Maplewood Sanitorium
Why it's listed
Maplewood Sanitorium is a three-story frame building in Lebanon, Ohio, built about 1879 in the Second Empire style. A central tower with a mansard roof and small dormers marks the main section, and a wide verandah with chamfered posts and cut-out frieze work runs across the front. The front door has a transom, sidelights and a round-arched window above a chamfered panel. Dr. J.L. Stephens, a Medical College of Ohio graduate from nearby South Lebanon, founded the sanitorium in the late 1870s to treat opium and alcohol addiction. It served prominent patients from around the country as a comfortable, exclusive alternative to the County Infirmary, and remained active into the early 20th century. It is regarded as the only remaining 19th-century health-related institution in the town. Aluminum siding and some altered openings have affected its integrity, but the building keeps its shape, porch, cupola and spacious grounds. It now contains apartments.
Significance in brief: It is described as the sole surviving representative of Lebanon's 19th-century health-related institutions. Dr. J.L. Stephens established it in the late 1870s to treat drug and alcohol addiction, and it drew prominent patients from around the country into the early 20th century. Despite aluminum siding and altered openings, it keeps its basic shape, porch, cupola and tree-filled grounds.
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 84000432, listed October 10, 1984. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Maple and Deerfield Sts., Lebanon |
|---|---|
| County | Warren County |
| Listed | October 10, 1984 |
| Reference number | 84000432 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architectural style | Second Empire |
| Areas of significance | Health/Medicine |
| Level of significance | State, Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Exterior condition is listed as good; the building is used as apartments. Aluminum siding has been applied and some openings altered. |
| Acreage | 1.2 |
| Coordinates | 39.42528, -84.20695 (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 84000432.
- 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.