55 Public Square

55 Public Square is a 22-story skyscraper in downtown Cleveland with floor-to-ceiling windows that open toward the city and Lake Erie. The reinforced concrete structure displays clean modernist forms, distinguishing it from the older buildings that surround it in this central location.

Completed in 1958, this tower was the first major addition to Cleveland's skyline since the Terminal Tower complex finished in 1930. Its completion marked a turning point in the city's development after decades with little new construction.

The structure represents how mid-century modern design reshaped downtown spaces and influenced how people view urban office buildings today.

The interior houses office spaces and some ground-level dining areas where you can spend time without needing to access upper floors. It is best to visit during business hours when the lobby and surroundings are animated and fully accessible.

Outside the building's restaurant stands a reproduction of Charles F. Brush's first electric street light from 1879, representing Cleveland's long history of technological advancement. This small monument reminds visitors of the city's role as an early center for innovation and electrification.

Location: Ohio

Architects: Carson & Lundin

Floors above the ground: 22

GPS coordinates: 41.50030,-81.69600

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:03