Nomination for Central Building of the Columbus Young Men's Christian Association

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 8-86) National Park Service APR 7.1993 (Form 10-900a). Type all entries. 1. Name of Property 2. Location street & number 1/a not for publication city, town vicinity zip code Classification Ownership of Property Category of Property & private X building(s) _ structures _objects 0 Total Name of related multiple property listing: Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register - 0 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 procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. 5. National Park Service Certification 1, hereby, certify that this property is: Mentered in the National Register.

determined eligible for the National determined not eligible for the other, (explain:) 049 site Date public-local Franklin Columbus state public-Federal county district public-State NATIONAL REGISTER Ohio National Register. 4-2-93 Noncontributing Registration Form historic name Signature of the Keeper other names/site number Number of Resources within Property Ohio Historic Preservation Office Central Branch of the YMCA of Central Ohio National Register of Historic Places removed from the National Register. See continuation sheet. United States Department of the Interior Signature of commenting or other official 40 West Long Street Date of Action This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations of eligibility for individual properties or districts.See instructions in Guidelines State or Federal agency and bureau Signature of certifying official 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 +atlonal Begiati In my opinion, the property Central Building of the Columbus Young Men's Christian Association Register. See continuation sheet. for Completing National Register Forms (National Register Bulletin 16). Complete each item by marking"x"in the appropriate box or by entering zip code 43215 Central Building of the Columbus YMCA, Franklin County, OHio 6. Function or Use 7. Description Other: Built-up. Metal Jacobethan Revival features, while the use of pointed arches building, distinguished by a limestone belt course.

surround features blind tracery and a YMCA triangle symbol in figures to either side and "YMCA" carved in the center. Entry doors have been changed, but the original YMCA copper Lx See continuation sheet Limestone other Architectural Classification Brick walls Buttresses at corners and between bays have attenuated Describe present and historic physical appearance. Late Gothic Revival SOCIAL/ Civic original wood doors with leaded-glass windows are intact.

buttressing, which gives the building a feeling of building is profusely decorated with belt courses, Jacobethan Revival combines elements of the Jacobethan Revival and Late Gothic flight of steps into a small below-grade courtyard.Here, The Central Building of the Columbus Young Men's The raised basement and first floor form the base of the (enter categories from instructions) and buttressing is more representative of the Late Gothic Materials (enter categories from instructions) DOMESTIC/ Hotel successively stepped back on the first, second and upper Historic Functions (enter categories from instructions) stories, and flanked by projecting wings to either side. the center is a stepped and crenelated entrance pavilion with and leaded-glass coach lights remain to either side.

Current Functions (enter categories from instructions) varied wall planes combine to create a lively, sculptural EDUCATION/ School and College RECREATION AND CULTURE/ Sports Facility roof rectangular windows and battlements at the roofline are faced in Flemish-bond brick with limestone ornamentation.It overall horizontal massing is countered above this point by The pointed-arch entrance with limestone stories in height, built of steel frame and concrete and Revival influence.The liberal use of limestone trim and verticality.The central nine bays of the facade are the transom area.Above the arch is a stone tablet with effect on the building's main facade.

United States Department of the Interlor Central Building of the Columbus YMCA, Franklin Co., OH Section number _ First floor windows also have separate transoms, a Jacobethan enframement is ornamented with tracery, acanthus leaves, create a U-shape in the upper floors, a configuration which upper floors rise dramatically behind this block.The National Park Service Continuation Sheet battlements, medallions and buttresses between bays.The interest at the roofline. The east and north elevations of the building abut continuation of the limestone belt course above the first generally into three lights with shaped brick mullions.

Behind the entrance pavilion is a two-story block with facade embellishment continues in the first five bays of the Stylistic elements of the building are continued on the National Register of Historic Places penthouse and features a decorative brick facing along with reflects the interior organization of the building. wings to either side also display piers and buttresses. Windows in the building are rectangular, and divided central three bays of the upper stories are accentuated bya Throughout the main facade, buttresses terminate in limestone garlands, and floral motifs. label hoodmolds are used to ornament the windows at the base projecting gable at the roofline and the presence of four ment on the upper floors and 6/l on first and second floors. east Street alley) the remainder of this Page finials or pinnacles above the crenelated parapet, creating Revival feature.

