Overlook Road Carriage House District (Herrick Mews)
This set of suburban stables, built for the houses of five well-to-do citizens, is unique in greater Cleveland. All are clustered together around a private alley and form the equivalent of a British mews. They clearly embody one aspect of the style of living among the wealthy class at the turn of the twentieth century.
This imposing stone home was built and occupied by industrialist Howell Hinds, and stood on the site of the current Christian Science Church. Mr. Hinds’ stable was part of the Carriage House group.
The houses of the owners were located on Overlook Road northwest of the alley, and were built between 1897 and 1898. The land for the stables was purchased in 1898 and 1899, so it may be inferred that the buildings were erected shortly thereafter. The Georgian Revival stable was built for the house of Myron T. Herrick, banker, advisor to William McKinley and ambassador to France. It was designed by the important Cleveland architects Frank Meade and Alfred Hoyt Granger. The long stable with cupolas was associated with the house of Edward O. Gordon, broker. Across the alley was the stable of Howell Hinds, president of the United Mines Corporation. His house was on the west side of Overlook Road on the present site of the Christian Science Church. The two eastern-most stables belonged to Melvin B. Johnson and Homer H. Johnson, attorneys. The latter was the father of Philip Johnson, internationally known architect.