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When construction for the Central Artery began in 1952, the area of the North End encompassing Beverly Street experienced some big changes. Entire buildings were torn down, parking lots and garages were demolished, and streets were rerouted. The Environmental Impact Statement on the Central Artery stated that in regards to Beverly Street, one of the "permanent takings" that would occur would be the demolition of the Bev. Street lot, which lied directly under the location of the Central Artery. This was noted to occur in the third year of construction, meaning it was a priority to the planners. Additionally, the statement also focused on the construction of the Third Harbor Tunnel, which was noted to affect telephone ducts and a water supply system in the vicinity of Beverly Street. In the photo to the left, we can see a building being completely torn down in preparation for the construction of the Central Artery.
To the right, we can see a close up of part of the image above. This allows us to understand the direct impact that this major construction project had on some of these businesses. Peck and Hills Furniture was regarded as a "prestigious and famous" department store in Downtown Boston, so it is very unfortunate to see the words "buildings coming down, forced to vacate". It leads one to think that these successful businesses were being forcefully displaced for this large construction project.
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