HOLIDAY Behind Historic Doors: Downtown Living

This Take a Hike tour will step through the doors of some of downtown Cleveland’s historic buildings during that have been preserved and redeveloped.  HOLIDAY Behind Historic Doors: Downtown Living tour — a fun, story-filled 90-minute guided tour taking you inside spaces now reimagined for modern downtown living.

Choose from two different routes, each stopping at three residential properties to explore building amenities, a model apartment and community spaces. Along the way, discover the stories behind the buildings, what they were originally built for, and how their architecture and character have been incorporated into their new lives.

Adding to the experience, your Take a Hike guides are downtown residents who will sprinkle in their own perspective—sharing favorite finds, neighborhood tips and a little of what makes living in the heart of Cleveland special.

And the timing couldn’t be more festive! Offered on WinterLand tree-lighting day, the tour unfolds amid a downtown dressed for the holidays along Euclid Avenue bustling with activities happening throughout the day before the holiday tree lighting on Public Square that evening.

1:30–3:00 PM Tour meets at The Arcade and includes tour stops:

• Residences at Leader — Built in 1913 as home of The Cleveland Leader newspaper.

• Residences at 668 — Built in 1913 as the William Taylor & Son department store.

• Residences at Halle — Built in 1908 as the Pope + Halle Building, home of Halle’s department store.

2:00–3:30 PM  Tour meets at The Arcade and includes tour stops:               

• Residences at 55 — The former Illuminating Building, opened in 1958 as Cleveland’s first new skyscraper since Terminal Tower.

• Residences at 668 — Built in 1913 as the William Taylor & Son department store.

• The Electric Building — Built in 1898 and later home to the headquarters of the United Church of Christ, now transformed into residential living.

Tickets are $30 and include bites and drinks at the Residences at 668 stop, along with a special thank-you gift.

Arrive 30 minutes before the start of the tour to allow yourself time to enjoy The Arcade’s holiday décor, Santas of the World display and Timeless Traditions | Modern Celebrations exhibit.

HOLIDAY Behind Historic Doors: Downtown Living is part of Take a Hike’s Holiday Tour Series. These special ticketed tours help raise funds to support the free tours we offer May through November.