Carew Tower
Also known as: Starrett Netherland Plaza Hotel
Why it's listed
Carew Tower and the Netherland Plaza Hotel form a block-square complex in downtown Cincinnati, completed in 1930. A common five-story base supports a 48-floor office tower and a 30-story hotel, with a garage tower that was demolished in the late 1980s. Walter W. Ahlschlager and Delano and Aldrich were the architects. The exterior shows Art Deco detailing, including vertical piers, gilded spandrels, rapid setbacks and an observation platform. Inside, the arcade has Rookwood tile panels and silver metal ornament, while the hotel's public rooms use rosewood, imported marble, murals and mirrors. The Hall of Mirrors ballroom and the Palm Court are among them. The nomination describes the complex as one of the finest examples of skyscraper modernism in America, built during the Depression for $33,000,000 and finished in 13 months. Later renovations altered many interiors, but the exterior and major public spaces keep their Art Deco character.
Significance in brief: The nomination calls it one of the finest examples of skyscraper modernism in America and a complete expression of the Jazz Age. Its Art Deco exterior and public interiors, including much decorative work made in France and shown at the 1925 Paris exhibition, remain largely intact. It also reflects progressive city planning in Cincinnati.
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 82003578, listed August 5, 1982. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | W. 5th St. and Fountain Sq., Cincinnati |
|---|---|
| County | Hamilton County |
| Listed | August 5, 1982 |
| Reference number | 82003578 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1930 |
| Architect / builder | Walter W. Ahlschlager; Delano and Aldrich |
| Architectural style | Modern Movement: Art Deco |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | National |
| National Historic Landmark | Yes, designated April 19, 1994 |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Office tower and hotel remain in use; the automated garage tower was demolished in the late 1980s and the complex was integrated into the Tower Place shopping center. |
| Acreage | 10 |
| Coordinates | 39.10095, -84.52516 (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 82003578.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q152129
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.