Flat-arched and pointed-arched limestone west (Front Street) elevation, although with less articula- battlements, small projecting gables, stepped parapets, The north (rear) elevation is the A secondary ornamental buttress coping and pinnacles. The projecting entrance is located in the sixth bay.Its carved limestone A pair of full-height buttressed piers provides a elevation is plain. windows on the first, second and top floors; and a and top of the building.Original windows were 8-pane case- coping and finials at the roofline; label moldings above United States Department of the Interlor National Register of Historic Places Central Building of the Columbus YMCA, Franklin Co., OH Section number - white tiled pool, decking and spectator bleachers. been unaltered, and features an ornamental iron railing with wood cap, terrazzo steps, and paneled walls.

The ground floor of the YMCA contains most of the entries, the ground floor exhibits paneled walls and tiled the ground floor is an interior garage, now used for parking Page arched openings and leaded-glass windows with decorative attractive paneled room with carved wood fireplace and built- The side-by-side gymnasiums feature an original spectators' Reached by the central staircase as well as outside front YMCA Schools.

and window seats along its south wall, and a wood-paneled Continuation Sheet building's service facilities, including a cafeteria, but originally built to house the automotive program of the central staircase, with open stairs leading down to the gallery above one and oval running track above the other, an and reading room or library are located to the west of the are warm and inviting, with varnished wood paneling and weight rooms, along with showers and modern locker rooms. billiard room and the former boy's game and club rooms. To the north of the lobby are the original elevators and National Park Service original natatorium and twin gymnasiums, hand ball courts and leaded-glass double doors lead to the former reading room, recreation rooms, former auditorium, and former barbershop. entry vestibule.

The 65-foot lobby features intact offices The The staircase has innovative use of space. The natatorium retains its original Original doors in the lobby have pointed- crests or shields.Also intact on the first floor are some a five-story block containing the building's physical fitness in bookcases. fireplace at its west end. auditorium floor has been its stone ground floor and up to the third floor.

The primary public and social spaces on the first floor The interior of the YMCA is organized in a U-plan around side steps and decorative columns, remains.Also located on United States Department of the Interlor National Register of Historic Places Central Building of the Columbus YMCA, Franklin Co., OH Section number _ classroom space for the YMCA schools, and dormitory rooms to in the west half of the space and the YMCA Schools (later the southwest corner, a paneled room with marble fireplace. the U. Overall, these spaces exhibit a utilitarian and building remain essentially intact. While some changes have been made to accommodate present-day YMCA programs, they have building. years. original blackboards. Page space has benefited from continued use as office space.A the third floor, which provided additional classroom space.

second floor are essentially intact, with original partitions simple design.They have been remarkably unchanged over the were built as single-room-occupancy housing,a use which effort is currently underway to upgrade mechanical systems Both floor plan and finishes on the interior of the YMCA Throughout the residence halls, small rooms are located off floors allowed light to penetrate to rooms on the interior of Continuation Sheet and restore some of the important public spaces in the Franklin University) were housed in the east half.This Many of the classrooms in the east wing still retain their had a minimal impact on the integrity of the building.An floors not used for housing is the rear of the east wing on National Park Service The upper floors of the building through seven) floor was designed to house YMCA and church-related offices, The U-shaped portion of the building above the first highlight of this floor is the executive director's office in The only portion of the upper remains in great demand today.

of a narrow double-loaded corridor.The light wells on these Central Building of the Columbus YMCA, Franklin County, OHio Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Jnationally Xlocally Shattuck, W. F Christian Association (YMCA) is nominated to the National building's institutional, educational, religious and East Broad Street apartment houses, academic buildings on the limestone in the YMCA enable it to relate equally well with 1924-1943 statewide east. Architecture Education Architect/Builder Significant Person 20th century Scioto River civic corridor which encompasses Cultural Affiliation and Long Streets at an important entrance to downtown from Social History under Criterion C for its contribution to the civic commercial buildings located on High Street one block to the The Central Building of the Columbus Young Men's See continuation sheet architecture of downtown Columbus as a distinctive example of Jacobethan and Late Gothic Revival influences in the city.

