OWN A PIECE OF BOSTON HISTORY

The last remaining commercial building by 19th-century architect Henry Hobson Richardson

Historic Boston Inc. is now accepting bids for the iconic Hayden Building, a landmark in Boston’s Chinatown. Owned by HBI for 31 years and fully restored in 2014, this mixed-use property features four market-rate apartments and a ground-floor retail space, all conveniently located near major transit lines and employment centers. Designed by famed architect Henry Hobson Richardson, known for his work on Trinity Church, the Hayden Building stands as a rare example of his commercial architecture. With a historic preservation restriction in place to protect its 19th-century charm, the property is adaptable for modern use. Brokers are welcome.

  • Historic Treasure

    The Hayden Building is the last remaining commercial structure in Boston designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson, known for Trinity Church in Copley Square and [...]

  • Award Winning Design

    Nationally recognized historic property on the National Register of Historic Places, designated as a local Boston Landmark, and recipient of the Boston Preservation Alliance [...]

  • Energy Efficiency

    Achieved a score of 94.5\100 and LEED Platinum certification on September 18, 2013. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the most widely recognized [...]

  • Cultural Crossroads

    Vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood, offering a unique blend of amenities and activities. Residents can explore authentic restaurants, bustling markets, and traditional tea houses that [...]

  • Prime Transit Access

    Just steps from the Chinatown Orange Line subway station, this location is also a short walk to both the Red and Green Lines, offering quick [...]

  • Dynamic Market

    The Boston real estate market is characterized by a vibrant economy driven by leading industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology. With a rich educational [...]

Property Description

  • Type: Mixed-use (Retail/Residential)
  • Year Built: c1875
  • Renovated: 2013
  • Lot Size: 1,400SF±
  • Building Gross: 8,580SF±
  • Building Net: 4,577SF ±
  • Total Floors: 6 (Inc Basement)
  • Zoning: Midtown Cultural
  • Designation: Boston Landmark; National Registry of Historic Places
  • Roof: Rubber Membrane
  • HVAC: Per Unit

  • Type: Commercial Retail Space
  • Area: 874SF
  • Status: Leased – Wig World Boston
  • Floor plan: Download PDF

  • Type: Residential
  • Area: 910SF
  • Rooms: 5
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Bathrooms: 1.5
  • Amenities: Hardwood floors, Gas Fireplace
  • Status: Leased
  • Floor Plan: Download PDF

  • Type: Residential
  • Area: 930SF
  • Rooms: 5
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Bathrooms: 1.5
  • Amenities: Hardwood floors, Gas Fireplace
  • Status: Leased
  • Floor Plan: Download PDF

  • Type: Residential
  • Area: 930SF
  • Rooms: 5
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Bathrooms: 1.5
  • Amenities: Hardwood floors, Gas Fireplace
  • Status: Lease
  • Floor Plan: Download PDF

  • Type: Residential
  • Area: 930SF
  • Rooms: 5
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Bathrooms: 1.5
  • Amenities: Hardwood floors, Gas Fireplace
  • Status: Lease
  • Floor Plan: Download PDF

  • Type: Residential
  • Area: 930SF
  • Rooms: 5
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Bathrooms: 1.5
  • Amenities: Hardwood floors, skylight, gas fireplace
  • Status: Lease
  • Floor Plan: Download PDF

0{{current_slide_index}} 0{{total_slide_count}} HISTORIC TREASURE 1875 Designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson, the Hayden Building was built in 1875 for his father-in-law, John C. Hayden. It is the last surviving commercial building by Richardson in Boston and one of fewer than ten he designed. learn more 2023 1977 0{{current_slide_index}} 0{{total_slide_count}} A CHINATOWN ICON 1977 Acknowledging its significance in Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, the Hayden building was designated a Boston Landmark in 1977 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. 1875 1984 0{{current_slide_index}} 0{{total_slide_count}} Redefining The Combat Zone 1984 In the 1980s, as Boston's infamous "Combat Zone" grew up around it, the building was threatened with condemnation after a fire devastated the roof and destabilized the entire structure. learn more 1977 1993 0{{current_slide_index}} 0{{total_slide_count}} GROUND FLOOR ACTIVATION 1993 The Hayden Building was purchased by Historic Boston Inc. in 1993. HBI invested $1 million in structural stabilization, envelope repairs, and activation of the first-floor and the adjacent non-historic building for commercial use. The turnaround helped Lower Washington Streets’ renewal in the 1990s and 2000s. learn more 1984 2010 0{{current_slide_index}} 0{{total_slide_count}} APARTMENT UNITS 2010 In 2010 HBI sold its interests in the next-door Penang restaurant and rehabilitated the Hayden Building's long-vacant upper stories from 2011-2013, creating four market-rate apartments over the ground-floor retail space. learn more 1993 2013 0{{current_slide_index}} 0{{total_slide_count}} ACCOLADES 2013 The building holds LEED Homes Multifamily Platinum certification and has received prestigious awards, including the Massachusetts Historical Commission Preservation Award in 2014 and the Boston Preservation Alliance Award in 2013. learn more 2010 2023 0{{current_slide_index}} 0{{total_slide_count}} where we are now 2023 In 2023, Historic Boston ensured the Hayden Building's protection in perpetuity by placing a permanent preservation easement on the building. learn more 2013 1875

Photo Gallery

Prime Location

Landmarks

  • Tufts Medical Center (0.1 mi)

  • Boston Common (0.2 mi)

  • Freedom Trail (0.3 mi)

  • Newbury Street (0.6 mi)

  • Prudential Center (0.1 mi)

Transit

  • MBTA Chinatown  (318 ft)

  • MBTA Tufts Med Center (0.1 mi)

  • Interstate 93 (.2 mi)
  • South Station (0.4 mi)

  • Interstate 90 (0.5 mi)

Destinations

  • Theater District (500 ft)

  • Downtown Crossing (0.4 mi)

  • Copley Square (0.7 mi)

  • Government Center (0.8 mi)

  • Hynes Conv. Center (1.5 mi)