Celebrating 130 Years of Innovation at the SSU Kricker Innovation Hub
In the heart of Portsmouth, Ohio, a historic building on the corner of Third and Chillicothe Streets stands as a testament to innovation, entrepreneurship, and community spirit. Today, it’s known as the SSU Kricker Innovation Hub, but its story dates back 130 years, to a time when it was home to one of Portsmouth’s most successful businesses, Sanford, Varner & Co.
A Gilded Age Beginning
Constructed on November 24th 1894, the Sanford, Varner & Co. building marked a significant milestone for Portsmouth during the Gilded Age—a period in American history characterized by rapid industrialization and economic growth. Originally designed as a factory for custom-tailored clothing, Sanford, Varner & Co. was at the cutting edge of technology, outfitted with the latest machinery, including the Block & Wolfe electric cutting knife, which could cut up to 280 suits a day. This bleeding-edge technology was transformative, allowing the business to expand rapidly and establishing the factory as a cornerstone of Portsmouth's economy.
Portsmouth's Fashion Hub
Angus Sanford, one of the founding partners, was a visionary leader whose trust in people and passion for business drove the company’s growth. Alongside designer Louis N. Bishop, whose innovative book “Modern Design” set new standards for men’s and boys' fashion, Sanford cultivated a thriving business that would eventually grow beyond Portsmouth. By 1898, Sanford, Varner & Co. expanded its operations to Cincinnati, merging with the prominent Voorheis, Miller & Co. This merger underscored the company’s success and ensured its legacy in the region’s manufacturing history.
A New Chapter with Shawnee State University
In 2018, Shawnee State University recognized the building’s historic and economic significance, choosing it as the site for the Kricker Innovation Hub. Through careful restoration, the university honored the building’s architectural heritage while transforming it into a modern facility that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. The Kricker Innovation Hub is now a bridge between SSU’s campus and the community, hosting programs that support tech startups, entrepreneurs, and students eager to turn ideas into reality.
The Kricker Innovation Hub: Anchoring the Future of Innovation
As an anchor for the Arts, Cultural, and Innovation District in downtown Portsmouth, the Kricker Innovation Hub is building on the legacy of Sanford, Varner & Co. by continuing to push the boundaries of technology and creativity. Programs like the ShawneeXP Gaming Accelerator Program, Ignite Portsmouth Bootcamp and Pitch Competition, and Startup Weekend: Portsmouth, make the Hub a bustling center of innovation, drawing talent and resources to Southern Ohio.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate the building’s 130th anniversary, we are reminded of the enduring spirit of enterprise that has defined this corner of Portsmouth. From producing tailored suits with cutting-edge technology in the late 19th century to supporting digital innovation today, the Kricker Innovation Hub carries forward a proud legacy of adaptation and resilience. It’s more than just a building; it’s a beacon of opportunity, standing tall in Portsmouth and paving the way for the next generation of innovators in our region.
Special thanks goes to Dr. Andrew Feight of Shawnee State University and Scioto Historical for uncovering the rich history at the SSU Kricker Innovation Hub.