160 Commonwealth Ave
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 247-3961
Fax: (617) 247-3387
info@nabbonline.org

Architecture

Photo: © 2008 Penny Cherubino, all rights reserved

NABB’s Architecture Committee reviews projects that impact the architecture and streetscapes of the Back Bay Historic District. The committee’s main purpose is to provide input to the Back Bay Architectural Commission (BBAC), a city commission that has jurisdiction over any exterior changes to buildings in the Back Bay.

At its monthly meeting, the committee hears presentations and discusses the significant applications scheduled to appear before the BBAC that month. Although the committee has no regulatory power itself, it does provide input to the BBAC and useful feedback to applicants as to the appropriateness of their proposals. The committee’s position is reported to the applicant and then to the BBAC at its monthly meeting.

The committee’s goal is to influence the applicant’s proposal and the decisions made by the BBAC to improve the residential quality of life and preserve the Historic District. Although the committee’s main focus is on reviewing BBAC applications, it is also concerned with other proposals that have architectural or visual impact on the District.

Membership in the Architecture Committee is open to any member of NABB who resides in the Back Bay. Although sensitivity to the architectural quality of the district is important, no expertise is necessary.

View a list of books on architecture in Boston and the Back Bay.
An overview of Boston’s historic districts http://www.cityofboston.gov/environment/historic.asp
The website of the Back Bay Architectural Commission: http://www.cityofboston.gov/landmarks/historic/backbay.asp The website contains a brief history of the Back Bay, a map of the district, the Back Bay Architectural Commission’s Residential and Business Guidelines, and application information and forms. Any exterior changes to a building in the Back Bay need to be approved by the Back Bay Architectural Commission. Start here if you are contemplating making any exterior architectural changes to a Back Bay building.
Introduction to the Back Bay Architectural Commission, by Sue Prindle and Susie Shafer, Co-chairs, NABB Architecture Committee.
The Back Bay Architectural Commission’s enabling legislation, chapter 625 of the Acts of 1966, as amended.

For a genealogical history of Back Bay’s houses – information about who lived in them and how they were used over the decades – go to the website Back Bay Houses. Launched in 2014, the website is the culmination of ten years of research to identify who lived in (and, if possible, who owned) each Back Bay property. All you have to do is click on a property’s address to find out the names of the house’s prior residents (including wives’ unmarried names) and read a very high-level summary of what they did in the world. Voilà – Your instant Back Bay ancestors!