Nomination for Compton Building

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) RECEI\0E/ 12280 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service 1284 NOV 25 2008 National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NAT. REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES NATIONAL PARK SERVICE This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the information requested. If any item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a).

Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items. 1. Name of Property historic name Compton Building other names/site number_ 2. Location street & number_ 159, 161-175 Devonshire Street, 18-20 Arch Street - _ not for publication city or town. Boston - vicinity state_ Massachusetts code_MA countySuffolk code 025 zip code 02110 3. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1986, as amended, I hereby certify that this M nomination - request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property M meets - does not meet the National Register Criteria.

I recommend that this property be considered significant Signature of certifying official/Title Massachusetts Historical Commission Brma Brona Simon, SHPO uon November 18,2008 Date State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property meets - does not meet the National Register criteria. (O See continuation sheet for additional Comments.) Signature of certifying official/Title Date State or Federal agency and bureau 4. Natjonal Park Service Certification 1, hereby certify that this property is: Ventered in the National Register - See continuation sheet. - determined eligible for the National Register - See continuation sheet. - determined not eligible for the National Register - removed from the National Register - other (explain): . Paoon D6. Beall Date of Action 12:31-08 Compton Building Name of Property 5.

Classification Ownership of Property (Check as many boxes as apply) x private -public-local - public-State - public-Federal Suffolk, MA County and State (Check only one box) x building(s) -district - site - structure -object Number of Resources within Property (Do not include previously listed resources in the count.) Noncontributing Contributing 1 _building _ sites - structures _ objects . Total 1 Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register 1 (International Trust Co. Bldg) 9/10/79 Name of related multiple property listing (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.) N/A 6. Function or Use Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) _Commerce and Trade/business Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions) Commerce and Trade/business/restaurant Domestic/hotel Z.

Description Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) LATE 19 and Early 20* Century Revival: Classical Revival Materials (Enter categories from instructions) foundationbrick walls_ brick roof other- rubber steel frame Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) NPS Form 10-900 OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Z Page 1 Compton Building Boston (Suffolk), MA Description The Compton Building at 161 Devonshire Street in downtown Boston is an eleven-story, seven-bay, early 20"-century Classical Revival skyscraper that occupies the full depth of the block between Devonshire and Arch Streets.

Designed in 1902-1903 by one of Boston's leading architectural firms, and executed in buff brick and light colored stone, with its tripartite arrangement of a two-story base, aseven-story midsection, and a two-story capital with Classical Revival detailing, it typifies the style then popular in the Financial District. Steel-frame skeleton construction, as developed and refined in Chicago, appeared in Boston in the 1890s under the guise of "palazzo skyscrapers," eight- to ten-story steel- frame elevator office buildings conservatively cloaked in the more traditional garb of the Renaissance Revival or Beaux Arts styles. The facades were generally organized into three parts, including an impressive, often rusticated, two or three- story base, a uniform honeycomb of upper-story offices, and a top section that displayed considerable exterior decoration.

The Devonshire Streetfaçade of the Compton Building has a two-story base featuring granite piers with simple capitals, metal triglyph spandrels over the first level, and a denticular stone cornice with a small circle above each pier over the second. The ornate main entry, in the seventh and rightmost bay, features the original enframement, including console brackets supporting a classically decorated entablature and a triangular pediment ornamented at the peak and corners with anthemion acroteria. A contemporary metal and glass marquee has been added for the hotel entrance. The door is modern brass-framed glass in two panels, the top panel longer than the lower. They are flanked by narrower marching sidelights and topped with three smaller decorative rectangular panels running the width of the entrance in the same tripartite division.

This ensemble is slightly inset within the original molded stone enframement with jambs featuring a vertical row of carved stone circles. A more traditional style metal marquee marks the entrance to the Elephant and Castle Pub, which has been inserted into the window enframement of the fifth bay. The modern restaurant doors are double, also with matching sidelights, slightly set back in a black metal enframement echoing the window treatment in the other bays. These are black metal framing large glass panels with elaborate etched patterns which are flanked by ornate metal lanterns. The original metal triglyph spandrels, carrying across this entrance as well as the other window bays, provide a unifying element on the first floor façade, broken only by the main entrance treatment. Below this original framework, windows have been replaced with compatible new elements.

