About Us

Chōwabashi (調和橋) is a historic Mid-Century Modern with Japan-inspired architecture that's been transformed into a private, Onsen-style retreat.

History of Chōwabashi
Completed in 1965, Chōwabashi (調和橋) was originally known as the "Bob Schmitt House" after its builder and original owner. Its one-of-a-kind design is a reflection of his values: ingenuity, beauty, craftsmanship, and purpose.

Bob lived there until 2001. Eventually, the home was sold back to nephew Mike Schmitt. After Mike’s untimely passing in 2024, it was put up for sale. Nearly a year later, Chōwabashi was opened.
Japan-inspired Architecture
Chōwabashi sports an ambitious design by architect Ed Schmitt, Bob’s brother. Some say the finished result is reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater. 

Bob also claimed inspiration from the time he spent in Japan while serving in the Navy. Japanese philosophy, materials, and aesthetics prevail throughout his design.
Blending With Nature
A hallmark of all Bob Schmitt houses is that they are planned with the entire neighborhood, community, and environment in mind. Houses are placed along streets that wind thoughtfully in and around green spaces. 

Each house has a distinct plan, mimicking the diversity of flora found in a forest. The natural landscape is left in place and respected. 

Chōwabashi takes this principle even further, with trees growing through the deck and built directly over water.
Longest Cantilevered Building in America
Even Japanese speakers don’t quite realize that bashi (橋, i.e. "bridge") is intended to be literal. With a 56-foot span supported entirely by wooden beams, Chōwabashi is the longest wood-cantilevered building in America. 

Bob and Ed Schmitt likely didn’t intend to break records with their design. In the early 1960's, glue-laminated beams were becoming popular in modern American architecture, and they were a logical choice to create a cantilevered structure. “Cantilevered" means that the load is carried by only one end of those three massive beams, which are anchored to a support. The other end of the beams isn't carrying load. It's primarily for stabilization, reducing deflection, and for a bridge-like aesthetic.

Usually, rigid steel beams are used for cantilevered buildings, but wood has a lot more flexibility that can be felt on the un-anchored end. Some call it "bouncy,” but many describe the feeling as more natural and organic, which is what the Schmitts intended.
Interior & Exterior
Chōwabashi's interior boasts tongue-and-groove cedar plank ceilings that extend to the exterior, creating a seamless blend between inside and outside, while the floor-to-ceiling windows capture the beautiful, surrounding natural landscapes. 

The original layout contained a chef’s kitchen, private living quarters, and large areas for entertaining. The Chōwabashi is a faithful restoration as a place for meaningful and fullfilling events.
Meet The Team
Chōwabashi is a passion project for everyone involved. We set out to create something unique in America: a creative expression of omotenashi (おもてなし), the Japanese art of serving guests through hospitality.

Hospitality businesses think of customers as transactions and focus on money changing hands. But that's not our mission and there are no "customers" at Chōwabashi . Only お客さん (okyaku-san), our valued guests.

Leadership Team

Alex Papadimoulis

Executive Director (館長)

Alex is a long-time Berea resident, a software engineer turned entrepreneur who opened the first Inedo offices on the Berea Triangle in 2007. Inedo has since become a global software company with customers around the world and a second headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.

Daniel Videc

Managing Director (常務)

Dan is in charge of operations and marketing across several of Berea businesses, including Quarry Workspaces on the Berea triangle. He’s also a supervisor for the Cuyahoga County Suicide & Mental Health Crisis Hotline (Mobile Crisis) in Cleveland.

Tours & Reservations

As a private retreat and event space, we curate a range of gatherings, from exclusive dining experiences to authentic, Onsen-themed spa days. We regularly share information about these events and related updates to our mailing list community.

Otherwise, don't hesitate to contact us if you'd like to:

  • Host a Private Event. We may be able to host a private event for you. We prioritize charity and educational events, as well as events hosted by local businesses and artists.
  • Tour Chōwabashi. We offer tours in groups of 4 or more; if you are interested in seeing the place, we can contact you when the next group/tour becomes available.

Contact Us

Questions, Comments, and Everything Else 【日本語でも大丈夫】


  • 399 Crossbrook Drive, Berea, OH, USA