Rich, N.J., and Co. Building
Also known as: Printz-Biederman Co. Bldg.; Ohio Knitting Mills Bldg.
Why it's listed
Built in 1911 on East 61st Street in Cleveland's Midtown area, this three-story factory is a rectangular red brick building measuring 370 feet long and 100 feet wide, with a full basement. Its interior is an early example of a reinforced concrete slab and "mushroom" capital structural system, designed by the engineering firm of Wilbur J. Watson, which was known for its bridges and its pioneering use of reinforced concrete. The property was developed under the Case School of Applied Science's investment policy, meant to strengthen its endowment and encourage industry in the city. The Printz-Biederman Co., a textile and garment maker with a national reputation, moved in during 1934 and renovated the entrance and lobby with art deco details. Later changes included new window sash on the upper floors. The building is now vacant, and plans call for rehabilitation as office and laboratory space.
Significance in brief: The building is significant under Criterion A for the Case School of Applied Science's real estate investment policy, which aimed to strengthen its endowment and encourage industry in Cleveland. It is also tied to the Printz-Biederman Co., a major textile manufacturer with a national reputation. Under Criterion C it is an early example of a reinforced concrete slab and "mushroom" capital structural system.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 03000322, listed May 1, 2003. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 1974 E. 61st St., Cleveland |
|---|---|
| County | Cuyahoga County |
| Listed | May 1, 2003 |
| Reference number | 03000322 |
| Resource type | District |
| Period of significance | 1911 - 1952 |
| Architect / builder | Wilbur J. Watson & Co., Architects; The National Concrete Fireproof Co., Contractors, Cleveland |
| Architectural style | Late 19th and Early 20th Century American Movements: Industrial vernacular |
| Criteria |
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| Areas of significance | Industry, Engineering, Education |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Current function listed as vacant, with work in progress toward commerce/trade use. Exterior in fair condition and interior in good condition. Rehabilitation for office and laboratory space is proposed. |
| Acreage | 1.2 |
| Coordinates | 41.50564, -81.64838 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
This is a historic district. Buildings within its boundary are either contributing (they add to the district's significance) or non-contributing. Owners of contributing income-producing buildings can claim the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit; homeowners should look at state credits. National Register districts impose no design review by themselves; a local historic district ordinance, if one exists, does (the difference explained).
Noted as vacant in the nomination. Nomination documents can be decades old; current status may differ. If you are considering buying an empty listed property, read the due-diligence checklist.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 03000322.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.