Announcing the 2006 centennial anniversary of THE BERKELEY,
a Back Bay landmark at 420 Boylston Street, Boston.

There are no rumors of ghosts in the century old and stately Berkeley, yet in all of author Robert Parker’s classic Spencer for Hire detective novels, the descriptions of the views from Spencer’s office window make it likely that he maintained his office in the Berkeley.  And, of course, the dowager empress of Boylston Street, the beautiful white glazed terracotta figure situated above the entryway on The Berkeley’s exterior, keeps a watchful eye on the neighborhood. 

As you enter through the ornate bronze scroll doors, and step into the marble foyer complete with the original mail slot, evidence of yesteryear is carefully preserved and blended with today’s design.  The building, under the ownership of A.W. Perry for the past 50 years and having been extensively renovated and modernized, offers an elegantly recaptured sense of history.

Known as “the Crowned Jewel of the Back Bay”, The Berkeley was the first building in Boston to be honored with all three (local, regional and international) of BOMA’s “Office Building of the Year” awards in 1990.  Current tenants include Arnold Communications, Goody, Clancy and Associates and other consulting and asset management firms in addition to upscale retail establishments.

A.W. Perry became involved in the building in the 1940s, after acquiring 50 percent of the stock shares of its then owner, the Berkeley Hotel Trust, and eventually acquiring full ownership in the 1950s.    The Berkeley was built in 1906 on the site of the former Berkeley Hotel.  Originally designed by MIT architecture professor, Constant Desire Despradelle,  the building was meant to house retail stores as evidenced by its many oversized windows, which now transmit ample light into the building’s office space.  After obtaining designation on the National Register of Historic Places, A.W. Perry totally renovated The Berkeley in 1988 – 1989 at a cost of $15 million.  Macomber Builders, under the direction of George Macomber, handled the renovation, and the project architect was James Alexander of Feingold, Alexander & Associates.

A Tribute to History
Three elevators, with mahogany interior detail work, emulate The Berkeley’s cage lifts from days gone by.  The lobby’s forest green slate walls are reminiscent of a garden.  The original monumental marble staircase remains intact.  A spectacular new atrium further enhances the building’s unique light and space elements.  Five 16,000 sq. ft. floors boast glass-walled offices overlooking the atrium.

Because of the fantastic light and space elements, The Berkeley was very popular with those in the “decorative arts” field who were the tenants occupying the building to the exclusion of all others for many years.  Clients of The Berkeley’s design tenants delighted in coming to Back Bay to meet with their designer, enjoy lunch and shop at the neighboring boutiques.

In a sense, The Berkeley “launched” the Boston Design Center in South Boston, as design tenants such as Brunschwig & Fils and Stark Carpet relocated during the extensive renovation.

“We have taken great pains to renovate The Berkeley while paying close attention to historical elements. The offices are distinctive with their large windows providing panoramic views of the Back Bay streetscape, while modern multi-zone heating and air conditioning up-to-date life-safety systems provide comfort and security to tenants.  It is a stylish and prestigious building that offers both an exciting and inspiring working environment,” noted John H. Spurr, Jr., president of A.W. Perry.