At a Glance

The West End is a small neighborhood located north of Beacon Hill. Considerably altered by Urban Renewal policies of the 1950s, the West End was once a dense and diverse ethnic neighborhood, and now features large apartment towers set in landscaping and pathways.

Current residents of the West End enjoy sweeping views across the Charles River or towards the Boston Harbor. The neighborhood is within easy walking distance of the Esplanade and Hatch Shell, Downtown, Beacon Hill, and the City of Cambridge. Cultural and civic amenities in the area include the West End Museum and St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

Massachusetts General Hospital, one of the premier medical centers in the United States, economically and physically anchors the area to the southwest. The Liberty Hotel and Clink Bar, both housed in a converted historic jail, are hip neighborhood institutions.

The Community Engagement Managers (CEM) of the BPDA are responsible for assisting staff members with the coordination of all outreach in regards to planning initiatives and proposed development in Boston’s neighborhoods. CEMs work to ensure each BPDA external process actively reflects the community’s goals, in addition to being the point of contact for constituent questions. Have questions about a certain project in your neighborhood? Feel free to reach out them:

For information about planning context, zoning, or BPDA review processes, please contact [email protected].