The window in the sixth bay has three vertical glass panels with rectangular molded metal panels below and above; modern down lights are incorporated into the upper panel. Bays one through four incorporate the restaurant's long, narrow, six-pane windows, with the same panel design below and above. Here the granite piers hold cloth signage banners running vertically on the second level, above traditional metal light fixtures mounted between cloth awnings affixed over each of the windows. On the second level, under a band of connected, voussoir-shaped lintels executed in flat stone, windows follow the tripartite division with single large panes, but the enframements are more delicate in scale, giving a lighter appearance.

The third level has deeply articulated stone circular motifs on the top portion of the piers, which change from stone to the buff-colored brick at this level, and is topped by a Greek key frieze executed in stone. The windows are capped by a continuous band of stone with pediment-shaped vouissors set over the center of the openings. The paired 1/1 windows in bays two through six are separated with mullions enhanced with recessed panels below scroll brackets; the end bays house single, wider 1/1 windows. (continued) NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Compton Building Boston (Suffolk), MA Section number 7 Page 3 At the first-floor level, the first bay and sixth through eighth bays have utility entrances set unobtrusively in dark panels beneath the triglyph spandrels. Most of the first story is given over to the Elephant and Castle Pub, which occupies the second through sixth bays, treated much as on the other side. The rear entrance, in the third bay, is a single- panel, wood-framed glass door with a large square side window to the right, under an ornate metal and glass marquee similar to that on the front façade. Cloth awnings are once again centered between the piers at the second and fourth through sixth bays. A modern sign for the Pub is found in the second bay next to a vent, while the fourth and fifth bays each house four narrow windows.

Between this building and the adjacent International Trust Building at 45 Milk Street (NR 1979) is a blank walled connector building constructed in 1979-1980 to provide service access between the two buildings and additional space for elevators. In 1961, the Compton Building at 161 Devonshire was under the same ownership as the 5-story building at number 159 and the International Trust Building at 45 Milk Street, and a permit was granted to cut doors between them on one floor to provide a second means of egress for modern life safety code compliance for all three buildings.

The floor plates did not align, however, and in 1979-1981 the building at 159 Devonshire Street, or 18-20 Arch Street, was demolished, and a more efficient connector constructed between the International Trust Building and the Compton Building This new connector building replaced the earlier five-story building in the same footprint demolished in 1979. The parcel formerly occupied by the original 159 Devonshire Street (a/k/a 18-20 Arch Street) building has now been subdivided and the parts attached to the respective parcels of the adjoining buildings at 45 Milk Street and 161 Devonshire Street, which is the way the maps are drawn today. The portion of the connector combined with the 45 Milk Street parcel is also known as 18-20 Arch Street; the portion combined with the 161 Devonshire Street parcel is also known as 159 Devonshire Street.

While the connector building is owned in part by the owner of 159 Devonshire Street and in part by the owner of 45 Milk Street, the division is not physically manifested - it only exists on paper. Thus the connector building in its entirety is being nomination with 159 Devonshire Street. The only public entrance to the connector is at 18-20 Arch Street, in the 45 Milk Street portion and serves as an access to, and egress from, 45 Milk Street. The portion of the connector at 159 Devonshire Street, which is allocated to 161 Devonshire Street, contains the elevators and emergency egress stairs for the Compton Building, which are accessed at every floor via clearly marked doors.

