North Adams' Stunning Architectural Details

Design Elements Hidden in Plain Site

By: Mark Favermann - 08/24/2008

Distinctive Art Deco Facade Now an Empty Store on Rt 9W, the Road To and From Williamstown All Photos By Mark Favermann

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Art Deco Lettering and Geometric Designs are Indicative of Art Deco Period Between Late 1920’s and early 1940’s.

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Renovated But Unused 1938 Art Deco Theatre on North Adam�s Main Street

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Renovated But Unused 1938 Art Deco Landmark in North Adams

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Art Deco Theatre�s 1938 Neon Details

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Late Victorian House with Gothic Revival and Carpenter Gothic Detailing, North Adams, MA

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Second Floor Portico in Carpenter Gothic Style on North Adams Victorian House.

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Oxeye Window and Decorative Moulding Detailing on Late Victorian House, North Adams, MA.

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Decorative Fenestration Detail on Late Victorian House in North Adams, MA

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Decorative Roof Shingle Design with Carved Bargeboard on Late Victorian House in North Adams, MA

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An Edwardian Eclecticism Style House with decorative ornamentation, North Adams, MA.

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Stylized Sunburst Ornamentation over Porch Door Entrance and Front Windows.

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Window with Patterned Brick Treatment on Edwardian House in North Adams, MA.

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Decorative Brick Details on Edwardian House in North Adams, MA

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Weather Worn Sunburst Detail

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North Adams, Massachusetts was a mill town for over 150 years. Once the home of various industries from textiles to shoes to printing to specialized electronic equipment, today the city's three key major institutions are Mass MOCA (situated in the former Sprague Electric mill buildings), Massachusetts College of the Liberal Arts (MCLA) and Northern Berkshire Healthcare, a large hospital group. The North Adams' population was primarily made up of Irish, Italian and French Canadian immigrants and their descendants who worked in the mills. The elements portrayed in this portfolio of facades and architectural details were probably crafted by skilled artisans from these families as well.

Some of these details are well-maintained while others are in disrepair. Even the ones in need of care demonstrate the artisanry and craft of the skilled hands that created them. These details and elements are waiting to be restored. They seem to very well reflect our environment and our society today.

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