In the 1950’s there was a mass exodus from urban areas throughout the United
States. This led to an identity crisis for Boston and many other cities. Once
priding itself as one of the largest ports in the country, now Boston had waterfront
receding into abandonment. The construction of the highway moved the edge of
the city away from the coast. In response to this national problem The Federal
Urban Renewal Program was created. The Boston Redevelopment Authority was a
leader in this movement, and had several projects gain nationwide recognition.
There approach although renowned would ultimately prove detrimental. The B.R.A.
attempt at urban renewal was organized by designating separate districts. This
was done for administrative and funding reasons. Each district was dealt with
as a separate entity with regards to there individual needs. With this approach
Boston was further maintained and enhanced as a city of separation.
An
urban clean slate
