Peter Fuller Building
The Peter Fuller Building is a five-story structure on Commonwealth Avenue in Brookline designed by architect Albert Kahn in 1927 with classical revival details and a striking limestone facade. Large windows and symmetrical stonework reflect its original purpose as a prestigious automobile showroom meant to display luxury vehicles.
Built in 1927 as a Cadillac showroom under Peter D. Fuller's leadership during Commonwealth Avenue's height as an automobile sales district, the building operated for decades before the dealership closed in 1978 due to rising operational costs. Boston University acquired it in 1979 and adapted it for educational and student activities while maintaining its architectural integrity.
The Peter Fuller Building once served as a showcase for Cadillac sales and represented the street's role as a hub for luxury automobiles and status symbols. Today it functions as a gathering space for Boston University students, with its historic stonework still evoking memories of the era when automobile showrooms defined the neighborhood's character.
The building sits on Commonwealth Avenue in Brookline near the southern end of the BU Bridge, making it easy to locate and visible from different directions along the street. Access to interior spaces may vary depending on current university events and activities, so visitors should check in advance for visiting opportunities.
The building was designed by Albert Kahn, an architect primarily known for designing factories and industrial plants across the Midwest, making this automobile showroom an unusual and noteworthy exception in his portfolio. This rare commercial project demonstrates Kahn's versatility in creating impressive structures beyond his typical industrial work.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
