Society for Savings Building

The Society for Savings Building is a 10-story skyscraper on Public Square with a distinctive red sandstone facade and granite pillars. The structure features prominent arched windows that run across each level and define the building's overall appearance.

The building was constructed in 1889 and remained Cleveland's tallest structure until 1896. That year, the Guardian Bank Building took the city's top position for height.

The banking hall displays dark Corinthian columns and arched windows, with murals by William Crane showing proverbs about financial responsibility and work ethics. Visitors can see these artistic details today and notice how the building maintains its original decorative character.

The building stands directly next to Key Tower on Public Square and is easy to locate. The restored banking counter from the 1800s remains visible inside, offering a glimpse of how the space originally functioned.

The building combines load-bearing masonry walls with an independent steel frame at its center, marking a transition between traditional and modern construction methods. This hybrid approach was important for its era and shows how builders experimented with new techniques.

Location: Cleveland

Inception: 1890

Architects: John Wellborn Root

Official opening: 1890

Floors above the ground: 10

GPS coordinates: 41.50056,-81.69444

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:50