Richardson Block, Historic commercial building in Financial District, Boston, United States.
Richardson Block extends across Pearl Street and High Street as a series of connected commercial structures. The facades display Neo-Grec architectural elements in marble and other durable materials typical of 19th-century business buildings.
This structure rose in 1873, shortly after the Great Boston Fire of 1872 devastated much of the city. Builders incorporated salvaged granite and brick from earlier buildings on the site, creating a fire-resistant commercial structure.
This structure shows how Boston's business community rebuilt after disaster and established itself as a commercial center. The Neo-Grec details reflect the confidence and resources of merchants who invested in these solid, decorated buildings.
The structure sits easily located in Boston's Financial District between Pearl Street and High Street. You can view the exterior any time since it remains an active commercial building with shops and offices.
This building features marble in a Neo-Grec design, which was uncommon for a mercantile building of that era. The choice to invest in these expensive materials for a practical commercial space reflects the confidence and ambitions of those who built it.
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