When my friend Rick Cortez gave me a tour of the dilapidated industrial compound he had just purchased for his architecture firm’s new headquarters, I knew he would soon transform it into the kind of clean modern workspace he is known for. At that moment, though, the former HI Electronics factory was an empty shell. As we walked through the jumble of buildings, Rick told me of his visits to the site prior to taking possession. The workforce, which manufactured circuit boards and sold odd kinds of equipment, like megaphones, had dwindled to a handful of haplesss employees. Some labored in rooms lit by eerie yellow flourescent bulbs. Others shuffled about in a nearly empty warehouse. I thought that Rick and his team should forever remember the quirky “before” of their new home. And so, on the day before demolition began, I decided to “imagine” the company in its heyday, using some of the items they left behind.
ABOVE: The front section was a warren of wood paneled offices, where workers toiled under the benevolent gaze of the company’s founder. BELOW: The cheery lobby welcomed visitors.
ABOVE/BELOW: Each office boasted a colorful clock, necessary to keep things punctual in the high pressure megaphone business.
ABOVE: A comfortable chair was reserved for the foreman, who viewed the factory’s buzz through a special window. BELOW: Yellow lighting in the lunchroom encouraged leisurly breaks.
BELOW: An innovative trolley system was used to move materials. Circuit breakers were mounted upside down so that gravity would increase the flow of electricity to the machines.
ABOVE: Factory workers were fanatical about cleanliness. BELOW: Special “self-contained” wiring was another innovation.
ABOVE: Danger signs kept technicians alert. Only highly trained personel were permitted to use the “red” door. BELOW: Safety gloves were air dried overnight to keep them fresh.
ABOVE: Although horn sales were up, no one was named employee of the month for an entire year. BELOW: Julie Lee was honored by the Lioness Club for her spirit and industriousness.
ABOVE/BELOW: While the assembly line workers waited for the latest power installation, engineers in the front office dreamed of circuit boards and golfing vacations.
BELOW: Building thermostats were set at a constant 70.5%. Company officers kept a change of clothes on hand in case of an emergency sales call.
BELOW: The company “bible” was the 2,500 page International Directory of Washers (1978 edition). Computer equipment was state of the art.
BELOW: Lit by soothing flourescent light, the president keep his office tidy, with plenty of bullhorns on hand to summon his staff when needed.
BELOW: Upon retirement, a veteran worker is seen gazing longingly through an open window at his former office.
ABOVE: Between the front office and the factory floor, the security guard kept a watchful eye to prevent pilfering. BELOW: The company’s warm and inviting philosphy.
Rick Cortez and his team at RACDesignBuild plan on moving into their new headquarters before the summer. More about RAC can be found here. As to HI Electronics–the company’s whereabouts is currently unknown.
