Standish Hall

In 1925, a magnificent hotel opened its doors at 610 Beacon Street. It quickly became known as the Myles Standish Hotel, a luxurious gem in Boston’s Back Bay. Now, imagine stepping back in time to experience the Standish Hall’s glamorous beginnings. Standish Hall wasn’t always a student dorm. It boasted elegant rooms, fine dining, and an enviable location near Kenmore Square’s trolley station. This prime spot attracted a prestigious clientele, including the legendary Babe Ruth. The Yankee slugger favored suite 818, requesting it whenever he was in town. During the Great Depression, Charles Newton took the helm, skillfully navigating the hotel through challenging economic times. He transformed the Myles Standish into a fashionable apartment hotel, a haven of style and sophistication. This era brought a new wave of residents and a buzz of activity to 610 Beacon Street. Fast forward to 1949. Boston University, facing a surge in enrollment due to returning WWII veterans, acquired the Myles Standish. The grand hotel underwent a transformation, its elegant spaces repurposed as student dormitories. Can you picture the bustling hallways, filled with students instead of socialites? Standish Hall continued to evolve. In 1970, it made BU history, becoming the first dorm to allow 24-hour guest visits regardless of gender. A few years later, structural issues led to a temporary closure. After repairs, Standish Hall reopened its doors, ready to welcome a new generation of students. The adjacent Grahm Junior College administration building was later acquired and annexed to the hall, creating what we now know as Myles Annex. Today, the Standish Hall, known simply as 610 Beacon Street, stands as a testament to its rich and varied past. It has witnessed the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, the resilience of the Depression era, and the transformative power of education. The next time you pass by 610 Beacon Street, remember the stories within its walls. From Babe Ruth’s favorite suite to its role in BU’s history, the Standish Hall continues to hold a special place in Boston’s vibrant tapestry.