Purchase Street Within Boston 

This article on the right was by local intelligence after an election in 1872, and it highlights what questions were voted on in the ballot in Boston. One of the questions that was voted on was whether or not Purchase Street should be widened which would include the building of 197-273 Purchase. There was a clear demand for widening the street and people such as M. A. Ring, E.B. Phillips, and John J. May had to present their cases to commissioners. Previously the street was very narrow and made of brick as seen in some of the pictures, but this widening would cause significant damage to the buildings. This was said to be paid for by government grants. This example continues to show the impact of displacement by the government.

 Looking at the two maps before and after 1872, there is a slight visible difference in the thickness of the street, but there are some changes and development to the building across the street from 197 Purchase.

As shown, there is much more development and a defined sidewalk side of the building, but the street does look a bit wider and much more accustomed for commuting as well as other resources for the companies in the building such as shipping. These buildings were all in the leather district and were commercial, this wider street could now accommodate for transportation of products and materials.