The Atlas Metal Works industrial complex was built on land that was opened for development after construction of the Trinity River levees in the 1920s. The company, which started in 1904 manufactured culvert pipe, silos, stock tanks, and water cisterns with its original location near current-day City Hall. To meet growing demand, a 40,000 square foot facility was constructed in 1929 on 7 acres along Eagle Ford Road, now Singleton Boulevard. A free-standing Art Deco style office building was constructed and metal sheds with striking gable roofs were built for manufacturing. During World War II the facility expanded by 11,000 square feet.

Millard Storey was one of the founders of the company, and his sons Millard and Boude began working there around 1908. Boude Storey became the company president and served for nine years on the school board, with six of those as president. He continued to work for Atlas until his death in 1959. The company continues operating as a metal factory to this day under the Storey family.