"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has" - Margaret Mead.

We are a small and vibrant community where racism and violence has no place. We welcome open dialogue about how we can, as a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens help change the issues that directly affect our community. We welcome your thoughts. [email protected]

We are the Saint Botolph Neighborhood Association and we strive to:

• Foster civic spirit, goodwill and friendship between and among all residents.
• Promote the general welfare of the neighborhood and protect its residential and historical character, as one of nine local designated Historical Districts within Boston
• Help ensure a clean, safe and well maintained neighborhood, and its continued improvement and beautification.
• Identify and represent the best interests of the neighborhood while serving as a vital communication link with businesses, the City of Boston, and other government agencies on issues affecting the neighborhood and our residents.
  

Thankful for all our neighborhood helpers
“How can I help?” is a phrase we often hear and we at the SBNA appreciate all those who offer their help and their services to help us help the neighborhood. And then there are those who contribute and help their neighbors quietly and mostly under the radar. Not only do we recognize all our official helpers, but let’s give a hearty shout-out of thanks to people who regularly walk the St Botolph neighborhood to pick up trash. Know anyone who should get a shout out? Let us know!

History has its eyes on us…

A little background on preservation in our neighborhood...
In 1981, the St.Botolph neighborhood was designated a historic “architectural conservation district,” one of only 10 such districts currently within the City. (More information about this is available on our website on the Who we are page and for a fascinating and more in depth historical background on the St. Botolph District, please see St. Botolph Architectural Conservation District Study Report).

As an extra support to the Saint Botolph historical district, SBNA has an Architectural Review Committee to help residents early in the planning process to determine project compliance with the Standards and Criteria. The SBNA's fearless Architectural Review Committee Leader is Lee Steele. (He is always happy to answer any questions).

Choosing to live in this neighborhood makes us all stewards of preservation.

Community Partnership at work at the Durham Oval!
Thanks to the Henderson Foundation, Copley House, Friends of Durham Street, and other friends of the Conservancy, over $20,000 was raised to restore the Durham Oval!

Durham Oval 2025

Broom Wielding
Bob

Thanks to all the titans of trash who pick up trash regularly.  

Thanks, Bob!

---

Did you know? 

The neighborhood was known for two crafts in particular - Binding of book by hand with fine leathers and the fashioning of Stained Glass . Learn more 

Martin Luther King was a resident in the 50's and lived at 170 St. Botolph St.!

---

Edwin Arlington Robinson lived at 99 St Botolph St (now the Inn at St. Botolph) and is credited with leading a revival of poetry early in the twentieth century together with Robert Frost. He was awarded three Pulitzer prizes in 1921, 1924, and 1927.

---

What is the Saint Botolph Architectural Conservation District

`The Saint Botolph Architectural Conservation District was designated in 1981, at the recommendation of the St. Botolph District Study Committee, after two years of analysis and meetings with residents and Boston Landmarks Commission staff. The Committee  concluded “…..that the St. Botolph area is architecturally significant as a substantially intact area of late 19th century Victorian style buildings…….and as an extension and completion of the Back Bay, one of the nation’s most architecturally important neighborhood.” The purpose of creating such a District was to recognize  and  preserve  the unique  architectural, aesthetic and historic character of this remarkably cohesive District for the educational, cultural and economic welfare of the District’s residents and the greater Boston community.
For a fascinating and more in depth historical background on the St. Botolph District , please see St. Botolph Architectural Conservation District Study Report.

The Landmarks Commission is Boston's historic preservation agency and is part of the City’s Department of the Environment. The Saint Botolph Area Conservation District  Commission (SBACDC, or the “Commission”), is a subset of the City’s overall Landmarks Commission and is responsible for preserving Saint Botolph's historic buildings and places, through protective designation and design reviews prior to construction.

The Role of the SBACDC
To ensure that exterior changes made to buildings will be in keeping with the historic character of the Neighborhood, the SBACDC must review and approve proposed visible exterior work before a City Building Permit is issued. The SBACDC meets on the third Wednesday of each month to review proposed exterior work. Nicholas A. Armata (a Senior Preservation Planner on Landmarks staff) is the Saint Botolph area’s designated Planner.

All proposed exterior work, including work at rooftops, that is, or will be, visible from any public way (including Southwest Corridor Park) is subject to the review of the SBACDC and must comply with the District’s Standards and Criteria . Proponents must submit a Design Approval Application to the Commission and it must be approved by the Commission before beginning any exterior work that is subject to Commission review.

• Proponents should review all instructions and documentation requirements before submitting the  application to ensure it is complete. Only complete applications will be added to a public hearing agenda.
• As extra support to the Saint Botolph historical district, the Saint Botolph Neighborhood Association (SBNA)  has an Architectural Review Committee to help residents early in the planning process to determine project compliance with the Standards and Criteria. Additionally, the SBNA’s Architectural Review Committee is often asked by the SBACDC to represent the “Neighborhood’s position” on major projects affecting more than just immediate abutters to a project.
• If you are unsure of how to proceed or just need a friendly advice on the steps to take, contact our Architectural Review Committee .​

Garrison Hall and Garrison St are named for William Lloyd Garrison, abolitionist and journalistic crusader.

---