Sandusky: a town of which we’ve all heard, right? And we know what about it, exactly? I can't say. Twenty-five thousand souls, right on the shores of Erie. Been around a while, so we can expect the usual right-side-of-the-country architectural mix.

“Select the top half with the marquee tool, then option drag.”

It’s like they’re trying to keep the trolls in the upper floor away from the banking floor.

If it was constructed as one building, I’d love to know the reasoning. I wouldn’t be surprised if the thin windows indicate a meeting hall.

Unfortunate lower-floor rehab; looks abandoned.

Is abandoned.

Once a building that engaged with the street and the people; now it seems indifferent and remote.

The mood extends around the corner.

As rote a classical bank design as you’ll find . . .

. . . but it’s still better than 99% of the OUMBs.

A fine newspaper building -

-- with a radio mast! It’s perfect.

And there’s another example of something that’s completely, utterly ordinary.

But it’s worth keeping around. Study it: without the decoratijon on the top, it would be the most boring thing around, just a speculative box. but add some terracotta geegaws and it has a certain rote nobility.

So nothing happens above the first floor? Is that what you’re saying?

It’s like the whole city is waiting for a revival.

Everyone gets a balcony!

But it makes the building look gloomy.

It’s never a sign of vitality when there’s a tree growing on the roof.

A brutalist 70s rehab of the ground floor. Inexcusable.

It’s the Feick building.

Brothers! Built at different times, but obviously the architect and developer wants to enhance the prestige and presence of the first one.

The effect is a bit cramped, but who cares.

Hello, 1920s!

Opened in 1928; survives, although the roof was ripped off in a 2020 storm, and the theater severely damaged.

Usual cinema treasures round-up of old pictures here.

Hey, so it’s not all boarded up. This is nice.

What I said above: nicely done.

A lesson in the architecture of the pre-20s model: note the way the windows change. From square to round to small, lightening the building as it rises without diminishing its gravitas and heft.

I’m so sorry for your loss.

The best view I could get was from above. The center of the city. All in all, worth the trip. I’m sure the citizens of Sandusky are so glad I approve.