Art Deco buildings, Cincinnati

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Carew Tower

Carew Tower

35 W 5th St

Walter W. Ahlschlager with contributions from William Delano

1931

National Historic Landmark

When this building opened in 1931 it brought worldwide attention to the “city with in a city” concept. This modern building of the day had all the latest features and styles. The classic stepped back skyscraper dominated the Cincinnati Skyline for 75 years as its tallest building. The Art Deco finishes adorn the interior and exterior of this monumental building. The street level Emery Arcade with retail and dining is trimmed in marble with deco details and Rookwood tile. The crown jewel of the complex is the Netherland Plaza Hotel.

The Carew Tower was brought to life by John J. Emery, a real estate developer and native New Yorker who, later in his career, went on to develop the Terrace Plaza a block away. To infuse more capital into the project, Emery partnered with skyscraper-builder William A. Starrett and his construction company, best known as builders of the Empire State Building. Architectural blueprints came from W.W. Ahlschlager and Associates of Chicago.

Emery’s original vision of the Carew was a mixed-use development similar to what became Rockefeller Center, including a department store, dining, offices and a grand hotel similar to the Waldorf-Astoria. The building is widely considered to be an early prototype of an urban mixed-use development.

Click on thumbnails to see image gallery, then use arrow keys to view all images.

Carew Tower, aerial photograph by J. Miles Wolf

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Carew Tower and Fountain Square in the center of downtown Cincinnati.

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Carew Tower Arcade entrance from Vine Street next to Fountain Square.

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Carew Tower arcade entrance detail of man and machine themes.

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Carew Tower arcade entrance detail

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Carew Tower Arcade, shops and resturants between Vine and Race Streets.

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The Carew Tower Arcade has 2 massive Rookwood Tile surrounds.

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Carew Tower Arcade Floral patterned Rookwood Tile detail.

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Carew Tower Arcade Rookwood Tile detail.

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Carew Tower Arcade, showing the ornate two levels of the arcade.

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Carew Tower Arcade, cast metal figure symbolizing the Sky.

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Carew Tower Arcade, cast metal figure symbolizing the Sun.

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Carew Tower Arcade, cast metal figure symbolizing the Land.

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Carew Tower Arcade, showing two levels of the arcade.

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Carew Tower Arcade light fixture and ceiling detail

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Carew Tower view from 5th Street

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Twilight view of the Carew Tower

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Carew Tower and Netherland Plaza aerial photograph by J. Miles Wolf

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Exterior ornament along 5th Street of the Carew Tower.

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Exterior ornament along 5th Street of the Carew Tower.

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Carew Tower exterior light fixtures along 5th Street.

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Carew Tower exterior light fixture

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Observation Deck from top of Carew Tower offers the finest views in Cincinnati.

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Detailed bronze casement for revolving door, 5th Street of the Carew Tower.

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Close up of bronze casement of revolving door, 5th Street of the Carew Tower.

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Books by J. Miles Wolf