Historic Boston Incorporated 1999 Preservation Revolving Fund Casebook : Property
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| Opera House/B.F. Keith Memorial Theater | Central Business District |
| • Among nation's
finest in opulence and quality of detailing • Only extant work in city by distinguished American theater architect, Thomas Lamb • Despite strong City support, redevelopment could be jeopardized by abutters, translating into increased project costs and potential loss of historic fabric due to severely decayed roof |
 |
| Name: Opera House/B.F. Keith Memorial Theater | Bldg SqFt: 77,000 | Lot SqFt: 32,757 | |
| Address: 537-541 Washington Street | Ward: 3 | Parcel: 4830 | |
| Neighborhood: Central Business District | Zoning: Midtown Cultural District | ||
| Year Built: 1928 | Use: Vacant | ||
| Style: Beaux Arts | Condition: Good | ||
| Architect(s): Thomas Lamb | Owner: Opera House Inc. 537 Washington Street Boston, MA 02111 |
||
| Historic Certification: Washington Street Theater District National Register Historic District; recommended for designation as Boston Landmark | |||
| FY99 Building Assessment: $229,000 FY02 Building Assessment: $231,700 |
FY99 Tax: $27,780 FY02 Tax: $28,947 |
||
| FY99 Land Assessment: $521,000 FY02 Land Assessment: $722,700 |
Tax Status: Current | ||
Preservation Strategy:
Garner broad support for expansion of stage into rear alley, a prerequisite for economic viability.
Significance:
The Opera House, as it is known today, was completed in 1929 as a memorial to vaudeville originator Benjamin Keith. It is the only extant work in Boston of internationally renowned American theater architect, Thomas Lamb. Its white terra cotta Beaux Arts façade represents one of the finest examples of architectural terra cotta in Boston and the elaborate French Baroque interior is remarkably intact. Floor-to-ceiling detailing adorns the magnificent auditorium, two-story lobby, and grand staircase, which are rich with marble, brass tracery, gold-leaf, decorative plaster, wall murals, and mirrors. It is unquestionably one of the finest theater spaces in the city.
Preservation Challenges:
While the exterior appears to be in good condition and the interior is remarkably intact, time is of the essence if the theater is to be saved from costly losses (both in terms of dollars and historic fabric). The roof is severely decayed and water is damaging interior architectural finishes. Theater Management Group, Inc., of Houston holds a signed purchase option on the property and, along with development consultant Jack McLaughlin, planned to begin restoration of the Opera House in the summer of 1999. The project enjoys strong City support but developers must overcome at least one major obstacle before proceeding. Expansion of the original stage into Mason Street at the rear of the building is necessary if the theater is to book major productions. Neighboring condominium residents oppose this expansion, citing concerns about public safety, traffic, noise, and fire response. If the abutters decide to take legal action against the project, the developer and the City will face a continually greater uphill battle.
Neighborhood Context:
As with the other casebook theaters, the Opera House is in an area undergoing intense development. The narrow Washington Street frontage abuts the Adams House to the south and Mason Street to the rear which constitutes the bulk of the building. The proposed renovation of the Opera House calls for new construction extending into Mason Street for an expanded stage and loading bays, according to the developer, however, access and fire safety for resident abutters will be maintained or improved as a result.
Other Sources of Information:
Washington Street Theater District National Register Historic District nomination form; Report on the Potential Designation of the Keith Memorial Theater/Opera House as a Landmark (Boston Landmarks Commission, 4/7/99)
Entry Completed: 06/03/1999
The Boston Landmark Commission designated the Opera House a Boston Landmark in 1999. Theatre Management Group continues to pursue its proposed $30 million interior and exterior restoration of the Opera House. In April 2001, the Public Improvement Commission approved a Boston Redevelopment Authority petition to close a portion of Mason Street, in order to facilitate expansion of the original stage. A subsequently filed lawsuit by an adjacent condominium association opposed to the closure of Mason Street, however, is stalling the redevelopment, which enjoys strong support from the City.Update Entry Completed: 08/14/2002
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