Revitalizing a Boston Landmark on Iconic Newbury Street

Located in in the heart of the Back Bay area, this one mile-long, eight block stretch, which runs from Arlington Street to Massachusetts Avenue, and midway between Boylston Street and Commonwealth Avenue, is known for its historic character, dynamic cultural atmosphere, and eclectic fashion scene.

This urban sector was also home to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology between 1865 and 1916, and since 1961 includes the renowned Boston Architectural College, located at the corner of Hereford Street. The bustling, upscale district of Newbury is lined with 19^th-century brownstones that house posh art galleries, restaurants and cafés, avant-garde specialty boutiques, as well as a wide mix of retail shops.

Along its easternmost end, near Boston Public Garden, Newbury Street has a high concentration of luxury flagships and fashion houses which make it the premier shopping destination for Boston elites, and well-heeled socialites from around the world. Top fashion houses and high-end jewelry brands, clustered along the first block of the street, otherwise known as the luxury corridor, include Chanel, Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana, Valentino, Zegna, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Rolex, Van Cleef & Arpels, Patek Philippe, Shreve, Crump & Low, Vacheron Constantin, and Bulgari.

The building at 46 Newbury, located at the corner of Berkeley Street, is itself a Boston landmark. Originally built in the 1800’s, it was reconstructed in the 1920’s and subsequently renovated through its various changes in ownership. Its distinctive architectural style, reflective of 19^th-century commercial buildings, features a stately, symmetrical brownstone façade with stone steps and double doors adorned with unlacquered brass hardware and handles. Its exterior also showcases elements of Italianate and Victorian design such as ornate cornices, large, ground floor, bay windows with dark green marble slabs at their base, as well as arched entrances framed by decorative pilasters.

The handcrafted wood, manifest in its interior, further highlights the intricate craftsmanship of the age. While updated and modernized for commercial use, the building’s historical and architectural character have been preserved, juxtaposing the classic elegance of Boston’s aesthetic heritage with the feel of contemporary design.

In addition to its architectural significance, 46 Newbury is a location of historical importance in view of the legacy brands which have occupied the premises since the early 20^th century. Brook Brothers, America’s iconic and foremost classic menswear retailer, founded in 1818, was the first to occupy the space, establishing the brand’s first major flagship outside of New York City. Since its opening in 1932, Brooks Brothers remained in the Newbury location until its closure in 2020, making its near-century presence in the venue, a hallmark of Boston’s sartorial style and sophistication. 

Following Brook Brothers’ departure from the premises, other prominent tenants filled the space albeit, for a short period of time. House of Kennedy, a watch and jewelry retailer, founded in 1976 and headquartered in Australia, selected Newbury’s luxury jewelry hub, for its first overseas location. 

Now, 46 Newbury is embarking on an exciting new chapter in its rich history. SAJO is proud to play a key role in transforming this iconic address, crafting a space that will not only captivate discerning shoppers but also enhance Boston’s vibrant retail scene.