Howe Tavern
Also known as: The Old Hotel
Why it's listed
Built in 1832 by Gideon Howe, this two-and-a-half story brick tavern and inn sits on State Route 27 in College Corner, Ohio, on a small triangular lot beside the Indiana state line. The oldest section is rectangular with a stone foundation, a steep gabled roof with overhanging eaves, and two identical simple entrances. Later wings, a frame addition from about 1960 and an enclosed rear porch changed its shape over time. Howe bought the land from Miami University and located the tavern on the road between Hamilton, Ohio, and Richmond, Indiana. He opened the hotel in 1833 and by 1837 had drawn enough settlers to lay out the village of College Corner. Later owners included Joseph Beck, merchant Samuel Ridenour and Moritz Schlenck, whose family kept it until 1930. It was listed as the first permanent building in the area, an example of early tavern architecture, and a hotel and inn in continuous use since construction.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is a good example of early nineteenth century tavern/inn architecture and the first permanent building in the area. It also played a role in the development of College Corner and is described as having continuously served as a hotel and inn since 1832.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 76001376, listed January 30, 1976. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | US 27, College Corner |
|---|---|
| County | Butler County |
| Listed | January 30, 1976 |
| Reference number | 76001376 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1800-1899 |
| Architect / builder | Gideon Howe |
| Architectural style | Vernacular |
| Areas of significance | Exploration/Settlement, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Occupied at the time of nomination and described as in process of restoration as an antique shop; a data sheet also lists its current function as hotel and inn. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 39.56685, -84.81464 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For an income-producing building, listing (individually or as a contributing building in a district) is the gateway to the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit on qualified rehabilitation costs, often stackable with state credits. Work claiming the credit must follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and be approved in advance.
Listing does not restrict a private owner acting without federal money or permits; where federal funding or licensing is involved, Section 106 review applies.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 76001376.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q14716464
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.