Back Bay Architectural District
The Back Bay Architectural District was established in 1966 and expanded in 1974, 1979, and 1981.
The Back Bay Architectural District Commission (BBAC) meets the second Wednesday of each month to review proposed exterior design changes and alterations. Find out about the commissioner nomination process in the district's original enabling legislation. Interested in becoming a commissioner? Please check the commission information section at the bottom of this page. If you see an "apply online" button, we have an opening on the commission and you're able to apply for it.
Design Review Process
All proposed exterior work is subject to the review of the BBAC. You must submit a Design Approval Application to the Commission and it must be approved by the Commission before beginning any exterior work.
- To save time and costs, contact staff early in the planning process to determine project compliance with guidelines.
- Review all instructions and documentation requirements before submitting your application to ensure it is complete. Only complete applications will be added to a public hearing agenda.
- Submit your application well in advance of a filing deadline in case it is marked incomplete and additional or revised information needs to be submitted.
- Staff is not available to review applications for completeness immediately upon submittal.
- Do not begin any work, or buy materials until after you have received confirmation your project has been approved.
History
The Back Bay was originally a tidal body of water, used for mill operations. In the mid-19th century extensive landfilling began, resulting in over 450 acres of usable land by the 1880s. The Back Bay was an early planned fashionable residential district, based on Baron Haussmann’s plans to remake Paris. As the tidal flats were slowly filled in, beginning at the edge of the Public Garden and extending westward, residential construction advanced on filled-in lots as they became available. As a result, Back Bay, when viewed in block sequence, illustrates the changing tastes and stylistic evolution of American architecture over the course of the mid- to late 19th and early 20th centuries. Commercial development started on Boylston Street around 1880, and on Newbury Street in the early 20th century, in some cases adapting existing row houses. You can learn more about Back Bay through this brochure on the history of the area.
- BBAC Agenda December 2018
- BBAC Agenda November 2018
- BBAC Agenda October 2018
- BBAC Agenda September 2018
- BBAC Agenda August 2018
- BBAC Agenda July 2018
- BBAC Agenda June 2018
- BBAC Agenda May 2018
- BBAC Agenda April 2018
- BBAC Agenda March 2018
- BBAC Agenda February 2018
- BBAC Agenda January 2018
- BBAC Agenda December 2017
- BBAC Agenda November 2017
- BBAC Agenda October 2017
- BBAC Agenda September 2017
- BBAC Agenda August 2017
- BBAC Agenda July 2017
- BBAC Agenda June 2017
- BBAC Agenda May 2017
- BBAC Agenda April 2017
- BBAC Agenda March 2017
- BBAC Agenda February 2017
- BBAC Agenda January 2017
- BBAC Agenda December 2016
- BBAC Agenda November 2016
- BBAC Agenda October 2016
- BBAC Violations Committee Agenda September 2016
- BBAC Agenda September 2016
- BBAC Agenda August 2016
- BBAC Agenda July 2016
- BBAC Agenda June 2016
- BBAC Agenda May 2016 REVISED
- BBAC Agenda April 2016
- BBAC Agenda March 2016 REVISED
- BBAC Agenda February 2016 REVISED
- BBAC Agenda January 2016
2015 BBAC Agendas
- BBAC Agenda January 2015
- BBAC Agenda February 2015
- BBAC Agenda March 2015
- BBAC Agenda April 2015
- BBAC Agenda May 2015
- BBAC Agenda June 2015
- BBAC Agenda July 2015 Amended
- BBAC Agenda August 2015
- BBAC Agenda September 2015
- BBAC Agenda October 2015
- BBAC Agenda November 2015
- BBAC Agenda December 2015 REVISED
2014 BBAC Agendas
Member | Appointed | Expires | Status |
---|---|---|---|
John Christiansen | 10/16/2015 | 12/31/2018 | Holdover |
Jane Moss | 10/16/2015 | 12/31/2019 | Active |
Iphigenia Demetriades | 2/12/2016 | 12/31/2018 | Holdover |
Kathleen Connor | 9/26/2013 | 12/31/2016 | Holdover |
Patricia Quinn | 10/16/2015 | 12/31/2018 | Holdover |
Alex Stevens, Jr | 7/22/2013 | 12/31/2017 | Holdover |
Kenneth Tutunjian | 10/18/2011 | 12/31/2014 | Holdover |
David Eisen | 10/15/2013 | 12/31/2014 | Holdover |
David Sampson | 5/24/2016 | 12/31/2020 | Active |
Robert Weintraub | 5/24/2016 | 12/31/2021 | Active |
Lisa Saunders | 5/24/2016 | 12/31/2021 | Active |