Evans Manufacturing Company Building , also known as Metropolitan Supply Company Building , is a historic building located in Cedar Rapids , Iowa , United States . The Brown-Evans Manufacturing Company , which made men 's work clothing , was relocated from Sedalia , Missouri to Cedar Rapids when this building was completed in 1919 . It was built in the 4th Street Railroad Corridor , which had attracted various industrial enterprises in the years before and after World War I . The Modern Movement building was designed according to the principles of industrial design of the time in light of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 . Its fireproof masonry construction was intended to lessen the risk of fires . Storage of raw stock was located in the basement , cutting and storage of finished stock was located on the first floor , and sewing was done on the second floor and balcony . Its open floor plan allowed for assembly line production . The company reorganized in 1933 as the Evans Garment Company , and it expanded to producing women 's house dresses the following year . As the Great Depression wore on , their market declined and the plant closed three years later . It was replaced by the Metropolitan Supply Company , who moved their printing and school supply operation here in 1936 . They moved to a different facility in 1995 , and closed a short time later . This building then housed an architectural office , a dance studio , and a warehouse operation . It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire
Evans Manufacturing Company Building