Don’t be fooled by its suburban nature—Cleveland Heights is home to a collection of buildings and historic districts that will please your inner architecture enthusiast. Some of the most striking structures and landmarks in the city include:
Heights Rockefeller
- The Heights Rockefeller at the corner of Mayfield and Lee roads. It dates back to 1930 when it functioned as the commercial center of the upscale Forest Hill community. Commissioned by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., the building—and its surrounding neighborhood—were built in the French Norman style by New York-based architect Andrew J. Thomas, with the facade noted for its eye-catching Romanesque trappings and details.
Today, the building is home to a wide variety of businesses– a continuation of its legacy as an integral part of Cleveland Heights.
- The Alcazar Hotel, a historic building in the Cedar-Fairmount district of Cleveland Heights, Ohio. According to records, it was built in 1923 and inspired by old-world hotels such as the Ponce de Leon in St. Augustine, Florida.
During its heyday, some of its most famous guests were Mary Martin, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter. Legend has it that Porter even wrote the iconic song “Night and Day” at the Alcazar. This Spanish-Moorish building eventually fell into disrepair in the 1950s, then converted into an apartment building.
- The Superior Schoolhouse, one of the first schools in the former East Cleveland. It was constructed in 1859 and underwent several renovations and changes over the years. Finally, in 1974, the school became the first Cleveland Heights Landmark—an achievement followed by its placement on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Today, the Superior Schoolhouse is a property of the City of Cleveland Heights. It’s a repository for archival collections and a venue for educational programs relating to the city’s history.
Cleveland Heights is also home to several neighborhoods where you can find well-preserved examples of historic architecture.
One such place is the Ambler Heights Historic District. Platted in its current form in 1900 and largely completed by 1927, it’s an early 20th-century suburban residential development that’s considered to be a pioneer in upscale “garden city” living. There are currently 66 original, single-family, architect-designed private homes in the district, all of which have experienced relatively little alteration since their construction.
Another point of interest for historic architecture is Shaker Farm Historic District, which also dates back to the early 20th century. Spanning approximately 266 acres, it was a suburban residential development filled with single-family homes marketed towards socialites looking to live away from the industrialized city center. Some of the architectural styles you’ll find here include Medieval Revival, Colonial Revival, and Picturesque. These buildings, together with the neighborhood’s lush country greenery, helped achieve its residents’ romantic aspirations.
Get in touch with me, Chagrin Valley’s top Realtor Michelle McQuade, to explore the full range of your real estate options in Cleveland Heights, located just east of Cleveland. Learn more about the community here and, when you’re ready, get in touch with me by phone at 440.823.2448 or send me an email to get started.