History Government Service Center (Boston)

fenced-off section of courtyard

in 1999 remaining space filled edward w. brooke courthouse, kallmann mckinnell & wood, in different architectural style. @ around same time courtyard area landscaped , features such stairways, elevator, , wheelchair access ramp added. while additions match style of original building, can distinguished close different style of ribbed concrete used, lacks rough exposed aggregate.

other landscaping in courtyard, building has never undergone significant restoration or renovation , appears rather weathered , neglected today. edges of sweeping, curved exterior stairways crumbling, exposing rebar inside. exterior plaza on north side, shown in rudolph s original drawings full of benches, trees, , people, parking lot chain link fence around it.

the building offers many benches , sheltered , concealed spots, used local homeless population take refuge weather , rest or sleep. in 2008, state attached signs exterior discouraging these uses (and damaging concrete). officially, property closed public on evenings , weekends, policy seldom enforced. more recently, many of exterior staircases, terraces, , niches fenced off.