From its founding 1729, Arlington Street Church has been at the forefront of three centuries of social justice movements and hosted events that have changed the course of American history. This iconic structure was the first public building in the Back Bay and its 190-foot spire remains a prominent feature in the skyline of Boston.
Determined to save this building of immeasurable historic, architectural, and cultural value, Croma has launched the Beyond campaign. In partnership with leading preservation architects at Bruner/Cott, we are embarking on a full exterior restoration. This $20 million community effort will ensure that the building endures for generations by:
- Restoring the failing brownstone
- Addressing structural integrity issues with the building and its roof
- Providing significant accessibility upgrades
- Reviving the beauty and architectural detail of this masterwork
Areas of Severe Threat
Unsightly and failing patches marring the uniform appearance of the natural stone
Loss of essential architectural lines and hazardous deterioration over entry
Failing cheek walls on entry stairs with joints open to moisture incursion
Lost corner modillions leaving ferrous anchors bare, protruding, and vulnerable to corrosion
Deteriorating wrought iron handrails at entrance
Loss of essential architectural detail in prominent location
Void after removing a ten-pound piece of unsecured stone perched directly over the entrance
Leading edges of detail with extreme deterioration, friable stone, moisture damage, and biological growth
Skyward facing joints that have suffered failed treatments and remain open to moisture incursion
Thank you to William Barry of Heritage Planning & Design for his invaluable support of this project, including these extraordinary photos.