Applicable National Register Criteria social history and education for its unique contributions to Courthouse, and the Ohio Departments of State Building.The the Scioto corridor civic buildings and the four-to lo-story Period of Significance Register of Historic Places under Criterion A in the areas of Significant Dates Areas of Significance (enter categories from instructions) the building may be considered a part of the early Built in 1923 and dedicated in early 1924,the Central the Columbus City Hall, the old U.S. Post office and Criteria Considerations (Exceptions) State significance of property,and justify criteria, criteria considerations, and areas and periods of significance noted above. Revival and Late Gothic Revival styles, reflecting the Certifying official has considered the significance of this property in relation to other properties: residential purposes.

the Columbus community in these areas.It is also nominated style which departs from the Classical influences of these YMCA Building is one of the important civic and institutional Columbus, combining features that are more commonly found in YMCA, with a residential as well as civic purpose, has a United States Department of the Interlor Central Building of the Columbus YMCA, Franklin Co., OH YMCAs, Shattuck was skilled at combining a multitude of uses social, recreational, office, educational, and residential their unique function, from the charismatic social lobby and young men with "the environs of a home, the spiritual membership, the YMCA now had the space and resources to offer a community-based program for disadvantaged boys free-of- facilities to the utilitarian residential rooms on upper Association was derived from the demands of an increasingly- building provided much-needed temporary housing for men who reading room on the first floor to the physical fitness the Chicago architectural firm of Shattuck and Layer.

placed on the facility itself as an important place for Continuation Sheet of the organization's programs and ideals. National Park Service The Central Building was designed to provide boys and had fallen upon hard times or men who had come to the city in faceted approach to the work of the Young Men's Christian industrialized society in early 2oth century Columbus, as it The architect for the building was Walter F.Shattuck of National Register of Historic Places the physical benefits of an athletic NP$ Form Section number _ - Page - Shattuck designed a number of YMCA buildings in the United States and abroad during the early 1900s, including those for moral, educational and physical enrichment.

The YMCA building was then, as it still is today, an important symbol Columbus YMCA to increase its influence and expand its Marking a new era for the Columbus YMCA, the new search of jobs and a new home. The YMCA appealed to the floors. functions. charge. This multi- The different spaces of the building reflect within a single building. latest in physical fitness and social facilities for its was in other urban centers as well.A great emphasis was story physical fitness plant in the center, allows.the Columbus YMCA building to successfully accommodate its On a practical new building allowed the National Register of Historic Places Central Building of the Columbus YMCA, Franklin Co., OH working person on an educational level, as well, offering attractive, well-located space for the YMCA Schools, allowing separate branch, known as Franklin University, in 1933.

Columbus YMCA to grow and further its ideals. The YMCA movement was started in London, England, by to the United States to Boston, Massachusetts, in 1851, and As the Columbus association grew, it changed locations Third Street building provided classroom, library and population from 125,560 in 1900 to 237,031 in 1920). The association was re-organized and headguartered in the Sessions Block at the corner of Long and High Streets at Union Station, the first of many branches. intellectual and spiritual needs of young men who were rapidly-growing city of Columbus nearly doubled in at least two more times before building a home of its own at rooms, but it was increasingly clear that the demand for programs, could not be accommodated in the existing building.

their programs to grow and eventually consolidate as a Third Street building was remodeled to provide residential those who were away from home seeking employment in the National Park Service 36 South Third Street the site of the Columbus Dispatch) temporary living space, as well as the need to expand United States Department of the Interior This original Columbus YMCA languished during the Civil War, Continuation Sheet George Williams in 1844. broadened to give equal attention to the social, physical, recreational space, but offered no residential rooms for In addition, as the industrial age progressed, the YMCA became a place of refuge and comfort for Section number _ 8 Page - 3 (demolished). The programs of the organization were traditional school programs.

all accounts, this new building was a success in helping the The new building provided Its purpose was primarily religious the Columbus association established a Railroad Branch YMCA four years later, an association was formed in Columbus. seeking to establish themselves in the city.Also in in 1892.The YMCA had a membership of 6l7 at that time.

