5 Fun Historic Facts About the Stunning Cincinnati Club
5 Fun Historic Facts About the Stunning Cincinnati Club
At McHale’s Events & Catering, we love a venue with rich history. There’s something incredibly special about tying the knot, celebrating a milestone birthday or creating new corporate partnerships in a space that has served as a new beginning for so many occasions over the years. This is why The Cincinnati Club is one of our favorite venues to cater in our area.
This elaborate venue is actually four venues in one, boasting magnificently ornate ballrooms, grandiose marble columns and staircases, huge arched windows to let the natural light seep in during the day, elegant chandeliers and so much more!
Fun Facts About the History of the Cincinnati Club
Let’s get to know all there is to know about this intricate, opulently designed historic venue, shall we? Here are a few fun historic facts we love about the building that will give you a true feel for the character of the venue!
The Cincinnati Club was built in 1923 but acquired the Phoenix, constructed in the 1800s.
Designing and building the Cincinnati Club was a project of the famous Cincinnati architect Samuel Hannaford. He’s the same architect who created the famous Cincinnati Music Hall, which is one of the most iconic venues in the city! He must have known what he was doing.
Then, in 1911, The Cincinnati Club purchased The Phoenix Club, which was built in 1893, and ever since, the two have become one venue with abundant history shared between them. Both buildings are now on the National Register of Historic Places.
It features Italian Renaissance architecture—perhaps the best show of it in Cincinnati.
Some of the most iconic features of Italian Renaissance architecture can be found in the venues throughout The Cincinnati Club. You’ll find arches on interior and exterior windows, columns with ornate tops, a sprawling white marble staircase and balcony, detailed murals decorating the walls, carved wood and gilded details on the ceilings and much more.
The windows are made with Tiffany glass by Tiffany & Co.
Yes, the famous engagement ring and jewelry company! Tell your fiancée you need some Tiffany bling to match your venue. While Tiffany & Co. was founded by his father, Louis Comfort Tiffany was the mastermind behind the stained glass lamps and windows crafted by this iconic luxury brand. All the marble and glass are still original to the building and were imported from Germany as far back as the early 1880s.
It was the first Jewish businessmen’s organization in the Midwest.
Up until the 1980s, the buildings were private men’s clubs and a hotel. Then, they were closed for a few years until they reopened as a fine dining restaurant in the late 1980s and ultimately transformed into the stunning event venue they are today! All the renovations and restorations over the years have captured the essence and kept the historic charm.
The ballrooms used to host very different functions.
Since it was a men’s club, there were various activities in the building. What’s now the Archway Ballroom was actually a billiards room with over 25 pool tables for play, and the Grand Ballroom was actually a basketball court!
Want to Celebrate History with Your Next Event at The Cincinnati Club?
If you’re inspired by the unique history of this one-of-a-kind historic building, you’re not alone. Now, it’s your turn to create history by hosting your next event at The Cincinnati Club! Our McHale’s Events & Catering team will work with you to plan your wedding, corporate or social event at this truly memorable Cincinnati event venue. Let’s get planning!
