These two valves were mounted on an exterior wall at Burlington mall.  What the hell are they?

Are they like, built-in fire hydrants?  Gas valves?  Hot water valves?  Zone 1 appears to be insulated, Zone 2 is not.  Why?  Is it just poor maintenance or is there really a difference between them?

This probably seems like a strange thing to post in contemplative, but I liked the image of two big red valves in a white brick wall.

I had taken a picture of a big valve like this on the previous day (on the other side of the mall) and it hadn't come out well and I had resolved to try again at that time.  So when I was at the mall for lunch with my friend Jay and I spotted these, I just had to stop and try again…

Hang on, I want to get a picture of these valves.

Why?

Because I think they look interesting.

Oh.

I'm quite certain he thought I was nuts.  Sorry Jay, I'm weird.