Chagrin Falls Township Hall
This property has been placed on the
National Register of Historic Places
by the United States Department of the Interior
Trustees
Edward R. Patton Darryl B. Solether James A. Woodward
Samuel B. Galante Clerk
October 1, 1974
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.
Location. 41° 25.916′ N, 81° 23.555′ W. Marker is in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, in Cuyahoga County. It is on North Main Street just north of River Street, on the left when traveling north. The marker is mounted directly on the subject building, on the right side of the front entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 83 North Main Street, Chagrin Falls OH 44022, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Cleveland, on the Lake Erie Shore, and in the Western Reserve. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Joseph Stoneman House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Chagrin River's "High Falls" (about 400 feet away); Chagrin Falls & Eastern Railway (approx. 1.8 miles away); The Cleveland Grand Prix (approx. 2 miles away); Birthplace of James A. Garfield
this page online
Regarding Chagrin Falls Township Hall. National Register of Historic Places № 74001432.
From the National Register Nomination prepared by Eric Johannesen, 11/1973:
This is a one-story brick Greek Revival public building, with High Victorian Italianate and later alterations. The facade is divided into three parts by four Doric pilasters. These continue into the wide entablature. This unorthodox feature, as well as others, is explained by the fact that a second story was added in the High Victorian Italianate Style in 1875.The hood moldings on round-arched windows, two small rectangular lateral wings, and an octagonal cupola like the existing one were added at that time. In 1943 a fire destroyed the upper story, and the first floor was restored to its present condition. The pediment fanlight, the curved pediment over the entrance, and the reconstructed cupola date from that time. The interior is substantially from the
1875 remodeling.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 20212. Chagrin Falls Township Hall MarkerThe marker is mounted on the right side of the front entrance.This is a significant building in the local history of the village, in the development of nineteenth century taste, and as an early example of the concern for historic preservation. The original plat of Chagrin Falls of 1837 provided for a Public Square where the township hall stands. For several years it was occupied by a mill yard. In 1842 it was proposed to vacate the land as a site for two churches. This was done, but the churches decided to build elsewhere. In 1847 Aristarchus Champion proposed to build a public lecture hall and library for the village. It was completed in 1848. Among the public meetings held there was a lecture and demonstration in 1848 on galvanism, a form of hypnotism, and the so-called science of biology. A few years later Mr. Champion removed the books and sold the building to a private owner. Later the building served as a private school operated by the Rev. E. D. Taylor. In 1864 it was acquired by the township trustees.
The second story was added in the Victorian style in 1875. The building retained this form until 1943. After a destructive fire, it was restored as a one-story building. The many alterations, rather than detracting from the historic significance of the building, enhance it. The fact that the building was restored after a fashion in 1943, rather than demolished or completely altered, is significant evidence of
the growing concern for historic preservation,Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 17, 20213. Chagrin Falls Township Hall (east/front elevation)
Also see . . . Township Hall (Chagrin History Center).
Excerpt: Township Hall, formerly known as Library Hall and Town Hall, was built in 1848 as a public library and lecture hall. It was purchased by the Township Trustees in 1864 as an office for the Trustees and to serve as a place to hold elections, in addition to serving as lecture hall.(Submitted on June 5, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)In 1875, responding to a public call to update the building, the Trustees hired Cleveland architect Joseph Ireland to enlarge the hall, add a jail, a Township office, and a second story Opera House. Henry Church, Jr. fashioned a weathervane to adorn the cupola. Community concerts and lectures were held there. The Chagrin Valley Little Theatre staged its productions in the Opera House.
A fire in 1943 destroyed the roof and the Opera House. Many original architectural elements of the first floor survived the fire. Today, it is the site of public and private events. Township Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 5, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
