Thorp, W. A., House
Why it's listed
Built in 1886 at 6183-6185 Mayfield Road, this two-story frame house reflects the Stick style with late Italianate influences. It rests on a high dressed ashlar foundation under a gabled slate roof. A projecting central wing, side porches and wall dormers break up the rectangular facade. Narrow clapboards and scalloped shingles are arranged in patterned groups framed by beltcourses and corner boards, while turned porch posts, spindled friezes and ornate gable scrollwork add detail. Bracketed cornices and shaped window surrounds show Italianate influence. W. A. Thorp, who built the house, was born in 1832 in Warrensville, twice traveled to California, and later farmed 245 acres in Mayfield Township. He served as a township trustee and on the Mayfield Board of Education. The house was listed because it survives nearly intact, ranks among the best Stick style buildings in Cuyahoga County, and is tied to a figure important in township government, despite surrounding twentieth century commercial development.
Significance in brief: The nomination calls it an exceptionally detailed and virtually intact example of the Stick style, one of the best in Cuyahoga County and among the most outstanding nineteenth century buildings in Mayfield Heights. Its patterned surfaces, ornate gable scrollwork and Italianate bracketing are noted, along with Thorp's importance in township history.
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 78002046, listed December 4, 1978. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 6183--6185 Mayfield Rd., Mayfield Heights |
|---|---|
| County | Cuyahoga County |
| Listed | December 4, 1978 |
| Reference number | 78002046 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1886 |
| Architect / builder | W. A. Thorp (builder) |
| Architectural style | Stick style with late Italianate influences |
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in good condition and a well-preserved nineteenth century dwelling, with minor alterations including a repositioned right front entrance, several new rear openings and storm windows. It is privately owned and occupied, in an area now mostly commercial. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 41.52039, -81.45634 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary for a privately owned home: it does not by itself restrict what an owner may do with their own money, and it does not require public access. Restrictions come from local landmark or historic-district ordinances, which are separate (how they differ).
Owner-occupied houses are not eligible for the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit, which applies to income-producing buildings, but many states offer credits for homeowners. Listing also opens the door to preservation easements and to buying a plaque. Start with what listing means for homeowners, renovating a listed house and selling one.
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 78002046.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.