Future Fenway Design Symposium
Fenway Park, in all its crazy imperfections, is absolutely perfect
by Howard Decker, architect and preservationist, delivered at the Future Fenway Design Symposium final session, Sept. 8, 2000
Working to save Fenway Park ranks among the most noble of undertakings available to anyone who believes in a real and potent American history. Of civic buildings in our country, none is rarer: only two early 20th century ballparks remain. Fenway is one, and, in all its crazy imperfections, in spite of its neglect, even in the face of its seeming antique obsolescence, it is absolutely perfect.
Our approach has been to confront two fundamental sets of facts: the character, condition and resources of the existing building; and the now well known objectives, (which, by the way, we understand and appreciate) of the Boston Red Sox.
As to the first set of facts, our investigations allow us to heartily agree with the Department of the Interior's National Park Service, which recommended unanimously in October of 1986 that Fenway be designated a National Landmark. (Parenthetically, this determination of eligibility for Landmark status on the part of the Federal government could impact the funding of Fenway demolition and replacement, and may cheer those of us who seek the Park's salvation).
Fenway is old. It was built to serve purposes at once similar and now divergent. It has not been cared for at a very high standard, though it has been modified over time on a regular basis. It needs attention, and the laying on of hands. But the patient, while reported to be intensively ill, can assuredly be saved. Flaking paint and spalling concrete can be restored and refreshed, and there is no evidence or reason to believe that one hundred years from now we can still sit, and comfortably, on a warm summer evening savoring the agonizing and joyful game of baseball.
As to the second set of facts, the stated Boston Red Sox needs unmet by Fenway Park, we can report that most, if not all, of these concerns can be met without causing the destruction of the place, or the neighborhood in which it sits. Seats can be comfortable, and more space can be found for more fans. Health, life safety and accessibility challenges can be met and managed while this jewel of a building, this living and changing landmark, can continue to be a presence in our lives, and in this place.
We have been working here in Boston for the last 10 days to be able to answer a few simple questions. Here they are:
Can the Park's capacity be expanded, and without radically altering its character?
Yes. Our drawings indicate that we can realign all the seating to substantially increase the comfort of the fans, and by optionally increasing the upper deck/club seating we can exceed 37,000 seats.
Can the existing Park, if made into a landmark, continue to change and adjust to life in the future?
Yes. In fact, the reason to treat the building as a landmark is to create the best possible tools for the future growth and development of the park. We are not advocating that Fenway Park be freeze dried. Instead, we acknowledge that the historic value of the Park is as a living and changing place.
Can the work of rehabilitating this place be achieved economically?
Yes. For about half of the costs that are now on the table. And something more about economics. Over the last 30 years, the Red Sox have enjoyed some of the highest attendance figures in MLB. Fans have flocked to Fenway to be in touch with the history of the game and the team. All this while many larger, newer stadiums have had mediocre results. Saving Fenway is simply saving the goose that laid the golden egg.
Can the Park's defects for the disabled be resolved?
Yes, both simply and effectively. Each level can be made accessible, which is not true today.
Can the Park meet other requirements, such as building codes?
Absolutely. All of our analysis suggests that there are challenges at Fenway today, in structure, exiting, and health provisions. None of these is overwhelming or extraordinary, they are all solvable conditions, they are not surprising in a building of this age, and preservation architects across the country are solving much more difficult problems every day.
Fenway Park can live actively on for decades, if the Park's owners have a will to do so. They must make a commitment to the place, the neighborhood and the city, but the building will be more than fine if they do, and huge numbers of millions of dollars, and our collective memory and history, will be saved in the bargain.
Boston and the Red Sox, have pride in your past, have faith in your future, and hold fast to your spirit. Save Fenway Park, fix it, change it in right ways, care for it, and it will return your affection tenfold.
Future Fenway Design Symposium
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