Our sixth and final building in our Public Square series is the Society for Savings Building. The 10 story building was built in 1890 and was the first modern high rise in Cleveland and Ohio. The outer walls of the building are made of red sandstone from Michigan and load bearing & self-supporting. The interior is built of steel columns and diagonally braced floors, making it virtually independent of the outer walls.
The lobby of the bank branch is incredible. It’s ceiling is stained glass done by William Prettyman in the Arts and Crafts style. The lobby contains four large murals, two of which are done by English painter Walter Crane in 1890 and the other two in 1948 by Hungarian-American Louis Szanto . Outside the bank, on the SW corner of the building is beautiful old street light with iron work designed by Winslow Brothers.
Today the bank is a Key Bank branch and is attached to Key Tower. It is worth stopping by and having a look around during banking hours.
