YMCA
Why it's listed
This five-story YMCA building occupies a prominent corner lot at Washington and Fourth Streets in downtown East Liverpool, Ohio. Completed in 1913, it was funded by a community campaign that had raised $100,000 by 1911, after the local YMCA formed in the 1890s. Architect Cassius Metsch, who also designed the original Traveler's Hotel and East Liverpool High School, gave it dark red brick walls, contrasting stone trim and a bracketed cornice. The central entrance has a stone surround with columns, frieze and pediment, flanked by original light fixtures that incorporate the letters YMCA. The gymnasium is on the first floor and the swimming pool in the basement. The building was recognized for its architecture, a blend of late nineteenth-century detail and early twentieth-century classical simplicity, and for its role as a center of social and recreational life for local young people for more than seventy years. The lobby remains especially well preserved.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is an excellent, well-preserved example of classically inspired institutional architecture of the early 20th century, combining a late 19th century bracketed cornice with classical detailing. It was also a social and recreational focus for East Liverpool's young people for over 70 years. It was designed by Cassius Metsch, a prominent local architect.
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 85003509, listed November 14, 1985. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | Washington and Fourth St., East Liverpool |
|---|---|
| County | Columbiana County |
| Listed | November 14, 1985 |
| Reference number | 85003509 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architect / builder | Cassius Metsch (architect); builder unknown |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival influence |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture, Social History |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as very well maintained, in excellent exterior condition, with a high degree of integrity, especially in the lobby; still in use as a YMCA. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Within district | East Liverpool Downtown Historic District |
| Coordinates | 40.61782, -80.57893 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
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 85003509.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q8045925
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.