First Central Trust Building - Akron, Ohio
N 41° 04.940 W 081° 31.099
17T E 456462 N 4548025
First Central Trust Building, 106 S Main St, Akron, Ohio
Waymark Code: WM8R0M
Location: Ohio, United States
Date Posted: 05/05/2010
Views: 1
This is one of Akron’s landmark buildings, constructed in 1929 by Carmichael Construction at a cost of over $2.6 million. Spanning 27 stories and a height of 331 feet, the tower is the tallest building in Akron and Summit County. It was originally known as the First Central Trust Building. In 1947, it was renamed the First National Tower building, and in 1997 was renamed once again to the FirstMerit Tower building, after First National Bank’s corporate identity changed. The building headquarters FirstMerit Corporation and others.
It was designed by Walker & Weeks of Cleveland, who was the largest architectural firm in Ohio during the period 1925-45. The art deco structure has four tiered levels. The basement is of fluted limestone piers dividing the windows. The entry has a marquee surmounted by a clock with eagle ornamentation. The third floor windows have decorative escutcheons. An allegorical relief of wealth is found over the entry. The lobby is built with Tennessee marble, white brick, and terra cotta, and features a large banking hall with arched windows. The top of the building has a television broadcast tower, formerly used by WAKR-TV (now WVPX-TV) and WAKR-AM. The antenna reaches 442 feet. The building has undergone extensive renovation in the last few years, includes repointing of all masonry and terra-cotta joints, repairs to the windows, structural restoration, and a restoration of the 13th floor parapet.
Year photo was taken: 1938
|
Visit Instructions:
To log a visit to each spot you are required to take your own photo. Alternatively you can tell a story about your own experience at the location or any unique information about that location to count as a visit.