Oliver Building

The Oliver Building on Washington Street wears a facade of distinct, light-colored terra cotta that separates it from the heavier masonry on the block. Built in nineteen oh seven by D. H. Burnham and Company, the structure housed the offices of the Oliver Typewriter Company. Oliver executives insisted on a building that projected modern efficiency to match their machines. Salesman Thomas Oliver sat in his office here and personally reviewed the company's aggressive international expansion plans while the rhythmic clatter of typewriters echoed throughout the floors.