National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Central Building of the Columbus YMCA, Franklin Co., OH The Columbus YMCA purchased the present lot, known as The YMCA established an industrial South Side Branch The new Central YMCA Building was planned on such a The building's active use today as a full-service YMCA is contained a complete physical education plant, classroom The YMCA of the 1920s served a wide range of age groups with age and status and provided members with the use of YMCA the Central Building, the YMCA established a separate program high, and the YMCA planned to serve 750 boys through this Page opportunities for disadvantaged boys in the community, who for the future growth of the association and its programs.

War I, but the Columbus association initiated an expansion construction of the new building was delayed because of World recognized the need to provide the same types of National Park Service Section number housing need in the city today. scale that it would meet current needs while allowing room Colored Branch YMCA in l9l9,established a Franklin County space, office space, social rooms and recreational space, United States Department of the Interior Branch in 1923,and dedicated its new building in l924. Camp still operating today) in l9l8,opened a Spring Street in l917,purchased the site for Camp Willson YMCA Boys Men's Department 19 to Division age restaurant facilities, and residential rooms. However, the YMCA also of a temporary home. Since then, the building has been home outside. Upon its facilities and recreational programs.

The demand for such a facility in Columbus was five floors as decent and affordable housing for men in need program that lasted until the Central Building was opened in years and position"). Membership fees were in accordance opening in 1924,the Central Building offered 370 rooms on the ground club had separate access from the through its Boys Department boys aged l0 to l8),Young.

to over 500,o00 men, and it continues to meet a critical National Register of Historic Places Central Building of the Columbus YMCA, Franklin Co., OH poses, the Columbus YMCA began offering educational programs 1902, provided the foundation for today's Franklin University and pioneered technical, trade and evening classes in the educational concepts introduced by the YMCA Schools at Once in the new Central Building, the YMCA the Technical and Trade School, the Evening High School, the Boys' Day School, and the Junior College of Arts and and 1,500 students per year, providing up-to-date classroom Page Building provided free food and room accommodations for more great social service to poor and transient members of the To accomplish its broad educational and training pur- schools met a growing need in the community for technical and the South Third Street location were the city's first night than 2ooo nights to homeless and stranded young men passing through the city.

Continuation Sheet established the city's first evening high school (l926) and (with repair services advertised to the public).The YMCA the large ground level garage for the automotive classes National Park Service during the day and work toward a liberal arts degree at organized into the College of Law, the School of Commerce, and Sciences, which allowed men and women to be employed United States Department of the Interlor half day and worked in industrial plants a half day),l93l.

east wing of the building.In 1928,the schools were YMCA Schools occupied the major part of four floors of the When the Central Building was completed in 1924,the In l927,the YMCA formally opened a Junior College of Arts evening college (i9l6), and first experimental high school Section number - The YMCA Schools, established in law school (1903), first automobile school (1909), first Boys, serving grades 5 through 12. general population. For example, in 1932, the Central Columbus. night.Also established in that year was a Day School for This was the first time that students in Columbus could work during the day and go to school at night.Among first cooperative day school (where students went to school at the turn of the century.

United States Department of the Interior Central Building of the Columbus YMCA, Franklin Co., OH Section number _ schools continued to grow, a significant event was their The Central Building of the Columbus YMCA has continued Page National Register of Historic Places has contributed enormously to the social and educational the early 2oth century in downtown Columbus. Continuation Sheet department had developed into a separate branch (another University, today an important four-year college in Columbus, trade classes which could be taken in the evening.As the until l966 when it was transferred to Capital Unversity.

known as Franklin University.By l940,the Columbus YMCA was to serve its original purpose for nearly 7o years, while National Park Service Columbus has grown toa major metropolitan area of one one of only lo in the United States whose educational betterment of also continues to make an reorganization in 1933 as a separate branch of the YMCA to be example being Northeastern University in Boston). Franklin growth and modern demands on its facilities.The building million people. this building until l969.Franklin's law school was here It remains remarkably intact despite this Central Building of the Columbus YMCA, Franklin County, OHio 9.

