Alliance Requests Review of Stuart Street Area

The Boston Preservation Alliance is seeking to ensure that the historic significance of buildings in the Stuart Street area will be properly studied in the wake of anticipated new development. Last week, Liberty Mutual announced plans for a major expansion and development project in the area. The Alliance looks forward to working with Liberty Mutual to support the company’s plans for expansion while ensuring that important historic resources are protected.

A first step in the process has been for the Alliance to request that the Boston Landmarks Commission review the survey forms for a number of buildings in the area. The most recent surveys for these buildings were conducted in 1980 and 1990. It is common for surveys to be reviewed after a period of several decades because new information and the passing of time often change perspectives about their significance. This review may also impact a pending zoning change for the area, which is under development by the Boston Redevelopment Authority. The proposed new zoning would include incentives for historic preservation for buildings that are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. If buildings are deemed to have greater significance, they may be subject to added incentives.

The Stuart Street area contains a remarkably eclectic array of buildings, from the imposing, fortress-like First Corps of Cadets Armory (1891-1897) to the classical revival Salada Tea Building (1916) to the mid-century Modern Salvation Army Building.

“The diversity of architecture tells a remarkable story of the city’s evolution over time,” said Sarah D. Kelly, executive director of the Boston Preservation Alliance, “New development and contemporary architecture have the potential to add yet another layer of history to this area. The critical task will be to ensure that new construction compliments and enhances its surroundings.”