941–955 Boylston Street facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 941–955 Boylston Street |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Richardsonian Romanesque |
| Town or city | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 42°20′53″N 71°05′08″W / 42.34806°N 71.08566°W |
| Completed | 1887 |
| Client | City of Boston |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Arthur H. Vinal |
The building at 941–955 Boylston Street in the Back Bay area of Boston, Massachusetts, is a very special place. It was designed in 1886 by Arthur H. Vinal, who was the city's architect back then. This building was the first in Boston to combine a fire station and a police station! Built in 1887, it shows off a cool design style called Richardsonian Romanesque. This style was popular at the time. The building is so important that the Boston Landmarks Commission has named it a Boston Landmark.
Contents
A Historic Building's Purpose
This building was built for two important city services. It housed both firefighters and police officers. This was a new idea for Boston in the late 1800s.
The Fire Station Today
The fire station part of the building is at 941 Boylston Street. It is still very active today! It is home to the Boston Fire Department Engine Company 33 and Ladder Company 15. These brave firefighters help keep Boston safe every day.
The Police Station's Journey
The police station part was at 955 Boylston Street. It was home to the Boston Police Department Division 16. This division served the community until 1976. After that, the building found new life. From 1976 to 2007, it became the home of the Institute of Contemporary Art. This is a museum that shows modern art. In 2007, the Boston Architectural College bought the building. They paid about $7.22 million for it.
There was a courtyard between the two main buildings. This courtyard led to stables. These stables were used by both the fire department and the police. They kept horses there for their work. Later, the police division added a small building next to their station.
Over time, things changed. Police started using cars instead of horses. Because of this, smaller police divisions, like Division 16, joined together into bigger ones. This led to the police station closing in 1976. The building was then used for other purposes.
Remembering Heroes
On the front of the building, facing Boylston Street, there are special plaques. These plaques honor four Boston firefighters. They died while doing their duty to protect the city. Their names are Cornelius J. Noonan (who passed away in 1938), Richard F. Concannon (1961), Richard B. Magee (1972), and Stephen F. Minehan (1994). These plaques help us remember their bravery and sacrifice.
