Lapham/Wit Buildings The Lapham Building, located at 290 Westminster Street and wrapping around the neighboring Tilden-Thurber Building to 158 Mathewson Street, was designed by Hoppin & Ely Architects and built for the heirs of Benjamin Lapham in 1904. The building originally was home to the Mutual Benefit Insurance Company and has had various office tenants throughout the years. Adjacent to the Lapham Building to the east is the 2-story Wit Building. Located at 276 Westminster Street, the Wit Building was built by the I. Wit Realty Co. sometime in the mid-1930’s. The building’s longest tenant was Jean’s Department store, which existed from 1933 to 1979. In later years the building was home to the Black Repertory Threatre, Roots Cafe, and most recently Aurora. Lapham & Wit will be combined into one building with the second floors connected to provide 9,000 square feet of flexible commercial office space. The ground floors will be built with space for up to 4 restaurant or retail tenants. Floors 3 through 9 of the Lapham Building will be renovated into 35 one and two-bedroom apartments.