All right, so our chat about Boston architecture has taken a rather irreverent turn, with articles on the Un-Sexiest Building in Boston (about a building so infamous that a Bostonian friend currently living in the Dominican Republic said she knew what the article was about without even opening it), followed by a post on two Sexy-Ugly Buildings.
But let’s get back to pure beauty.
Gaze, my friends, upon Downtown Boston’s Custom House Tower! I got all the dirt on this beauty during the Context Walking Seminar I rocked out this past weekend, so here goes:
- When the Custom House was completed in 1849, it was capped with a short dome, not a tall tower! The building served as (surprise, surprise) a Custom House to collect taxes on incoming ships. “Ships?!” you may be asking now, “But there’s only concrete there!” Well, remember: so much of Boston is actually recent landfill, and thus back in 1849, the water’s shore came right up to the Custom House!
- In 1915, there was increased shipping, and thus the government needed an increased Custom House. At the time, there was a ordinance in Boston outlawing any building being taller than the State House dome… but, sneaky sneaky, the Custom House was owned by the Federal Government, and thus could flout any state ordinance! A 496-foot tower was promptly built.
- From when it was built in 1915 until the Prudential Building was erected in 1964, the Custom House Tower was the tallest building in Boston. That’s a long reign of altitude domination! As a six-foot tall woman, I can relate. :) The tower is now ranked 17th-tallest in Boston.
- In 1997, the Custom House (no longer used for Customs, as the shoreline moved outward) was acquired by Marirott Hotels! Even if you’re not a Ritchie Rich who can afford to stay there, the (newly-named) Marriott Custom House Tour is open for free to visitors at specific times.
Facts aside, the ivory gallantry of the Custom House tower really makes Boston’s skyline special.
Whether you glimpse it peeking above Faneuil Hall while you shop, or gaze at it side by side with glassy skyscrapers in the skyline from the Harbor, or whether you stumble across it on your way from the Aquarium to Downtown (“What’s THAT?!” many exclaim, never having noticed it before), the Custom House tower really reflects Boston’s classy, educated spirit.
In a city with so, so, so many institutions of higher education, it’s only fitting that we have a prominent Ivory Tower in our skyline.
And now I’ll let you in on my newest goal: to find a way to stay in one of those fancy Marriott rooms at the top of the tower!
How cool would that be?
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Abigail Bowers says
I love the buildings, but I like to take nature shots
Amy H. says
I’ve lived in Boston for 13 years, but I never noticed this beautiful building before!
Herbert Morales says
I think that Boston is the best city from what I know. I also think that every building is cool and interesting. Boston is an old city with great history that we can learn from them. I am glad that I live here. I just wish i could have time to go to China.
Ayub Sharif says
These articles that you have tittled ”Bostons Sexiest Buildings” always teaches me to appreciate the building of Bostons, that are usually taken for granted and I really appreciate you doing this Ms.Marshall.
steph zizi says
This is a pretty large building.
Namir Cabral says
This is one of my favorite post so far. I always wanted to really take time to appreciate the building, but I never took time to do it considering all the times i passed by it.
Kelsey says
It was also the first skyscraper in America, I believe!
steph zizi says
You have been to a lot of interesting trips lately.
Mohamed Abdelrahim says
Boston is really beautiful. I like how you put the buildinghs on this website it makes it look good.
Caitlin says
Wow…this building really i beautiful!!! I’ve passed this building soo many times and had no clue it was even there. I will have to look for it when i go into downtown Boston this weekend. I’m really excited to see it! Thanks for sharing this article!!
Kevin Armstrong says
I have passed by this building many times but I just never thought anything of it until now. I never would have guessed that it was a tax collecting building. Wow
zamir says
This building really is beautiful! I have never seen it before in real life so i might go around there sometime. I always thought that most of the buildings in Boston were ugly but this one really is beautiful
Gio says
Haha. Fascinating article, Lillie! I have just noticed that I have passed by this magnificent building many times, and surprisingly did not notice it, therefore asking myself before I opened this page, “What building is she talking about?!”
Haha anyway… it looks like a terrific destination to visit sometime! Thanks for the photos and the great information!
Daniel says
If I were to stand infront of this building and look up. I would have my eyes wide open and look at it from top to bottom. I would say “wooooaaaaaahhh.” This building reminds me of the current book I’m reading, which starts out with a boy climbing a skyscraper.
Lillie says
Hehe :) Easy enough to stand beneath it in real life… Just hop on the T and get off at Aquarium on the Blue Line! Or jump off downtown on Orange or Red and take a short walk.
Hope you enjoy your book in the meantime!
Matt says
Terrific post with awesome photos of the Custom House. While far from the tallest building in Boston, it still is a defining structure on the skyline. I can imagine staying there would be terrific. The public can also go to the observation deck on top. Great spot for panoramic photos!
Hans Kortlevers says
Indeed a terrific post.