Norma Brown Building

Stepping into the past, we find ourselves before the Norma Brown Building, a structure steeped in Boston’s rich history. The Norma Brown Building, once known as the John Hancock Building, stands as a testament to the city’s architectural evolution. This elegant structure at 197 Clarendon Street, across from the iconic John Hancock Tower, holds a special place in Boston’s narrative. Completed in 1922, the Norma Brown Building, originally the John Hancock Life Insurance Company Building, was designed by the renowned architectural firm Parker, Thomas and Rice, the same firm behind the United Shoe Machinery Corporation Building. Its design was so celebrated that it received the prestigious Harleston Parker Medal in 1924. Imagine standing on the corner of Clarendon Street and St. James Avenue, gazing at the mirrored surface of the more recent John Hancock Tower. If you look closely, reflected in that glass, you might catch a glimpse of the Norma Brown Building, a subtle nod to the past. This “ethereal family portrait,” as architectural historian Donlyn Lyndon describes it, showcases the lineage of John Hancock buildings in Boston. Interestingly, the Norma Brown Building was almost lost to history. The original plan for the John Hancock Tower included demolishing this older structure to create open space. Thankfully, in 1982, the Boston Redevelopment Authority recognized the building’s value and decided to preserve it. This decision not only kept the building on the tax rolls but also prevented the creation of a potentially undesirable wind tunnel effect at the base of the tower. Today, the Norma Brown Building continues to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Boston’s Back Bay, a quiet testament to the city’s enduring architectural legacy.