Arthur D. Little Inc., Building

The Arthur D. Little Inc. Building is a three-story brick structure with neoclassical features including columns and symmetrical facades located at 30 Memorial Drive. Its classical architectural elements reflect the formal style typical of early 20th-century academic buildings.

Built in 1917, the building housed America's first independent consulting laboratory, fundamentally changing how industrial research and development were conducted. The founder's bequest of company shares to MIT in 1935 strengthened the institutional connection between private enterprise and academic research.

The building reflects how management consulting developed as a distinct professional field in the early 20th century. Today it serves the MIT Sloan School, showing how innovation in business thinking continues to shape the institution.

The building functions as administrative headquarters for the MIT Sloan School of Management and is integrated into the campus academic area. A comprehensive renovation in 2011 updated the interior with sustainable systems while preserving the classical exterior.

The building originally served as headquarters for a private consulting firm before transferring to MIT, fundamentally shifting its purpose. This transformation from private enterprise to academic institution represents an unusual bridge between business innovation and university research.

Location: Cambridge

Inception: 1917

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

Part of: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Address: 30 Memorial Drive

GPS coordinates: 42.36114,-71.08219

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:23