Statement of Significance (as of designation - December 22, 1977):
From 1914 until his death, this was the home of Charles Franklin Kettering (1876-1958), founder of the Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company (Delco) who also headed General Motors research activities. Kettering made many significant contributions to the development of the gasoline and diesel engines that transformed American transportation in the 20th century.

Condition:
While the condition of the landmark is satisfactory, it continues to be recommended for de-designation due to unsympathetic reconstruction.

This NHL is recommended for designation due to the loss of integrity because of unsympathetic additions during reconstruction after a devastating 1994 fire. No internal fabric and little external fabric of the building in which Charles Kettering lived remain. The house is a nearly complete reconstruction that does not retain integrity sufficient to maintain its status as an NHL and should considered for designation. Due to the fact that house is in excellent shape and all the work is completed, there is not an actual threat to the home except for the loss of its status as an NHL.