Nela Park, Industrial research complex in East Cleveland, United States
Nela Park is an industrial research complex in East Cleveland that spans approximately 92 acres and contains more than 26 buildings connected by underground tunnels. The structures were designed in Georgian Revival architectural style and form a unified ensemble across the grounds.
The National Electric Lamp Association founded this industrial park in 1911, creating the first planned research campus in the United States. The facility set a new standard for how companies organized their research and manufacturing operations.
The annual December lighting display shows a replica of the National Christmas Tree from Washington D.C. and has drawn visitors since 1924. This festive tradition has become an important local event that people look forward to each year.
Three commercial buildings within the complex currently house tenants, while Phoenix Investors plans to convert other structures into residential units. Visitors should know that only certain areas are accessible and not all buildings can be entered.
Albert Einstein toured the research facilities in 1921, accompanied by physicist Ernest Fox Nichols during his travels through the United States. This visit marks one of the less-known moments from Einstein's American travels.
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