Adelbert Hall

Adelbert Hall is a building at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland that blends three architectural styles from around 1880: Italianate, Stick, and Romanesque. It features elaborate stonework, a tiled roof, and broad interior staircases that emphasize its formal role as an academic administrative center.

Construction began in 1882, creating a center for university administration and instruction. It was later added to the National Register of Historic Places for representing an important example of late 19th-century university architecture in America.

The building reflects the expectations of the late 1880s, when such elaborate construction was thought to honor educational institutions. Visitors notice today how the rich stonework across the facades speaks to the importance placed on higher learning at that time.

The building is easily accessible from outside and sits centrally on the Case Western Reserve University campus. Visitors should expect that some interior spaces may not be open when classes or events are taking place.

The building intentionally mixes style elements that were rarely combined, showing the experimental side of architecture from that era. Such mixtures were part of a new approach to academic buildings that wanted to unite strength and tradition.

Location: Cleveland

Inception: 1882

Architectural style: Italianate architecture, Stick style, Romanesque architecture

Part of: Case Western Reserve University

GPS coordinates: 41.50500,-81.60833

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:08