City guide
114 buildings worth a detour, each with what to look for. Open them on the map, or walk them with the iPhone app, which collects each one you photograph.
The buildings that define the city's architecture.
The Bartlett Building is a 1901 downtown Cincinnati office tower designed by D. H. Burnham & Company, a nationally significant architecture firm, in the Neoclassical style. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
Carew Tower is a 1930 Art Deco skyscraper in downtown Cincinnati designed by Walter W. Ahlschlager as a large-scale mixed-use complex combining tower, hotel, and arcade. It is recognized as a textbook example of the Art Deco skyscraper and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. The tower remains a landmark downtown structure with a strong retellable history.
Photo: EEJCC , CC BY-SA 4.0
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains is an 1845 Neoclassical cathedral in downtown Cincinnati designed by Henry Walter, a notable early Ohio architect. Its prominent facade is visible from the street, and the cathedral basilica supports a strong retellable story.
Photo: Greg5030 Photo by Greg Hume , CC BY-SA 3.0
Cincinnati City Hall is a Richardsonian Romanesque municipal building designed by Samuel Hannaford, a prolific and locally important architect. Its monumental Romanesque facade is highly visible downtown, and the building carries a civic story as the seat of city government. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Greg Hume (talk) , CC BY-SA 3.0
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is a 1933 Art Deco train terminal designed by Alfred T. Fellheimer, a noted terminal designer, and built around a monumental half-dome rotunda concourse. The building is a textbook example of the style and has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark and a National Treasure. It was once named to America's Most Endangered Historic Places, giving it a story of near-loss followed by preservation.
Photo: Greg Hume , CC BY-SA 3.0
Cincinnati Music Hall, located in Over-the-Rhine, is a rare regional example of Venetian Gothic architecture. Its iconic facade and massing are recognized citywide, and the building holds the strongest tier of heritage designation as both a National Historic Landmark and a National Treasure. It has also been named to America's Most Endangered Historic Places, reflecting a strong preservation narrative.
Photo: Larsonj3 , CC BY-SA 4.0
The Cincinnati Times-Star Building is an Art Deco newspaper building in Over-the-Rhine, completed in 1933 and designed by Samuel Hannaford's firm, one of Cincinnati's most prominent architectural practices. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: unknown , Public domain
First Unitarian Church is an 1889 Cincinnati church designed by James W. McLaughlin in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. It is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Ford Motor Company Cincinnati Plant is an industrial building designed by Albert Kahn in the Chicago School idiom, employing Kahn's daylight-factory approach to industrial design. Its large facade is visible from the street, and the plant carries the history of Ford Motor Company's Cincinnati operations. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY-SA 3.0
Fourth & Walnut Center is a 1904 downtown Cincinnati office tower designed by D. H. Burnham & Company, a nationally significant architecture firm, in the Chicago School idiom. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cincinnati, OH, United States , CC0
The George Hatch House is a Greek Revival building designed by Isaiah Rogers, a nationally significant hotel architect. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Jack E. Boucher , Public domain
The George Hunt Pendleton House was the home of U.S. Senator George Hunt Pendleton, built in the Second Empire style.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Gwynne Building is a Beaux-Arts office building in downtown Cincinnati designed by Ernest Flagg, a nationally notable architect. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
The Hamilton County Memorial Building is a Beaux-Arts civic memorial in Over-the-Rhine, completed in 1908 and designed by Samuel Hannaford, a prominent Cincinnati architect. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Attribution required: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
The Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza is a landmark Art Deco hotel in downtown Cincinnati, completed in 1931 and designed by Walter W. Ahlschlager with Delano & Aldrich.
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cincinnati, OH, United States , CC0
Landmark
The Ingalls Building is a downtown Cincinnati tower designed by the firm Elzner & Anderson. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and separately designated a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, reflecting its structural and engineering significance.
Isaac M. Wise Temple is an 1865 synagogue in downtown Cincinnati designed by James Keys Wilson in the Moorish Revival style, a rare example of the style for the region. Its dual-minaret form is an unusual typology locally and remains highly visible from the sidewalk. The building is a National Historic Landmark.
Photo: unknown , Public domain
The John Church Company Building was built in 1885 for the John Church Company, a music publishing firm, and designed by Samuel Hannaford in the Renaissance Revival style. It stands in downtown Cincinnati.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
Landmark
The Keating Aquatic Center was designed in 2006 by Thom Mayne of Morphosis, a Pritzker Prize-winning architect.
Photo: Bearcat2011 , CC BY-SA 3.0
Nast Trinity United Methodist Church is a Romanesque Revival church in Over-the-Rhine designed by Samuel Hannaford. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and carries a congregational history.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Palace Theatre is a downtown Cincinnati movie palace designed by Rapp and Rapp, noted movie-palace architects, in a Renaissance Revival and Italianate style. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art, completed in 2003 in downtown Cincinnati, was designed by Zaha Hadid, a Pritzker Prize-winning architect. It was Hadid's first major US-built commission, an innovation milestone in her career, and its bold cantilevered facade is highly visible on the street.
Photo: EEJCC , CC BY-SA 4.0
The S. C. Mayer House is a Second Empire house in Over-the-Rhine designed by Samuel Hannaford, one of Cincinnati's most prolific architects. It is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
Scarlet Oaks is an 1867 Romanesque Revival building designed by James Keys Wilson, a notable Cincinnati architect, making it an early example of the style in the city. It is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Sir Alfred T. Goshorn House is a Richardsonian Romanesque residence designed by James W. McLaughlin, notable Cincinnati architect, and named for Alfred T. Goshorn, a notable local figure. It is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY-SA 3.0
The Spring Grove Cemetery Chapel is a Romanesque building within Cincinnati's noted Spring Grove Cemetery, designed by Samuel Hannaford. It is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
The Terrace Plaza Hotel is a downtown Cincinnati hotel built in the Moderne style, noted as a distinctive midcentury modern design. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Pub. by Bell Block News & Novelty Co., Cincinnati, Ohio. "Tichnor Quality Views," Reg. U. S. Pat. Off. Made Only by Tichnor Bros., Inc., Boston, Mass. , Public domain
The Ascent at Roebling's Bridge is a twisting riverfront condo tower designed by Daniel Libeskind, a globally significant architect. Its distinctive, angular contemporary form marks a departure from the typological norms of the Cincinnati riverfront.
Photo: Studio Daniel Libeskind , CC BY 3.0
Walnut Hills United Presbyterian Church is a Gothic Revival church designed by Samuel Hannaford, a prolific Cincinnati architect. It is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Greg Hume , CC BY-SA 3.0
Worth a stop when you're nearby.
Victorian architecture
The Alms and Doepke Dry Goods Company building in Over-the-Rhine dates to 1878 and was designed by architect Samuel Hannaford in the Victorian style for the named dry goods firm.
Photo: unknown , CC BY 3.0
The Balch House is a Queen Anne style residence designed by Samuel Hannaford, one of Cincinnati's most prolific architects, and is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY-SA 3.0
The Captain Stone House was designed by architect Samuel Hannaford in the Romanesque Revival style. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
Landmark
The Cedric G. and Patricia Neils Boulter House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the major figures of modern architecture, and is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Cincinnati and Suburban Telephone Company Building is an Art Deco building in downtown Cincinnati, designed by Harry Hake, a locally notable Cincinnati architect.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
The Cincinnati Work House and Hospital combined an institutional workhouse and hospital under one Romanesque roof. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
Landmark
The Daniel Carter Beard Boyhood Home was the childhood home of Daniel Carter Beard, founder of the Boy Scouts of America. It is designated a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: C. Bedford Crenshaw, aka Bedford at en.wikipedia , Attribution
Fifth Third Center is a downtown Cincinnati office tower completed in 1969 in the International Style, designed by the firm Harrison & Abramovitz.
Photo: EEJCC , CC BY-SA 4.0
The George B. Cox House was the residence of Cincinnati political figure George B. Cox, built in a blend of Renaissance Revival and Italianate architecture. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY-SA 3.0
Great American Tower at Queen City Square is a downtown Cincinnati skyscraper completed in 2011 and designed by Gyo Obata, a founding partner of HOK. It is the tallest building in Cincinnati, and its tiara-topped form is a novel addition to the city's skyline.
