× 12/22: This website is no longer being updated. Thank you for your support over the past 25 years!

Knollenberg's Building

The George H. Knollenberg Co. building is still standing in Uptown Richmond at 809 East Main Street. It formerly housed a family-owned department store, once the center of retailing in Richmond.

George H. Knollenberg was born on December 7, 1847 and began working in the dry-goods business when he was only 16.  He began his own enterprise 3 years later in 1866. The firm doubled in capacity during the first 5 years.

In 1877, before he was 30, George had purchased the site and built his own building (the tower section on the left). In 1888 the building was expanded to the west (the section with the Knollenberg's sign). In 1896, the company expanded further with another addition to the rear of the current building. This Annex, with frontage on South 8th Street, formerly housed a Chinese restaurant.

Photo: Front Facade, Knollenberg's Building

Photo taken April 6, 2001

After 130 years as a family-owned business, the Geo. H. Knollenberg Co. closed its doors in 1996. The building was purchased, remodeled and found new life, hosting a variety of businesses.

FacebookYouTubeFlickrTwitter

Graphic: Calendar with "Today's Events" on the front page.

WayNet is Sponsored by:
Reid Health
We R Richmond - Richmond Community Schools
Morrisson-Reeves Library
City of Richmond, Indiana
Belden

Featured Member

Beth Boruk Temple

Community Photo

More Photos:
Wayne County | WayNet Albums

Did You Know?

Wayne County was formed in 1811. It was named for General "Mad" Anthony Wayne, who was an officer during the Revolutionary War. Wayne is mainly remembered for his service in the 1790's in the Northwest Indian War, which included many actions in Indiana and Ohio.