Society for Savings Building, Cleveland

The Society for Savings Building is a historic high-rise located on Public Square in Downtown Cleveland. Completed in 1889, this 152-foot (46-meter), ten-story structure held the title of Cleveland’s tallest building until 1896, when it was surpassed by the Guardian Bank Building. Designed by John Wellborn Root of the prominent Chicago-based architectural firm Burnham & Root, the building is often regarded as the first modern skyscraper in both Cleveland and the state of Ohio.

The building’s architectural design is a unique fusion of Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance styles, evident in its granite pillars, arched window frames, and striking red sandstone facade. Originally constructed to serve as office space for the Society for Savings, the building was considered an engineering marvel and a testament to modernity at the time of its completion. Dubbed “Ohio’s skyscraper” by locals, it officially opened its doors on June 23, 1890.

Beyond its role as a financial hub, the building also housed the headquarters of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) from 1896 to 1910. In recognition of its architectural significance and historical value, the Society for Savings Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 7, 1976.

The Society for Savings Building is now part of the Key Center complex, alongside Key Tower, the tallest building in Cleveland and Ohio. Key Tower, built 100 years after the original, was developed with a major renovation by van Dijk, Pace, Westlake & Partners. The combined lobbies blend Cleveland’s architectural past and present. Offering 147,089 square feet of office space, the Society for Savings Building remains an iconic feature of the city’s skyline.