Photo: EEJCC , CC BY-SA 4.0
Gruen Watch Company-Time Hill is a Tudor Revival building constructed in 1916 for the Gruen Watch Company and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: unknown , CC BY 3.0
The Henry Probasco House was built in 1859 in the Romanesque Revival style as the residence of philanthropist Henry Probasco. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Hooper Building is a Queen Anne style building in downtown Cincinnati, designed by Samuel Hannaford, one of the city's most prominent architects. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
The John Henry Weston House is a Gothic Revival house listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The John S. Baker House is a Gothic Revival residence designed by architect James Keys Wilson and is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
Victorian architecture
The Lombardy Apartment Building is a downtown Cincinnati apartment house designed by architect Samuel Hannaford in the Victorian style. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
Mecklenburg's Garden dates to 1870 and was built in the Renaissance Revival and Italianate styles. It is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a named beer garden site.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
Mother of God Roman Catholic Church dates to 1869 and is built in the Renaissance Revival style. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
Old St. Mary's Church is a Greek Revival church in Over-the-Rhine.
Photo: Adam Sonnett , CC BY-SA 2.0
The Palace Hotel is a downtown Cincinnati hotel built in the Second Empire style and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its mansard-roofed facade is one of the more visible Second Empire survivors on the street today.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
Landmark
The Potter Stewart United States Courthouse is a downtown Cincinnati federal courthouse designed by Louis A. Simon, supervising architect for federal buildings, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Saint Francis De Sales Catholic Church is a Gothic Revival church individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
St. Francis Hospital was built in 1888 in the Queen Anne style. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
St. George Parish and Newman Center is a Romanesque church designed by Samuel Hannaford, one of Cincinnati's most prominent architects, and is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
St. Paul Church, in downtown Cincinnati, is a Romanesque Revival church individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
St. Pius X Catholic Church is a Romanesque church individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
St. Rose Church was built in 1867 in the Romanesque Revival style and is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
Landmark
The Taft Museum of Art is a downtown Cincinnati museum building dating to 1927. It is designated a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, both individually and as a contributing property.
Photo: Greg Hume (User:Greg5030) , CC BY-SA 2.5
Van Wormer Hall was designed by Samuel Hannaford, a prominent Cincinnati architect, and completed in 1899 in the classical style.
Photo: Antony-22 , CC BY-SA 4.0
Landmark
The William Howard Taft National Historic Site, in Over-the-Rhine, marks the birthplace of U.S. President William Howard Taft. The current site dates to 1969 and is designated a National Historic Landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places both individually and as a contributing property.
Photo: Bedford at English Wikipedia , Public domain
Landmark
Withrow High School is a large school building completed in 1919. It is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places and carries an OSM heritage=2 designation.
Fine buildings that fewer people seek out.
The August Sauer House is a Queen Anne style residence listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Baldwin Piano Company Building was built in 1921 in the Renaissance Revival style, designed by the firm Lockwood, Greene & Co. for the piano manufacturer, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Ohio Redevelopment Projects - ODSA from Columbus, Ohio, USA , CC BY 2.0
The Brittany Apartments is a Queen Anne-style apartment building completed in 1885 in Over-the-Rhine, designed by Cincinnati architect Samuel Hannaford. It's a contributing property within a National Register of Historic Places-listed district.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
The C. H. Burroughs House is a Queen Anne style residence designed by Samuel Hannaford, one of Cincinnati's most prolific architects. It is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
Landmark
Calvary Episcopal Church was designed by Samuel Hannaford, a prolific Cincinnati architect, and is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
Victorian architecture
The Charles Wiedemann House was built in 1895 in the Victorian style, designed by Cincinnati architect Samuel Hannaford. It is a contributing property within a National Register of Historic Places-listed district.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Coca-Cola Bottling Corporation Building is a Streamline Moderne structure named for the corporate bottler it once housed. It is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
Cummins School was designed in 1871 by Samuel Hannaford in a Renaissance Revival and Italianate mode. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Eckert Building is a Queen Anne-style structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
Landmark
Edgecliff was designed by Cincinnati architect Samuel Hannaford and is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
Landmark
The Eighteenth District School was designed by Cincinnati architect Samuel Hannaford and is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: John Gerhardstein , Public domain
Landmark
Elmwood Hall was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, one of the foundational figures of American architecture. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: E.F. Schrand , Public domain
Landmark
The Engineering Research Center was designed by Michael Graves, a major figure of postmodern architecture.
