Nomination for Venice Building

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service AUG 3 0 1990 the requested information. If an item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, styles, materials, 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 city, town zip code 44106 3.

Classification Ownership of Property Category of Property CX building(s) Name of related multiple property listing: listed in the National Register _ State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, I hereby certify that this Signature of commenting or other official National Park Service Certification 1, hereby, certify that this property is: Xlentered in the National Register. J See continuation sheet. determined eligible for the National Register. See continuation sheet. determined not eligible for the other, (explain:) code 039 site structure Date district public-State REGISTER state object Total NATIONAL National Register.

035 public-local Registration Form Cleveland public-Federal historic name Number of Resources within Property Noncontributing Number of contributing resources previously other names/site number removed from the National Register. Signature of certifying official State or Federal agency and bureau Contrjbuting not for publication This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations of eligibility for individual properties or districts.See instructions in Guidelines 8401-17 Euclid Avenue National Register of Historic Places National Register of HistoricPlaces and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. Date of Action 8-21-90 N/A vicinity (Rev. 8-86) Venice Building for Completing National Register Forms (National Register Bulletin 16).

Complete each item by marking"x"in the appropriate box orby entering 1496 Ohio Ratered in the 6.. Function or Use 7. Description walls - vertical ribbons of headers, regularly spaced, while the east and west Decorated with art stone, the recessed central entrance features the building name (which is incised) and, in relief, the Lion of St. Mark, the foundation grade.

CONCRETE roof Architectural Classification The See continuation sheet (enter categories from instructions) Italian Renaissance Revival Venice Building is a four-story-and-basement commercial and residential residential district that deteriorated in recent decades but now is Current Functions (enter categories from instructions) building located at the eastern end of Euclid Avenue, a once-fashionable The former boiler and coal rooms extend north from the basement below Materials (enter categories from instructions) Historic Functions (enter categories from instructions) stylistic features and is slated for rehabilitation. area has been cleared for construction of a shopping plaza; across the which is unadorned, has a brick flue and a 24-inch-square brick chimney. Describe present and historic physical appearance.

elevations have horizontal bands of headers at ground level with a diaper was framed at each corner by slender, spiral colonnettes, but these are now DOMESTIC/multiple dwelling leaded-glass transoms (these had small square panes) and, at the base, iron street is the Cleveland Play House (1983),designed by Philip Johnson. BRICK & CONCRETE COMMERCE/TRADE/specialty stores Designed after the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace) in Venice, the Venice Building is vacant and vandalized, but it retains its essential (concrete) ornament. elevation, facing East 84th Street. Windows are double-hung, with 8/2 lights, though many are undergoing substantial redevelopment. Immediately to the west, a large missing. The building formerly beneath which are roundels with quatrefoils. pattern above. now broken or missing.

The paired living room windows have art-stone sills traditional symbol of Venice, bearing an open book with the building date The storefronts are recessed behind a shallow arcade The storefronts, which have been with brackets; all other windows have brick sills. The Venice was designed to accommodate 8 retail stores at ground level having thick, Gothic moldings; the arch above the central (apartment) capitals (but no bases) support a series of eight semielliptical arches Squat, round columns with crocket running the length of the facade. The rear of the building, NPS Form 10-800-e OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 corridor running the length of the building are eight small, three-room suites consisting of a living room, dining room/kitchen, dressing room, and (The living room, equipped with a Murphy bed, also served as the walls and ceilings, wood floors, plain wood trim, wood picture moulds, and 9. Major Bibliographical References (continued) Page mullioned windows. each kitchen directly into the apartment corridor.The interior of the Continuation Sheet Venice Building-Cleveland,Ohio Section number 7 molding and a series of nine ornamental plaques bearing various figures of Venice Building has been extensively vandalized.

National Register of Historic Places bedroom.)The building's four light courts supplied light and ventilation graced the corners of the balustrade are now gone, as are the vertical- National Park Service The eight store units extend from the front to the back of the (News articles reporting the building's decline and abandonment.) United States Department of the Interior front and rear stairways, are identical in plan: opening off a central (8-86) Cleveland Plain 24,March slender, pointed-arch window opening with finial. This has a shallow been removed.

