Own a Prime 1882 Commercial Duplex in Boston’s South End With High Ceilings, Wraparound Windows and Walkout Lower Level

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Mathew Abraham, editor of Century Homes America, brings his passion for architectural history to explore the stories behind America’s most iconic homes.

Sprogis Neale Doherty Team of Sprogis & Neale Real Estate

This historic brick building, situated at the corner of St. Botolph and Newton Street in Boston’s iconic Back Bay/South End neighborhood, offers a rare retail/commercial opportunity. Known for its distinctive architectural style featuring rounded turrets and large street-facing windows, the structure blends seamlessly with the charming, historic townhouses surrounding it. With high ceilings exceeding 11 feet and natural light flooding through wrap-around windows, the duplex space includes a walkout lower level with exterior stairs. Built during the area’s development phase, the building combines rich heritage with prime proximity to Boston landmarks like the Prudential Center and Copley Place. Listed at $2,450,000, this unique property promises exceptional visibility and neighborhood appeal.

Historic Exterior Street View

Sprogis Neale Doherty Team of Sprogis & Neale Real Estate

The scene captures a historic urban streetscape with red brick buildings of varying architectural eras. The foreground features a low one-story brick structure with large rectangular windows and black iron fencing. Behind it, a taller, older building with a steep, slate-tiled mansard roof and dormer windows displays traditional detailing, contrasting with the modern high-rise in the background. Leafless trees line the sidewalk with red brick paving, adding texture to the street. The clear blue sky emphasizes the reddish and earth-toned bricks, integrating old-world charm with contemporary urban surroundings. The composition melds heritage with city life ambiance.

Historic Brick Corner

Sprogis Neale Doherty Team of Sprogis & Neale Real Estate

Red brickwork dominates the structure, forming a robust and striking exterior typical of historic American architecture. The corner showcases a rounded turret with a shingled, mansard-style roof blending soft curves with sharp brick angles. Tall, narrow windows punctuate the façade, framed in dark trim that contrasts with the warm brick. The building’s multi-story design includes decorative brickwork and stone accents under the roofline, with wrought iron fencing enclosing a small yard space. The street-facing stairway and mature landscaping contribute to an imposing yet inviting streetscape on a bright, clear day.

Building Entrance Exterior

Sprogis Neale Doherty Team of Sprogis & Neale Real Estate

A prominent modern commercial building entrance sits at an urban street corner, characterized by a large curved glass facade framed with light beige stone or concrete. The entrance includes a distinctive octagonal glass roof structure above the doors, allowing natural light inside. A metal and glass awning extends over the sidewalk to shelter visitors. Surrounding the main entrance, tall buildings rise with a mix of glass windows and stone cladding, contributing to a sleek cityscape. Streetlights, trees in manicured planters, pedestrian traffic, and vehicles, including a Pepsi delivery van, complete the lively metropolitan scene.

First Floor Retail Space

Sprogis Neale Doherty Team of Sprogis & Neale Real Estate

The floor plan outlines a spacious first floor retail area measuring approximately 32’3” by 23’10” in one section and 43’10” by 25’1” in another, indicating two connected retail zones. The ceiling height is 11’3”, creating an open, airy atmosphere ideal for a commercial space. Multiple windows along the side walls allow natural light to flood the interior. A stairwell on the right side of the building provides access to other floors. The layout includes entrance doors and an architectural ramp down, suggesting accessibility considerations. The rectangular and bay window shapes contribute to the historic character and add visual interest to the space.

Lower Level Floor Plan

Sprogis Neale Doherty Team of Sprogis & Neale Real Estate

Layout reveals a lower level space with ceiling height of 8 feet 11 inches consisting of two retail areas, one measuring roughly 23 feet 9 inches by 13 feet 10 inches and another about 9 feet 7 inches by 24 feet 9 inches. Adjacent to the retail areas is a storage room sized 12 feet by 7 feet 6 inches. A utility room is located near the curved bottom left corner, close to a sprinkler system. Staircases are positioned in two locations, providing access to upper levels, and a small restroom is included near the upper right corner. The space is rectangular with niches and walls defining clear functional zones.

Café Seating Area

Sprogis Neale Doherty Team of Sprogis & Neale Real Estate

Round wooden tables with black bases are paired with woven rattan chairs featuring teal cushions, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Light streams in through large arched windows, illuminating the soft beige walls and natural wood herringbone floors. Circular, woven pendant lights hang in a row from a coffered ceiling painted in a muted shade, complementing the natural tones below. Greenery in potted plants and trees adds a fresh organic touch, blending indoor and outdoor vibes. The open layout links this seating area to a kitchen or service counter in the background, enhancing the airy, social setting.

Café Interior

Sprogis Neale Doherty Team of Sprogis & Neale Real Estate

Natural wood beams with integrated lighting create a unique canopy over the service counter, adorned with lush green vines that bring an organic feel. The flooring transitions from light wood in a herringbone pattern to soft hexagonal tiles near the marble countertop, blending textures smoothly. A plush, mint-green upholstered bench adds comfortable seating alongside round wooden tables paired with cane-backed chairs. The back wall features blackboards listing coffee selections, framed with rustic shelving showcasing baked goods. Soft, natural light illuminates the airy space, complemented by neutral tones and curated greenery for an inviting, contemporary ambiance.

Listing Agent: Sprogis Neale Doherty Team of Sprogis & Neale Real Estate via Zillow 

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