The Union Building
Cleveland, OH
Revitalized and restored after sitting vacant for six years
In a public-private partnership with Cleveland State University (CSU), Liberty Development revitalized the Union Building after sitting vacant and deteriorating for several years. Arkinetics played a key role in securing historic tax credits and was the architect for the historic preservation project. The renovation project included an 8 floor, 85,000 SF vacant building. To restore key elements of the building, Arkinetics took great care while incorporating modern systems and materials. The building’s rich architectural heritage was preserved, including the lobby’s decorative arched ceiling, ornamental iron railings, terrazzo staircases and corridors, and the beautiful exterior terra cotta and storefront.
The new building houses Cleveland State academic offices, a Rascal’s pizza, and barber shop on the first floor. The project team worked diligently to incorporate the tenants (CSU), owners (Liberty Dev.) and Ohio Historic Preservation (tax credits) requirements into the design of the project. The building won an award from the Cleveland Restoration Society for Excellence in Preservation Achievement Award.