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Landmarks Commission

We preserve Boston’s historic buildings and places, through protective designation and design review.

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The Landmarks Commission is Boston’s historic preservation agency. We perform a wide range of preservation planning and cultural resource management functions. 

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Contact
1 City Hall Square
Room 709
Boston , MA  02201
United States
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Spotlight

Historic District Approval Placard
All approved work in the South End Landmark District now requires applicants to display the approval on site.
Photographing Windows for Applications
Applications to the Landmarks Commission are often delayed due to insufficient documentation of window work. To help you understand what we need for a complete application, we have created a guide on how to document existing windows.
Welcome, Mary Cirbus!
Please give a warm welcome to our newest preservation planner, Mary.

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maps
Search a map of historic landmarks and districts
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How to apply for Boston Landmarks design review
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How to file for Article 85 Demolition Delay
neighborhoods
Landmarks/Historic Districts review process (see districts below)
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Designating landmarks in Boston
calendar
2020 public hearing dates
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Landmarks common questions and answers
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Landmarks Map

View the City of Boston's Landmarks and historic districts.
Show Map

Historic Districts in Boston

Historic Districts

Aberdeen Architectural Conservation District

Brighton
The Aberdeen Architectural Conservation District was designated in 2001.

Back Bay Architectural District

Back Bay
The Back Bay Architectural District was established in 1966 and expanded in 1974, 1979, and 1981.

Bay State Road/Back Bay West Area Architectural Conservation District

Back Bay
The Bay State Road/Back Bay West Architectural Conservation District was designated in 1979.

Bay Village Historic District

Bay Village
The Bay Village Historic District was d esignated in 1983.

Beacon Hill Architectural District

Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill Architectural District was established in 1955, and expanded in 1958 and 1963.

Fort Point Channel Landmark District

South Boston
The Fort Point Channel Landmark District was designated in 2009.

Mission Hill Triangle Architectural Conservation District

Mission Hill
The Mission Hill Triangle Architectural Conservation District was designated in 1985.

South End Landmark District

South End
The South End Landmark District was designated in 1983.

St. Botolph Architectural Conservation District

Fenway/Kenmore
The Saint Botolph Architectural Conservation District was designated in 1981.

Archaeology

We promote and preserve Boston's many archaeological resources through curation, excavation, and education.

Learn about Archaeology

Article 85 news

Article 85
19 Blueview Circle

Demolition Delay application: 19 Blueview Circle, West Roxbury

Landmarks Commission
4 Payne Street

Demolition Delay Application: 4 Payne Street, Dorchester

Landmarks Commission
18-22 West Third Street, 30-40 West Third Street, 42-44 West Third Street

Demolition Delay Application: 18-22 West Third Street, 30-40 West Third Street, 42-44 West Third Street

Landmarks Commission
34 Rossmore Road

Demolition Delay Application: 34 Rossmore Road, Jamaica Plain

Landmarks Commission
More Landmarks news

About us

The Landmarks Commission (BLC) and the nine local historic district commissions are comprised of volunteers nominated by professional organizations and neighborhood groups. Find specifics about commissioner appointments in the Landmarks Commission's enabling legislation, and in each district's study report. All commissioners must be appointed by the Mayor and also require City Council confirmation. BLC staff support the commissions' work.

The BLC and City Archaeology Program are part of the City of Boston Environment Department, within the Environment, Energy and Open Space Cabinet.  Learn about how we work to protect Boston’s historic resources. Or go straight to the complete schedule of applications due by and hearing dates for all commissions.

Public hearings and meetings

Hearings
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Dec 10

Bay Village Historic District Commission

Image for Boston Landmarks Commission hearing 12/10/2019
Dec 10

Boston Landmarks Commission hearing 12/10/2019

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Dec 10

Bay State Road/Back Bay West Area Architectural Conservation District Commission

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Dec 11

Back Bay Architectural Commission

Search public notices

More help

Information about the Design Review process, Landmarking, Demolition (Article 85), Study Reports and more.
Landmarking process
Landmarking process
Designating a Local Landmark in Boston.
How we review proposed changes to Landmarked properties
How we review proposed changes to Landmarked properties
Each Landmark and District has unique guidelines.
Research and technical assistance
Research and technical assistance
Find out about historic buildings and sustainability
How to file for Article 85 demolition delay
How to file for Article 85 demolition delay
Zoning Code governing demolition in Boston.
Landmark study reports
Landmark study reports
Provide historical background, guide future change for designated landmarks.
Status of Petitions - October 2018
Status of Petitions - October 2018
Landmark petitions list

Meet the Team

Team

Current members

Member Appointed Expires Status
Lynn Smiledge 11/27/2017 6/30/2020 Active
David Berarducci 11/27/2017 6/30/2020 Active
Thomas Hotaling 11/27/2017 6/30/2020 Active
John Amodeo 2/22/2016 6/30/2018 Holdover
Richard Yeager 10/22/2015 6/30/2018 Holdover
Susan Goganian 10/22/2015 6/30/2018 Holdover
John Freeman 2/22/2016 6/30/2018 Holdover
Christopher Hart 10/22/2015 6/30/2018 Holdover
Felicia Jacques 11/27/2017 6/30/2019 Holdover
Diana Parcon 11/27/2017 6/30/2020 Active
Richard Henderson 9/23/2016 6/30/2019 Holdover
Bradford Walker 2/22/2016 6/30/2017 Holdover
Lindsey Mac Jones 9/23/2016 6/30/2019 Holdover
Kirsten Hoffman 11/27/2017 6/30/2019 Holdover
Jeffrey Gonyeau 10/22/2018 6/30/2021 Active

Commission information

Department:
Environment Dept
Authority:
City
Term:
3 years
Stipend:
$0.00
Total Seats:
18
Resources:
Enabling legislation
Boards and commissions information
We have openings:
Apply online