Computer & Accounting Center
Westborough, MA, 1963 by Anderson, Beckwith & Haible
The former home of the New England Power Service Co. (now part of National Grid) and later BJs Wholesale Club, this massive three building complex now sits vacant overlooking Route 9 and the Westborough/Southborough border. The complex consists of three interconnected structures on a 22 acre lot, a two story building set in the more forested western half of the lot, a six story tower to the East, and a single story connector building that houses the cafeteria and a small courtyard.
From the street, the building is a monolithic concrete force. Each building has its own unique rigid pattern. Up close, however, the buildings take on a more human scale. The first floor of the tower has large glass windows with a balcony above, and at the cafeteria in the rear, the concrete skin peels back to reveal beautiful green glazed brick. These bricks appear throughout the project, giving subtle hints of color to an otherwise austere facade.
The stark design, coupled with its premiere location, has made the building a local icon. Unfortunately, a redevelopment plan that would raze the existing structures was approved in September 2022. Still, that plan seems to be on hold as the building was sold a only four months later and still stands to this day.
Sources:
Doyle, Timothy, “Former BJ’s HQ in Westborough sells for $32M”, Worcester Business Journal, 13 January 2023.
Peruzzi, Brett, “Westborough office building has been an iconic presence for more than 50 years” Community Advocate,20 July 2021.
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