Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Landmarks Commission have officially designated the Boston City Hall as a local historic landmark. This decision stands in strong contrast with the building’s reputation over recent years. Only in 2023, it was chosen as the fourth ugliest building in the world by Buildworld and as the second ugliest building in the United States – with the J. Edgar Hoover Building in Washington, DC obtaining the first place.
“For more than five decades, Boston City Hall has served as a hub where residents come together to shape our city’s future, and has become a symbol of our city’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to our constituents,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As we officially designate Boston City Hall a Landmark, we honor its deep historical and cultural significance. This milestone serves as an affirmation of our commitment to preserving this space as a vital symbol of our democracy and a center for civic engagement. Our administration is proud to help the building evolve into a space that is accessible to the community while maintaining its historic character.”
The Boston City Hall, designed by Kallmann, McKinnell and Knowles, is a prime example of brutalist architecture. Completed in 1968, it immediately stood out from other prestigious buildings in the Boston area, which are typically iconic brownstones and brick buildings. With its integrated civic and public space it is a great example of 20th-century architecture and urban planning.
“As Chair of Planning, Development, and Transportation, I am proud to celebrate the designation of Boston City Hall as a Boston Landmark,” said City Councilor Sharon Durkan. “Since 1968, this building has stood as a bold architectural statement and a living symbol of transparency, innovation, and civic identity. This milestone honours not just its iconic design but the community it serves while challenging us to preserve its legacy and reimagine its role for future generations. (…) Boston City Hall is more than a building—it’s a catalyst for civic engagement and a home for those who serve our great city.”
In 2021, a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) funded by the Getty Foundation was completed regarding the future of the Boston City Hall. That plan suggested to protect the building’s architectural integrity, while making sure the building would continue to be used by implementing some accessibility measures.
“I appreciate that this landmark designation will not prevent necessary upgrades to improve access for people with disabilities. City Hall was constructed with architectural barriers that would not be present if it were built today, so accessibility upgrades will remain a key priority moving forward,” said Disability Commissioner Kristen McCosh.
The designation of the city hall as a landmark will most certainly be celebrated during the upcoming historic preservation conference Preserving the Recent Past 4, which will take place between 19 and 22 March. The event will be organised by the Historic Preservation Education Foundation and the Boston Architectural College.