The Devonshire Street façade of the connector is faced in large, cleanly joined sheets of light-colored concrete with a single utility entrance at the ground floor; the shallow sidewall of 161 Devonshire Street that meets it is clad in buff-colored brick. The Arch Street façade is similarly parged but in a dark gray color; at the ground floor a brass-framed glass door is clearly marked with the number "45" and the street address "45 Milk Street." As at the Devonshire Street façade, the shallow sidewall of 161 Devonshire Street is finished in buff brick. (continued) NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Compton Building Boston (Suffolk), MA Section number 7 Page _4 On the interior of the Compton Building, there is little evidence of the original finishes, and the first floor probably does not reflect the original configuration; although this is not known, the original uses suggest some type of manufacturer's showrooms.

(There is no building permit in Boston building department files, and the architect's drawings have not been located.) The first floor contains a small lobby inside the main entrance, with a separate lounge area behind it, both in restrained traditional décor featuring dark wood and white marble; while most of the space is occupied by the Elephant and Castle Pub, which is entered from the lobby as well as from entrances on both Devonshire and Arch Streets, and is decorated in an English pub motif, featuring dark wood and stained glass. The lobby also contains doors to the elevator, which is in the connector, and an emergency exit to the connector. The upper floors are devoted to hotel rooms flanking a central corridor, with a mix of offices and rooms on the second floor, which is presumably not very different from the original office configuration.

There are two basement levels used for utilities and storage, which are accessed by stairs from service areas off the lounge. (end) Compton Building Name of Property 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property for National Register listing.) XA Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. -B Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. x C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. -D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. Criteria Considerations (Mark "x" in all the boxes that apply.) Property is: _A owned by religious institution or used for religious purposes. _ B removed from its original location.

- C a birthplace or grave. _D a cemetery. -E a reconstructed building, object, or structure. -F a commemorative property. -Gless than 50years of age or achieved significance within the past 50years. Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) Suffolk, MA_ County and State Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions) Architecture Community Planning & Development Period of Significance 1902/3 - 1958 Significant Dates Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) Cultural Affiliation Architect/Builder Winslow and Bigelow 9.

The rest of the file

Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.

Major Bibliographical References (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.) Previous documentation on file (NPS): Primary location of additional data: - preliminary determination of individual listing (36 - State Historic Preservation Office CFR 67) has been requested - Other State agency -previously listed in the National Register - Federal agency - previously determined eligible by the National - Local government Register - University - designated a National Historic Landmark - Other -recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey Name of repository: # - recorded by Historic American Engineering Record #. NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 1 OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 Compton Building Boston (Suffolk) MA Statement of Significance Built in 1902-1903 to designs by Winslow and Bigelow, the Compton Building is architecturally significant, meeting Criterion C as the work of a prominent Boston firm and as an example of the turn-of-the-century steel frame skyscraper in Boston. Historically, the building meets Criterion A, signifying the continued growth of Boston's Financial District at the beginning of the 20th century and its transition from integration in the small-scale, mixed-use, 19* century downtown to a distinct district of tall, large-scale office buildings.

Despite a few exterior alterations, such as window replacement and added marquees, the building remains an intact example of the Classical Revival style applied to the tall office building, and it retains the location, design, setting, workmanship, materials, feeling, and association that define integrity. Winslow and Bigelow The firm known successively as Bradlee, Winslow & Wetherell, Winslow & Wetherell, and Winslow and Bigelow, was responsible for many buildings in Boston's downtown business district as it evolved after the Great Fire of 1872. Walter T. Winslow (1843-1909) and Henry Forbes Bigelow (1867-1929) maintained a partnership from 1901-1908, during which time the Compton Building was built. Walter Thatcher Winslow, A.I.A., was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on February 13, 1843, and died in Boston on January 31, 1909.

He was educated at a private school near Boston and then entered the office of the Boston architect Nathaniel J. Bradlee. Winslow completed his studies in Paris, and subsequently became Bradlee's junior partner, along with George H. Wetherell (1854-1930). The Baker Chocolate mill complex was designed by this partnership. After Bradlee's death, Winslow practiced from 1888 to 1898 with Wetherell as Winslow & Wetherell. Henry Forbes Bigelow, F.A.I.A, was born in Clinton, Massachusetts on May 12, 1867, and died on August 12, 1929 at his summer home in Beverly Farms, Massachusetts. After graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1888, Bigelow studied in Europe, then joined Winslow & Wetherell.

