While it is still essentially "just a box" as noted below, what separates this box from the vile and ubiquitous boxes of today is the concept of "style."

Built in the French Second Empire style, the building was articulated with a nod to current fashion; incised detailing on 2nd and 3rd story corbels - as well as most principal facade mullions - convey the Eastlake aesthetic so popular in the 1870s.

This remarkable, and somewhat late, example of the style was truly a gift to the street. There is enough eye candy on this building to keep me riveted for hours.

Sadly, it graced Cleveland for only a short time. The main branch of the Cleveland Public Library was built on the site of the Case Block in 1919 and remains there today.

Of all the horrific old buildings Shorpy has given us, this is the ne plus ultra. And isn't it just "a box" too?

"You must wear pants." Hm.

Known as the Case Block Building.

What is the box on the corner that looks like a mailbox and has "Wilson" on the side? There's another one halfway down the block on the right.

[It's a trashcan. - Dave]

What a horrid, ugly building. But not quite as obnoxious as some of our more modern inventions.

All those awnings make the building look like a giant cheese grater.

It is sometimes hard to believe building of this mass and detail were constructed during the horse and buggy era. They were meant to last. Sadly, most of the wonderful buildings like this were either abandoned or destroyed for the plain concrete square block buildings we endure looking at nowdays.