Arnold, Schwinn & Company was established in Chicago in the last quarter of 1895. Over the years the company rented, purchased, and built several facilities in Chicago. This is the fourth in a series of posts about head office and factory locations in Chicago.

At the beginning of the Twentieth Century, Chicago was still an expanding urban area. Arnold, Schwinn & Co changed locations in Chicago over their history.

The Davis & Rankin Building was owned by the Davis & Rankin Building and Manufacturing Company, who also had their offices and warehouse in this building. Davis & Rankin were a large manufacturer of dairy equipment.

Arnold, Schwinn & Company’s first location was in the Davis & Rankin Building 240 – 254 West Lake street in 1895. The building still exists today but the building number is 900. Arnold, Schwinn & Co. only occupied two floors of this building.

In 1901, Ignacz Schwinn saw the chance to improve upon the companies factory space. The bankrupt March-Davis Cycle company was purchased at what must have been a bargain price. The company moved from downtown Chicago out to the west end.

The March-Davis location on north 44st Avenue (or Street) was only temporary if it was ever used. I have never seen a picture of this location. I have never seen any Schwinn documents that use this address. The building on 44th street (now Kostner Avenue) probably no longer exists. The oldest building still on this block was built after 1910.

I only know about March-Davis location from bicycle trade magazines from 1895 to 1901. The address is listed as being Waubansia Avenue or North Avenue on north 44th Street (or Avenue). North Avenue is one block south of Waubansia Avenue at 44th street. So the March-Davis factory would have been on this block.

While at the 44th and North Avenue location a new factory was being built nearby by Arnold, Schwinn & Co.. The new plant was ready to move into in late 1901. This plant became known as the Kildare Avenue plant. More about that in the next instalment.