First Universalist Church was designed by Samuel Hannaford in the Romanesque style. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The General Hospital Nurses' Home was designed by Samuel Hannaford in the Renaissance Revival style. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: unknown , CC BY 3.0
The George F. Sands School is a Beaux-Arts building designed by architect Rudolph Tietig. It is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Jim Roberts , CC BY-SA 4.0
The George Hoadley Jr. House is a Spanish Colonial Revival residence listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
Gilbert Row is a group of Queen Anne-style row houses listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
Grace Church is a Gothic Revival church designed by James W. McLaughlin. It is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The H. W. Derby Building stands downtown, an Italianate commercial building designed by Samuel Hannaford. It is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Henry Powell House is a Second Empire house designed by Samuel Hannaford and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Hewson-Gutting House is a Second Empire house listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Jacob D. Cox House combines Renaissance Revival and Italianate architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was the home of Jacob D. Cox, a Civil War general and politician.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The John Uri Lloyd House is a Romanesque-style residence designed by architect James W. McLaughlin and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was the home of John Uri Lloyd, a pharmacist and scientist.
Photo: Greg5030 at English Wikipedia , CC BY 3.0
Lillybanks is a Tudor Revival building completed in 1926 and individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
Madam Fredin's Eden Park School and Neighboring Row House is a Gothic Revival property individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, combining a former school building with an adjoining row house.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Mary A. Wolfe House is a Romanesque Revival residence designed by Samuel Hannaford, a prominent Cincinnati architect. It is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Morrison House was designed by Samuel Hannaford in a Renaissance Revival and Italianate mode. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Moses Goldsmith Building is a Renaissance Revival structure individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Greg Hume Greg5030 , CC BY-SA 3.0
The Northern Bank of Kentucky is a Greek Revival building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
Northside United Methodist Church is a Gothic Revival church designed by Samuel Hannaford, a prominent Cincinnati architect. It is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Oesterlein Machine Company-Fashion Frocks, Inc. Complex is a Neoclassical building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its name records two lives for the site: first as the Oesterlein Machine Company, then as Fashion Frocks, Inc.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
Park Flats is a Chicago School building, a style uncommon outside Chicago itself. It is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Pfleger Family Houses are Queen Anne style residences individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
Pilgrim Presbyterian Church is a Gothic Revival church individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
Police Station No. 5 is a Romanesque Revival institutional building designed by Samuel Hannaford and individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
Police Station No. 7 is a Romanesque building designed by Samuel Hannaford, a prominent Cincinnati architect. It is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Procter and Collier-Beau Brummell Building is a Tudor Revival building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its combined name reflecting two occupants: Procter and Collier, and Beau Brummell.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Rawson House is a residence combining Renaissance Revival and Italianate architecture, individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
The Reakirt Building is a downtown Cincinnati commercial building completed in 1924 in the Chicago School style and individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Warren LeMay from Cincinnati, OH, United States , CC0
Sacred Heart Church was built in 1892 in the Gothic style. It carries an individual National Register of Historic Places listing along with an OSM heritage=2 designation.
Photo: Wholtone , Public domain
Landmark
The Saxony Apartment Building in Over-the-Rhine was designed by Cincinnati architect Samuel Hannaford and is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Photo by Greg Hume (Greg5030) , CC BY 3.0
St. Francis Xavier Church, in downtown Cincinnati, dates to 1819, making it one of the city's oldest congregations. Built in the Gothic Revival style, it is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: MamaGeek at en.wikipedia , CC BY-SA 3.0
St. Paul's Episcopal Church is a Gothic Revival church individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Paul Barnes , CC BY-SA 4.0
The Stephen A. Gerrard Mansion is a Tudor Revival residence individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Sycamore-13th Street Grouping is a corridor of varied facades in Over-the-Rhine, spanning Renaissance Revival, Italianate, and Greek Revival architecture. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Theodore Krumberg Building is a commercial structure in Over-the-Rhine, individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recorded in OpenStreetMap as a heritage building.
Photo: unknown , CC BY 3.0
Landmark
The Traction Building rose in downtown Cincinnati in 1903, designed by the nationally significant architect Daniel Burnham. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Detroit Publishing Company , Public domain
The United States Playing Card Company Complex is a Neoclassical industrial complex designed by Samuel Hannaford and Sons and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
Landmark
The Vontz Center for Molecular Studies was designed by Frank Gehry, a Pritzker Prize-winning architect, known here for the deconstructed massing that marks the building as a Gehry commission.
The Walter Field House is a Shingle style house designed by Samuel Hannaford and individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
The Wilson-Gibson House was built in 1860 in the Neoclassical style. It carries an individual National Register of Historic Places listing along with an OSM heritage=2 designation.
Photo: Nyttend , Public domain
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