The Christian Science Plaza is located at the intersection of several Boston neighborhoods, including the South End, Back Bay,
and Fenway. More specifically, the site occupies the southeast corner of Huntington and Massachusetts Avenues, and its Plaza functions as a large privately-owned space
accessible to the public. Aside from the First Church of Christ, Scientist, the site houses the administrative headquarters of the Church and the Christian Science
Publishing Society.
The original Mother Church was built in 1894 and expanded to include the domed Church “Extension” in 1906. The publishing building was added in 1934 to house the
Christian Science Publishing Society. The site was further extended in the 1970s with a design by I.M. Pei. & Partners and Araldo Cossutta, Associated Architects.
At that time the Reflecting Pool, Children’s Fountain, Colonnade Building (101 Belivdere Street), Administration Building (177 Huntington Avenue), and the Sunday
School building were constructed.
The First Church of Christ, Scientist, originally announced its intention in April 2006 to revitalize the Plaza, which has remained largely unchanged for several
decades. The Church took the first step in this multi-year process by consolidating all of its employees into the largest building on the site, the Christian
Science Publishing House, which also houses The Mary Baker Eddy Library. That move was completed in 2008, freeing up portions of other buildings, including a
28-story tower, to be available for short-term leasing.
The Christian Science Plaza will remain as the world headquarters for the Christian Science Church, and the Church plans to continue to own and maintain control of the
Plaza. In updating its plans, the Church is seeking to enhance the Plaza for the community, improve the environmental sustainability of the Plaza, and explore
opportunities for underutilized real estate.
Citizens Advisory Committee: The Christian Science Plaza Revitalization Project Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) is made up of residents, business owners,
community organizations, and professionals. Mayor Thomas M. Menino appointed the CAC in January 2009 to review and guide the proposed Plaza revitalization by
the First Church of Christ, Scientist. The CAC will be responsible for assisting the BRA for the duration of the project.
NOTE: The Boston Landmarks Commission (BLC) Study Report on the Christian Science Center Complex is available on the BLC website: http://www.cityofboston.gov/landmarks/
ADDITIONAL NOTE: The Draft Plaza Revitalization Plan Document was released on July 20th and is available below. There will be a joint CAC and public meeting held on Tuesday, August 3rd at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the Draft Plan Document. The joint CAC/public meeting will be held at:
The First Church of Christ, Scientist - 3rd Floor Conference Room
210 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston
(Enter at main entrance off the Christian Science Plaza.)
Use of the photographs and drawings in the publications below is restricted, and is by permission. Request for use of individual images for uses outside this report should be directed to: permissions@marybakereddycollection.org
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