Ingalls Building, First reinforced concrete skyscraper in Cincinnati, United States.
The Ingalls Building is a 16-story skyscraper completed in 1903 as the first of its kind built entirely of reinforced concrete in Cincinnati. The facade combines white marble on the lower levels with gray brick walls and white terra cotta ornaments just below the roofline.
The structure was completed in 1903 after two years of negotiations with city officials who questioned whether buildings taller than six stories could stand safely. Its successful completion changed how authorities viewed concrete construction across the nation.
This building proved that reinforced concrete could replace steel frame construction, reshaping how builders approached skyscrapers across the country. Visitors can see this innovation reflected in the structure's original design details.
The building now functions as a hotel, making it accessible to visitors who want to see the original architectural features inside. Its downtown location makes it easy to reach and explore on foot.
Construction used a system of twisted steel bars embedded in concrete slabs to create a rigid framework that had never been tested at this height before. This technique became a model for future concrete construction projects worldwide.
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