Fenn Tower, Cleveland
Fenn Tower is a 22-story skyscraper located in Cleveland and currently serves as student housing for Cleveland State University. Originally constructed for the National Town and Country Club, the building was meant to be a hub for the city’s social elite, offering a central location for meetings and events. However, following the stock market crash of 1929, the club became financially insolvent and hosted just a single event before shutting down.
In 1937, Fenn College acquired the building to accommodate its growing academic programs. This acquisition made Fenn College one of only three colleges in the United States to have a skyscraper on its campus, alongside the University of Pittsburgh and Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. The tower was named after Sereno Peck Fenn, a key founder of Sherwin-Williams and the namesake of Fenn College, which initially focused on providing low-cost night classes in engineering and business.
The structure, originally known as the National Town and Country Club Building, was designed with interiors furnished by the prestigious Rorimer-Brooks Studios, Inc. It was later listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting its architectural significance and storied history. During the 2005 renovation, many of the building’s original amenities, such as the Fenn Gym and the Ellwood H. Fisher Swimming Pool, were removed, transforming it into a modern residential facility.
Today, Fenn Tower stands as the second tallest building on the Cleveland State campus, surpassed only by the Rhodes Tower. Its history as a social club turned academic skyscraper highlights its role in the transformation of Euclid Avenue into a vibrant center for education and student life in downtown Cleveland.
In 1937, Fenn College acquired the building to accommodate its growing academic programs. This acquisition made Fenn College one of only three colleges in the United States to have a skyscraper on its campus, alongside the University of Pittsburgh and Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. The tower was named after Sereno Peck Fenn, a key founder of Sherwin-Williams and the namesake of Fenn College, which initially focused on providing low-cost night classes in engineering and business.
The structure, originally known as the National Town and Country Club Building, was designed with interiors furnished by the prestigious Rorimer-Brooks Studios, Inc. It was later listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting its architectural significance and storied history. During the 2005 renovation, many of the building’s original amenities, such as the Fenn Gym and the Ellwood H. Fisher Swimming Pool, were removed, transforming it into a modern residential facility.
Today, Fenn Tower stands as the second tallest building on the Cleveland State campus, surpassed only by the Rhodes Tower. Its history as a social club turned academic skyscraper highlights its role in the transformation of Euclid Avenue into a vibrant center for education and student life in downtown Cleveland.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cleveland. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Fenn Tower on Map
Sight Name: Fenn Tower
Sight Location: Cleveland, USA (See walking tours in Cleveland)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Cleveland, USA (See walking tours in Cleveland)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Cleveland, Ohio
Create Your Own Walk in Cleveland
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cleveland is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Little Italy Walking Tour
Whether you’re new to the Cleveland area or a lifelong resident, there’s plenty to explore in the dynamic “Forest City.” And if you’ve never been to local Little Italy, you’re in for a treat. Apart from historical landmarks and delicious plates of pasta, in this lovely urban enclave you will find plenty of culture.
One of the neighborhood's central features is the Holy Rosary... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
One of the neighborhood's central features is the Holy Rosary... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Cleveland Introduction Walking Tour
The City of Cleveland dates back to 1796 when the Connecticut Land Company laid out the area into a township. They named the new town after their leader, General Moses Cleaveland.
With its waterfront location, the city became a major center for trade and commerce over the next few decades. When the railroad arrived in the area in the mid-19th century, the town began to evolve into a central... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
With its waterfront location, the city became a major center for trade and commerce over the next few decades. When the railroad arrived in the area in the mid-19th century, the town began to evolve into a central... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Museums in Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio, boasts a rich cultural scene, with a variety of museums comprising some of the best in the American Mid-West, catering to a wide range of interests.
Among these, the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (MOCA) stands out as a hub for modern and contemporary art enthusiasts. MOCA features thought-provoking exhibitions, showcasing the work of both emerging and established... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Among these, the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (MOCA) stands out as a hub for modern and contemporary art enthusiasts. MOCA features thought-provoking exhibitions, showcasing the work of both emerging and established... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles