About Cincinnati Architecture

Cincinnati has one of the most impressive collections of historic architecture in the United States. Home buyers and visitors are frequently impressed and even overwhelmed with the quantity and quality of architectural styles. There are also a whopping 52 historic neighborhoods, each with a unique history and modern-day vibe. Here is a brief introduction to Queen City’s architecture:

West End

In the late 19th century, Cincinnati’s wealthy beer brewers and pork packers considered the West End as ‘The Place to Be’. The oldest home in Cincinnati is here, the 1804 Betts House located at 416 Clark Street. Nearby Dayton Street is a vast collection of impressive mid-19th century historic town homes, as well as the 19th century mayor’s mansion (currently undergoing restoration).

Over-The-Rhine

Not far away is the Over-The-Rhine historic district, one of the largest districts in the country recognized by the National Register of Historic Places; this area is currently realizing strong growth and revival. At the center of this neighborhood is Findlay Market, an emporium which has been in continuous existence since the mid-1800s.

Downtown

Downtown is located below Central Parkway just south of Over-The-Rhine, and features such architectural gems as Fountain Square, the Carew Tower, the Taft Museum, the 1860s Roebling Bridge, and other historic structures. There is enough historic architecture in Cincinnati and across the Ohio River in Northern Kentucky to satisfy even the most jaded architectural buffs for days on end.

Something For Everyone

As you embark upon a search for your own historic Cincinnati home, or even if you’re just browsing, it is likely that you will be amazed by all of the details and connections you will find along the way. We hope that this site will be a useful aid in starting your exploration.

To aid in your search, below is a list of the architecture styles found in Cincinnati and the years which these homes were built.This list is courtesy of the City of Cincinnati’s website, which also includes links to style descriptions.

  • Federal (1815 – 1840)
  • Greek Revival (1835 – 1860)
  • Renaissance Revival (1845 – 1885, 1890 to 1915)
  • Gothic Revival (1850 – 1870)
  • Italian Villa (1850 – 1870)
  • Italianate (1865 – 1890)
  • French Second Empire (1870 – 1895)
  • Victorian Vernacular (1870 – 1895)
  • Queen Anne and Shingle (1880 – 1900)
  • Richardsonian Romanesque (1880 – 1900)
  • Chateau (1880 – 1905)
  • Swiss Chalet (1885 – 1910)
  • Colonial Revival (1895 – 1930)
  • Prairie (1905 – 1930)
  • Bungalow (1910 – 1940)
  • Tudor Revival (1910 – 1940)
  • Spanish Mission (1910 – 1940)
  • Art Deco and Moderne (1930-1950)