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North Adams' Stunning Architectural Details

Design Elements Hidden in Plain Site

By: - Aug 24, 2008

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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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