Article and Photos by Dave Desimone
Located just outside of downtown Cleveland, the Clothcraft factory (AKA the Read More Books Building) was operated by the Joseph and Feiss Company from 1846 until 1997. It was one of the oldest manufacturers of men’s wear in the country and one of the oldest businesses in Ohio.
The Joseph and Feiss Company became known for its application of progressive ideas to its factories in the early twentieth century. Managers worked to make the production process more efficient so that clothing could be produced more cheaply and quickly. At the same time, company leaders did much to improve the lives of employees as well. Many of the company’s workers were recent immigrants to the United States and were able to find well paying entry level jobs. They offered free medical care for workers as well as the opportunity to take classes in English and other subjects. The company also operated a library where workers could go to borrow books or to have a quiet place to read.
The property and buildings were sold in 1998 to Beachwood, Ohio developers Ameri-Con for $100,000 with plans to turn the space into condominiums. The project was abandoned shortly after it began. Twelve townhouses in various stages of construction are now boarded up. Another developer purchased the blighted property in 2008 with the hope to resume development of the stalled condominium project. As of now, it appears very little progress has been made.
The building is widely referred to as the “Read More Books” building by many observant Clevelanders because of the massive painting along the roof line by legendary New York City graffiti artist Bookman; AKA Booker; AKA Beans; AKA Bones; AKA Readmore. The building also includes graffiti works by Monster Steve, ASERT, HECK, BEERS, and a slew of other Cleveland and Midwest writers. At one time there was a very large Shepard Fairey OBEY GIANT stencil on the water tower that has since been painted over.
Architecturally, the building is not all that interesting on the inside; however the massive amount of windows provide ample light for photography. A second building on the site was not accessible due to the fact that the first floor had started to collapse.
