows Hollister St. at the 39 N. McMillan St. Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio entrance on the front (north) facade Rita Walsh, photographer May 1984 Photograph shows the recessed central Photographer facing south Melbourne Flats PHOTO#3 39 W. McMillan St. Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio Rita Walsh, photographer May 1984 building Melbourne Flats Photographer facing north Photograph shows rear (south) facade of 39 W. McMillan St. Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio Rita Walsh, photographer Photographer facing north May 1984 PHOTO #5 of building Melbourne Flats Photograph shows stairwell in front part Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio Rita Walsh, photographer May 1984 Photograph shows mantel in an apartment Melbourne Flats 39 W.McMi1lan St.

PHOTO #6 Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio Rita Walsh, photographer May 1984 Photograph shows mantel in an apartment Melbourne Flats 39 W.McMi1lan St. CINCINNATI WEST, OHIO DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 7.5 MINUTE SERIES (TOPOGRAPHIC) CINCINNATI WEST QUADRANGLE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OHIO-HAMILTON CO 16/714960/4333660 N3907.5W8430/7.5 UNITED STATES