Construction of the three-story rotunda, 61 feet in diameter, began in 1905 and was completed in 1908. It was lit through a double glass dome, 85 feet above the banking floor. The outer dome is constructed of prism lights held in metal frames, which give the dome a graceful architectural form, while providing ample diffused light to the interior space.
The magnificent leaded glass inner dome, designed in beautifully subdued colors, is constructed in the Tiffany style and adds warmth to the entire space.
The outer dome is now coated over, and the banking floor is lit by electric lights installed above the inner dome..
These are INCREDIBLE pictures! You need to submit these to some architectural photography sites. Not very often that you get to see this…
Thanks so very much, Bob. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed your visit. I look forward to your comments on other posts.
Thank you for this behind the scene view.
The exterior and interior photo’s give a real sense of how it all comes together. Well done on showing the angles and architecture even the girders above the dome are to be admired in their own right.
Looking forward to seeing more through your talented eye.
Best regards,
Arthur P. Butler
http://www.apbpainting.net
Hi Arthur. Welcome back! So glad you liked the tour. It was a fun afternoon!
Lauren I love the shot of the inside of the dome showing the glasswork. I like the way you cropped it and the way your black and white version shows the striking design.
Thank you Nick. It was quite an afternoon, and I was pleased with the results. It is amazing to realize that the glass prisms in the outer dome not only showcased the beauty of the glass inner dome, but provided sufficient light for the banking floor as well. Simply amazing!
Best,
Lauren
Yes it is interesting; passive solar energy being used to illuminate the building. Makes me wonder why the electric lights were ever installed.
BTW…I especially enjoy the shot that looks straight up into the center of the dome.
It is on my to-do list to find out when and why!
Wow – beautiful shots – I had no idea this place ex
isted!
Thanks for stopping by, John. I hope you will be a frequent visitor.
Best,
Lauren
WWII black out would be the probable reason the outer dome was coated requiring electrical lights. This was the case with the P&LERR train terminal building which is now called Station Square with the main terminal space used for dining. The beautiful stained glass light is now fuly resotred. Picture can be found at http://travelphotobase.com/v/USPA/PATS15.HTM
You make a very good point. That’s where my research will begin. Thanks!! And thanks for stopping by. I hope to see you often.
Best,
Lauren
I’ll bet the real reason for covering the outer dome was a economical solution to stop rain water & snow melt from penetrating to the inner dome. This was the case in 3 projects I worked on : The Rookery 1894 & The Cultural Center both in Chicago & The Federal Courthouse in Milwaukee 1896.
The photos are very insightful. Nice job.
An equally good thought, Jim. I was back inside the dome on Wednesday, and it is clear that there is no way for rain or snow melt to escape. I hope to document the reason to this and other questions when I dig into the Cleveland Trust archives. Thanks for stopping by. I hope to see you often.
Best,
Lauren
Delightful shots in black and white… i have always been in awe of the architecture, and the LCTiffany work on that building. So glad it will be roaring back to life soon. Thanks for the amazing photos….
Thanks Barbara! I simply cannot get enough of the Rotunda. What an incredible structure. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you will make it a habit!
Best,
Lauren