The building's second, third, and fourth floors, reached by to the interior spaces of the units.Interior features included plaster balustrade of Gothic tracery.Two (unidentified) busts that originally Each has an interior stairway (leading down to a basement ("1922") on its pages.Surrounding the entrance are a round-arch rope simple kitchen and dining-room cupboards.A small"ice door"opened from building.E 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Certifying official has considered the significance of this property in relation to other properties: Applicable National Register Criteria Period of Significance Sam W. Emerson Co. State significance of property, and justify criteria, criteria considerations, and areas and periods of significance noted above. but little-known work of a master, Cleveland architect J. Milton Dyer, and Venice, the building incorporates richly decorative ornament, including patterned brickwork, an arcade with crocket capitals, roundels with factories, clubs, churches, office buildings, and private residences. energy, his skill and his unusual technical ability," the unidentified Tavern Club (1905), the Sterling & Welch Company store (1909, now worked only sporadically after the First World War, and he died penniless.

ARCHITECTURE 1922-1923 Architect/Builder quatrefoils, and other features characteristic of Venetian palace facades The Venice Building is significant under Criterion C as an imaginative See continuation sheet retains the essential features of Dyer's original design. industrial and exhibition space and the Beaux-Arts idiom.Yet he also Significant Dates Areas of Significance (enter categories from instructions) Record devoted a 19-page article to his work, Dyer had designed schools, Significant Person designing and supervising the construction of that firm's new plant Cultural Affiliation J.Milton Dyer (1870-1957),eulogized as the "dean of Cleveland Company Cleveland Athletic Club (1911),Cleveland City Hall | statewide [x locally Criteria Considerations (Exceptions) Dyer, J.

Milton By November 1906, when The Architectural Dyer designed many of Cleveland's most familiar landmarks, including (1900-1911). Reputed to have a predilection for spirits and women, Dyer nationally writer noted. an engineer with the Brown Hoisting Machinery Company of Cleveland, dabbled in Art Nouveau and Wrightian idioms, and in Tudor and English Gothic forms.His most productive period encompassed only a single decade then went into private practice. have handled so many different problems so well is testimony at once to his as a unique example of the Italian Renaissance Revival style in Cleveland. demolished),the First Methodist Church (1905),the Peerless Motor Car (1916),and the U.S.Coast Guard Station (1940).Dyer was a master of Reminiscent of the rio facade of the Palazzo NPS Form 10-900e OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior Venice Building-Cleveland, Ohio the Frank N. Riley Company, a Cleveland insurance and real estate firm. occupants were clerks, secretaries, an accountant, a nurse, a saleswoman, dress store, restaurant, milliner, grocer, beauty shop, barber shop, and Neighbors Organized for Action in Housing, Inc., a local housing credits. Page Continuation Sheet appearance and pointed out that while materials used were comparatively dry cleaner.

as the surrounding neighborhood declined rapidly following the Hough riots The Venice Building continued in use under a succession of owners even housing led investors to construct numerous apartment houses throughout the National Register of Historic Places earlier and more prestigious residential building at East 82nd and Euclid jury, which consisted of experts in architecture and structural work, According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the building was selected last remaining tenants were ordered to leave for nonpayment of rent. The Cleveland Chamber of Commerce presented the Venice Building with a handsome building after the Doge's Palace in Venice. early 1983,heat and water to the building were shut off when owner Winston Except for squatters, the building has been vacant ever since.

National Park Service for use asa residence for guest artists performing at the nearby Cleveland Section number 8 versatile architect, was erected in 1922-23 by Frank N. Riley, president of put up a building meeting the requirements of utility and economy."The (now demolished),the Venice with its small 2-1/2-room suites was intended Unlike the nearby St. Regis Hotel, an Willis, an alleged cheat spot operator, failed to pay the bills and made no suites and 3 of its stores were still occupied; the following month, the group, is negotiating to purchase the building and plans to rehabilitate it attempt to restore service. By February 1983, only 5 of the building's 24 1923. The and several plant managers.

"found that much consideration was given to exterior and interior Dyer's work, architectural historian Richard N.Campen called the Venice "a Euclid Avenue already had begun to wane as a fashionable residential according to city permit records. the 1920's and the only apartment house known to have been designed by this for Clevelanders of modest means.Among the building's Construction began on June 2,1922,and was completed on February 2,1923, 9.

