ABOUT Us

Screw Factory Center has been a staple in the Lakewood community for several decades. As a cherished shopping and office destination, it has played a vital role in the local economy and social fabric.

History of the building

1917 – 1924 – Templar Motors.
The building served as the headquarters for Templar Motors, a manufacturer of luxury automobiles founded in 1917 by Arthur M. Dean, J.E. Mathews, and Matthew F. Bramley, all Knights Templar. The Templar, considered a “small” car or sports car by today’s standards, featured the Maltese cross emblem associated with the Templar knights – renowned fighters during the crusades. Templar Motors adapted during World War I to produce ammunition for the government, but a catastrophic fire in 1921 and subsequent financial struggles led to the company’s closure in 1924.

1924 – 1946 – Bramley Moving & Storage, Mallory Battery Company, and Limbacher Paint.
During this period, the building housed a variety of businesses, including Bramley Moving & Storage, Mallory Battery Company, and Limbacher Paint, each contributing to its diverse history.

1946 – 2005 – Lake Erie Screw.
Lake Erie Screw occupied the space from 1946 to 2005, playing a significant role in the building’s industrial legacy. Founded in 1946 by J.C. Wasmer Sr., Lake Erie Screw was one of the most progressive fastener manufacturers in the US.

1995 – In November 1995, the transition to an artistic space began when the first artist, Phyllis Fannin, moved in. This marked the beginning of the building’s transformation into a vibrant hub for creative expression.

2005 – 2024 – Omni Lakewood Limited has taken care of the building.
Omni Lakewood Limited, an Ohio-based company, assists businesses and organizations in showcasing their products and services online.

2024 – Present – Omni Lakewood Holdings LLC.
Now the building houses makers, artists, creators, businesses, and manufacturers.

History of Templar Cars

Founded in 1916 by a group of Masonic entrepreneurs, Templar Motors set out to create luxury automobiles on Athens Avenue, in a building that now houses the Erie Screw Factory. While the cars were assembled there, only the engines were built in-house;
all other parts were custom-made from Cleveland-area companies.

Meet the Team

  • Guly O’Brien

    Business Developer

  • Kathleen Anderson

    Property Manager

  • Marina Didenko

    Project Manager

  • Richelle De Jesus

    Business Developer