(1993)

Built while his world renowned Trinity Church in Copley Square was under construction and used as inspiration for later buildings, the Hayden Building is H. H. Richardson's last surviving commercial building in Boston. Historic Boston purchased this endangered Boston Landmark in 1993 at the urging of the Boston Redevelopment Authority. HBI provided structural stabilization and prepared retail spaces for tenant fit out with the hope of attracting new businesses that will serve the neighboring communities of Chinatown, the theater districts, and area institutions. The opening of Sri Pinang (Malaysian) restaurant in the Hayden Building site marked a new milestone for lower Washington street. If this unusual new restaurant is as successful as its owners' Soho flagship in New York City, people will be lining up for seats. But their's is not a lone initiative: Emerson College's creation of a 750 room dormitory in a nearby office building and the vibrant growth of Asian businesses indicate how the character of this place is changing (from adult entertainment, drugs, and prostitution to housing, commerce, and entertainment.)

By putting at risk a $1.6 million investment in this site Historic Boston has provided employment for scores of people. The George B. Henderson Foundation, the Massachusetts Historical Commission, and the Browne Fund contributed $203,000 toward restoration costs. The National Trust, the Architectural Heritage Foundation, and Fleet Bank have lent money for the project. Historic Boston has petitioned the City for an abatement of Real Estate taxes (which can only be supported by an income stream based upon adult entertainment uses) and is working with the City to create an Economic Opportunity Area to stimulate additional private investments in this neighborhood.

Collaboration of many different people and organizations is integral to the Hayden Building project: Henry Moss, AIA, formerly with HBI and now with Bruner/Cott & Associates, provided inspiration and encouragement far in excess of his specific architectural services. Shawmut Design and Construction oversaw a major exterior restoration and structural stabilization program with imagination, commitment and an eye for containing costs. Chris Paquette molded replacement brownstone elements for Phoenix Bay State's masonry repairs. Anderson Installations rehabilitated salvageable windows and installed new custom mahogany sash recreated by Walter Phelps. Fine Paints of Europe contributed paint for the storefront restoration.