Main and Third Street Cluster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Main and Third Street Cluster
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Comprehensive view of the cluster
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 300-302 and 304-306 Main St. (also 308-318 Main), and 208-210 E. 3rd St., Cincinnati, Ohio |
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| Area | Less than 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1862, 1893, 1910 |
| Architect | William Walters |
| Architectural style | Italianate, Neoclassical, Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 83001984 |
| Added to NRHP | July 15, 1983 |
The Main and Third Street Cluster is a special group of three historic buildings in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. These buildings are found at the northeastern corner where Main Street meets Third Street. They are important because they look quite similar, even though they were built over a long period of time.
What Buildings Make Up This Historic Cluster?
The cluster is made up of three distinct buildings:
- The Anderson Building: This building faces Main Street. It was built in 1893 and shows off the Victorian style.
- The former McMicken School of Design: This building is right on the corner. It was finished in 1862 and is built in the Italianate style. It stands four stories tall and is made of sandstone.
- The Burkhardt Building: This building faces Third Street. It was built in 1910 and features the Neoclassical style.
Why Are These Buildings Important?
Even though the oldest and newest buildings in this group are nearly 50 years apart, they form an important architectural unit. Experts in building history think the McMicken School and the Anderson Building are excellent examples of their styles. This is partly because they were built with high-quality methods and great artistry.
While the Burkhardt Building is not as famous, it is still a good example of Neoclassical architecture. Together, these three buildings show how different styles were combined in the same area during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
A Look Back: History of the Location
The land where these buildings stand is very close to the Ohio River and to the oldest parts of Cincinnati. This means other important buildings stood here before.
One famous person linked to this spot is Salmon P. Chase. In the 1830s, the building that stood where the McMicken School of Design is now was used as offices for this young lawyer. He wrote a well-known book about Ohio law while working at Third and Main. This book helped him become important in Ohio politics. Later, he even became the Chief Justice of the United States.
In 1983, the Main and Third Street Cluster was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it was recognized as important for both its historic architecture and its role in local history. In late 2012, the cluster grew to include buildings as far north as 318 Main Street. This larger group is now called the "Main Street Buildings."
