Picture the elegant Hotel Agassiz. It stands proudly at 191 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston’s Back Bay. This magnificent building whispers tales of a bygone era. A time when grandeur and family history intertwined.
The Hotel Agassiz wasn’t just a hotel. It was a testament to a family’s legacy. Alexander Agassiz and his brother-in-law Henry Lee Higginson commissioned its construction in 1872. Alexander was a prominent figure. He headed the Calumet and Hecla Copper Mines. Henry Lee Higginson’s father founded the Boston Symphony Orchestra. They built this family hotel as luxurious apartments. They called them French flats. Each apartment was a whole floor. This was a novel concept for Boston at the time.
Weston & Rand designed the six-story brick building. Weston & Shepard were the masons. The original structure was a marvel of engineering. It cost between $175000 and $200000. The Boston Globe detailed the planned amenities. Two hydraulic elevators would transport residents. The rooms boasted Cloggston’s heating system and fireplaces. The ventilation was supposedly perfect. The main staircase was iron. It was enclosed by brick walls.
But the story of the Hotel Agassiz is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s the story of the people who lived within its walls. Henry Lee Higginson and his wife Ida lived there. Henry was famous for founding the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Their life unfolded within the building. The hotel later underwent changes. The number of apartments increased to sixteen. They were made smaller and more numerous. The original apartments had eighteen to twenty rooms each. They were transformed over time to meet evolving needs.
The Hotel Agassiz’s legacy endures. It went from family homes to condominiums. It transitioned from a symbol of Gilded Age wealth to modern living spaces. Yet the building remains a testament. It is a living reminder of a prominent family’s vision. Their influence continues to shape Boston’s identity. The spirit of the Agassiz and Higginson families is still felt here at the Hotel Agassiz. A place where history and luxury are inextricably bound. It continues to captivate all who encounter it.