Mill Record Berlin
RETURN TO ‘FIND MILLS’Disclaimer: Content for these properties was compiled in 2014-2017 from a variety of sources and is subject to change. Updates are occasionally made under Property Information, however the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation (dba Preservation Connecticut) makes no representation or warranty that the information is complete or up-to-date.
- Complex Name (Common)
- Berlin Construction Co.
- Complex Name (Historic)
-
- Berlin Construction Co.
- Address or Location
- 76 Depot Road, Kensington, Berlin
- County
- Hartford
- Historic Designation
- Associated Mill Community
- n/a
- Historic Information
Companies Associated w/Complex
- Berlin Construction Co. 1902-1962
- Berlin Steel Construction Co. 1962-present
Use (Historic)
Largest Documented Workforce
n/a
Historic Narrative
When American Bridge Co. acquired Berlin Iron Bridge Co. in 1900, three of the latter company's officials formed the Berlin Construction Co. Until 1902 the new firm's fabrication was done in Pottsville, PA although the primary sales area centered around Connecticut. In July 1902 operations were moved to the present plant. Berlin Construction Co. fabricated and erected structural steel for bridges and buildings. Coalhandling systems for power plants were a major portion of the firm's work, and special projects included a banana loader sent to Guatemala and an iron ore loader sent to Chile. The techniques of riveted steel construction have been replaced by welding and high-strength bolts, so the original 1902 machinery for fabricating riveted members has been replaced. Most of the steel fabricated now is for buildings in Connecticut. The company changed its name to Berlin Steel Construction Co. in 1962. (Roth)
- Architectural Information
Number of Existing Buildings
Roughly five (5) blocks.
Dates of Construction
1902, c.1940, c.1962
Architect
n/a
Builder
n/a
Building Type
Architectural Description
The fabricating shop is a steelframed building with one high story. The framing was erected in 1902 but its sheathing has been changed several times; the present walls are corrugated fiberglass and transite. Several additions have been made to form the present 241' x 40' shop. The template shop, a 1-story 90' x 45' frame structure, and the boiler house, a 1-story 59' x 46' brick-pier structure, were also built in 1902. Several storage buildings and one for offices have been added. (Roth)
Exterior Material(s)
Structural System(s)
Roof Form
Roof Material
n/a
Power Source
n/a
Condition
n/a
Condition Notes
n/a
- Property Information
-
Specific Location
north side of Depot Road on east side of railroad
Adjacent To
Exterior Visible from Public Road?
Yes
Parcel ID / Assessor Record Link
- 9-2/ 76/ 85/ 7350 / Link →
Acreage
7.0
Use (Present)
- Sources
-
Form Completed By
n/a
Date
n/a
Bibliography
- Roth, Matthew, et al, Connecticut: An Inventory of Historic Engineering and Industrial Sites (Washington DC: SIA, 1981).
- Representative View(s)Click on image to view full file
-
Photographer
n/a
Photography Date
n/a
