123, 127, and 135-137 E. 4th Street (Central Business District)
Significance: The three buildings that comprise the East Fourth Street Historic District are significant to the history of Cincinnati’s Central Business District. Surrounded by newer, more modern buildings, this district is evidence of the early days of the Central Business District, and it represents one of the last vestiges of Cincinnati’s commercial development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The buildings were all constructed around 1860 in the Italianate style but had French Second Empire Mansard attics added later. The main attraction in this district is the John Holland Pen Company, manufacturer of fine gold pens, metal cases, metal toothpicks, and other related products.
