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Nabisco Factories: Now vs. Then
What if I told you the iconic Bakery Square building in Pittsburgh everyone knows and loves has lookalikes all over the nation? It's true, there's one in Pittsburgh, New York City, Houston, Los Angeles, and Detroit. Each of these cities was home to its own Nabisco bakery, all having the same distinctive charm and historic significance. From the bustling streets of NYC, to the sunny boulevards of Houston, Nabisco’s bakeries have a lot of history baked in them.
Imagine the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air, the hustle and bustle of workers churning out batch after batch of your favorite childhood treats. This was the daily scene at Nabisco bakeries across the country. Nabisco, short for the National Biscuit Company, has been a household name for over a century. These bakeries were not just factories but community hubs, employing thousands and contributing to the local economy. Albert G. Zimmermann was the architect of all Nabisco buildings nationwide and they were built with the same Chicago School style with the same colored brick. Fast forward to today, and these historic bakeries have undergone a remarkable transformation. No longer the epicenters of cookie production, these buildings have been repurposed into vibrant developments, blending history with modern living.
Pittsburgh: Bakery Square
6425 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
www.bakery-square.com
What we call Bakery Square now was once home to a Nabisco Factory, hence our name! Our location was originally built in 1918, and then was redeveloped in 2007. Bakery Square is now home to eatires, trendy shops, a hotel, and buzzing offices for companies like Google! Rumor has it that you can still smell the delicious cookies when walking through (although it might just be the fact that Jeni’s Ice Creams is here). However, Bakery Square isn’t the only former Nabisco Factory transformed into something great. There were Nabisco Factories in a lot of major cities that are now homes to vibrant places.
New York City: The Chelsea Market
www.chelseamarket.com
One of the most famous transformations, originally built in the 1890’s and redeveloped in 1990’s, is the old Nabisco factory in New York City, a vibrant playground for foodies and shopaholics, nestled in the heart of Chelsea neighborhood. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite from a food stall or sitting down for a nice meal, your taste buds are in for a treat. Craving something sweet? Indulge in a gourmet donut or gelato. In the mood for something savory? How about some spicy tacos or a juicy burger? Walking through its industrial-chic corridors, it's hard to imagine that this trendy spot was once where Oreos and Fig Newtons were born. The market retains much of its original charm, with exposed brick walls and steel beams.
Houston: City View Lofts
www.liveatcityviewlofts.com
In Houston, the old Nabisco bakery has been transformed into the Nabisco Lofts. Built in 1910 and then renovated in 2004, these loft apartments combine the charm of exposed brick and industrial design with modern amenities. It's a hip place to live, especially for those who appreciate a mix of history and contemporary style. Plus, it’s just cool to say you live where cookies were once made!
Los Angeles: Biscuit Company Lofts
www.theloftcompanyla.com/biscuit-company
Out on the West Coast in Los Angeles, the former Nabisco bakery that was built in 1925 became the Biscuit Company Lofts in 2006. Located in the Arts District, these lofts offer a chic urban living experience. The building’s large windows and high ceilings, remnants of its industrial past, make for some pretty stunning living spaces. And let’s face it, living in a place with such sweet history makes a pretty good conversation starter.
Detroit: U-Haul Moving & Storage Facility
In Detroit, the old Nabisco bakery that was built in 1920, was revitalized in 2013 as part of the U-Haul moving and storage facility. Once a bustling hub of cookie production, this historic building has been transformed into a multi-use space that includes storage units & moving trucks. This transformation is a shining example of Detroit's ongoing renaissance, breathing new life into the city's industrial past while providing a perfect space for businesses.
