User:Eisenbaum/Jacob's Fan Company

Founded in 1959 by Holocaust survivor Jacob Eisenbaum, Jacob's Fan Mfg Company has been a landmark of downtown Houston, TX for fifty years.

Originally located in the 3000 block of Chenevert Street (South of the current George R. Brown Convention Center) the establishment of Jacob's Fan in a converted apartment building was part of the 1960s revitalization of Houston's infamous Third Ward.

In 1970, Jacob's Fan Company took over the historic Straus-Bodenheimer Building (built in 1923) on Main Street in Houston, which was at one time occupied by Goodyear Tire and a local saddlery. The building boasted some of the most unique architecture in early Houston, including a facade with segmental arches, jig-saw trim and Palladian openings.

Jacob's Fan Company remained in the Straus-Bodenheimer Building from 1970 to 2008, when the building was rendered inoperable by Hurricane Ike. The Eisenbaum Family considered closing their doors after Hurricane Ike but the reliance on Jacob's Fans by builders caused alarm in local contractors who convinced the family business owners to relocate to new warehouses in Houston, Austin, San Antonio and Dallas.

Originally specializing in residential fans, the company currently produces commercial, industrial, wall exhaust and belt-drive fans.