Columbia Towers has a rich history in two of Bridgeport’s most famous products: corsets and records.

This building was originally home to Birdsey and Somers Corset Company, one of the largest corset manufacturers in the United States during the early 1900s. According to the Bridgeport Historic Resources records, the American Graphophone Company moved into the building circa 1917. At that time, the so called “talking machine” was used for business dictation, but soon found a market in the entertainment business. The company became Columbia Records and in 1938 was bought by the Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc. This move put CBS on par with the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) which owned Victor Records at the time.

Many firsts in the recording business occurred right here in this building. In 1924, the first recording of a complete symphony, Beethoven’s Seventh, was produced, as well as the first commercial electrical recording on March 31, 1925. The reproduction of entire operas, symphonies, and musical comedies on two unbreakable vinylite discs was made possible by the production of the first long playing (LP) record here, a product which revolutionized the recording industry in 1948.

Today brings all new possibilities for Columbia Towers with the development of contemporary, loft-style one and two bedroom condominium units. Both attractive and affordable, this building offers proximity to trains, highways, schools, and shopping. Occupancy of these brand new units is targeted to begin July 2008.