Back Bay Developed and Shaped
In 1856, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts decided to fill in the Back Bay and to construct a new neighborhood on top of the wasteland. In 1881, the Back Bay was busy getting formed. Once it was completed, it quickly developed into Boston’s premier arts and culture center. Copley Square was referred to as Art Square. The Museum of Fine Arts was originally located in Back Bay. Construction of the Boston Public Library, the nation’s first branch library, was completed that same year.
228 Commonwealth Avenue
At the same time, the Back Bay neighborhood was being shaped and formed as we know it today. Architects were busy building throughout Back Bay. Many architects in Boston are responsible for more than one building we see today. 228 Commonwealth is no exception. It was built by George A. Avery in 1881-1882. George A. Avery was the same architect of several other Back Bay Buildings, like 230-232 Commonwealth, around the same time. Charles Wallingford Parker had both 228 and 230 Commonwealth Avenue built.
He kept 228 Commonwealth Avenue as his primary home and eventually sold 230 Commonwealth Avenue. Charles was not new to Boston. Prior to moving to Back Bay, he and his wife called South End home on 33 Worcester Square. Charles Parker was president of Macular Parker and Co, a retail clothing store. They had four children and called 228 Commonwealth Avenue home until Charles’s death in January 1915. Charles’s Second wife later purchased the home on September 5th, 1917.
It changed hands over the following years. 1923-1938 John L Dion owned the property, used 228 Commonwealth Avenue as a lodging house and remained a lodging house. A severe fire on February 17, 1943, damaged the property. The home exchanged hands in the next several years but remained vacant and suffered a second fire.
In 1946, Louis Theran purchased the home, received permission to repair it, and converted it into ten apartments. The top story was completed and remodeled. The Building had a new brick facade, and the entrance was modernized. The property exchanged hands a few more times, and eventually, on January 22nd, 1981, it was converted into Condominiums.
228 Commonwealth Present Day
228 Commonwealth is still a condominium, and Back Bay is still a cultural destination. The Back Bay now has world-class hotels, shops, dining facilities, and many ways to enjoy the arts. Units in the building still offer the Charm you would expect living in Back Bay, but many units offer modern touches you would find in condominiums available for rent. If you want information about available rentals or are considering buying in this building, contact me. There is currently a fantastic Rental on the market, furnished or unfurnished, short or long-term.
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