The Steinert Hall office, showroom, and concert hall complex with a Beaux-Arts façade on Boylston Street (1896), and the Procter Building on Bedford Street (1897) are two existing works by the firm. Winslow & Wetherell was also well known for its large hotels and commercial buildings. One hotel, the Touraine, completed in 1897, was a project in which Bigelow participated. Bigelow became a partner in the firm in 1898, and from 1898 to 901, the firm's name was Winslow, Wetherell & Bigelow. The Classical Revival/Beaux Arts building at 79-99 South Street (which, together with the Lincoln Building at 66-86 Lincoln Street forms the current Lincoln Plaza), designed in 1899 by Winslow, Wetherell & Bigelow, is particularly distinctive for its steel framing; it is one of only three such structures in the Leather District designed and built prior to 1900.

Upon Wetherell's retirement, the firm then became Winslow & Bigelow. The National Shawmut Bank Building on Water Street (1906) and the Board of Trade Building on Broad Street (1901) are two particularly notable designs by this firm. Post-Fire Evolution of the Financial District and the Compton Building The change in character of mid 19t-century downtown Boston was accelerated by the Great Fire of November 9-10, 1872, which destroyed 65 acres and 776 buildings in the heart of the city, an area from Washington Street to the harbor (continued) NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page _2 OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Compton Building Boston (Suffolk) MA between Summer and Milk Streets.

Because of the fire, examples of typical commercial buildings from the early part of the 19" century are rare, except in the Custom House district and the blocks between Washington and Tremont Street, which are characterized by a variety of residential and commercial structures from all periods of the city's growth. The "burnt district" was rapidly rebuilt into an area of substantial business buildings reflecting changes in both technology and the needs of Boston businesses in the late 19th century. The 1874 Sanborn map, for example, shows Valentine Simmons, "Cor. School Boards" at 161 Devonshire, and offices of the Waltham Bleachery at number 159, both of which were in the path of the fire, which was stopped only at the corner of the Old South Meeting House. And the 1879 J.C.

Hazen map, with birdseye views, shows this block of Devonshire Street completely lined with five-story buildings (one of which was presumably the building demolished in 1979 for the connector currently linking 161 Devonshire and 45 Milk Street, although no other evidence has been found). With the clean slate provided by the fire, the area developed into subdistricts as like businesses clustered together. The area around Church Green, Winthrop Square, and Franklin Street, for example, is composed largely of post-fire mercantile buildings, many constructed for representatives of two of Boston's major 19th century industries: the clothing and dry goods, and the shoe and leather trades.

In general, the dry goods trade was centered on Summer and Otis Streets, and the shoe and leather industries began expanding southward into new brick warehouses that form the present-day Leather District and the Textile District in the area of Essex and Kingston Streets. The Financial District, traditionally located on or near State Street because of proximity to the wharves, markets, and seats of government, expanded along Milk and Franklin Streets and in the area around Post Office Square. By the late 19th century, Boston, although surpassed by New York as a source of capital for the nation, was the financial, industrial, and trade center of New England and the source of capital for much national development as well as New England manufacturing. The city was the center of the national wool market and shoe and leather industry, and was the second largest U.S.

port in volume of business, as well as having excellent railroad facilities. To support these activities, banks, insurance companies, and investment firms had multiplied in the course of the 19th century. The number of Boston banks, for example, had grown from four in 1812 to 74 in 1890, many still on or near State Street. Also on State Street was the Boston Stock Exchange, which was established in 1834 and over the years had directed the flow of New England capital into regional and national enterprises. The insurance industry, meanwhile, clustered around Post Office and Liberty Squares. By the late 19th century, Boston's land area had reached its maximum dimensions. Increased vertical development was made possible by technological innovation including the elevator and steel-frame construction.

