Built in 1929 between the completion of T. W. Phillips Jr.'s mansion (
BU13), south of Butler, and the groundbreaking on Elm Court for Benjamin D. Phillips (
BU11) in town, the T. W. Phillips Gas and Oil Company Building is another example of the company's success and the Phillips brothers' architectural patronage. Pittsburgh architect Benno Janssen created a subdued and elegant limestone office building reminiscent of a Florentine palace, characterized by a heavy cornice and few recessions or projections from the main body of the building. The offices echo the tradition of major clubs and public buildings, such as the Philadelphia Athenaeum and the Pittsburgh Athletic Association (see AL34).