Two experts on local architecture take us on a tour of their favorite buildings in Stark country. M.J. “Al” Albacete is executive director of the Canton Museum of Art and a professor of art history and architecture at KentSateUniversity.  Sam Vasbinder is a professor at WalshUniversity and the University of Akron.

Al’s top picks:

The Saxton House (National First Ladies’ Library), 331 Market Ave. S, Canton. 1840/1865. A fine Second Empire style, which was almost lost in years past. Historically relevant, it has been accurately restored.

The Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 1926. Architect John Eberson of Chicago. I worked here as a kid in high school (dressed like the Phillip Morris call boy — the ushers wore uniforms), and loved the building even then. Eberson took his inspiration from the 18th-century Spanish architect Juan de Churriguera.

Carriage Hill Clubhouse, 5228 Everhard Rd. NW, Jackson Township. 1923. Architects were Meade and Hamilton of Cleveland. This was the Clarence Herbruck residence in English Tudor Revival style. As you walk around the house, the style constantly changes, a visual panorama of the Tudor style. From the front and the back, it looks like two different structures.

2615 Brentwood Rd. NW in Hills and Dales. A private residence built in 1926 by architects Albrecht, Wilhelm and Kelly. It is a Tudor masterpiece of great visual diversity.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 627 McKinley Ave. NW, Canton. 1870-72. Architects Renwick and Kiely of New York. This is Victorian Gothic in a fine state of preservation with many facade details, tall tower, etc.

Sam’s top picks:

Stark County Courthouse, on the square in Canton. 1893-95. Done in an eclectic style, the building is superbly preserved inside and out. The tower, with its trumpeters of justice, and the complicated pedimental carving over the main door make this a special structure.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 627 McKinley Ave. NW, Canton. Built in the late 19th century, the first Catholic church in Canton is an excellent example of Gothic Revival style. Both the interior and exterior are superbly executed. Points of interest: Walls supplied with beautiful art glass and the carved marble altar.

The McKinley National Memorial, Monument Park, Canton. The largest presidential tomb in the United States. Its carefully planned symbolism and beautiful use of carved stone and cast bronze attract attention and promote contemplation in the visitor.

Church of the Savior United Methodist Church, 120 Cleveland Ave. SW, Canton. The richly carved walls of the north side and its re-creation of a splendid Gothic cathedral as well as its superior stained glass within make this a special architectural presence in the cityscape.

The Stern and Mann Building, Tuscarawas Street W at Cleveland Avenue NW, Canton. A representative of the architecture that used terra-cotta veneer over the entire building makes this structure special. One can look at the amazing cast details and admire the lightness of its coloration with pleasure. It is a re-creation of an Italian palazzo.