University of Cincinnati to Demolish Iconic Crosley Tower

Brutalist landmark to be dismantled after 57 years on campus

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The University of Cincinnati has begun the process of demolishing Crosley Tower, a landmark Brutalist building on its Uptown campus that was constructed in a single concrete pour in just 18 days back in 1969. The demolition, overseen by construction firm Skanska, will take months to carefully dismantle the unique structure.

Why it matters

Crosley Tower was a prominent example of Brutalist architecture and a beloved landmark for the University of Cincinnati community. Its demolition marks the end of an era and raises questions about the preservation of significant mid-20th century buildings on college campuses.

The details

Demolition of Crosley Tower commenced at the end of January 2026 and will involve the painstaking dismantling of the building in engineered sections due to its one-of-a-kind design. The tower was named after UC alumnus Powel Crosley Jr., who invented the Crosley radio, and was designed by the late architect Charles Burchard.

  • Crosley Tower was erected in a single concrete pour in just 18 days back in 1969.
  • Demolition of Crosley Tower commenced at the end of January 2026.
  • The demolition process is expected to take several months to complete.

The players

Crosley Tower

A landmark Brutalist building on the University of Cincinnati's Uptown campus, constructed in 1969.

Powel Crosley Jr.

A UC alumnus who invented the Crosley radio, and for whom Crosley Tower was named.

Charles Burchard

The late architect who designed Crosley Tower.

Skanska

The international construction firm hired by the University of Cincinnati to oversee the demolition of Crosley Tower.

Chris Hopper

The executive vice president and general manager of Skanska's Cincinnati office.

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What they’re saying

“As demolition begins, our focus is to carry out this work safely, respectfully and with minimal impact on our neighbors. Because of the tower's one-of-a-kind design, the structure will be dismantled in engineered sections.”

— Chris Hopper, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Skanska Cincinnati (The Architect's Newspaper)

What’s next

The University of Cincinnati has not announced any specific plans for the site once Crosley Tower is fully demolished.

The takeaway

The demolition of Crosley Tower, a prominent example of Brutalist architecture, marks the end of an era for the University of Cincinnati and raises broader questions about the preservation of significant mid-20th century buildings on college campuses across the country.