The rest of the file

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

Major Bibliographical References Dealer Sunday Magazine, November 14, 1965, PP. 22-23+. January 11, 1925, p. 3-C. Cleveland, Ohio. files, General Reference and Fine Arts departments. J preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) Primary location of additional data: recorded by Historic American Buildings Other Jrecorded by Historic American Engineering Record # 10. Geographical Data 11. Form Prepared By organization under contract with NOAH, Inc. street & number 2940 Somerton Road . state _ zip code 44118 University Northing Zone 1170-A. Local government Boundary Justification Acreage of property less Other State agency Cleveland City Directories. Federal agency UTM References Building was constructed.

"Chamber Finds Three Buildings Deserve Medals,"Cleveland Plain Dealer, previously determined eligible by the National Register Verbal Boundary Description see continuation sheet State historic preservation office Specify repository: Zone Easting has been requested than one previously listed in the National Register Previous documentation on file (NPS): designated a National Historic Landmark permanent parcel #119-04-81.It is approximately 137 feet wide by 260 Survey # city or town _ Less 216) 321-3940 telephone The boundary described represents the original parcel on which the Venice Cleveland Heights The nominated property consists of the lot identified by Cuyahoga County feet deep. nameltitle Carol Poh Miller/Historical Consultant May [45194680] NPS Form 10-800 OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 PHOTOGRAPHS-Venice Building, Cleveland, Ohio 2) 8401-17 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio 3) Photographer: Carol Poh Miller 4) April 1990 8520 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 6) Facade and west elevation, looking E on Euclid Avenue 6) Facade and east elevation, looking W 6) North (rear) and west elevation, looking SE 6) Entrance detail 2) Cleveland, Ohio 3) Photographer: R. E. Hawkins/Cleveland News 4) Date unkown 5) Copy negative on file at Cleveland Picture Collection, Cleveland Public 6) Venice Building, shortly after completion.

Library Continuation Sheet PHOTOCOPY: PHOTOS Section number National Park Service Page National Register of Historic Places United States Department of the Interior 5) Negative on file at Neighbors Organized for Action in Housing, Inc., 1) Venice Building 6) Facade detail [NOTE:THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS THE SAME FOR PHOTOS #2-5] 7) #6 of 6 photographs NATIONAL PARK SERVICE EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET NAME : DATE OF 16TH DAY: NOMINATOR: STATE N PDIL: N PERIOD: N PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: COMMENT WAIVER: N ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS : 10/14/90 9/28/90 8/30/90 DATE REJECT MULTIPLE DISCIPLINE REVIEWER RECOM./CRITERIA OTHER: DATE RECEIVED: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR REASONS FOR REVIEW: NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: National Regiatez DATE OF 45TH DAY: APPEAL: N RETURN ACCEPT __count -current _architectural classification _descriptive text _summary paragraph _completeness _clarity _applicable criteria _context _relationship of integrity to significance -justification of exception GEOGRAPHICAL DATA _acreage _verbal boundary description _boundary justification ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION/PRESENTATION - Phone materials Builder/Architect FUNCTION Period other DESCRIPTION BIBLIOGRAPHY CLASSIFICATION SIGNIFICANCE Date Areas of Significance--Check and justify below OTHER COMMENTS justification of areas checked Specific dates Questions concerning this nomination may be directed to STATE/FEDERAL AGENCY CERTIFICATION Statement of Significance one paragraph) USGS maps Signed _sketch maps _resource type relating significance to the resource _historic UTMS _presentation _photographs Venei Blag - VENICE ) COPYRIGHT RESTRICTION.

CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY ATERIAL MAY BE SUBJECT EDIT MUST BE GIVEN TO: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR CLEVELAND NORTH, OHIO CLEVELAND NORTH QUADRANGLE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OHIO-CUYAHOGA CO. 8520 CARNEGIE AVE., CLEVELAND, OH 44106 791 - 0010 (216) 791-3921 July 31, 1990 RECEIVED AUG - 2 1990 Mr. Ray Luce, Director Columbus, Ohio 43211 - 2497 the Venice Building located in Cleveland, Ohio and due to undergo Board at their August 3, 1990 meeting. architectural firm of Bode-VanNiel-Pervanje and, with the aid of skilled use of building materials.Despite its present vacant and million adaptative re-use. and well-suited to future adaptative re-use.

