In Boston’s financial district, a lovely 1.7-acre park is nestled between the office buildings, giving workers and others a pleasant respite for enjoying lunch and relaxation. Post Office Square, also known as Norman B. Leventhal Park, features numerous trees and other plantings, an open lawn, a pergola along one boundary, fountains, and a café. This space is privately-owned and maintained, but open to the public. It was completed in 1992 on a site that was formerly occupied by an above-ground garage. Parking is now located below the property.
A central lawn, pergola with benches, and other seating areas provide plenty of opportunities for relaxation.
Fountain near the north end of the park
Seating wall along the west side of the space
Café with outdoor seating at the south end
The park is flanked by several attractive art deco buildings.
Photos by Alice Webb
Tag: art deco
Deco Details
Straying once again from the subject of landscape architecture, I am posting some photos of my favorite style of historic architecture. Art Deco buildings are not very common in the northeastern U.S., and I always get excited when I see a well-designed structure in this style, especially those with interesting details. Below are a few examples I’ve photographed during the last couple of years. Also, you can check out more on this subject in two of my previous posts: Miami Beach Art Deco and Art Deco in New York City.
111 Eighth Avenue building, New York City
American Radiator building, New York City
Film Center building, New York City
Higgins Armory building (former museum), Worcester, MA
Empire Diner, New York City
Grand Theater, Ellsworth, ME
Greenwich Substation, New York City
New England Telephone and Telegraph Co. building, Worcester, MA
Coca Cola building (former bottling plant), Worcester, MA
Salvation Army building, New York City
Salvation Army building, New York City
Starrett-Lehigh building, New York City
Photos by Alice Webb, except Higgins Armory building photo (obtained from Wikimedia Commons, and cropped).
Miami Beach Art Deco
Since we’re in the depths of winter here in the northern U.S., I’m sharing some photos of art deco buildings in Miami Beach, in happy pastel colors to help melt away the cold weather blues! I’ve always been a fan of this style of historic architecture, and am happy to see these buildings so well-preserved. For more on this topic, check out my post on art deco in New York City.
Photos by Alice Webb
Art Deco in New York City
I know this is a bit off the topic of landscape architecture, but I happen to have a love for Art Deco design, and want to share some photos of this subject that I took in New York City last year. My grandfather was an architect when this style was very popular; in fact, he was one of many architects who designed the Rockefeller Center complex of buildings when he was employed by Raymond Hood.
Looking south on Lexington Avenue: G.E. Building in foreground on right, and Chrysler Building in background
Detail of Chanin Building on Lexington Avenue
G.E. Building on Lexington Avenue
Madison Belmont Building detail (on Madison Avenue)
Lexington Avenue entrance to the Chrysler Building
Lobby of Empire State Building
Rockefeller Center detail
Rockefeller Center detail
Photos by Alice Webb
Land Perspectives 