By the 1880s, eight- to ten-story skyscrapers began appearing on the Boston skyline, and within two decades, whole areas, particularly the Financial District and the Washington Street retail district, were taking on a new scale and appearance. In the Financial District, where the new tall office buildings housed the proliferating banks, insurance companies, and investment firms, the pride and essential conservatism of the Boston financial community at the turn of the 20th century is reflected in the traditional, classically styled early skyscrapers in the area of State and Congress Streets and Post Office Square. This vertical development relieved the congested downtown area and also resulted in a significant increase in scale. Where formerly buildings were not more than six stories, by 1900, nine- or ten-story buildings were becoming increasingly common.

The Exchange Buildings at 53 State Street (1889-91), the Brazier Building (1896), and the Board of Trade Building at 2-22 Broad Street (1901) illustrate the successive evolution of these skyscrapers. Although the (continued) NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Compton Building Boston (Suffolk), MA Section number 8 Page 4 The Compton building was built to accommodate office space, of which there was reportedly a great need at the time of the building's construction. A 1902 Boston Daily Globe article featuring the building noted that vacant offfice space was a rarity in Boston and that 65% of the office space that the Compton Building would provide upon completion had been reserved before ground was broken for construction.

In 1904, lawyers, insurance agents, and real estate agents were the primary occupants of the Compton Building, reflecting its convenient location in the heart of the Financial District and the prosperity of those industries. Buildings at this time often appeared more massive than they were. Although electric lighting had been introduced in the 1880s, proximity of offices to the outside for light and air was still an asset. To achieve this, rear elevations often followed the old, smaller-scale street and alley lines, creating a maze-like floor plan behind an imposing facade. Alternatively, interior light wells or, as at 10 Post Office Square, indentations in the front facades brought light and air into the center of blocks.

Prior to construction, the interior arrangements of the Compton Building were reported in the 1902 Globe article to have been "planned with a view to giving all the light possible for the different offices," a plan that is evidenced in the indentation on the Arch Street side of the building. By 1930, the offices of various manufacturing and supply companies were also located here, as well as the French and Monagasque Consulates. In 1931, ISD records show that renovations were done to the Devonshire Street front of the building, along with interior work, but no details are available. This renovation was probably for retail conversion on the ground floor. Although a ca. 1906-1910 photograph in the files of Historic New England shows the Devonshire Street façade showrooms for manufacturers, distributors, and their agents.

The 1945 city directory lists a mixture of businesses, including insurance, lawyers, investments, realty, lumber, artificial stones, engineering companies, and a secretarial school. By the 1960s it was again mostly occupied by real estate, insurance and law offices. Much of the space was vacant, however, reflecting the decline of business in downtown Boston, and in 1958 Building Department records list the First National Bank of Boston as the owner. In 1961, the Compton Building at 161 Devonshire was in the same ownership as the 5-story building at number159 and the International Trust Building at 45 Milk Street. At this time, a permit was granted to cut doors between them on one floor, although the floor plates did not align, to provide second means of egress for modern life safety code compliance for all three buildings. (continued) NPS Form 10-900 (Rev.

10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 8 Page 5 OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Compton Building Boston (Suffolk), MA In 1979-1981, when the International Trust Building at 45 Milk Street (by then designated as a Local Landmark by the Boston Landmarks Commission and individually listed on the National Register) was being rehabilitated, the building at 159 Devonshire Street, or 18-20 Arch Street, was demolished. A more efficient connector constructed between it and the Compton Building, with a portion of it legally attached to the parcel of each, to provide egress and elevator access for both buildings outside of the floor plates of both to increase their continued viability.

