Terminal Tower facts for kids

Terminal Tower is a very tall building, called a skyscraper, located in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. It stands 52 stories high, which is about 235 meters! When it was first finished, it was the second-tallest building on Earth. For many years, from 1930 to 1964, it was the tallest building in the United States outside of New York City.

What is Terminal Tower?

The Terminal Tower is a famous landmark in Cleveland, Ohio. It is part of a larger complex called Tower City Center. This building was once a busy train station and office building. Today, it still holds offices and shops. It is a key part of Cleveland's history and skyline.

How Tall is Terminal Tower?

Terminal Tower reaches a height of 235 meters (771 feet). This makes it one of the tallest buildings in Ohio. It has 52 floors, or stories. Imagine how far you could see from the top!

When Was Terminal Tower Built?

Construction on the Terminal Tower began in 1923. It was officially opened in 1930. This means the building is almost 100 years old! It was a huge project for its time.

Why Was it Built?

The Terminal Tower was built as part of a large transportation hub. It was meant to be a central train station for Cleveland. The building also included offices, a hotel, and shops. It was designed to be a grand gateway to the city.

History of Terminal Tower

The idea for Terminal Tower came from the Van Sweringen brothers. They were important developers in Cleveland. They wanted to create a modern city center. Their vision included a large train station and office complex.

Building the Tower

Building such a tall structure in the 1920s was a big challenge. Workers used a lot of steel and concrete. The construction took several years. It was a major engineering feat for its time.

A Landmark for Decades

For many years, Terminal Tower was the tallest building outside New York City. It was a symbol of Cleveland's growth and importance. Many people visited its observation deck. From there, they could see the whole city and Lake Erie.

Terminal Tower Today

Today, Terminal Tower is still a busy place. It houses many offices and businesses. The lower levels are part of Tower City Center. This area has shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Visiting Terminal Tower

While the observation deck is not always open, visitors can still enjoy the building. The lobby is beautiful and worth seeing. Tower City Center connects to other parts of downtown Cleveland. It is a great place to start exploring the city.

Images for kids

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  The grand lobby of Terminal Tower, part of Tower City Center.