Bay Village Historic District walking tour
The walking tour is led by Joseph Cornish, the Director of Design Review at the Boston Landmarks Commission.
Prior to 1825, the Bay Village area consisted of mudflats created by Back Bay tides. Once construction of a dam was authorized and the land drained, construction began almost immediately. Early deeds restricted height and construction materials, and as a result, the major streets tend to be visually similar; red brick was the building material of choice, often with a granite foundation.
Most Bay Village buildings were constructed between 1825 and 1899 and represent a variety of architectural styles, ranging from Federal to Greek Revival to Victorian. In addition there are examples of Art Deco buildings found in the neighborhood. The Bay Village Historic District was created in 1983 to preserve this unique Boston neighborhood.
The free tour begins at the Eliot Norton Park, at Charles Street South and Tremont Street.