A striking 1930s Streamline Moderne factory in Cincinnati’s Evanston neighborhood, now reimagined as an institutional center while retaining its industrial heritage.
At a glance
This historic manufacturing facility showcases the architectural confidence of Depression-era industrial design. Built in high Streamline Moderne style, the plant exemplifies the sleek, forward-looking aesthetic that manufacturers adopted to project optimism during economic hardship.
History
The building was constructed in the 1930s as a Coca-Cola bottling facility, serving as a production hub for the iconic soft drink in the Cincinnati region. In approximately 2001, Xavier University acquired the structure and undertook a sensitive conversion into the Xavier University Alumni Center, repurposing the industrial space for institutional and community functions.
What you see
The plant’s design embodies high Streamline Moderne principles—horizontal lines, smooth surfaces, and an aerodynamic aesthetic borrowed from transportation design. Originally configured for beverage production, the interior was reconfigured to accommodate offices and meeting spaces while preserving key architectural features of the original structure.
Cultural significance
The building represents an important chapter in Cincinnati’s industrial history and demonstrates how twentieth-century American manufacturing facilities expressed corporate identity through modernist design. Its preservation and adaptive reuse illustrate the growing recognition of industrial architecture as worthy of conservation.
Key facts
- Country: United States
- City: Cincinnati, Ohio
- Coordinates: 39.14611111, −84.47722222
- Constructed: 1930s
- Architectural style: Streamline Moderne
- Current use: Xavier University Alumni Center
Practical information & getting there
The building is located in Cincinnati’s Evanston neighborhood. As part of Xavier University, it may be accessible during university hours; contact Xavier University for visiting information and campus access policies.
Sources & resources
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