Historic Resources: Boston's First "Innovation District"? The Bulfinch Triangle Story

As Boston's first professionally planned district, the area now known as the "Bulfinch Triangle" was transformed from a 17th-century millpond into a multifarious neighborhood via a fascinating and circuitous journey. From its conception in 1808, the neighborhood has experienced many ups and downs; only in the last few years has Charles Bulfinch's original vision of a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood finally come into fruition.

Early in his career, architect (and current HRC Chairman) Jack Glassman worked for two summers and four years on Canal Street -- the heart of the Bulfinch Triangle district -- as the old "furniture district" gave way to professional offices. As a BRA Senior Architect, he was subsequently responsible for project design review in the district, and contributed to planning and rezoning efforts. For our first Historic Resources Committee meeting in 2020, Jack will share research materials in development for his "Bulfinch Triangle Story," which began as illustrated tour notes he prepared for the January 2017 American Institute of Architectural Students (AIAS) annual conference.

1.5 LU AIA credits are available