Making Marble Room
Behind the marble columns and coffered ceilings lies more than a restaurant.
This is the transformation of the Garfield Building, from bank to landmark dining experience.
Marble Room's Evolution
1893
It all Begins with President Garfield
President James A. Garfield's sons, Harry and James, build what now houses Marble Room. Henry Ives Cobb is the designer.
Garfield's sons created the building in honor of their father, a Cleveland native, who was tragically killed by a disgruntled office seeker.
It was the first steel frame skyscraper constructed in the city. It featured a large marble staircase and Italian marble wainscoting.
1914
Guardian Savings and Trust moves in
Guardian, first opened in 1894, buys the building, renames it the Guardian Building, and hires Cleveland's famed architectural firm Walker and Weeks to renovate it.
The entire first floor is converted into a marble-walled public banking room and Corinthian columns are added to the building's Renaissance-style facade.
1921
National City Bank moves in
National City Bank, founded in 1845, moves into the Garfield Building and renames it National City Bank Building.
1930-40s
Short Vincent Era
Meanwhile, the block between East 6th and East 9th streets known in its heyday as “Short Vincent” becomes a hub of Cleveland nightlife.
The back door of the Guardian/National City Bank building opens onto Short Vincent Street, once Cleveland's most exciting entertainment district, home to venues such as the long gone Theatrical Bar and Grill.
(Note: Marble Room's classic yet edgy ambiance was in part inspired by Millennia CEO Frank Sinito's fond memories of The Theatrical. "It's that vibe of you never know who're you're going to see, or what you're going to see.")
1955
The National City Bank "modernizes" and adds teller cages
Teller cages were added within the historic hall, integrating mid-century banking functionality without compromising the building’s original architectural grandeur.
1978
National City Bank builds new headquarters
National City Bank builds new headquarters at East Ninth Street and Euclid Ave. The location at 623 Euclid remains open as a branch.
2008
PNC buys National City Bank
PNC buys National City Bank, ending its 87-year-old run.
A National City Bank plaque still hangs on Euclid Avenue outside Marble Room.
2015
Millennia Companies purchases the Garfield
Cleveland’s Millennia Companies purchases the Garfield Building and converts the building’s old offices into 123 apartment units and retail space.
2017
Marble Room Steak and Raw Bar opens
The opulent old bank at 623 Euclid Avenue is restored and transformed into the one-of-a-kind Marble Room Steak and Raw Bar.
Then & Now
Original architectural details were preserved and reimagined.
The bank’s lower level vaults, once some of the largest in the country, have been updated and redecorated to create an ultra-exclusive private party space. Bank executives’ offices have been converted to dining boardrooms and cocktail lounges available for private dining and parties. Antique fixtures and gilded tiles have been lovingly restored and are historic focal points of the new, eclectic décor.
