Sears' Crescent Building & Sears' Block (Boston, Massachusetts)

USA / Massachusetts / Boston / Boston, Massachusetts
 Sears, NRHP - National Register of Historic Places, 1810s construction

The two adjoining buildings on Cornhill Street just outside of Government Plaza are collectively referred to as the Sears Crescent and the Sears Block. The crescent curve for which they are so well known is due to the fact that these buildings were built to configure to the original street, Cornhill, which passed here.

The Sears Crescent is the six story red-brick building from 1816 situated to the left (assuming you are facing the front facade of each). Its four-story granite neighbor, known as the Sears Block, was built in 1843.

In addition to its infamous curve, the Sears Block (now a Starbucks) is known for the cast tea settle which is situated above the front door. This 200-lb copper kettle dates back to 1873 when it originally hung over the most popular tea shop in the area called The Oriental Tea Company. If you inspect the kettle closely you may notice a bit of steam which is emitted from its spout. This steam is actually sourced via a pipe from the boiler room inside of the building.

The buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 and one of the few buildings that remains from the Scollay Sq days.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   42°21'34"N   71°3'31"W
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This article was last modified 7 years ago