The rest of the file

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

Major Bibliographical References The Columbus Digest 1797-1947. "Franklin University," 1947. Shattuck & Layer, Architects, Chicago. Original plans for the Central Building of the Columbus YMCA., 1921. YMCA Edition, Columbus Dispatch, January 13, 1924. YMCA Floodlight Columns, All Schools' Edition, January 20, 1928. YMCA of Central Ohio, miscellaneous files. Previous documentation on file (NPS): N/A preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) State historic preservation office previously determined eligible by the National Register Survey # Other recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # 10. Geographical Data .8 acre The property occupies the entire city block bounded by Front Street on the west, Lafayette the property. The building occupies the entire block. 11. Form Prepared By Judith B. Williams January 28, 1993 organization - street & number .

telephone _ state . zip code - 43221 Northing University Columbus date Zone Historic Preservation Consultant Federal agency Ohio Local government Specify repository: UTM References designated a National Historic Landmark The boundary includes the entire city block which has historically been associated with 2237 Cambridge Boulevard Boundary Justification YMCA of Central Ohio Acreage of property See continuation sheet 614/481-9444 has been requested Zone Easting recorded by Historic American Buildings YMCA News, miscellaneous editions. "A Capital Thing for a Capital Town:The Columbus YMCA,"brochure,1912. Verbal Boundary Description consists of Lots 175,176, and 177, shown in the Franklin County Auditor's 0ffice's Map Other State agency "30 Years of Service:YMCA Observes Building's Anniversay,"Columbus Citizen Journal,11/8/53.

Primary location of additional data: city or town name/title previously listed in the National Register Less than one A17][3|28|960] Room in Book G, page 14, for the City of Columbus. 44|251580 National Register of Historic Places Section number PHOTOS Page - Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio Photo taken January 25, 1993 Negatives located at 2237 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 1. South and west elevations, looking northeast 2. Main (south) facade, looking northeast 5. Upper main facade detail 6. Main facade detail 7. Main facade detail, looking northeast 8. Main (Long Street) entrance, looking northeast 9. Ground floor entrance off of Long Street, looking east 10. West and south elevations, looking northeast 11. West and north elevations, looking southeast 12. Side (Front Street) entrance, looking northeast 13. North (rear) elevation, looking east 14.

East elevation, looking north Continuation Sheet Central Building of the Columbus Young Men's National Park Service The following information is the same for all photographs: Individual Views: United States Department of the Interlor Christian Association (YMCA) Central Building of the Columbus YMCA, Franklin Co.,OH OMB Approvel No. 1024-0018 Photo by Judy Williams United States Department of the Interlor National Register of Historic Places Section number PHoTos Page 2 17. Social lobby offices, lst floor, looking southwest 18. Social lobby window alcove, lst floor, looking southwest 19. West end of social lobby, lst floor, looking west 20. Door to reading room, west end of social lobby, lst floor 21. Telephone booths, social lobby, lst floor 22. Reading room, looking north 24. Fireplace in reading room, looking north 25. View from main stairs to social lobby, looking south 26.

Main staircase, lst floor, looking northwest 27. Main staircase, 2nd floor landing, looking east 28. Former billiards room, lst floor, looking northeast 31. Executive director's office, 2nd floor, looking west 32. West wing office corridor, 2nd floor, looking north 33. West wing storage area, 2nd floor, looking south 34. Classroom corridor, 2nd floor, looking west Continuation Sheet Central Building of the Columbus YMCA, Franklin Co., OH 30. lst floor subsidiary space, looking west 29. lst floor passageway, looking east 23. Reading room detail, looking northeast National Park Service 15. Cornerstone, looking east 16. Social lobby, lst floor, looking west OMB Approvel No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Register of Historic Places Central Building of the Columbus YMCA, Franklin Co., OH 35. Typical classroom, 2nd floor, looking south 36.

