Boston City Hall may not be easy on the eyes, but it’s hardly the ugliest building in town. Consider the leading candidates for that title
By ADAM REILLY | August 1, 2007
1) 575–585 COMM AVE, BOSTON.
BU dorm belongs in Tirana. |  |
2) JFK FEDERAL BUILDING, 15 NEW SUDBURY STREET, BOSTON.
Looks both deserted and structurally unsound; makes City Hall seem worse than it really is. |  |
3) WILLIAM JAMES HALL, 33 KIRKLAND STREET, CAMBRIDGE.
Architectural come-uppance for the 02138 set. |  |
4) 790 BOYLSTON AVENUE (PRUDENTIAL CENTER), BOSTON.
Ugly-upscale residences conveniently located near ugly-upscale shopping. |  |
5) CHARLES F. HURLEY BUILDING, 19 STANIFORD STREET, BOSTON.
City Hall’s uglier twin; walls resemble matted fur. |  |
6) SAKS FIFTH AVENUE, 750 BOYLSTON AVENUE (PRUDENTIAL CENTER), BOSTON.
Remarkably homely upscale department store. |  |
7) HOWARD JOHNSON FENWAY, 1271 BOYLSTON AVENUE, BOSTON.
Imminent demise for Fenway redevelopment gives its ugliness a wistful tinge. |  |
8) 330 BEACON STREET, BOSTON.
Dreary apartments. Where was the Back Bay Architectural Commission when we needed them? |  |
9) 867 BOYLSTON AVENUE, BOSTON.
The first floor’s fine; it’s floors two through six of this indeterminately purposed building that hurt to look at. |  |
10) 42 LOMASNEY WAY, BOSTON
In theory, this four-story apartment building is a solitary reminder of the once-vibrant West End; in reality, it’s depressing and annoying. | Not pictured |
Photos by Rebecca Kate Prettyman
Edifice complex: Tom Menino has already remade Boston’s skyline. Now he wants to pack up City Hall and move it to Southie. Can anyone stop him?
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Topics:
News Features
, Politics, Tom Menino, Bay Architectural Commission