(In 1979, a permit was issued "in conjunction with the renovation of 45 Milk Street" to demolish the five- story building and construct the present structure; and in 1981, a permit was issued to "combine existing 11-story building [at 161 Devonshire] with existing 11-story stairtower at 159 Devonshire." As this connector did not exist when the nomination form for the International Trust Building was prepared, it is being included in the present nomination of the Compton Building. In 2004-2005, the Compton Building was converted to its present use as a Club Quarters hotel. The ComptonBuilding at 161 Devonshire Street is currently owned by Devonshire Arch Associates, L.P.., now Devonshire Arch Boston, LLC; and "45 Milk St. Owner LLC" is listed as the owner of the International Trust Building at 45 Milk Street. (end) NPS Form 10-900 (Rev.

10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Compton Building Boston (Suffolk), MA Section number 9 Page 1 Bibliography Boston Assessors, City of Boston 2008.http://www.cityofboston.gov/assessing/search/ Boston City Directories at State Library, Special Collections Department. Boston Inspectional Services Department, Permit Files. www.cityofboston.gov/isd/default.asp. Boston Landmarks Commission, CLG Opinion: Eligibility for National Register, July 2007. Boston Public Library, historic photographs collection. Chase-Harrell, Pauline, and Stanley Moss. 10 Post Office Square, Boston: Report on Historical issues. Prepared for Leggett McCall Properties, November, 1997. Detweiler, Frederic C. One Post Office Square: The Best of The Old And The New. Boston, 1980.

Fox, Pamela, and Mickail Koch. Central Business District Preservation Study. Boston, MA: Boston Landmarks Commission, September 1980. Historic New England Library and Archives historic photographs collection. Jackson, John Brinckerhoff. American Space: The Centennial Years, 1865-1876. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc. (end) Compton Building Name of Property Suffolk, MA County, State 10. Geographical Data Acreage of Property less than one acre UTM References See continuation sheet. (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) 1. 19 Zone 330480 4691140 Easting Northing 3. Zone Easting Northing Zone Easting Northing 4. Zone Easting - See continuation sheet Northing Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet.) Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet.) 11.

Form Prepared By name/title_ Pauline Chase-Harrell, Boston Affiliates, with Betsy Friedberg, NR Director, MHC organization Massachusetts Historical Commission _ date November 2008 street & number_ 220 Morrissey Boulevard _ telephone 617-727-8470 city or town_ Boston stateMA _ zip code_02125 Additional Documentation Submit the following items with the completed form: Continuation Sheets Maps A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location. A sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. Photographs Representative black and white photographs of the property.

Additional items (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items) Property Owner (Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.) name Devonshire Arch Boston LLC / 45 Milk Street Owner LLC, c/o Cushman & Wakefield street & number _49 West 45 Street / 125 Summer Street telephone- city or town_New York / Boston state_ NY / MA _ zip code 10036 /02116 Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.).

Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to the Chief, AdministrativeServices Division, National Park Service, P.0.Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503. NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Compton Building Boston (Suffolk),MA Section number 10 Page 10.

Verbal Boundary Description The property is bounded by Devonshire Street to the east and Arch Street to the west and abuts other structures of similar size to the north and south. A parcel of registered land known and numbered as Nos.

161-175 Devonshire Street, being bounded and is described as follows: Easterly: On Devonshire Street, 96.23 feet Southerly: On land by a line running partly through a brick wall, 68.12 feet Westerly: On Arch Street, 96.10 feet Northerly: 42.71 feet, the line running through a brick wall Westerly: 50/100ths of a foot, the line running through a brick wall Northerly: 28.79 feet 159 Devonshire Street/18-20 Arch Street (connector to International Trust Building), 45 Milk Street, Parcel 3-4, encompassing: Easterly: on Devonshire Street: 20.35 feet Northerly: by Parcel 1: 25.27 feet Westerly and Northwesterly: [illegible] feet Northerly: by Parcel 1, 47.20 feet Westerly: on Arch Street, 20.85 feet Southerly, Two lines measuring 42.71 feet, 0.5 feet and 28.70 feet, said lines running in part through a brick wall.

