The Porter Houses are probably the oldest surviving buildings in the South End. Following the Revolutionary War, Washington Street was slowly developed with similar graceful Federal residences. The architect is unknown, but Charles Bulfinch is a likely candidate. In his position as the head of the selectmen, he signed the deed of covenant for these houses as well as others on Washington Street, requiring all buildings constructed on the thoroughfare to be of brick or stone, at least three stories high, and set back from the street. After serving as a commercial building, a bar, and then standing vacant for many years, it was restored as condominiums in 2001.
You are here
William Porter Houses
If SAH Archipedia has been useful to you, please consider supporting it.
SAH Archipedia tells the story of the United States through its buildings, landscapes, and cities. This freely available resource empowers the public with authoritative knowledge that deepens their understanding and appreciation of the built environment. But the Society of Architectural Historians, which created SAH Archipedia with University of Virginia Press, needs your support to maintain the high-caliber research, writing, photography, cartography, editing, design, and programming that make SAH Archipedia a trusted online resource available to all who value the history of place, heritage tourism, and learning.