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The Aldrich Center encompasses the first floor of One Walnut Street, also known as the Phillips-Winthrop House, which is one of the earliest brick homes on Beacon Street and a shining example of Beacon Hill elegance and charm. This historical setting offers a unique blend of history, comfort and technology which makes it an ideal venue for your next business meeting, political function or social event.
The Aldrich Center is operated by The Engineering Center Education Trust (TECET), an educational and charitable nonprofit trust and owner of One Walnut Street. TECET is a collaborative undertaking of three associations – the American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts, the Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section/ASCE and the Massachusetts Association of Land Surveyors and Civil Engineers. The Aldrich Center is named after Dr. Harl Aldrich, Jr., PE, founder of Haley & Aldrich, Inc., Boston, MA, and a principal donor when One Walnut Street was purchased in June of 1990.
Hold your next event in the home of the first Mayor of Boston, John Phillips, and birthplace of his son, noted orator and abolitionist Wendell Phillips. Perhaps your guests will be inspired and achieve great things.
The Story of One Walnut Street; Home of the Aldrich Center
It was in 1804 when Charles Bulfinch, architect of the Massachusetts State House and later the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., designed One Walnut Street. The neighbors, in homes that dotted Beacon Street between Park and Charles, were few. The John Hancock house and the home of Mr. Copley (of Copley Place) stood nearby. Since that time, the residents of One Walnut Street have included some of Boston’s most prominent figures. John Phillips, first Mayor of Boston lived here and his son, famous abolitionist Wendell Phillips, was born here in November, 1811. Later occupants included Thomas Lindall Winthrop, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts from 1826 to 1832 and Thomas Dixon, Consul for the Netherlands. In 1939, the house was donated to the Judge Baker Foundation by Mrs. James Storrow.
An architectural landmark, this historic brick building has become a cornerstone of Boston’s unique heritage. Today, the neighbors are no less prestigious. The original three stories have risen to four, having been added to the property after 1860. It was not until 1978 that the then owners, the Phillips-Winthrop House Trust, undertook a complete historic renovation of the building, bringing it to its present carefully-preserved condition. The rehabilitation of One Walnut Street, certified by the U.S. Department of Interior, documents its contribution to the significance of the Beacon Hill Historic District.
In June of 1990, The Engineering Center Education Trust purchased the building and this affiliation of engineering and land surveying societies operates the Aldrich Center on the first floor. One Walnut Street stands as a shining example of Beacon Hill elegance and charm. Overlooking the Frog Pond on Boston Common and located only two blocks from the State House and the Freedom Trail, with immediate access to the Boston business district, the shops on Newbury Street, and Storrow Drive, One Walnut Street enjoys the prominence Charles Bulfinch bestowed over two centuries ago.
The Aldrich Center has meeting rooms for rent that can accommodate private parties, business meetings, and political events from two to 75. Our combination of historic charm, interior comfort and start-of-the-art audiovisual technology makes us the quintessential Beacon Hill meeting space. Call 617/227-5551 and let one of our skilled event planners help you book and plan your next event.
We are located at One Walnut Street, Boston, MA 02108.
From the Massachusetts Turnpike
Exit Massachusetts Turnpike at Copley/Prudential exit. Follow signs to Copley (keep right). Go through traffic signal at end of exit ramp, turn left onto Berkeley Street (second set of lights). Turn right onto Boylston Street. Go through one traffic signal. At second traffic signal, Boylston Street splits (Boston Public Garden will be on the left) Stay left and follow to Charles Street (road bends and turns into Charles Street – Boston Public Garden will still be on left and Boston Common will be on right). Keep right, at second traffic signal, turn right onto Beacon Street. Walnut Street is the third street on the left.
From the Expressways (North or South)
From 93 North or South take the Storrow Drive (Cambridge) exit. Take Storrow Drive to the 3rd exit, Back Bay (exit from left lane). At stop light turn left onto Beacon Street, then immediately right onto Arlington Street. The Taj Hotel will be located on your right. Take the next left (at second stoplight) onto Boylston Street (Four Seasons Hotel will be on your right) Take next left onto Charles Street keeping in the far right lane. Turn right onto Beacon Street at the first light and continue three blocks. Walnut Street is the third street on the left.
Public Transit
Take the Red or Green Line to Park Street. Walk through the Boston Common toward the State House. With the State House facing you, walk two streets to the left. The Aldrich Center is located on the corner of Walnut and Beacon Streets.