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Published on January 24, 2025
Boston City Hall Designated as Historic Landmark, Ensuring Preservation of Brutalist ArchitectureSource: Google Street View

Mayor Michelle Wu, along with the Boston Landmarks Commission, has designated City Hall as a historic landmark, ensuring the preservation of its Brutalist design. Built in 1968, Boston City Hall has been a significant part of the city’s public and architectural life for over 50 years. Mayor Wu stated, "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," according to the City of Boston.

City Hall’s conservation is guided by the 2021 Conservation Management Plan, funded by the Getty Foundation, which ensures the building's preservation. The building’s landmark status is secure, with any changes requiring review by the Boston Landmarks Commission. City Councilor Sharon Durkan stated, "This milestone honors not just its iconic design but the community it serves while challenging us to preserve its legacy and reimagine its role for future generations." Kathy Kottaridis, Director of Historic Preservation, said, "This decision ensures that the building will continue to inspire and serve future generations while adapting to meet the needs of a modern, vibrant Boston," as reported by the City of Boston.

Mayor Wu's administration has designated 25 landmarks in Boston, focusing on preserving the city's architectural diversity. Eamon Shelton, Commissioner of Property Management, discussed balancing historic value with modern needs, while Disability Commissioner Kristen McCosh noted improvements in accessibility. The Preserving the Recent Past 4 conference, scheduled for March 2025, will open at Boston City Hall, recently designated as a landmark. The Office of Historic Preservation manages over 8,000 protected properties, supporting both sustainability and inclusivity, as stated by the City of Boston.