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The Clerk Reports
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Declaring the intent to designate the building located at 401 Main Street, Toledo, Ohio a historic landmark; and declaring an emergency.
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SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
Architectural Significance of the Building for consideration to become a Designated Landmark.
Building History:
The former Masonic Temple and Finkbeiner Furniture storefront located at 401 Main Street and Fourth Street is a rectangular, brick, stone, flat roof, and 4-story, 60,000 square foot structure originally built in 1913. The architecture style is considerably related to the term "Chicago School" which was developed during 1875 to 1925. The original ground floor tenant was Finkbeiner Furniture of which was Toledo's mayor Carty Finkbeiner grandfather Arthur who owned the business moved from Freidman Block to the Masonic when it opened at Fourth and Main in 1913. The basement had several businesses including a bowling alley and boxing gym, the first floor was primarily retail space, and the top floor was occupied by the masons. The well beloved F.S. Myers and Son Furnishings moved to the masonic during the 1930's and occupied space until 1963.
The architecture of course is what exemplifies the grandness of the structure. The verticality of windows from ground level to the 4th-story, ornamental detail along the fa?ade, the traditional brick and stone masonry, the simplistic patterned awnings, color palette, and most of all the highly expressive Romanesque entrance along Fourth Street. Additionally, the symmetrical layout of the building along Fourth and Main Street embody the envelope as a focal point. The load bearing columns and walls within the structure are still structurally sound. The history of the former Masonic Temple brings tremendous light on the experiences and memories that were once shared in this "Chicago School" style building on the East Side of Toledo, our future is in our past.
Reason for Request: The applicant is seeking landmark designation ...
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