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New Uses Envisioned for Emerald Necklace Landmark
Unused for more than 30 years, the Agassiz Road Shelter could once again become an important community ammenity. Historic Boston Incorporated is working with a coalition of residents and City officials to restore the stone structure also known as the “Duck House.”
The Duck House, built in1897, was designed by Alexander M. Longfellow,
a nephew of Henry Wads- worth Longfellow. The building’s exterior is
constructed of brown and gray granite blocks that mimic the style of many
buildings within Boston’s Emerald Necklace park system.
Built in 1897, the shelter sits in a large clearing alongside the Muddy River on Agassiz Road, a parkway that connects the East and West Fens neighborhoods. It was designed by Boston architect Alexander M. Longfellow, as a “comfort station,” or public bathrooms, for park visitors. The building fell into disuse and was ravaged by a fire in 1986 that damaged the building and destroyed the roof.
Last summer, a coalition including HBI, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, and the Fenway Civic Association held a planning and design session for roughly 30 architects, planners, industry representatives and institutional representatives at Northeastern University. They examined the potential uses for the building and its site, and explored leasing the public building to private interests for uses and services that would benefit park visitors. Based on that day’s work, the Parks Department issued a Request for Expression of Interest, seeking businesses or non profits willing to restore the building to accommodate an active use there. City Council President Michael Ross, in whose district the building sits, recently ushered City Council approval for providing a long-term lease for the building. Mayor Thomas M. Menino, who supports restoration and re-use of the Duck House, has proposed the necessary State legislation that allows for this building and similar at-risk structures in Boston parks to be leased long term to private businesses.
“The Duck House is a picturesque building that contributes to the overall character of the historic Back Bay Fens.” said Parks Commissioner Toni Pollak.
“We are supporting the redevelopment of the building with good planning and realistic development ideas because by doing so, we preserve a piece of the Park’s history and allow for an exciting new use.”
Historic Boston has applied for grants on behalf of the Parks Department to fund renderings of the Agassiz Road Shelter in the context of its unique park setting. These perspectives will preview a vision of the building across the Muddy River after the invasive phragmite reeds are removed with the dredging of the River later this year. The renderings are part of a planned Request for Proposals for Lessees, and a private fundraising campaign to help the Parks Department with exterior restoration of the building.