Swedish American Telephone Company Building
The Swedish American Telephone Company Building is a factory in Chicago that manufactured telephone parts from 1905 to 1923. It differs from typical factory buildings of its era through decorative facade elements and shows deliberate attention to outward appearance.
The building was originally constructed in 1895 for Betz & Co., a manufacturer of bathroom fixtures, and was taken over by the Swedish American Telephone Company in 1905. After 1923 it served the Denoyer-Geppert Company, which produced educational materials and maps for schools, and was later added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The name reflects the Swedish immigrant community that worked and lived in Edgewater during this period. The factory drew Swedish and Swedish-heritage workers and shaped the neighborhood's character as an immigrant industrial hub.
The building is today known as Map Factory Lofts and has been converted into apartments and lofts while preserving its historic appearance. Visitors can view the decorated brick walls and simple windows from the exterior, which recall its industrial past.
The company was known for manufacturing rural telephones, including a popular model called the Hercules designed for rugged farm use. It also produced its own promotional magazines to control its brand story and reach customers directly.
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