These buildings are located in the Flats along the Cuyahoga River, one of Cleveland’s oldest commercial areas. Built between 1871 and 1890, they served the merchant marine trade and housed sail lofts, warehouses, and retail businesses. Though they served basic commercial purposes, they feature ample and ornate windows and tall-glass, retail-level storefronts. The largest building, 1294-1310, is an exceptionally well-preserved Italianate Commercial building measuring fourteen bays wide, retaining the original cast iron storefront piers and double-hung six-over-six round-arched windows with decorative stone.