Working In a Historic District

1904 Image of Commonwealth Avenue – Photo courtesy of https://www.bygonely.com/old-boston-1900s/

For the past 25 Years working with STA, I have had the the privilege to work within some of Boston’s historic districts. We have worked on buildings in the South End Historic District, the Beacon Hill Historic District, and other districts, but most of my (our) work has been focused in the Back Bay Historic District.

Over the years we have worked on over 50 properties in the district. Most have been on Newbury Street and some of them have been in the residential blocks of Back Bay, but for me, all have the had the same common goal, and that is to respect the urban fabric of the district, push the boundaries of contextualism when appropriate, create spaces for retail, restaurant or residences to thrive while also achieving our client’s goals.

Pins indicate some of locations of properties that Silverman Trykowski Associates, Inc. has worked on

This all takes time and research. Pouring through the vintage photo archives of the Boston Public Library often will lead you to and through other historic archives. This work involves studying the Boston Zoning codes, reviewing the Bainbridge Bunting maps of the early development of the Back Bay, and really, looking at all available resources that you can get your hands on. The information is out there although may be obscure at times. An example of an amazing resource to review is Back Bay Houses. This resource not only reviews and provides information on the property, the original architect and the structure, it also gives a history of its occupants over the years.

Map of a portion of Newbury Street Circa 1917 (courtesy of http://goodoldboston.blogspot.com/)

Our work is sometimes new storefront additions or remodels but sometimes our work is restorative in nature when we are lucky enough to uncover original building features, which have been covered by previous renovations or façade treatments but remain intact. All of our work requires us to work closely with the Neighborhood Association of Back Bay and the Back Bay Architectural Commission to achieve consensus on what is appropriate while still achieving our clients’ goals. I also believe our clients have given us the most amazing creative opportunities.

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144 Newbury

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224 Clarendon/108 Newbury

224 Clarendon Circa 1942 (courtesy of Thomas High) – 2021 Restoration of original entry and redesign of Clarendon Street Storefronts.

108 Newbury Storefront Addition (The Newbury Street Side of 224 Clarendon Street)

We say that we are “breathing new life into old buildings” but I also hope we are extending the life of the historic district while preserving its beautiful urban fabric. Our clients have given us the most amazing creative opportunity to create new designs and while preserving a piece of Boston’s history. While all of our clients have different goals, each having varied ideas regarding the reasons for the renovations and the desired outcome, all are a unique design challenge.

I believe we are entrusted with designing or redesigning within the constraints of history for people to enjoy for years to come.

-Tom