10/30/2026
Thanks to all at Northside NOW !
Two very different neighborhood businesses have something in common: their location in this iconic historic building!
Bendu Academy is a martial arts academy that offers Jiu-Jitsu, Gi+No-Gi, MuayThai, wrestling, and MMA in an environment that fosters mindfulness, compassion, patience and drive. Bendu is proud to be body positive and LGBTQ+ friendly.
Ruth's Parkside Cafe offers an eclectic menu that makes the most of fresh, seasonal ingredients, and its dramatic interior features rotating contemporary art exhibitions on its walls.
The 5-story American Can building at 4101 Spring Grove Ave. was built in 1921 to manufacture can-making machines (rather than cans). During World War II, the plant pivoted to manufacturing parts for naval ships and airplanes, resuming production of can and tin closures after the war.
The advent of plastic containers in the 1950s threatened can production, and this facility was sold in 1963, serving a variety of light manufacturing and related uses but sitting mostly empty for about 30 years.
The distinctive Commercial Style reinforced concrete building was designed by American Can staff architect and engineer Carl G. Preis. This and several of his other American Can buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places - NPS - Archived. This building has also officially been recognized as a local historic landmark.
In 2011, the 180,000-square foot building was redeveloped into American Can Lofts, a mixed-use project that includes 110 apartments and several commercial tenants. The interior retains many original features including pillars and railings, and the massive building continues to serve as a reminder of Northside’s industrial past.
