American Twine Building
Cambridge, Massachusetts | August 14, 2024
Introduction
The American Twine building, located in East Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a notable example of historic industrial architecture that has been repurposed for modern use. The historic brick and wood beam office building was built in 1875 by the nation’s first manufacturer of cotton fishing nets.
The building’s history is a fascinating journey that mirrors the evolution of industrial production and its impact on urban life. From its origins as a twine manufacturing facility, it has transformed into a modern office building, symbolizing the broader changes in industry, technology, and urban development.
A structure of historical significance, American Twine was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Its architectural style, typical of the period’s utilitarian industrial construction, is a testament to its original industrial function. These buildings, often robust, were designed with features such as large windows for natural light and open interior spaces to accommodate machinery and production lines.
The Story
In recent years, the American Twine building has undergone significant renovations to transform it into a modern office space while preserving its historical essence. After a complete renovation in 1984, the 117,000-square-foot building could house corporate office suites of various sizes and layouts. These spaces feature exposed brick and beam structures, complemented by large windows that fill the interior with natural light.
Most recently, Phase Zero Design, in partnership with New England Development, has completed transformative renovations, revitalizing the building’s lobby and common areas.
The design team selected Crossville’s® Owen Stone™ porcelain tile for the lobbies of the expansive office park. The tile line is inspired by Italian Pietra di Cardosa, a type of fine-grained sandstone from the Cardoso village in the Apuan Alps in Tuscany. This natural stone is well-regarded for its dark gray or blue-gray color, which can vary slightly depending on the quarry. Crossville’s porcelain version of this unique natural stone offers all of the beauty with none of the maintenance headaches. Owen Stone’s leathered finish offers a buttery, cashmere-like feel that’s silky to the touch. The large format 24” x 48” porcelain tiles in the Teddy colorway beautifully fit the aesthetic of this historic brick & beam building (the 12” x 24” sized tiles were used on the stairs).
Conclusion
With updated amenities catering to the preferences of modern office tenants, the American Twine building now offers a unique environment with contemporary appeal, conveniently located near restaurants, hotels, shops, and public transportation.
