Custom House Tower

From the Harbor

The Custom House Tower is a skyscraper in McKinley Square, in the Financial District neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, in the United States. Construction began in the mid 19th century; the tower was added in the 1910s. Standing at 496 feet tall, the tower is currently Boston's 17th-tallest building.

The site was purchased on September 13, 1837. Construction of a custom house was authorized by U.S. President Andrew Jackson.

By 1905, increased shipping required the building's expansion. In 1913–1915, the architecture firm Peabody and Stearns added the tower to the base. Although Boston at that time had a 125-foot height restriction, the Custom House was federally owned and exempt from it. The new tower's 496 feet made it the city's tallest.

Photo 71, July 2009

Custom House Tower

From the Harbor, between the two Harbor Towers

Photo 128, July 2009

Custom House Tower

From the Harbor. Behind it is the Exchange Place Building.

Photo 202, July 2009

Custom House Tower

From the harbor ferry.

Photo 62, July 2007

Custom House Tower

Photo 88, Sept 2001