Wollison-Shipton Building
Also known as: Wollison Block
Why it's listed
Rising four storeys at the center with three-storey wings, this brick commercial block at 142-156 North Street anchors Pittsfield's downtown. Built in 1887-1888 for paper hanger and decorator Ruben Wollison and his son Herbert, it was designed by H. Neil Wilson, who is credited with over thirty buildings in the region. The facade uses Philadelphia pressed brick with dark freestone trim, plate glass storefronts and a slate hipped roof. Inside, it used a patented cellular steel fireproof floor said to be the first used in the east, plus an Otis elevator and skylights. The second floor originally housed the city's first YMCA, and tenants included photographers, electricians, piano sellers and the Wollison decorating firm. It is the only commercial building Wilson designed in Pittsfield. After a fire in 1980, the owner has been restoring it, keeping original woodwork, fireplaces and pressed iron ceilings. Commercial and office use has continued without interruption.
Significance in brief: The nomination calls it a major local example of Victorian commercial architecture with innovative decorative and structural features. It is the only commercial building in Pittsfield designed by Wilson, a prominent midwestern and local architect. It also housed the Wollison decorating firm, a variety of businesses and Pittsfield's first YMCA.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 82001899, listed September 30, 1982. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 142-156 North St., Pittsfield |
|---|---|
| County | Berkshire County |
| Listed | September 30, 1982 |
| Reference number | 82001899 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1887-1888 |
| Architect / builder | H. Neil Wilson (1855-1926), architect; D.C. Munyan, builder; George D. Foote, mason; Robbins, Gamwell & Co., heating system |
| Architectural style | Victorian commercial architecture |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Commercial and office use has continued to the present; the building is being restored after a smoky fire in March 1980, with interior woodwork, fireplaces and windows retained. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Within district | Park Square Historic District (Boundary Increase) |
| Coordinates | 42.45058, -73.25279 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For an income-producing building, listing (individually or as a contributing building in a district) is the gateway to the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit on qualified rehabilitation costs, often stackable with state credits. Work claiming the credit must follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and be approved in advance.
Listing does not restrict a private owner acting without federal money or permits; where federal funding or licensing is involved, Section 106 review applies.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 82001899.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q8030357
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.