Boundary Justification The property being nominated is limited to the footprint of the Compton Building at 161-175 Devonshire Street, plus the 159 Devonshire Street connector to the International Trust Building at 45 Milk Street. The present connector did not exist at the time that the International Trust Building was listed in the National Register (1979). (end) Registry of Deeds Page 1 of 1 CDM M DEVONSHIRE MUNLKA 180 :54 STREET Ko 85 *A. MILK PARCEL AREA - NX9I 50. FT. g pinkr Asscey NOG n: xy ARCH IALIR K"wE a! STREET STREET i5 SM 2525 PARCEL 4 AREA - 590 S0.FT. PARCEL 3 REA- 139 SQ. FT 2035 4(33 LEMENREISE ROOt, 9Ja FNSC G54 RLAX SEFERCNE IHSTINY THIG PLAN Rosthne A HULEN RO HESULATIONS OF THE 10.:61 -DAXY Tma szee naed LEC. 101457 KIE CE.M, INC # STORY 40 22 PLAN OF 1 BOSTON, SCALE (*=10' DEC HARRY R. FELDMAN, INC.

112 SHAWMUT AVE http://www.masslandrecords.com/malr/controller?commandflag=searchByNameID&optfla... 2/11/2008 Photograph # 1 2 3 4 5 6 PHOTO LOG Compton Building, 161 Devonshire St., Boston, MA, Worcester County Name MA_Boston (Suffolk County)_ 161 Devonshire 1.tiff MA_Boston (Suffolk County)_ 161 Devonshire 2.tiff MA_Boston (Suffolk County)_ 161 Devonshire 3.tiff MA_Boston (Suffolk County)_ 161 Devonshire 4.tiff MA_Boston (Suffolk County)_ 161 Devonshire 5.tiff MA_Boston (Suffolk County)_ 161 Devonshire 6.tiff Description (Center building, connector and edge of International Trust Building to right) Front façade taken from Devonshire St., looking northwest Front entrance taken from Devonshire St., looking north Rear facade taken from Arch St., looking southeast Interior of first floor (Elephantand Castle Restaurant), facing Arch St.

Interior; lobby of Club Quarters Hotel, ground level Typical interior of hotel, ground level Early20th century photo: COMPION BUILDING AT LEFT (ARROW) INTERNATIONAL TRUST BUILDING (45 MILK STREET) IN CENTER. HISTORIC NEW ENGLAND PHOTOGRAPH 23 19 X 2935 40.21 67637 10345 6614 18 318-319 90x3-10" 066 3617 9/ 56L5 422-3 3-2 P1 70.63 30-72464 55z0 G 46 5391 274- 0,813 102 3088 ARTMENT OSE PNLESS E-9-8/ 308 AIRRIEHTS PARCEL NE 4662:10 99 Yeuitenie tu NewEngland Rarc STREET Corn Galteriris 12-16-80 12-16-2079 9620-2C ti 35:(17-16-56) 39. 103691 4642 3-31-82 C-1-81 5/35 82 Ci4-b 4662 Are14662-12 709% { SEE SUB-PLAN 14 ?

PISC: 7-2567 STREET Papcel 17216 674658 68114642 84332 10% 12469 162-163 7-16-86 59/8 ARCH International DEVONSHIR Trust /10/87 MilK 202-3 St 1-10$3 9724 -08-10 iroe 4.818- 6-28 3.8- 1215 B iso fosu FyoR 1049 esgsssae FY2061 DRDABLOGK =4643 FYD2 39F 2 300 CTLAE 3398 33 1OCAND =8.53 465450-84 #AJRRIGHIS (LAMD) '4643-20 2799 07/4 RCST CARRIGHOT 140673 1-15-91 1937-5101 46p- pe 16628 140 3. 3 72.71 15509 0.50 2444902 B1. #4664 ---- 46-64 6689 Cert ./110 cv/ 93451 1/41: el'y comston BLOCKZT6 RiL) EDevonshire 504665 -8731 384 8-9-74 73,94 8607 Cot-z 23-73 a1s 27C¢ 12-1z.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION PROPERTY Compton Building NAME: MULTIPLE NAME: STATE & COUNTY: MASSACHUSETTS, Suffolk DATE RECEIVED: DATE OF 16TH DAY: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: 11/25/08 12/31/08 REFERENCE NUMBER: 08001284 DATE OF PENDING LIST: 12/16/08 DATE OF 45TH DAY: 1/08/09 REASONS FOR REVIEW: APPEAL: N DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: N LESS THAN 50 YEARS: N N OTHER: REQUEST: N PDIL: N PERIOD: N PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: SAMPLE: N SLR DRAFT: N NATIONAL: N N COMMENT WAIVER: N ACCEPT RETURN REJECT 123L-OBATE ABSTRACT/ SUMMARY COMMENTS : Entered in The National Register of Historic Places RECOM./CRITERIA REVIEWER DISCIPLINE TELEPHONE DATE DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR ./N If a nomination is returned to the nominating authority, the nomination is no longer under consideration by the NPS.