Auditorium stage steps, ground floor, looking west 37. Natatorium, lst floor, looking north 38. South gymnasium, looking west 40. Gymnasium spectator gallery, looking east 41. Gymnasium track, looking east 42. Weight room, 5th floor, looking south 43. View of typical raquetball court 44. Typical residential corridor, 3rd floor 45.

Typical residential corridor, 7th floor Page Continuation Sheet National Park Service NP& Form NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET NOMINATOR: STATE N PDIL: N PERIOD: PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: N COMMENT WAIVER: N ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS: DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR X/N 5/06/93 REJECT DATE 4/07/93 REVIEWER iation RETURN 5/22/93 DISCIPLINE MULTIPLE NAME: OTHER: RECOM./CRITERIA UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR REASONS FOR REVIEW: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: DATE RECEIVED: DATE OF 16TH DAY: DATE OF 45TH DAY: SIR DRAFT: N REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION REFERENCE NUMBER: 93000402 PROPERTY NATIONAL: Central Building of the Columbus Young Men's Christian Assoc _ count _architectural classification _descriptive text _summary paragraph _completeness _clarity _applicable criteria _relating significance to the resource _context _relationship of integrity to significance -justification of exception GEOGRAPHICAL DATA _acreage _verbal boundary description _boundary justification current FUNCTION materials other BIBLIOGRAPHY CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION Builder/Architect historic Period SIGNIFICANCE Phone Date ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION/PRESENTATION Specific dates justification of areas checked OTHER COMMENTS Areas of Significance--Check and justify below STATE/FEDERAL AGENCY CERTIFICATION Signed _resource type Statement of Significance one paragraph) UTMS photographs _presentation sketch maps Questions concerning this nomination may be directed to USGS maps LONGs Franklin Co., Ohio Coluubw YMCA Franklin Co., Ohio Co, Ohio POOL GYM NAUTILUS TRACK COURTS CO-ED 0251 N-1 GYM POOL NAUTILUS COURTS RACK AD-1855 Cenhel Building of the Columbus YMCA Frankhin Co., OH 738 0251 N-1 741 0251 N-1 YMCA Franklin lo., OH 741 0251 N-2 YMCA Colkmbus IMCA 741 0251 N-1 Columbur YncA 741 0251 N-1 741 0251 N-2 LAW YMCA Columbu Ines 0251 N-1 Columbus PMCA Fnanklin Co.

EXIT S FEE GFEET DEEP Columbu EMCA Fenkiin Co., PULSE Franklin Co., OH YMCA 732 0251 N-1 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR SOUTHWEST COLUMBUS QUADRANGLE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY SOUTHWEST COLUMBUS, OHIO 7.5 MINUTE SERIES (TOPOGRAPHIC) Ohio Historical Center 1982 Velma Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43211-2497 Fax: 297-2411 APR 7 1993 April 5, 1993 Carol Shull, Chief of Registration P. O. Box 37127 Washington, DC Dear Ms. Shull: John Downing Jr. House Charles W. Seiberling House W. Ray Luce COUNTY 20013-7127 614/297-2470 SOCIETY Hamilton Enclosures Sincerely Meigs NATIONAL Ashland Portage Lucas Delaware Columbiana District REGISTER HISTORICAL RECEIVED Franklin Yost Tavern National Park Service Sameul Cooper Farmhouse Center Street Historic If you have questions or comments about these documents contact this office.

Summit NEW SUBMISSION Clinton South South Street Historic Central Building of the cation procedures have been followed for these new submissions. State Historic Preservation Officer Inverness Club District (Boundary Increase) National Register of Historic Places Ohio Historic Preservation Office Columbus YMCA Cottage Hill Farm SINCE 1885 Cherry Valley Coke Ovens OHIO Enclosed are ten (lo) new National Register nominations.All appropriate notifi-