The Peter B. Lewis Building Is One Of The Weirdest Structures In All Of Cleveland
By Nikki Rhoades|Published January 04, 2022
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Architecture is one of the defining features of any community. Just consider the Cape Cod style home… this is a structure that is literally named after the community where it is found! Here in Northeast Ohio, Berea sandstone is a common defining element of many architectural works. However, Cleveland also has something unique that only select communities around the world have: a one-of-a-kind building designed by famed architect Frank Gehry. From afar, it might look like this is the weirdest building in Cleveland. Up close? Quite honestly, it’s every bit as weird when you get up close. Nonetheless, this unique building in Cleveland is adored by many. Let’s take a virtual visit… what do you say?!
The weirdest building in Cleveland looks like a melting mess of brick and stainless steel.
This building looks different from every angle. No matter what direction you view it from, it feels unconventional... ready to surprise and delight you with odd and unexpected architectural elements.
As you draw closer, it... still looks like melting brick and stainless steel.
It's "unconventional," that's what it is! The architect that created this building has a style that is uniquely his own. Is it modernism? Sure, but not quite. Is it a work of deconstructionism? Perhaps, but it's far too planned and intentional.
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The Peter B. Lewis Building is the home of the Weatherhead School of Management. Its unusual design is as innovative as the minds that are molded on its campus.
His design here in Cleveland is unusual enough that many people opt to take an online tour just to wrap their mind around the odd angles and intricate dips and valleys of the structure.
Many of Gehry's works can be found in Southern California where he first launched his practice, although he has crafted buildings throughout the world... even in Paris, Prague, and Sydney!
Many of these creations have become tourist attractions... but some are closed to the public. One of the most famous private residences designed by Gehry is his own home.
Gehry is known for his innovative designs, which always "break the mold," so to speak. Today, in the 2020s, Gehry's designs are still being created across the world.
This Frank Gehry original just might be the weirdest building in Cleveland… but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, because we Clevelanders have a flair for the dramatic. Have you ever visited this unusual landmark? We’d love to hear your thoughts about it!
