Decker, Stephen, Rowhouse
Why it's listed
This two-story frame rowhouse at 531-541 Tusculum Avenue in Cincinnati contains six residences and dates to about 1889. Built in Victorian style on a hillside lot, it rests on a cut ashlar foundation and is covered with clapboard siding under gable roofs of tar paper. Its most notable feature is a set of projecting pavilions with gabled ends, supported by spindles attached to beveled corners. Low roofs between the pavilions shelter recessed entrances, and the windows are one-over-one. The gable ends are shingled, while the side facades show arched Gothic panels arranged like an arcade. A Victorian circle motif enclosed in a square appears throughout the building. The land was originally owned by Nicholas Longworth, and his Tusculum subdivision was surveyed in 1869. The rowhouse sits near Alms Park among other late nineteenth century houses, and its exterior remains in excellent condition. It is still used as multi-family housing and is part of the Columbia Tusculum area.
Significance in brief: The inventory describes it as an outstanding rowhouse distinguished by projecting gabled pavilions with spindle supports, shingled gable ends and arched Gothic arcade panels. It also records that the land was originally owned by Nicholas Longworth, whose Tusculum subdivision was surveyed in 1869. It was included as part of the Columbia Tusculum multiple resource area.
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 79002693, listed August 24, 1979. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 531-541 Tusculum Ave., Cincinnati |
|---|---|
| County | Hamilton County |
| Listed | August 24, 1979 |
| Reference number | 79002693 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architectural style | Victorian |
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Exterior condition is listed as excellent; present use is multi-family residence, with no alterations noted. |
| Coordinates | 39.11554, -84.43341 (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 79002693.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7609053
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.