About The Belvedere 

As a Cincinnati landmark, the Belvedere’s place in architectural history is highlighted by:

  • Carved decorative limestone on the exterior.
  • Handsome wrought iron appointments both inside and out.
  • Magnificent oil painting on canvas on the outer ceiling lobby, exquisitely executed by Herman Wessel, noted Cincinnati artist.
  • Ornate brass and wrought iron lamps which flank the front entrance.
  • Every floor enhanced by brass elevator indicators and a brass US Post Office mail chute, reminiscent of a bygone era.
  • Beautiful, terraced Roof Garden providing one of the most outstanding panoramic views of the city.

Location

With easy access to both I-75 and I-71, the Belvedere is within minutes of downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Hyde Park and O’Bryonville as well as The University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, Eden Park, Cincinnati Art Museum, Krohn Conservatory and many fine restaurants.

History

With the advent of the 1920s, interest began in luxury apartment houses, many of multiple stories in larger American cities, most notably New York and Chicago. These buildings, built with the highest construction standards, served as an alternative to large single-family homes or residential hotels, and provided many of the services of the latter. The Belvedere is an example of this trend.

Completed in 1926, the building marketed itself to affluent residents who may have formerly owned a home in the area and others who were attracted by its upscale amenities and sophisticated architecture.

A 12-story cast-in-place concrete building with brick and limestone exterior, the Belvedere was built in the Second Renaissance Revival Style, popular at the time for large residential, commercial, and governmental structures. The lobby features an elaborate plaster ceiling, incorporating beautiful oil paintings on canvas by Herman Wessel, a noted Cincinnati artist; inlaid marble floors, large solid brass mailboxes and walnut trim. Many of these details have been lovingly preserved. Other amenities were a first-floor restaurant, now utilized as a workout space and community room. A rooftop garden is still enjoyed by residents and their guests to this day.

The individual apartments feature decorative ceiling and panel moldings as well as Circassian walnut doors and picture frame hardwood flooring. Decorative plaster mantels, 9’6” ceiling heights and expansive rooms also grace each unit, which range from approximately 900 to 2,500 square feet and are sometimes combined into much larger residences. Most units include bedrooms and baths for domestic help, which was common in similar buildings of the period.

The Belvedere is an architectural treasure and one of a kind for Cincinnati. The building has been beautifully preserved for many generations to come.

Belvedere Postcard

The Belvedere Apartments, Cincinnati, Ohio. The Kraemer Art Co. The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Clyde N. Bowden Postcard Collection.

The Belvedere Entrance Detail

From “The Entrance Beautiful Assured by Use of Natural Stone,” in Stone, An Illustrated Magazine, Vol. XLVII, No. 10, October 1926, pp. 603. Courtesy Peggy B. and Patrick Perazzo, Stone Quarries and Beyond.

The Belvedere

Belvedere Apartments. Northwest Corner of Reading Road and Rose Hill Road. Kenton County Public Library Faces and Places, Lawrence Brand Collection.

The Belvedere

Belvedere Apartments, Rose Hill and Reading Road. The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Cincinnati History Slide Collection.

Articles and Documents of Interest

2016 Cincinnati Refined
Is The Belvedere The Most Gorgeous Building In Cincy?

Original 1926 Belvedere Apartment Brochure
The Belvedere Apartments as a Permanent Home (PDF)

Conservation Award
The Belvedere Condominium 2016 Rehabilitation (PDF)