Draper Corporation Company Offices // 1910

After decades of growth of the Draper Corporation in Hopedale, Massachusetts, in the late 19th century, the company began a massive building campaign of larger, architecturally significant (and most importantly, fireproof) buildings for company use. The original company office building, constructed in 1880, was outgrown and it was decided a new, larger company office was needed. Designed by Milford-based architect, Robert Allen Cook in 1910, the former office building was located across Hopedale Street from the main plant. This massive two-story brick building on a raised basement is an example of the Renaissance Revival style built of brick and terra cotta. The building closed along with the company in the mid-20th century, but as opposed to the main complex, was adaptively reused through a renovation as a senior living facility.

Derby Gas and Electric Company Offices // 1931

The former Derby Gas and Electric Company offices are located on Elizabeth Street in Derby, Connecticut, and stand as one of the great Art Deco buildings in New England. Built in 1931, the four-story office building features a limestone facade with bronze storefronts and light fixtures which were illuminated from the company’s plant nearby. In the 1950s the company was acquired by the United Illuminating Company.

Lyman Park Offices // 1959

Mid-Century Modern commercial architecture is often maligned for its car-centric and unadorned designs, but the Lyman Park Offices on Boylston Street in Brookline, Massachusetts, are some of the finest office buildings constructed in Brookline in the 20th century. The two office buildings were built on the site of the Theodore Lyman estate and were built at a time Brookline saw rapid commercialization along the Boylston Street corridor. Designed by the firm of Salsberg & LeBlanc, the Lyman Park Offices are landmark examples of the International style in the commercial form in Brookline. Built of steel and glass, the buildings exhibit spandrels above each floor level, enhancing the strong horizontal emphasis of the design.