A sleek curve of buff brick. That’s the first thing you notice about the B B Chemical Company building. It’s a striking example of Streamline Moderne architecture. This isn’t just any industrial building. This is a piece of Cambridge history.
Built in 1937 for the Boston Blacking Company a manufacturer of adhesives including the famous Bostik brand. The B B Chemical Company building is more than just bricks and mortar. It reflects the era’s fascination with speed and efficiency. The building’s design embodies that aesthetic. Its smooth lines and geometric forms are truly captivating. The architects Coolidge Shepley Bulfinch & Abbott were masters of their craft. Their work here is a testament to their skill.
Did you know the B B Chemical Company wasn’t always known by that name? It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 under a slightly inaccurate name. This little fact highlights the quirks of history. The name was incorrect but the significance remains intact.
For nearly two decades from 1979 to 1996. This very building served as the Polaroid Corporation’s headquarters. Imagine the innovative minds that once walked these halls. Polaroid’s legacy of instant photography is closely tied to this structure. It’s a silent witness to countless breakthroughs.
But the story of the B B Chemical Company doesn’t end there. Today the building is owned by The Bulfinch Companies. It’s now occupied by Harvard University’s Information Technology group HUIT. It’s a modern twist on a historic landmark. The building has continued to serve the community though in a changed capacity.
Look at the central section. See how it’s taller than the wings? Note the rounded window bay topped by a clock face. It’s a subtle detail but it speaks volumes about the building’s design. The symmetrical wings with their glass blocks and horizontal windows are just as impressive. The B B Chemical Company building is a blend of form and function. A testament to architectural innovation.
From adhesives to instant photography to modern technology. The B B Chemical Company building has witnessed a fascinating evolution. It stands as a symbol of Cambridge’s industrial past and its technologically advanced future. The building’s history is a reminder that even in the ever-changing landscape of urban development. Some structures endure. They stand as testaments to architectural elegance and the enduring spirit of innovation. This building is more than just a building. It’s a story waiting to be discovered.