Fulton-Commercial Streets Historic District (Boundary Increase)

This amendment to a North End Boston historic district recognizes later buildings and extends the district's period of significance to 1949. The district grew on landfill near the waterfront as a commercial and industrial area, with four-story brick and granite rows built in the mid-19th century. Over time, owners added fifth and sixth floors, and a handful of new buildings appeared between 1883 and 1912, including the Goodnow Building, the Providence Packing Co. building at 134 Fulton Street, a store and warehouse at 145 Fulton Street, and the Chicago-style building at 210-218 Commercial Street. These structures show a move toward larger-scale manufacturing, storage and wholesale uses. The text also ties the district to successive waves of Irish, Italian and Jewish immigrants who worked in its shops and factories. Later changes, including Atlantic Avenue, the Callahan Tunnel and Central Artery construction, removed some buildings and altered the street plan.