An Ode to Boston’s Timeless Architecture
A friend’s wedding recently brought me to Boston. Not having visited for many years, I was now able to explore the city with more admiration for the styles of the buildings, the architects that built them, and some of the challenges that came with constructing them - making me appreciate walking around downtown Boston that much more. Here are some of my favorites:
Gasson Hall, Boston College 1913
Designed by Charles Donagh Maginnis in 1908, Gasson Hall profoundly shaped Collegiate Gothic architecture across North America, establishing it as the predominant style for American university campuses throughout much of the 20th century. It’s dominant Gothic towers combined with the symmetry of the Beaux-Arts style are at the heart of the historic district.
John Hancock Tower during construction in 1971
The John Hancock Building, known as the tallest building in Boston, was designed by the great I.M. Pei and completed in 1976. When the building was first constructed it swayed far more than what was considered safe. Due to this, the 500 pound windows were popping out of their frames and falling into the street below. This issue was resolved and the building still remains integral to the Boston Skyline today. The building won the American Institute of Architects’ National Honor Award in 2011.
Trinity Church
Designed by Henry Hobson Richardson, Trinity Church was completed in 1877. The windows of the church were designed by Edward Burne-Jones and created by William Morris. Richardson has designed multiple other buildings in the greater Boston area including the Ames Gate Lodge, Oakes Ames Memorial Hall, and the Thomas Crane Public Library.
Boston Public Library (McKim Building)
Another piece of exquisite architecture in Copley Plaza is the main Boston Public Library building. Completed in 1895 and designed by the firm McKim, Meade and White, the library is a great example of the Beaux-Arts style. The building is beautiful and has a sense of grandeur, but not so much so that it feels unwelcoming or too serious. In fact, McKim coined this building “the palace for the people”. An addition was later added that was done by Phillip Johnson.
The original Boston Natural History Museum
The original Boston Natural History Museum, now Restoration Hardware
Completed in 1863, it is one of the oldest buildings in the Back Bay area of Boston. Designed by William Preston and built to be the Boston Natural History Museum, and it was just that up until 1951. After this, multiple different companies and stores took residency there. In 2013, Restoration Hardware bought the building and restored it to its neoclassical style and details. Some additions were made on the interior, such as a steel and glass elevator. However, the façade remains unchanged.
Old State House
Nestled amongst skyscrapers is the Old State House. Dating back to 1713, this was the main government building for the Massachusetts Bay Colony. John Hancock himself rented warehouse space in the basement (even revolutionaries needed storage space)! Now functioning as a museum dedicated to Massachusetts’ role in the revolutionary war, it is a National Historic Landmark. In fact, the balcony pictured above is where the Declaration of Independence was first read aloud in 1776. Today, the building continues to be restored whenever needed with the funds raised by the Bostonian Society.
Next time you are wandering around Boston, remember to take a moment and glance up from your Tatte pastry to admire the history in the buildings surrounding you!
