The superintendent and the communications team of the Boston Public School department have moved into their new home; the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building. Over the next few weeks, a total of 500 employees will move into the new BPS headquarters at Dudley Square.
On 11th March, the School Committee will hold its first meeting in the spacious triangular shaped structure of the former Ferdinand building wedged into the fork at Warren Street and Washington Street, one of the most historic intersections in the city.
For the residents, the Ferdinand Building is the symbol for what was once the vibrant heart of the neighbourhood of Roxbury, with shops and jazz cafes. Unable to attract commercial parties to develop the plot with its historic Ferdinand, Curtis and Waterman Building, the late Thomas M. Menino, then Boston City mayor, decided the city itself would build on the site. His proposal to move 500 civil servants of the Boston Public Schools to a new municipal office building in conjunction with a community centre would mean an economic boost for the heart of the district: employment and liveliness.
The building’s transparent plinth relates directly to life on the surrounding streets. The south facade and entrance addresses the Dudley bus station - the busiest in the entire state. In addition to offices and community spaces, the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building also houses the Roxbury Innovation Center and several retail establishments. The unique publicly accessible roof terrace on the sixth floor offers striking views towards downtown Boston.