Historic and Modern
The center of the plaza, a cobbled rotary, has been revitalized from its former life as a hub of transportation and trade. It seems that, even though pastry boxes and tourist maps have replaced the supplies and raw goods that must have traveled through here, there is something parallel between the historic and modern uses of the plaza.
Image: Maria Bellalta
Bronze Facade
The plaza is bounded by some of the North End’s most impressive buildings. Bronze facades and antique brick buildings fronts lend a chunky and historic feeling to the area. It is buildings like this one that make lingering and relaxing inside North Square pleasant. Sitting and gazing up to find some of Boston’s most unique building styles is another element that makes this public space a treasure.
Image: Maria Bellalta
Home of a Patriot
The brown colonial home of Paul Revere sits against the deep red of historic North End brick buildings. Stained glass and traditional fixtures hearken back to a time when the home and plaza were populated by some of Boston’s most notable patriots. Visitors get a look into the life of Paul Revere, a figure that had a marked impact on the way the city, and the nation, took shape.
Image: Maria Bellalta
Comfortable Juxtaposition
The home’s classic colonial construction stands in comfortable juxtaposition to the stiff, historic brick of the neighborhood around it. Long known for its crowded and robust character, the North End has always been home to some of Boston’s most unique and historic housing. Plantings from inside the private courtyard spill out over the wall and draw visitors inside.
Image: Maria Bellalta
Courtyard and Garden
Inside the Paul Revere House walls is a contemplative and peaceful private garden. This garden, in conjunction with the home itself, gives visitors to Boston a look inside the life of one of the city’s most notable figures. Lush hollyhock create a wild and dense garden while ivy lined walls soften brick walls and invite visitors to sit against perimeter benches and wall seating.
Image: Maria Bellalta
Material Continuity
Visitors seeking history are confronted with building materials that evoke the sound and feel of a way of life lost to homogeneous and smooth modern surfaces. Each step, and misstep, against the uneven cobbled street and plaza are a reminder of how life used to be in Boston’s North End.
Image: Maria Bellalta
Defined Center
The center of the plaza, a cobbled rotary, has been re-purposed from its former life as a hub of transportation and trade. Bordered by a heavy, iron forged chain, the triangular plaza presents itself with distinct boundaries. Visitors must step over the low hanging chain to be inside the plaza.
Image: Maria Bellalta
Gathering Place
Bounded on all sides by historic buildings and St. John’s Church, North Square shows how Boston’s North End has remained in touch with its historic roots while still allowing for growth. The open plaza becomes a place of respite and allows visitors to reflect on their time in the historic neighborhood. Visitors are allowed, through use of the wide public space, to meander and explore at an enjoyable, relaxed pace.
Image: Maria Bellalta
Freedom Trail
Embedded into the North End is the red thread of the Freedom Trail. Pedestrian traffic constantly flows through the area. The Freedom Trail weaves pedestrians in and out of tight and open spaces and helps guide visitors through the history of this tightly packed neighborhood.
Image: Maria Bellalta
North End Atmosphere
Constantly pushed and pulled through tight spaces by the Freedom Trail, visitors and residents alike can always find moments of neighborhood character and beauty in the North End. Long known for maintaining its own unique character, the North End boasts the kind of street atmosphere you can only get in a historic neighborhood.
Image: Maria Bellalta