First Resource Companies' Knox Residences I & II Receives Paul & Niki Tsongas Award

Knox Residences, Springfield

Preservation Mass is pleased to announce that First Resource Companies' Knox Residences I & II in Springfield received a 2025 Paul & Niki Tsongas Award.

The Knox Automobile Company at 53 Wilbraham Road was a leading manufacturer of gasoline engine vehicles during the first two decades of the 20th century. The building was constructed in three stages between 1891 and 1910. The company built touring cars, delivery vehicles, and fire trucks. The Springfield Fire Department, in fact, was the first in the nation to become fully motorized. (Credit: Springfield Preservation Trust)

After being in danger of collapse and scheduled for demolition by the City of Springfield, the Knox Automobile Factory was placed on Massachusetts' Most Endangered Resources List in 1999. The Knox Automobile Company buildings make up a substantial portion of Winchester Historic District.

When Mayor Domenic Sarno was notified about the endangered building list and the significance of Knox Automobile Company, he was appreciative of the history and undertook an effort to save the building. At the time, First Resource Companies was in the process of rehabilitating the Indian Motorcycle Factory across the street, and agreed to take on the rehabilitation. Today the Knox Residences I & II provide 96 units of affordable housing for residents of Springfield, in addition to office and maintenance space for the upkeep and management of the property.