The building, at the southwest corner of Euclid Avenue and East 9th Street, was built in 1901. The architect was Levi Scofield, who was also responsible for the Cuyahoga County Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, on Public Square.
I can't say the building ever made a significant impression on me. It looked like a non-descript skyscraper built in the 1970s or 1980s.
Imagine my surprise when I saw the scene above while walking down East 9th Street to a recent Landmarks Commission meeting. Most of the façade has been removed, revealing the historic structure. A small part of it is still visible on the side of the building at the left of the photo, facing an alley.
Note the level of detail present originally. There are Corinthain columns on the corner. Considerable detail is present around the windows.
According to this article, published on Cleveland.com on June 8, 2009, the investors who own the group received a $1.25 million loan from the city of Cleveland to remove the façade and determine the original appearance of the building. The article notes that this would be the first step in applying for state and federal historic preservation tax credits.
This thread on Urban Ohio includes an excellent historic image of the building. I sincerly hope that the exterior hasn't been damaged too much, and that it can be returned to its original appearance.
