The Last Pre-War on Beechmont

Church Structure Known As McCall’s Flooring Soon To Be Demolished
Original stained glass entrance transom window with the word "WELCOME" incorporated into the design with milk glass, fall 2023.
Original stained glass transom window with “WELCOME” designed with milk glass, Fall 2022
New Cherry Grove United Methodist building in 1925, surrounded by open space and small residential structures.
New CGUM building, Ca 1925 (Source: Anderson Township Historical Society)

On November 22nd, 1925, the Cherry Grove United Methodist Church, founded 70 years prior in 1851, dedicated this building at 8342 Beechmont Avenue after its predecessor was destroyed by fire. The building was constructed at a time when the 5 lane thoroughfare was a rural dirt road, and has seen explosive growth in its 98 years of existence. The congregation moved to a new location on 8 Mile Road in 1969, leaving the site on Beechmont after 118 years.

Original Cherry Grove United Methodist Church ruins on December 14th, 1924, after being destroyed by fire. In view are the surrounding rural village, the 2 lane dirt road (Beechmont Avenue), and a Cincinnati Fire Department engine on scene. A group of spectators gather in front of the destroyed church.
Ruins of the original CGUM building, with a Cincinnati Fire Department engine on scene as well as a group of spectators. Dec 14th, 1924 (Source: Anderson Township Historical Society)

McCall’s Flooring would later use the building as offices and a showroom. After decades of business, McCall’s closed in 2020, and the long-neglected building was sold to Speedway Corporation. It has since sat abandoned and is expected to be demolished for expansion of the gas station next door. 

Exterior view of McCalls Flooring on 4/13/2003, showing exposed brick and stucco surfaces, as well as a midcentury first floor storefront addition.
Bare brick & stucco surfaces prior to being painted in the mid 2000’s, 4/13/2003. (Source: Hamilton County Auditor)
Abandoned McCalls Flooring building in fall 2023, painted a pale grey color, and showing signs of deterioration and neglect.
Abandoned McCall’s Flooring building, Fall 2023

The site does not include a parking lot setback and has 3 stories, contrasting the surrounding low-rise commercial properties, and making it a prominent feature of the streetscape. The building is the only pre-war era structure on Beechmont Avenue from Five Mile Road to Withamsville (a distance of 5 miles).

View down Beechmont Avenue Circa 1930, looking east toward 8 Mile Road. The image shows the original 2 lane configuration of Beechmont Avenue shortly after being paved, and the sparse development in the area.
Beechmont Ave looking east toward 8 Mile Road from Nagel Road, shortly after being paved and certified as State Route 125, Ca 1930 (Source: Anderson Township Historical Society)
View down Beechmont Avenue, Fall 2023, looking east toward 8 Mile Road. The image shows the now expanded 5 lane Beechmont Avenue, and the sprawling low rise commercial development in the area.
Beechmont Ave looking east towards 8 Mile Road from Nagel Road, Fall 2023
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1900sArchitecturehistoric landmarkslocal history
By architecture, fall 2023, historic landmarks, local history, PH Wild