Willdred Flats
Why it's listed
Built in 1906-1907, this three-story brick apartment building at 1116 Columbus Avenue in Sandusky has a U-shaped plan, a limestone foundation and a symmetrical facade. A three-story portico with Ionic columns and ornate balconies marks the center entrance, flanked by projecting bays. Inside, a walnut staircase leads to six flats, each with a mosaic-tiled fireplace, bay windows, hardwood floors and original clay bathroom fixtures. A two-story carriage house was added at the rear in 1916. Grocery businessman Frederick Schweinfurth had the building constructed on land first bought by Lawrence Cable in 1899; its position near the trolley line and the Lake Shore Electric Railway appealed to young professionals. It was listed for architecture as the only known Neoclassical apartment building in Sandusky and one of the city's earliest Neoclassical buildings, since other local examples date from the 1920s. It still serves as apartments.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the building is significant under Criterion C for architecture as the only known Neoclassical apartment building in Sandusky. It is described as one of the oldest and best remaining examples of Neoclassical architecture in the city, since other Neoclassical buildings listed there date from the 1920s. It also retains its original apartment use.
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 93000152, listed March 11, 1993. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 1116 Columbus Ave., Sandusky |
|---|---|
| County | Erie County |
| Listed | March 11, 1993 |
| Reference number | 93000152 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1906-1907 |
| Architect / builder | Unknown |
| Architectural style | Neo-Classical Revival |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Retains its original use as an apartment house to the present day, with six flats. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 41.44614, -82.70516 (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 93000152.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q137782952
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.