October 6, 2014 Upham?s Corner Comfort Station ? The Time has come for a Resurrection
The City of Boston has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of the 611 Columbia Road Comfort Station in Upham?s Corner. Located adjacent to the Dorchester North Burying Ground which is a Designated Boston Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the property is being offered through the Commercial Disposition Program administered by the Department of Neighborhood Development (DND).
The Comfort Station (a polite term for restrooms) is a one story stucco and tile Mission Style building that has been unused since 1977. Built in 1912, it was designed by architect William Besarick, who designed the Roger Clap School on Harvest Street and the municipal building at the corner of Columbia Road and Bird Street as well as many triple-deckers throughout the area. Besarick also designed the George Milliken House, at 44 Virginia Street, which is a Boston Landmark.
As an important historic structure in the City, the designated redeveloper for the Comfort Station will be required to preserve the building?s character-defining features which contribute to its architectural, archaeological, and historical integrity. Therefore, any restoration or rehabilitation work is to follow the Boston Landmarks Commission General Standards and Criteria.
Any thoughts on how the building should be reused?
More information about the neighborhood is available at: www.cityofboston.gov/neighborhoods