Sears' Crescent and Sears' Block, Federal and Italianate commercial buildings in Government Center, Boston, United States.
Sears' Crescent and Sears' Block are two neighboring commercial buildings with contrasting materials and heights along Cornhill Street in the Government Center. The Crescent rises six stories in red brick while the Block spans four stories in gray granite, creating a visually distinct pair from the street.
The Crescent was built in 1816 and the Block in 1848, making them among the last surviving structures from the original Cornhill Street configuration. They mark two different building eras within Boston's commercial development.
The buildings show how Boston's commercial architecture changed over time, blending Federal-era design with later Italian influences visible in their facades. Walking past them, you notice how different building styles from different periods exist side by side on the same street.
The buildings sit along Cornhill Street near City Hall Plaza in the Government Center district, making them easily walkable to visit. Both structures are clearly visible from the street, allowing you to observe their architectural details without needing special access.
The Block displays an oversized cast iron tea kettle sign from 1873 that was originally made for the Oriental Tea Company. This restored landmark sign remains one of the earliest surviving commercial advertisements still visible on the buildings.
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