For a piece I am writing about possible new uses for an iconic building in Rhode Island, I turned for inspiration to Boston, where the venerable Custom House is now a
Marriott Resort. They have beautifully restored this building, which was begun in 1837, completed in 1849, and completed with a 496-foot tower in 1915. General manager Willie Nagda graciously gave me and Providence Journal photographer Steve Szydlowski an hour-and-a-half tour.
Starting with views from the 26th-story observation deck:
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| Buildings to the west. Last time I was up here, in college in the 1970s, I used an 8-by-10 b&w camera. |
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| View to north, overlooking Quincy Marketplace. Fanueil Hall in foreground, City Hall to left; TD Garden, home of Celtics and Bruins, and Zakim Bridge in distance. |
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| To the east, Boston Harbor, Logan Airport in distance. |
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| Guest loft, made from 1840s office space. |
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| The magnificent dome, 163 years old. |
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| Exterior view from Greenway, where hideous Central Artery once stood. The Big Dig buried the highway and opened up acres of park. |
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