The building was constructed for the Kawneer Manufacturing Company founder, Swedish born cabinet-maker, architect, inventor, machinist, and businessman Francis John Plym (1869–1940).
The structure's primary distinguishing features are large clerestory windows built into twenty saw-tooth-shaped roof bays; these stretch the entire width of the building.
These are considered early precursors to the glass-curtain designs that dominated later twentieth century office buildings.
[1] Additions were made between 1947 and 1950, including an office structure on Dwight Way employing the company's own products from the middle of the twentieth century.
[2] The building was eventually purchased by the Sealy Mattress Co. in 1959; the firm continued operations there up to 1972.