A ten-member committee worked for eighteen months to study the Fort Point Channel Boston Landmark District before it was officially designated as Boston’s ninth Landmark District in January 2009, following approval by the Boston Landmarks Commission, Mayor Menino and the Boston City Council. Encompassing roughly 55 acres and over 90 buildings, the remarkably intact late ninteenth and early twentieth century warehouse and manufacturing district is a remnant of Boston’s rich industrial history. The Landmark District designation sets design guidelines that will protect key features of the area while permitting renovation and appropriately designed new development.

Over 29 working meetings, the Study Committee logged over 800 hundred collective person-hours. Their work resulted in a comprehensive document that will guide a future commission’s review of development proposals for new projects. All meetings were open to the public and dozens of residents and property owners participated at meetings and by submitting written comments.

The study committee and the Boston Landmarks Commission staff managed an exceptional process, with an outcome that will ensure the protection of the most important resources in this historic neighborhood, while allowing for growth and change. The group’s extremely deliberative and open process has resulted in design guidelines that will foster good preservation practices and new expression and contemporary design that is well-suited to the historic character of the District.

Photo courtesy of Todd Gieg