Trinity Cathedral Church Home
Also known as: Mather Hall-Cleveland State University
Why it's listed
Built in 1895 at an estimated cost of $30,000, this massive three-and-a-half-story residence at 2227 Prospect Avenue in Cleveland originally served as the Trinity Cathedral Church Home and was finished before the cathedral itself. Architect Charles Schweinfurth designed it in a simplified Jacobethan style, a manner more often used for schools than for other building types in the city. Its character comes mainly from its massing, a steeply pitched multi-gable roof with parapeted gables, and a two-story rough-faced stone bay window on the facade, set against brick walls with stone trim. A one-story entry porch with a stepped gable sits to one side. It is the only Jacobethan example found in the Upper Prospect area. Reviewers considered it a good local example of the style, and it reflects Schweinfurth's later career, when he worked in a variety of styles. The building is now used as a hall by Cleveland State University.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the building is significant for its architecture, its relationship to Trinity Cathedral, and its importance on Prospect Avenue. It is described as the only example of the Jacobethan style found in Upper Prospect. It also represents a later phase of Schweinfurth's career, when he varied his architectural styles.
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 84000239, listed November 1, 1984. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 2227 Prospect Ave., Cleveland |
|---|---|
| County | Cuyahoga County |
| Listed | November 1, 1984 |
| Reference number | 84000239 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1895 |
| Architect / builder | C.F. Schweinfurth (architect); A.E. Brewster and H.T. Williams (builders) |
| Architectural style | Jacobethan |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Now used as a college hall (Mather Hall, Cleveland State University); exterior condition listed as excellent. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 41.50049, -81.67391 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
Religious properties are listed for their architectural or historical significance, not their religious use. Listing is honorary and does not restrict the congregation's use of the building. The federal rehabilitation credit is generally unavailable unless part of the building is income-producing; some state programmes and preservation grants do cover religious buildings. Federal funding or permits trigger Section 106 review.
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 84000239.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q137705585
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.