Walking Tour: Arch Street

I can honestly say I’ve never walked down Arch Street near Lytle Park until yesterday. It is only one block long. Historically it was only two blocks long – Broadway to Ludlow and Ludlow to Lawrence. And second block though was very short. Geography of the street changed with the completion of Fort Washington Way and the "tunneling" of I-71 under Lytle Park. Arch makes a ninety degree turn into Ludlow now.

Only three buildings have an Arch Street address and until yesterday, I never knew they existed. 421, 423, and 425 Arch Street were constructed in 1865, 1860, and 1880 respectfully (as indicated on the Auditor’s website). 423 & 425 are nice little Italianate structures. 421 appears to me as it might have been a livery stable or something. A trip to the Cincinnati Historical Society would tell me. On the north side of the street is the back of former Guilford School (1914) by Garber & Woodward and the side of the former 2nd District Police Station (1910) at 314 Broadway. Opposite that is Western Southern’s 1953 parking garage. You know, the one with the big rotating sign.

Broadway north of Arch Street. 2nd District Police Station in foreground.

Detail of 2nd District Police Station

Rear of the Gilford School

Arch Street looking west

Sign on the Western Southern Parking Garage near Arch and Broadway Streets

Western Southern Parking Garage from 3rd Street.