Background
Built in 1945-48, the Terrace Plaza was the first International-style hotel built in the United States; and the first commission of Skidmore Owings and Merrill to be widely published and propelled the firm into the national spotlight. It was a pivotal project for SOM because it used an interdisciplinary design team, many of which who went on to their own remarkable careers. Most notably, its chief designer, Natalie de Blois, was a rare pioneering woman architect and member of a team of other designers who conceived of every detail of the building—interiors, furniture, textiles, uniforms, tableware, graphics—and even ashtrays.
Although it opened to much fanfare and was initially successful, the building has suffered a long decline and has been vacant since 2008.
April 2022 Update
The United States Bankruptcy Court of Eastern New York has ordered an auction for the Terrace Plaza. Initial bids must be received before 4:00 pm on May 20. Information on the bidding process is available for Case No. 21-41548 (ESS).
At its March 28 meeting, Cincinnati's Historic Conservation Board 5-to-1 to move the landmarking of Terrace Plaza forward, sending it to the City Planning Commission for approval. The board had also voted for landmarking in 2019, but efforts stalled afterwards. The will consider the nomination at .
Individuals "with standing" can submit requests to attend via Zoom to planning@cincinnati-oh.gov. The hearing will also be live-streamed for the general public .
March 2022 Update
After being held up in lawsuits for years, Cincinnati's Terrace Plaza may finally get a chance for a new future. the Cincinnati Preservation Association (CPA), a judge is reviewing plans for a May 2022 auction date. Preservation-minded developers, stay tuned! In the right hands, this significant modern building can shine once again.
In the meantime, CPA has submitted an application to designate the hotel as a city landmark. The application is currently under review. An initial meeting was held on March 17 to gather feedback and the Historic Conservation Board will hold on March 28, 2022 at 3:00 pm to decide on the application. Members of the public can stream the hearing live via YouTube. To participate in the meeting via Zoom, you must be a "" and at least 48 hours in advance.
2019 Update
After considerable advocacy efforts, the push to landmark the Terrace Plaza Hotel is gaining steam. Earlier this year, City Council member David Mann filed an application with the city's Historic Conservation Board seeking to make the downtown Cincinnati hotel a local historic landmark. At a hearing on February 25, a huge hurdle was overcome when the Cincinnati Historic Conservation Board voted 5-1 to recommend Terrace Plaza for landmarking. Next, it goes to the City Planning Commission and then a vote by City Council for approval. °®¶¹app will continue to provide updates as the story develops.
