Here stands the Wightman Mansion a testament to early 20th-century grandeur. This isn’t just any building. It’s a piece of Boston’s history. It is located near the Boston University Fenway Campus in Brookline.
Originally designed in 1902, the Wightman Mansion was the primary residence of George H. Wightman, Esq. He was a steel magnate who worked with Andrew Carnegie. The mansion showcases Beaux-Arts architecture. The firm Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge designed it. Some say it looks more institutional than residential.
George Wightman’s passion for tennis influenced the estate. The large backyard once held private tennis courts. His son George William Wightman was also a tennis enthusiast. He married Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman. She was a tennis icon with 45 U.S. titles.
After George Wightman’s death in 1937, the mansion changed hands. It became home to the Hebrew Teacher’s College now Hebrew College. In 2002, the college relocated to Newton. Wheelock College then took over. In 2018, it merged with Boston University. It became Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development.
But there’s more to the Wightman Mansion. George Wightman also commissioned a house for his daughter Elizabeth. She married Ralph Linder Pope in 1908. In 1910, Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge designed a Colonial Revival style home for them. It was located near the Wightman Mansion.
Today, the Wightman Mansion offers a variety of rooms. These rooms are used for meetings, lectures, and cultural events. The Living Room spans 1,440 sq ft. It can host 80 people at round tables or 110 for a reception. The Ladd Room provides 1,918 sq ft. It accommodates 170 in theater style or 150 at round tables. The Hewitt Boardroom offers 1,310 sq ft. It is perfect for U-shaped meetings of up to 30 people.
Convenient parking and public transportation access make it easy to reach. Free WiFi is available. You will also find audio-visual equipment and catering services.
Notably, a new pollinator garden has been created near the Wightman Mansion. This garden features perennials to attract pollinating insects.
The Wightman Mansion stands as a reminder of a bygone era. It is a blend of architectural beauty, family history, and academic pursuits. As you explore this historic site, imagine the lives that unfolded within these walls. Feel the echoes of tennis matches and intellectual discussions. The Wightman Mansion is more than just a building. It’s a living story.