R. I. P.

This post departs from the usual purpose of this site.  We regrettably must post an architectural obituary.  One of the more 'high-profile' historic buildings of Cleveland, Ohio, due in large part to its close proximity to a heavily-traveled freeway, was recently lost.  Located in the Lorain Station Historic District, this structure was built for a John Howland in 1896 -- with a decidedly out-of-fashion mansard-roofed top floor that had many convinced it was much older.

Howland Building - 1999 photo

It was severely damaged by a fire in late-May of 2015.  It and the adjacent historic building, equally damaged by the same fire, had to both be demolished a few week later.  This was one of the most unique and -- to some - one of the most picturesque historic buildings of its type in Cleveland.  At the very least, there was no better example of a mansard roof in the entire county.  It will certainly be remembered fondly for a very long time.