Favorite Five: Architecture

You’d be hard pressed to find a more comprehensive and varied architectural collection in a concentrated area like you can in little ol’ greater Cincinnati. In addition to the intricacies and craft featured in Painted Ladies and Italianate architecture, Cincinnatians are fortunate to have a plethora of Art Deco, Victorian, Greek Revival, and Romanesque architecture swarming our cityscape. The most notorious architecture the city has to offer is likely the dramatic juxtapositioning of the Cincinnati skyline, which is positively breathtaking, especially when it comes to view after a long drive home on I-75 North in Northern Kentucky.
I may not know a lot about the history of architecture — though every day I learn a little more — but I do know about aesthetics and what looks good. Here are some of my favorites in the area:

Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington
Formerly a cathedral, this architectural gem was promoted to minor basilica in 1953 and added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1973.
Built: 1895
Architectural Style: Gothic Revival, French Gothic 
Use: Catholic church.
Photo courtesy of one of the most talented people I know, Phil Armstrong.


Hamilton County Memorial Building (Memorial Hall), Over-the-Rhine
My favorite building in Cincinnati. Added to the NRHP in 1978. I particularly love the elaborate details and mouldings throughout.
Built: 1908
Architectural Style: Beaux Arts (Samuel Hannaford & Sons)
Use: Venue featuring musical performances, comedy, weddings, corporate events, and more.

Italianate, Over-the-Rhine, Newport, Covington, etc.
I absolutely love Italianate-style buildings. They are so beautiful and historic; minimal yet intricate. It is my dream to live in one someday.
Built: 1840–1890
Architectural Style: Tall, symmetrical 19th century buildings featuring low-pitched roofs and rounded window cornices.
Use: Residential and commercial.


Painted Ladies, Columbia Tusculum
Who doesn’t love Victorian-era homes painted in three or more colors to embellish their architecture details?
Built: mid-1800s to early-1900s
Architectural Style: Victorian
Use: Residential and commercial.


Krug Building, East Walnut Hills
Part of the Woodburn Avenue Historic District, added to the NRHP in 1983. I love how this building is, in fact, two separate buildings brought together by a courtyard. And those turrets!
Built: 1895
Architectural Style: N/A (Appears to be a combination of Italianate and Victorian Vernacular to my very untrained eye.)
Use: Apartment buildings.

Honorable Mention: Music Hall, City Hall, Union Terminal, Cuvier Press Club Building, Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, Gilbert Row, Gwynne Building, Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Taft Museum of Art, Issac M. Wise Temple, and The Cincinnatian Hotel (formerly Palace Hotel).
What are some of your favorites in a city chock-full of beautiful architecture?