Prudential Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prudential Tower |
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Vertical panoramic view of the Prudential Tower
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| Record height | |
| Tallest in Boston from 1964 to 1976 | |
| Preceded by | Custom House Tower |
| Surpassed by | John Hancock Tower |
| General information | |
| Type | Office, Observation, Restaurant, Retail |
| Location | 800 Boylston Street Boston, Massachusetts 02199 |
| Coordinates | 42°20′49.78″N 71°04′57.08″W / 42.3471611°N 71.0825222°W |
| Construction started | 1960 |
| Completed | 1964 |
| Height | |
| Antenna spire | 907 feet (276 m) |
| Roof | 749 feet (228 m) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 52 |
| Floor area | 1.2 million square feet (111,484 m2) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | The Luckman Partnership |
| Developer | Boston Properties |
The Prudential Tower, often called the Pru, is a very tall building in Boston, Massachusetts. It's a famous skyscraper with a modern look. The Pru is part of a bigger area called the Prudential Center.
This building is currently the second-tallest in Boston. Only the John Hancock Tower is taller. The Prudential Tower was finished in 1964. It has 52 floors and stands about 749 feet (228 meters) tall. If you include its radio antenna, it reaches 907 feet (276 meters) into the sky! It has lots of offices and shops inside.
Contents
The Pru's History
Building a Boston Landmark
Construction on the Prudential Tower started in 1960. When it was finished in 1964, it was a huge deal! It became the tenth tallest building in the world. It was also the tallest building in North America outside of New York City.
The Pru took the title of Boston's tallest building from the Custom House Tower. That tower had been the tallest for 59 years! It also became the tallest building in all of New England.
A Friendly Rivalry
The new Prudential Tower was much taller than the John Hancock Financial building nearby. This inspired John Hancock to build their own even taller tower. The John Hancock Tower was completed in 1975. It is slightly taller than the Pru.
The Pru Today
Today, many other tall buildings have been built in Boston. The Prudential Tower is still one of the most important buildings in the city. Along with the John Hancock Tower and the Four Seasons Hotel, it helps define the Back Bay skyline.
Who Owns the Prudential Tower?
The Prudential Center complex, including the tower, is owned by Boston Properties. The building was originally built by Prudential Financial. They used it as an investment.
Later, Prudential Financial sold many of its properties, including the Boston Prudential Center. However, they made sure to keep the right to use the "Prudential" name and signs on the building. This is why you still see the Prudential name proudly displayed. Many companies have offices here. Some big tenants include Ropes & Gray, Partners HealthCare, and Accenture.
Cool Features and Design
Lighting Up the Sky
The Prudential Tower has a fun tradition of lighting its windows. This started in 1964 to support local charities. Now, the lights often show support for Boston's sports teams!
For example, during the Stanley Cup playoffs, the windows might spell "GO B's" for the Boston Bruins. During important World Series games, they might spell "GO SOX" for the Boston Red Sox. It takes a lot of work to create these messages. It uses many window lights and special panels.
In 2013, after the Boston Marathon bombing, the city asked the tower to light up with the number "1". This was to support The One Fund Boston. It was a powerful message seen from Boylston Street.
In recent years, the top of the tower has been lit with light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These lights can create almost any color. They are used for special events and to support different causes.
The Prudential Center Complex
The Prudential Tower is the main part of the Prudential Center. This large complex covers 23 acres in the Back Bay neighborhood. It includes a big shopping mall at the base of the tower. Locals often call the whole area "the Pru."
The complex also has other tall buildings, like 111 Huntington Avenue. The Hynes Convention Center is connected to the Pru. There's also a Sheraton Hotel and the Mandarin Oriental, Boston hotel. In 2016, a new office building, 888 Boylston Street, completed the complex.
You can easily get to the Prudential Center using Boston's public transport, the MBTA. There are direct indoor connections to the Prudential and Back Bay stations. Back Bay station also serves Amtrak trains.
The Prudential Center is a starting point for the Boston Duck Tours. These are popular tours that take you around the city in a special vehicle that can also go in the water! In 2016, a large Eataly store opened here, offering Italian food and products.
Amazing Views from the Top
For many years, the 50th floor of the Prudential Tower had an observation deck called the "Skywalk." It offered the highest public views in New England. There was also a restaurant called Top of the Hub on the 52nd floor. It was famous for its live jazz, delicious food, and incredible city views. Many people went there for special occasions.
In June 2023, the top three floors reopened as "View Boston." This new attraction has an enclosed observation deck and a gift shop on the 52nd floor. The 51st floor features a bar and an outdoor observation deck. On the 50th floor, there's a bistro where you can enjoy a meal with a view.
Antenna and Broadcasts
The tall mast on top of the Prudential Tower is very important. It holds antennas for several FM radio stations. These stations include WZLX 100.7, WWBX 104.1, WMJX 106.7, and WXKS-FM 107.9. Other stations like WBOS 92.9, WBQT 96.9, and WROR-FM 105.7 also use the tower. These antennas help broadcast radio signals across the area.
Companies in the Pru
Many different companies have offices in the Prudential Center. Here are some of them:
- Accenture
- Advent International
- Boston Properties
- Eversource Energy
- Federal Home Loan Banks
- Gordon Brothers
- Heidrick & Struggles
- MFS Investment Management
- Partners HealthCare
- Regus
- Robins Kaplan LLP
- Ropes & Gray
- SAS
- Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.
- Savills
- Wayfair
- Willis Towers Watson
See also
In Spanish: Prudential Tower para niños
- Prudential Center
- List of tallest buildings in Boston
