19-47 Commercial Street

Ben C.

The building

Located across from the bustling Quincy Market, the my parcel consists of seven different store fronts with multiple floors above used as storage and residences. The height of the buildings range from 5 to 7 stories depending on the section of the parcel. It is generally made from brick using fireproof construction and has stone facade. Additionally, according to the maps there are 5 elevators placed throughout the buildings. The first floor of the parcel's buildings primarily hosted retail stores, and its central location in the market district gave it a unique opportunity to be a part of Boston's mercantile history.

A view of the Custom House Tower from Commercial Street. Building of interest is located to the left of the tower in the photo. Photo shows building having curved edges, 5 stories, signs of businesses, and awnings on the first floor.

View of Custom House Tower from Clinton Street and Commercial Street (left of Custom House)

A birds eye view of Quincy Market and the building of interest across the street. The roofline is the primary focus of the image, showing its irregularity. Street is also very congested with cars.

Quincy Market showing Commercial Street (right of Quincy Market)

(Maps From Atlascope)

Changes Through the years

Located across from the busy Quincy Market, 19-47 Commercial Street had very limited noticeable changes from 1882 to 1938 on the maps. There weren't any map changes up until the building was demolished for the Central Artery. As noted on the maps, recorded changes primarily accounted for changes of ownership over the years.

Explore the parcel through the years here! 

Want to learn more?

References:

Atlas of the City of Boston, Mass, Philadelphia : G.W. Bromley & Co., 1888 Bromley, Atlascope Boston, Norman B. Leventhal Map

& Education Center at the Boston Public Library

Atlas of the City of Boston, Philadelphia : G.W. Bromley & Co., 1902 Bromley, Atlascope Boston, Norman B. Leventhal Map

& Education Center at the Boston Public Library

Atlas of the City of Boston, Philadelphia : G.W. Bromley & Co., 1917 Bromley, Atlascope Boston, Norman B. Leventhal Map

& Education Center at the Boston Public Library

Atlas of the City of Boston, Philadelphia : G.W. Bromley & Co., 1938 Bromley, Atlascope Boston, Norman B. Leventhal Map

& Education Center at the Boston Public Library

Insurance Maps of Boston, New York : Sanborn Map & Publishing Co., 1882 Sanborn, Atlascope Boston, Norman B. Leventhal Map

& Education Center at the Boston Public Library

Jones, Leslie. Quincy Market Showing Commercial Street. July 2, 1928. Photograph. Boston Public Library. 

Favor, Warren E. View of Custom House Tower from Clinton Street and Commercial Street, Boston. 1946. Photograph. Boston Public Library.

 

(Photos above their respective links are cited on their respective page)