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| 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.
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