Page 47 - BusinessWest December 26, 2022

The second floor of the property is being envisioned as spaces for small businesses and/or co-working space.
The Lambson Furniture building was built at the corner of Elm and Thomas streets on a par- cel of land that Clinton Lambson acquired from Reuben Noble, one of Westfield’s prominent early landowners and benefactor of what is now the Baystate Noble Hospital. Lambson had estab- lished the furniture company in 1860, began con- struction of the building in 1868, and occupied it for business in 1869.
“We’re trying to take this old building and bring it into this century.”
In its early years, the building was the site of furniture manufacturing, and many would-be furniture makers traveled to Westfield to appren- tice with Lambson and his partner, William Whit- ney. Over the years, the furnishings side of the
business focused on the manufacture and sale of home-related items like baby carriages, bedding, and desk and parlor sets, all displayed on the expansive first-floor showroom of the building.
Also manufactured in the building were cas- kets, as Lambson also ran an undertaking busi- ness in the building. Historical records suggest that both the furniture and undertaking busi- nesses were flourishing and highly competitive enterprises as industry — especially the whip industry — infiltrated Westfield in the late 1800s. The Lambson Furniture building continued to house the undertaking business until 1944.
“Back in those days, the furniture makers were
BusinessWest
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
DECEMBER 26, 2022 47
a vibrant, multi-use hub in a manner that we believe will catalyze the entire Elm Street busi- ness district,” Borowski and his partners wrote in their initial funding request from the city’s Com- munity Preservation Commission.
“At present, there is limited foot traffic at Elm and Thomas streets in part due to the lack of compelling retail (and housing) options in the area,” they went on. “We believe the develop- ment Lambson Square will inspire redevelop-
Staff Photo
ment and spur occupancy rates throughout the Elm Street business district by re-establishing the Lambson Furniture building as a focal point for both attractive retail options and community housing.”
Historical Undertaking
Peake prepared a lengthy history of the Lamb- son property, which we’ll condense as much as possible.
GREENFIELD NCooperative Bank
Online or in person
we’re here for you.
Come on over to the
Co-op and get to know the best local
Commercial Team.
Chelsea Depault | Adam Baker | Maura Guzik Jim Alexander | Mike Buckmaster | Jay Seyler Barbara Campbell
BestLocalBank.com
MEMBER FDIC MEMBER DIF