161 Devonshire Street ( Devonshire facade Suffolk Canty Boston, MA MA_BOSTON (SUFFOLKCOUNTY) -161 DeVONSHIRe-001 CENTER BUILDING, CONNECTOR, and EDGE OF INTL. TRUST BULLDING tO right. LOOKING NW, TAKEN FROM DEVONSHIRE ST. PHOTO ! compton Building ELEPHANT &CASTLE IVlel Devonshire stre Devonshire Facade Suffolk County Boston, Ma MA_ BOSTON(SUFFULKCOUNTY) - 16/DEV FRONT ENTRANCE TAKEN FROM DE LOOKING N PHOT Compton Building 16/ Devonshire Street 3 Arch St. Facade Suffolk Conty Boston, Ma MA_BOSTON (SUFFOLK COUNTY)-161 DEVONSHIRE.

003 REAR FACADE LUOKING FROM ARCH STREET, LOOKING NE PHOTo 3 Compton Building I6l Devonshire Str Interior Suffolk Conty Boston, Ma MA_BOSTON(SUFFOLKCOUNTY)-1GI DEVONSA Ist FLOOR INTERIOR (ELEPHANT RESTAURANT) FACING ARCH SI PItOrO 4 Compton Building llel Devonshire Stre Interior Suffolk Conty Boston, Ma MA-BOSTON(SUFFOLKCOUNTY)_16/DEVON INTERIOR: LOBBY Z CLUB QUARTERS PItoTo 5 Compton Building 161 Devonshire Stre Interior Suffolk lonty Boston, MA MA_BOSTUN(SUFFOLKCOUNTY) - 16/DEVON INTERIOR: GROUND LEVEL Z HOTEL PHOTO 6 Compton Buibling RECEIVED 2280 AITEOISNE CRECIOAN JAVE LIBENEAE NOV 25 2008 NAT. REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES The Commonwealth of Massachusetts NATIONAL PARK SERVICE William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Massachusetts Historical Commission November 18, 2008 Mr. J.

Paul Loether National Register of Historic Places Department of the Interior National Park Service 1201 Eye Street, NW 8t floor Washington, DC 20005 Dear Mr. Loether: Enclosed please find the following nomination form: Compton Building, 159, 161-175 Devonshire Street, Boston (Suffolk), MA The nomination has been voted eligible by the State Review Board and has been signed by the State Historic Preservation Officer. The owners of the property in the Certified Local Government community of Boston were notified of pending State Review Board consideration 60 to 90 days before the meeting and were afforded the opportunity to comment. We request an expedited review of this nomination.

Sincerely, Betry Frudkerg Betsy Friedberg National Register Director Massachusetts Historical Commission enclosure CC: Pauline Chase-Harrell, Boston Affiliates, consultant Kate McLaughlin, Boston CLG coordinator Susan Pranger, Boston Landmarks Commission Thomas Menino, Mayor, City of Boston Devonshire Arch Boston, LLC 45 Milk Street Owner LLC, Cushman & Wakefield 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125 (617) 727-8470 - Fax: (617) 727-5128 www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc