If you are reading this, you have likely been on an architectural tour and felt inspired or impressed—perhaps by the unique circumstances of a building's construction or its sheer size.

During my time with the AIBD, I have heard stories about the tours that involve Ted Hake (AIBD President).

These are not Gilligan's Island-type tours.

But these tours, involving Ted, are never ordinary and often include access to basements and other areas of a structure typically closed to the public.

If you want the "bonus footage" of a tour, take Ted.

This past October, I experienced this firsthand in Cleveland with him and Steve Mickley while scouting the site for our upcoming D+B Cleveland Conference at the former Cleveland Trust Company building.

Arriving early for our meeting with the hotel staff, we took the opportunity to explore the stunning, historic building. While there, we assessed the potential space we’re considering for the conference exhibitors and the happy hour event—The Rotunda at 9th and Euclid

The Cleveland Trust Company rotunda is a monumental, three-story Beaux-Arts banking hall dominated by a striking 85-foot-high stained glass dome, designed by architect George B. Post in 1907.

The dome covers a five-sided, marble-and-bronze-clad space, featuring fluted columns, intricate murals, and a central bronze medallion set into the marble floor.

Originally the main banking room, the rotunda’s grand scale, daylight-filled interior, and rich detailing have made it one of Cleveland’s landmark civic interiors.

As we marveled at the possibilities and discussed how best to use the rotunda space, we drew the attention of two men who were with the building ownership and management.

Within a brief conversation—and seemingly under Ted’s spell—the three of us were led through narrow corridors and low doorways to the non-public catwalk, the highest tier inside the rotunda.

The views were stunning. Up close, we could admire the century-old stained-glass ceiling and see the intricacies of how the space is lit.

We learned that the roof of this structure was painted green during World War II to look like grass—a clear sign of the building’s historical importance to Cleveland.

From the catwalk, we were led to a small door outside. Despite the rain, our curiosity as designers led us up a rusty ladder and through a small hatch door.

With a warning to "watch your head," we entered the ultimate non-public space: the envelope between the stained-glass ceiling and the roof.

We were treated to a rare sight, learning how the backlighting of the entire rotunda ceiling truly works and observing the structural elements, equipment, and HVAC devices. The engineering and technical knowledge required to create this space was on full display.

Was it luck, or was it because we were with Ted? We may never know for certain.

The former Cleveland Trust Building tells a unique story. From the beautiful and historic rotunda to the Vaults, which will also host events for our summer conference, it is truly an awe-inspiring space.

The story didn't end there. Our tour guide, who was also the president of the property management company, invited us to his office. He wanted to show us the contents of the time capsule, along with other "contraptions" unearthed during the bank's restoration and the construction of the hotel and residences.

I can't speak for Ted or Steve, but my lips are sealed until we meet in the Rotunda at the D+B Expo Happy Hour next July.

And, while you may not all be able to experience the rotunda in the same way that we did, it is a magnificent structure that is definitely worth seeing. The sheer scale of the dome and the intricate details of its architecture are something to behold.

We are thrilled to announce that our host hotel will be The Metropolitan at the 9, a contemporary hotel that has masterfully repurposed the former Ameritrust Tower.

This project has transformed Marcel Breuer’s 29-story Brutalist high-rise and the adjacent historic bank complex into a vibrant, mixed-use destination.

Inside, you'll find the boutique hotel, stylish apartments, diverse dining options, and elegant event spaces, all with direct access to the stunning rotunda.

At street level, the rotunda houses Heinen’s grocery store—a shopping experience you won't soon forget, as it may be the most beautiful grocery store you've ever visited.

On behalf of the AIBD Conference Committee, I look forward to welcoming you all to Cleveland from July 29th to August 1st, 2026.

Don’t miss out!

​Add the Design+Build Cleveland Conference to your calendar now—rooms are limited, and this is an incredible opportunity you don’t want to pass up!

One last thought, Ted Hake is going to be there. Just saying. 😉