Eaton Center (Cleveland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eaton Center |
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| Alternative names | Superior Square |
| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Type | Skyscraper |
| Architectural style | Modernism |
| Classification | Office |
| Location | Nine-Twelve District |
| Address | 1111 Superior Avenue Eaton Square |
| Town or city | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 41°30′13″N 81°41′12″W / 41.503562°N 81.686764°W |
| Current tenants | Eaton Corporation |
| Construction started | 1981 |
| Completed | 1983 |
| Renovated | 1995 2014 |
| Client | Catholic Diocese of Cleveland |
| Owner | American Landmark Properties |
| Height | |
| Architectural | 356 feet (109 m) |
| Tip | 356 feet (109 m) |
| Roof | 356 feet (109 m) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 28 |
| Lifts/elevators | 16 |
| Grounds | 615,000 square feet (57,100 m2) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architecture firm | Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP |
| Developer | Oliver Tyrone Corporation |
| Structural engineer | Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP |
| Main contractor | Turner Construction |
| Other information | |
| Parking | Adjacent parking garage |
The Eaton Center is a tall building, called a skyscraper, located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. It has 28 floors and stands about 356 feet (108 meters) high. This building helped Cleveland's main business area grow bigger in the early 1980s.
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What Is the Eaton Center?
The Eaton Center is an office building in Cleveland, Ohio. It is home to many businesses. The building is known for its unique shape and glass exterior. It is an important part of Cleveland's skyline.
Why Is It Called Eaton Center?
The building was originally named Superior Square. Later, a company called Eaton Corporation moved its offices into the building. Because of this, the building was renamed Eaton Center. Eaton Corporation is a large company that makes many different products.
History of the Building's Location
The land where Eaton Center stands used to be home to St. John's College. This college was started in 1928 by the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. Over time, fewer students enrolled at the college.
In 1964, a dormitory was built to try and get more students. But enrollment still didn't go up. So, the dormitory became offices for the Catholic Diocese. St. John's College eventually closed in 1975. Its facilities joined with the nearby St. John's Cathedral.
How the Land Was Used for the Building
After the college closed, Bishop James Hickey of the Catholic Diocese heard that Cleveland needed more office space. He offered the St. John's College land for a new office building.
In October 1980, the agreements were signed. Bishop Hickey was then appointed to a new role, so Bishop Anthony Pilla continued with the plan. St. John's College was torn down. However, the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland still owned the land. The money from leasing the land would help support seminaries and educational programs.
The developer, Oliver Tyrone Corporation, looked at a similar land deal in New York City. There, Citigroup built its famous Citigroup Center tower on land owned by a church.
Building the Eaton Center
Work to tear down St. John's College started in January 1981. Before demolition, a special ceremony was held for the college building. After the ceremony, the demolition began.
By February 1981, plans for the new building were shown. It was called Superior Square Center during construction. Turner Construction was chosen to build the Superior Square building.
Construction Milestones
In July 1981, concrete forms and cranes were visible at the construction site. Superior Square became Cleveland's second tallest building made with concrete. The first was the National City Center, built from 1978 to 1980.
Superior Square also became Cleveland's tallest building with a glass exterior. The building has an interesting octagonal shape. One part of the building is 25 stories tall, and another part rises to 28 stories.
Opening and Renaming
In 1983, Superior Square opened for business. In July 1983, Eaton Corporation, a company based in Cleveland, moved into the building. They moved from another building called Erieview Tower. Soon after, Superior Square Tower was renamed Eaton Center.
In early 2013, Eaton Corporation moved its main offices to a new, larger facility in Beachwood, Ohio. This new building was also named Eaton Center. Even though the company's official headquarters moved to Ireland as part of a merger, its main operations still remain in Ohio.
