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Body Block
A block of red and green painted three-story apartment buildings
Body Block is located in Cleveland
Body Block
Location in Cleveland
Body Block is located in Ohio
Body Block
Location in Ohio
Body Block is located in the United States
Body Block
Location in the United States
Location 4925-4955 Payne Avenue and 1692-1696 E. 55th Street, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Built 1893 (1893)
Architect George H. Smith
Architectural style Queen Anne
Website https://bodyblockarcade.com/
NRHP reference No. 98001178
Added to NRHP September 18, 1998

The Body Block is a special old building in Cleveland, Ohio. It's also known as the Charles Body Block or the Old Smith Arcade. This building is found at the corner of Payne Avenue and E. 55th Street. It's in a neighborhood called Goodrich–Kirtland Park.

This building is called "mixed-use." This means it has different kinds of spaces inside. It has shops or businesses on the ground floor. Above those, it has places where people live.

The Body Block was built a long time ago, between 1892 and 1893. It was made for Charles Body. He owned a wallpaper store in the area. The building has a unique look called the Queen Anne style.

In the mid-1990s, the building got a big update. It was renovated from 1994 to 1995. Because of its history and style, the Body Block was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 18, 1998. This list helps protect important places in the United States.

What is a Mixed-Use Building?

The Body Block is a great example of a mixed-use building. Imagine a building where you can find a store on the first floor. Then, right above it, there are apartments where families live. That's what mixed-use means!

This type of building is very practical. It lets people live, work, and shop all in one place. It was a popular way to build in the late 1800s.

The Queen Anne Style

The Body Block was built in the Queen Anne style. This was a very popular way to design buildings in the late 1800s. It's known for being very decorative and interesting to look at.

Buildings in this style often have lots of different textures. You might see brick, wood, and stone all used together. They can also have towers or turrets. These are small, round towers on the corners.

Queen Anne buildings often have fancy porches. They also have bay windows that stick out from the building. These features make them look grand and unique. The Body Block shows many of these classic Queen Anne details.

A Historic Landmark

The Body Block is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list kept by the United States government. It includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history.

When a building is on this list, it means it's recognized for its historical value. It helps to protect these places for future generations. The Body Block was added to this list because of its age, its architectural style, and its role in Cleveland's history.

Being on the National Register helps people understand the past. It reminds us of how people lived and worked over a hundred years ago. The Body Block is a piece of Cleveland's story.

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