Gilbert Heublein was a magnate in the food and beverage industry, most notably as manufacturer of A1 Steak Sauce and Smirnoff Vodka.
Designed by Smith and Bassette to survive 100 MPH winds, and built by T. R. Fox and Son in 1914, the Heublein Tower served as Gilbert Heublein's summer home and retreat. Truly an architectural marvel, Mr. Heublein modeled this structure after buildings in his native homeland of Bavaria. Standing 165 feet tall and situated 1,000 ft. above the Farmington Valley, one can see for several dozen miles in all directions from the top floor observation lounge.
The structure consists of a steel frame of 12-inch girders anchored into the bedrock of the mountain ridge. The four columns in the four corners extend up to the second level and are made of reinforced concrete. A system of cross-girder braces adds strength to the shaft and cross-beams support the floors. It was also the home of the first elevator in Connecticut.
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