Spring 2024 Field Trip to Fort Point Channel Landmark District, Boston

The Spring 2024 Preservation Studies Field Trip took us on a guided walk of the Fort Point Channel Landmark District, designated in 2009. The walk explored heritage sites associated with the Boston Wharf Company (BWC, founded 1836). The tour was guided by Sara Wermiel, Adjunct professor, Preservation Studies Program, Boston University, and Rachel Ericksen, Preservation Planner (City of Boston) for the Fort Point Channel Landmark District. Sites visited included the Fort Point Channel and the Summer Street Bridge. At the Boston Children’s Museum we looked at the buildings adaptive reuse and its structural system. The Boston Fire Museum, 344 Congress Street, occupies the old firehouse since 1983. The former Congress Street Fire Station was completed in 1891 in a Classical Revival style. The lobby of the Residence Inn by Mariott at 370 Congress Street, was part of the former Stilling Building. Rachel Ericksen spoke about the strategy of the owner’s of Thomson Place to update its neighborhood by improving the public realm and adding new features such as  ghost signs and street lights. Katherine Meyer, the owner of a condo in the early residential conversion at 326 A Street opened her home, and offered a glimpse into the former Boston Button Company building, built in 1890 and an example of the Romanesque Revival. Rachel Ericksen explained the proposals for the redevelopment of 7 Channel Center by 7 CC 73 Owner, LLC. The proposal was scheduled to go for a next step of the planning process to the Landmarks Commission of the City of Boston. Lunch was enjoyed at Flour Bakery on Farnsworth Street, also at a converted Boston Wharf Company building.