B B Chemical Company
A landmark Streamline Moderne industrial building that once housed the headquarters of Polaroid Corporation, designed by one of America’s most accomplished architectural firms.
At a glance
This 1937 office and industrial building exemplifies the bold geometric forms and horizontal emphasis of Streamline Moderne design. Built for the Boston Blacking Company, manufacturer of the adhesive brand Bostik, it became an icon of mid-century innovation when Polaroid moved its headquarters here.
History
Constructed in 1937 for the Boston Blacking Company, the building was designed by the prestigious Boston firm Coolidge, Shepley, Bulfinch & Abbott. It served its original industrial purpose until 1979, when the Polaroid Corporation established its headquarters at 784 Memorial Drive. Polaroid remained here until 1996, a period that coincided with the company’s dominance in instant photography. The National Register of Historic Places recognized the building’s significance in 1982, though it was recorded under the incorrect name “B and B Chemical Company.” Today it is owned by The Bulfinch Companies of Needham, Massachusetts.
What you see
The building represents a masterclass in Streamline Moderne, an architectural style characterized by curved lines, horizontal banding, and an emphasis on speed and motion. Its massing and detailing make it a prominent local example of this distinctive modernist movement.
Cultural significance
The B B Chemical Company building stands as a testament to Cambridge’s industrial heritage and its transformation into a center of technological innovation. Its association with Polaroid, a pioneering American company, adds a chapter to the history of instant photography and mid-twentieth-century American enterprise.
Key facts
- Country: United States
- City: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Completed: 1937
- Architects: Coolidge, Shepley, Bulfinch & Abbott
- Original use: Office and industrial building for Boston Blacking Company
- Notable occupant: Polaroid Corporation headquarters (1979–1996)
- Coordinates: 42.35972222, -71.11527778
- National Register of Historic Places: Added 1982
Practical information & getting there
The building is located at 784 Memorial Drive in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Visit in any season to appreciate its architectural details from street level.
Sources & resources
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