The Vaness Tower (aka the Van)

                                                The Vanview or Vaness Tower

Or simply The Van

Cleveland’s leaders are quickly moving this resource full area to a truly exciting, winning, wonderful 21^st Century region; however they are overlooking one much needed change.  Cornerstone to our current transformation is the medical community and as such, why is our most famous building still “terminal”?   Imagine if the Medical Mart moves into the Higbee building, it would be next door to the terminal tower.  Not a comforting thought for those visiting Cleveland for medical treatment.  Think of the names: Empire State Building, Sydney Opera House or Sears Tower and what those bring to mind to understand the impact of a building’s name. 

Why not honor the Van Sweringens, as they would not allow themselves to be honored when they were living.  These two brothers were the largest railroad owners in the country and should have their name along side the Vanderbilt’s and other railroad tycoons. 

It is time to honor two of the greatest Clevelanders to live near the shores of Lake Erie.  Let us remember not simply the Terminal Tower, but also the Shaker Rapid line, and the  beautiful homes and landscaping of Shaker Hts, Cleveland Hts and Hunting Valley.  Their influence, class and quality are seen and felt every day in Northeast Ohio.

Their influence in the railroad industry is also still appreciated.  They created a model for running railroad which is still in use today by large railroad companies.  CSX may have left Cleveland, however Cleveland’s influence has not left CSX.  The Van Sweringens, were creative thinkers, who were ahead of their time. 

Some have an issue with some of their thoughts and ideologies.  However, my understanding is this was more a product of the time rather than personal beliefs.  They were friends with many of the leading and diverse families in the area.  Beliefs and attitudes change with time and are a product of time.  In my family, my great - grandmother was not permitted to attend Oberlin on a full scholarship, because her Civil War veteran father believed women shouldn’t go to college.  Today, considering 60% of incoming college freshman are female, he could not have been more mistaken.    
Others mention the Vans lost most of their fortune during the Great Depression.  Critics need only look as far as MIT and their naming their business school after Alfred P. Sloan.  Mr. Sloan transformed GM during the 1920’s, however during the depression, he passed away penniless in a pauper’s hotel.  MIT is one of the world’s finest learning institutions and they named their business school after him.  Many great men and women were wiped out by the depression and this should not diminish their accomplishments before that time.  Do we remember Babe Ruth for leading the majors in number of strike outs, or number of home runs?

Additionally many well-off Clevelanders continue emulate the Van brothers.  They live in their homes, own and work in their offices buildings, owned their hotel and many other pieces of their lives. Even billionaire Fred Lennon’s famous motto, “Secrecy is Success…”, came in part from the Vans.   The tower is still one of Cleveland’s the most prominent addresses.  While many prominent Clevelanders want to emulate the brothers, few have taken the time or courage to honor them.

According to Herbert Harwood in his book about the brothers, Invisible Giants, not much thought was given to naming the tower.  It was the depression and with railroads king, the name terminal tower was unceremoniously selected.  Asked by visitors to Cleveland what is the building and I tell them quietly, it is the “Terminal Tower”.  There needs to be a better name.  Forrest City enterprises knows the importance of a name.  Fortunately, they are repairing and remodeling the tower, and when they are finished, what better time to rededicate the tower. 

Let us also remember this was once the tallest or second tallest building in the World.(I have seen both in print and am not sure which is accurate)   As new cities around the world race to build the world’s tallest, Cleveland needs to celebrate the fact that Cleveland was once the home of one of the world’s tallest building.  Not many cities in the world can stake this claim.  If Clevelanders don’t take pride in their city, who will?

The building could be renamed Vanview tower for its tremendous view or for the progressive insights the Van Sweringen brothers gave the world.  Or it could be named Vanesse which the Van Sweringens actually used to name one of their companies.  Today all names are shortened and it would probably be call The Van.  This is far better than being Terminal.  Almost any suggestion would be an improvement on its current name.  

As we try to reshape peoples’ impressions of Northeast Ohio, it is time to move away from a tower that is terminal and lake that is e(e)rie.   While no one is suggesting we change the name of Lake Erie (whose meaning is lake of the cat), to move forward as an enlightened 21^st Century city, Cleveland needs to change the name of its most famous building.