One of the many architectural highlights of my trip to Cleveland in April was the Hope Memorial Bridge, one of two bridges that crosses the Cuyahoga River. Constructed from 1930 to 1932, the structure was originally known as the Lorain - Carnegie Bridge (it connects Lorain & Carnegie Avenues). What sets this bridge apart are four huge double-sided pylons, featuring incredible carved figures known as the "Guardians of Transportation", designed by architect Frank Walker and executed by noted sculptor Henry Hering and local stonecutters. In the 1970s, believe it or not, someone wanted to destroy these amazing works of art. County Engineer Albert S. Porter urged for the destruction of the pylons in order to add lanes to the bridge. Thankfully, Porter was unsuccessful. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. After about 3 years of renovations, the bridge reopened in 1983 and was renamed the Hope Memorial Bridge, in honor of legendary entertainer Bob Hope and family - English immigrants who relocated to Cleveland in 1908. His father, William, was a stonemason who worked on the pylons. #Cleveland #TheLand #ArtDeco #Modernism #WalkerandWeeks #HenryHering #archi_ologie #ModMondayz #OhioFindItHere #ClevelandGram #CLEGram #ThisPlaceMatters (at Hope Memorial Bridge)
