The Cool History of Cleveland

I know what you are thinking….two of your four posts on The Cool History of Cleveland (“TCHC”) blog are on hotels (and a third mentions the old Winton Hotel). Trend? Probably in the short term at least only because I find it fascinating that Cleveland had so many world-famous hotels. I mean this town rocked back in the day (still does, but fifty years ago the City was twice the size in terms of population). The Statler Hotel holds a special place in my heart only because I get to see it nearly everyday. But it also holds a very neat history.

Take a peek at this crazy street shot. Who would not want to have a good time here?

The Statler Hotel opened in Cleveland in October of 1912. Originally, the Hotel had 700 rooms which were later expanded to 1,000 rooms. The Statler Hotel was actually part of one of America’s first hotel chains owned by E.M. Statler. The original Statler Hotel was built in Buffalo, NY in 1907. The Buffalo version of the Statler had a number of innovations that the Cleveland Hotel later improved upon including - a bathroom in every room, a light in the closet, and offering free stationary and pens (with the Statler logo of course) to every visitor. Tame innovations by today’s standards, but revolutionary at the time. The real innovation was the cost per room - $1.50 a night - E.M. Statler was expert in bringing refinement and prestige to the middle-class of America. The Cleveland Hotel was followed by others built under the Statler name in Washington D.C., Detroit, St. Louis, New York, Hartford, Dallas and Los Angeles. Truly the first national hotel chain.

During the 1930’s the Hotel was in its Golden Age and went through a number of expansions that included a new ballroom (as seen below):

Look at that ceiling! The expansion also provided a new Gentlemen’s Lounge and Library and a pretty interesting dining facility. There was a famous dining room in the building called the Terrace Room, unfortunately I have not found a photo of it yet. I did however find this photo of the Pompeian Room, another wild dining area. I love the open area under a glass dome and tall fountain right in the middle of the dining area. Classic. (I still cannot believe this room once existed in Cleveland. Marvelous.)

The lobby of the hotel was a real gem.

Here is another angle to view.

Where did our elegance go, Cleveland?

In 1954, the Hilton Chain acquired the Statler Hotels - and many considered the Cleveland hotel to be the crown jewel. Who woundn’t - it was a gorgeous hotel. In early 1971 new owners decided to make part of the facility office space and the building was renamed the Cleveland Plaza. Cleveland developer Carl Milstein purchased the building in 1980 and completed the conversion of the hotel property to all office. A famous Swingos restaurant was built on the first floor (parts of it are still there). In 2001, the storied property again went through a conversion this time from office to apartments and it remains so to this day.

The Statler Hotel Slideshow
http://www.slide.com/r/n9v-uSGJ4j_wnK_uwbtXOHsB-LyV-Egt?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original