Once upon a time, the H. C. Cohen Company Building–Andrews Building stood not just as a structure of bricks and mortar but as a testament to the American entrepreneurial spirit and the raw tenacity of our forefathers. Located in the heartland of Akron, Ohio, this distinguished edifice came into existence in the mid-1920s—a time when the United States was burgeoning into an industrial powerhouse. Built by H. C. Cohen Company, which specialized in the retail trade, and later integrated into the Andrews Building, this architectural masterpiece is more than just an obsolete structure to be gawked at by passersby. No, it is a living testament to the American Dream that an entire generation fought for, often against odds that could humble even the bravest among us.
The H. C. Cohen Company Building doesn’t need redeeming through the flowery narratives of the so-called urban revivalists who see every old building as a canvas for their liberal social projects. This building stands proud as a beacon of American industriousness, grounded in the practical and hardworking values of its time. It was the backdrop for commercial success stories that fed families and drove the American economy forward. Let’s not forget the historical significance of this place—it's where workers put in honest labor, churning out goods that contributed to the might of American industry.
The structure, with its robust, almost stoic architecture, should make you pause and reflect on how far we've come as a nation—and maybe question how far we've fallen. Admire it for its sheer functionality, which doesn't bend to the whims of modern architectural fads. A building like this was designed to serve a purpose, not to entertain or placate aesthetic critics sipping their overpriced lattes. Its brickwork and understated detailing don’t need your artistic interpretation; they deliver a clear message: America used to build things that mattered.
The building is a survivor. It lived through the Great Depression, a world war, and the shifting sands of time. Was it considered out of fashion by some at points? Undoubtedly. But what has always remained constant is its testament to American values—resilience, grit, and a no-nonsense attitude toward getting the job done. How many structures today will have the same story to tell eighty or ninety years down the line? Very few, I daresay, given today’s architectural ethos that prioritizes sustainability fads over substance. The H. C. Cohen Company Building stands almost defiantly in the face of ephemeral trends, built to last like the American spirit itself.
Preservation efforts have been carried out to ensure its continued existence—not as a museum piece, mind you, but as an operational structure that still serves the community. Funded by private donations and a few public grants, these efforts were spearheaded by people who understand the importance of preserving our history. When you look at a structure like this, you’re looking at a slice of America that worked; it thrived on traditional values and provided a real, meaningful contribution to society.
Imagine the contrasts that this building has stood witness to over the decades—the transformation of American industry, the diversity of shops and services it has housed, and the curious blend of history and progress that only time can concoct. While new buildings sprout like weeds with their glass facades and fancy titles, they can never truly replace the silent dignity and character that older structures possess. Sadly, we live in an era where things are often disposed of before their time, simply because they aren't flashy enough to appear on a postcard or Instagram feed.
Yet, despite what the evident trends suggest, the H. C. Cohen Company Building reminds us of real progress—progress rooted in hard work, innovation, and a drive to build solid foundations, both literally and figuratively. Behind its walls are stories untold that have shaped the narrative of an entire region and, indeed, of a nation. When you pass by, don’t just see it as an old relic of days gone by. See it as a monument to the ideals that constructed it: that with hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence, anyone could make a difference.
As we walk past such iconic structures, perhaps it’s time to ask if we are building anything today that will mean as much in the future. The H. C. Cohen Company Building and others like it should serve as a constant reminder not only of our history but of the values that once made our nation great and can do so again, if we choose to allow them.