Built 1892 Opened 1892 Added to NRHP 20 December 2000 | NRHP Reference # 00001486 Area 11 ha | |
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Architectural styles Romanesque architecture, Romanesque Revival architecture Similar Grand Rapids Public Mu, Heritage Hill Historic District, La Grande Vitesse, Cathedral of Saint Andrew, Fountain Street Church | ||
Berkey and Gay Furniture Company Factory is a historic manufacturing plant in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Origins and history
Julius Berkey first opened a small shop in 1859, on Erie Street in Grand Rapids, which made doors, sash windows, and window blinds. In 1860, William A. Berkey also established a blind, door and sash factory on Mill Street. In 1862, the Berkeys began producing goods for the wholesale trade.
In 1866, George W. Gay bought half interest in Berkey's concern, which became known as "Berkey Bros and Gay". In 1873, William A. Berkey sold out his interest, and the company was incorporated later that same year as "Berkey and Gay Furniture".
In 1874, the new company opened their six-story factory, complete with wholesale and retail showrooms, in Grand Rapids.