Ohio Historical Center vandalized state, the Venice Building remains structurally intact Ohio Historic Preservation Office 1982 Velma Avenue Dear Director Luce: a pre-development grant from the Ohio Department of Development, I am writing in Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Over the past year, NOAH, Inc. has been negotiating the purchase NEIGHBORS ORGANIZED FOR ACTION IN HOUSING INC. of this building which we hope highly unique, mixed retail and residential building displaying a have developed preliminary plans for the Venice Building's $l.7 Again, on behalf of the non-profit development entity which plans Executive Director cc: Jeff Winstel, OHPO file nomination.

Bernard Thompkins, Barb Clint, Sincerely, to return the Venice Building to its former splendor, I strongly encourage approval of the Venice Building's National Register DOAN CENTER INCORPORATED 10465 CARNEGIE AVENUE, THIRD FLOOR, CLEVELAND, OHIO 44106 (216) 444-2360 July 31, 1990 RECEIVED AUG - 2 1998 Mr. W. Ray Luce 1982 Velma Avenue Dear Mr. Luce: Center, Inc., the Doan Center area's non-profit planning and redevel- As you may know, the Venice's designer, J. Milton Dyer was one of Cleveland City Hall, First United Methodist Church, the Cleveland University Circle. One of his few residential commissions, the Venice Apartments, is an excellent example of the eclectic design style Industrial Exposition Building (demolished) - Though vacant and neglected for several years, Doan Center, Inc. feels Midtown Square Shopping Center is, in fact, about to begin construc- Avenue.

including a ground floor retail facade of columns and elliptical State Historic Preservation Officer Ohio Historic Preservation Office attractive housing within the improving Doan area which is seeing publications such as the Architectural Record for the above and other works such as the United States Coast Guard station and the Cleveland trance bay, plain sash windows at the apartments, and attractive Cleveland's most celebrated architects in the early years of the Athletic Club, as well as the Cleveland Music School Settlement in This apartment-store structure, built in 1922 and based on the Doge's This is to inform the Ohio Historic Preservation Office that Doan roundels and cornice at the roof line.

Palace in Venice, is a unique arrangement of styles and elements, transitional period of the early19oo's.Trained at the Ecole des Re: Venice Apartments - Cleveland, Ohio Columbus, OH 43211 Beaux-Arts in Paris, his career was nationally recognized by twentieth century.His works include such noted downtown buildings as favored by local and national architects in the classic-to-progressive that the Venice Apartments can still be rehabilitated and be viable, opment agency in Cleveland, supports designation of the Venice Apart- ments building at 8405 Euclid Avenue as a national landmark. Mr. Ray W. Luce July 31, 1990 Michael J. May Vice President significant older buildings remaining in the area, such as the Venice, this structure on the National Register of Historic Places.

We feel that historic landmark designation is important to assure that Sincerely We, therefore, urge the Preservation Office's recommendation to place a1/500 are fully reutilized as a complement to these redevelopment efforts. AUG 3 0 1990 Ohio Historical Center 1982 Velma Avenue Columbus. Ohio 43211-2497 (614) 297-2470 August 24, 1990 Ms. Carol Shull, Chief National Register of Historic Places P.O. Box 37127 Washington, D.C. 20013-7127 Garlick, Richard Residence W. Ray Luce WRL/JW: dh SOCIETY submissions.

HISTORICAL County Seneca Cuyahoga Enclosures REGISTER Defiance NATIONAL nrohp/trans.doc Butler New Submission Morgan-Hueston House Venice Building Fountain City Historic District Holgate Avenue Historic District Sincerely, National Park Service Dear Carol: State Historic Preservation Officer Ohio Historic Preservation Office SINCE 1885 Franklin Department of the Interior National Order Orphans's Home Please contact me if you have any questions. Junior Order of United American Mechanics Rager, John Farmhouse OHIO appropriate notification procedures have been followed for these new Enclosed please find seven (7) new National Register nominations.All the Williams