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FRANKLIN CASTLE
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Historic Franklin Castle to become
Cleveland's most unique, members-only club.
Cleveland, OH -- January 1, 2005--
Cleveland-born Real Estate Investor Charles
Milsaps is about to realize a dream that has
been over a decade in the making. His plan:
to transform the legendary Franklin Castle of
Ohio City into the Franklin Castle Club, a private
social club. Franklin Castle Club, located at
4308 Franklin Boulevard in Ohio City, will offer
its members daily lunch and dinner services
as well as dining, banquet and meeting facilities.
Members will have access to additional amenities
such as elaborate guest suites for overnight
stays and limousine and concierge services.
"This is one of my dreams,
I have wanted to do this for as long as I can
remember. The privilege to restore this home
and offer it to others is an honor," said
Mr. Milsaps. The Club will offer its members
the highest quality in culinary delights as
well as first class service in a most unique
atmosphere. "This will be a wonderful addition
to Ohio City and all of Cleveland," Mr.
Milsaps added.
LEGENDARY PAST
The Tiedemann House, 4308 Franklin
Boulevard, is the most noted and one of the
most architecturally distinguished residences
on Franklin Blvd., the West side equivalent
of famous Euclid Avenue. Its builder, Hannes
Tiedemann (1832-1908), was a wholesale grocer
with the firm of Weidemann & Tiedemann beginning
in 1864. In 1883 he was Founder and Vice-President
of the Savings & Trust Co., one of the first
institutions organized in Ohio under the law
permitting the formation of trust companies.
The family lived continuously
at this address from 1866-1895 and the present
Second Empire Gothic Mansion was erected in
1881. Its architects, Cudell & Richardson,
who are identified by a carved stone on the
house, were Cleveland's most prestigious architectural
firm in the 1880s. The style of the house, a
large, rock-faced sandstone mansion with a round
corner tower, was contemporary of the times,
which followed architectural trends in Chicago
and New York.
Tiedemann died in 1908 at the
age of 75. In the 20th century, the house was
occupied by a German singing society, the Deutsche
Socialisten, and later by the Bildungsverein
Eintracht club. The house had numerous owners
and uses over the second part of the last century,
serving as private home for some and a Church
to others. In 1999, the house, which had again
become a private residence, was heavily damaged
by a fire. Plans were announced the following
year to restore the home and the structural
repairs were soon completed.
THE PRESENT
In 2003, Franklin Castle sits,
unoccupied, primed for restoration. To transform
the house into the grand Franklin Castle Club,
Mr. Milsaps has retained the assistance of one
of Cleveland's foremost design talents: award-winning
and nationally acclaimed Architect Robert Maschke.
Together, the two intend to return the house
to its original grandeur, making it the focal
point of Franklin Boulevard, a beacon of Ohio
City restoration and the new home to the Franklin
Castle Club.
"When Charles and I first
met, he was a bit hesitant to tell me what he
wanted to do with the castle. But he didn't
need to be... I think turning the Franklin Castle
into a private dining club is a fantastic idea.
Short of using the Castle as a primary residence,
I can't think of one other way to utilize the
building to its fullest extent," said Robert
Maschke.
"I think Cleveland is ready
for this kind of Club and I couldn't think of
a better home for the Club or a better use for
the house. To me, this is part of the home's
destiny," added Mr. Milsaps.
Previous owners have attempted
various renovations over the years, but this
is the first time the castle will be restored
to its original interior design. Mr. Milsaps
explains, "Because of the more public use
of the house, some changes will be made, but
our intention is to make everything as original
as possible."
The Castle will require major
renovations as part of the restoration, including
all new plumbing, heating, and electrical systems,
as well as rebuilding all 62 windows. "This
kind of investment - in both the money and thought
- helps solidify an edge of Ohio City that hasn't
gotten that attention before... not to the magnitude
of what this is going to be. Charlie's been
thinking about this for years and now we have
the chance to make it happen," said Mr.
Maschke.
BRIGHT FUTURE
The Club is on schedule to open
by years end, serving its members lunch, dinner,
and libations six days a week. An accomplished
chef and experienced fine-dining staff will
cater to a member's every need, including a
Club Concierge and hospitality staff. The Franklin
Castle Club will offer three guest suites for
overnight stays to both members and non-members.
Members will have access to Club facilities
during stated Club hours and access to private
dinning room and banquet facilities by reservation.
Club members will enjoy all the
expected amenities of a private club. The Club
will have limousines and sedans available for
both Club and non-club events and valet parking
will be complimentary during all Club hours.
Member's will also have the Sand Castle, the
Club's Florida beach house, and the Sea Castle,
the Club's 72' Hatteras motor yacht, at their
disposal.
Memberships are limited and are
available by contacting the Club. Club memberships
are affordable and the limited number will undoubtedly
be sold out before our opening. This is a rare
opportunity to participate in a new era of elegance
for Cleveland's most famous home.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Charles Milsaps
4308 Franklin Boulevard
Cleveland, OH 44113
216-631-CLUB
info@franklincastleclub.com
