Cincinnati Union Terminal, 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, Hamilton County, OH

Significance: The Cincinnati Union Terminal represents a complete break from the neo-classical style so prevalent among earlier railroad stations in this country. The Terminal is unique and monumental manifestation of Art Deco architecture and interior decoration, clearly and profoundly representative of the modern style common in the United States in the 1930s and expressed on every level of its design: architecture, furniture, lighting fixtures, ventilators, floor design, ceiling designs, painted doors, murals, etc. Union Terminal also represents the centralization of freight and passenger facilities of seven major railroads who were previously using five separate terminals. Considering the economic, political, and engineering aspects of bringing these railroads together, it was a major accomplishment. ... The significance of Union Terminal for the city lies in the total design concept for rail and vehicular transportation and as a symbol of civic and industrial cooperation. It marks a high point in the history of the city because of the enormity of the task and its successful accomplishment.
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: FN-68
Survey number: HABS OH-705
Building/structure dates: 1933 Initial Construction
National Register of Historic Places NRIS Number: 72001018