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48-669: The Fairmont Copley Plaza is recognized as one of the Historic Hotels of America , a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation . It is currently under consideration for local landmark status with the Boston Landmarks Commission . The Copley Plaza was built on the original site of the Museum of Fine Arts and named in honor of John Singleton Copley , an American painter. The total cost

96-713: A merger of the Council into the National Trust. The merger was effective the following year and was completed by 1956. The National Trust became a membership organization and assumed all other functions of the National Council. In its early years, the National Trust’s founders envisioned an organization whose primary purpose would be the acquisition and administration of historic sites, while encouraging public participation in their preservation. In 1957,

144-557: A 16.5% stake in the resulting company. On July 24, 2001, Fairmont Hotels bought a 50% stake in the hotel from Prince Al Waleed for $ 23 million. On February 11, 2003, Fairmont bought out Prince Al Waleed's remaining 50% stake in the hotel for a further $ 23 million. By this point, Prince Al Waleed's direct stake in Fairmont had decreased to 4.9%. Fairmont sold the hotel to FelCor Lodging Trust Inc. in September 2010 for $ 98.5 million. This

192-456: A 21-foot (6.4 m) high gilded coffered ceiling with matching Empire style crystal chandeliers and Italian marble columns. Much of the classical architecture and decor has been preserved, including the back-to-back "P" monogram. The hotel is known for these industry firsts: the first hotel completely air-conditioned in Boston, the first hotel with an international reservations system, and

240-655: A bill to Congress, H.R. 5170, introduced by Congressman J. Hardin Peterson of Florida and passed. The private, nonprofit National Trust for Historic Preservation was formally established by charter through the Act of Congress when President Harry S. Truman signed the legislation on October 26, 1949. The charter provided that the Trust should acquire and preserve historic sites and objects of national significance and provide annual reports to Congress on its activities. Finley served as

288-846: A ceiling with beams and cross-beams lying on them, with flat panels filling the lacunae . For centuries, it was thought that wooden coffers were first made by crossing the wooden beams of a ceiling in the Loire Valley châteaux of the early Renaissance . In 2012, however, archaeologists working under the Packard Humanities Institute at the House of the Telephus in Herculaneum discovered that wooden coffered ceilings were constructed in Roman times. Experimentation with

336-600: A dinner for Babe Ruth at The Copley Plaza to celebrate his return to Boston after 16 years with the New York Yankees . On August 3, 1940, back-up catcher for the Cincinnati Reds, Willard Hershberger, despondent over a series of losses in which he performed poorly, took his own life in the bathroom of his Hotel room at the Copley Plaza. He was discovered laying beside the tub with his throat slit. He

384-438: A vault, also called caissons ("boxes"), or lacunaria ("spaces, openings"), so that a coffered ceiling can be called a lacunar ceiling: the strength of the structure is in the framework of the coffers. The stone coffers of the ancient Greeks and Romans are the earliest surviving examples, but a seventh-century BC Etruscan chamber tomb in the necropolis of San Giuliano , which is cut in soft tufa-like stone reproduces

432-626: Is periodically challenged through the transportation reauthorization process, most recently during the consideration of MAP-21. Due to work by preservationists, Section 4(f) remains intact. The National Trust advocates for the preservation of historic and cultural resources on federal public lands , partnering with the Bureau of Land Management , the Forest Service , and the National Park Service . The National Trust supported

480-770: The Green Mountain Lookout Heritage Protection Act , a bill that would prevent the United States Forest Service from removing a building from the Glacier Peak Wilderness Area in Washington State unless the agency determines that the structure is unsafe for visitors. The National Trust stating that it was "pleased that Congress has acted to protect this historically significant and locally cherished landmark. With this vote,

528-582: The Hotel Vancouver would serve as the inspiration for the Tipton. 42°20′57″N 71°04′35″W  /  42.349295°N 71.076286°W  / 42.349295; -71.076286 National Trust for Historic Preservation#Historic Hotels of America The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately funded, nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. , that works in

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576-467: The National Gallery of Art to discuss the formation of such a national organization. This meeting was followed by a larger gathering on April 15, 1947, attended by representatives from a number of art, architectural, and historical societies , which culminated in the creation of the National Council for Historic Sites and Buildings. The meeting’s attendants became the first charter members of

624-506: The National Park Service , State Historic Preservation Offices , and local preservation groups. The National Trust is headquartered in Washington, D.C. , with field operations located throughout the country. The organization is governed by a board of trustees and led by president & CEO, Carol Quillen. As of November 2023, the National Trust reports that it has over 1 million actively engaged visitors, followers, supporters, and advocates. In addition to leading campaigns and advocacy,

672-481: The Sheraton-Plaza Hotel in 1951 and operated it under that name until 1972, when they sold it to John Hancock Insurance for $ 6.5 million. The new owners renamed the hotel The Copley Plaza, but Sheraton continued to operate the property until 1974, when John Hancock hired Boston hospitality management firm Hotels of Distinction's Alan Tremain to run The Copley Plaza. During this time, the restaurants in

720-788: The District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To be included in the program, hotels must be at least 50 years old; designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places ; and recognized as having historic significance. Initiated in 2011, the National Treasures program identified historically significant landmarks that face imminent threat. With

768-456: The House joins the Senate in affirming that the preservation of this historic resource is compatible with wilderness protection." Coffered ceiling A coffer (or coffering ) in architecture is a series of sunken panels in the shape of a square, rectangle, or octagon in a ceiling , soffit or vault . A series of these sunken panels was often used as decoration for a ceiling or

816-617: The National Trust officially acquired its first property, Woodlawn Plantation in northern Virginia . Since then, the National Trust portfolio of historic properties and contracted affiliates has expanded to include twenty-seven historic sites, ranging from the 18th-century Drayton Hall in South Carolina to the Modernist Glass House in Connecticut . Over the next decade, the National Trust grew to become

864-551: The National Trust opened its first field office in San Francisco. As the organization grew, the National Trust expanded its work, consisting of programs, educational resources, and advocacy. In 1980, the National Trust initiated the National Main Street Center , specializing in revitalizing historic business districts, which has since transitioned into a subsidiary. In 2010, Stephanie Meeks became

912-685: The National Trust provides a growing educational resource through the Preservation Leadership Forum, which offers articles, journals, case studies, and conferences and training. The National Trust issues the quarterly Preservation magazine as well as online stories. The National Trust’s current work focuses on building sustainable communities through the adaptive reuse of historic spaces; preserving and empowering cultural diversity through protecting sites of cultural significance; advocating for greater stewardship of historic places on public land ; and leading innovation in

960-413: The National Trust's first chairman of the board, remaining in the position for 12 years. Archaeologist Richard Hubbard Howland became the nonprofit's first president in 1956. The National Trust and the National Council existed side by side for several years until the need to merge resources compelled the executive committee to integrate the two entities. In 1952, the boards of both organizations approved

1008-406: The Preservation Leadership Forum, a network of preservation professionals. The National Trust for Historic Preservation created Historic Hotels of America in 1989, with 32 charter members. Historic Hotels of America identifies hotels that have maintained their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity. As of June 5, 2015, the program includes over 260 members in 44 states, including

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1056-521: The United Kingdom have visited the hotel. Celebrities including John Lennon , Tony Bennett , Lena Horne , Frank Sinatra , and Luciano Pavarotti have also been guests. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton chose the Copley Plaza for their second honeymoon. The climax of Robert B. Parker 's 1973 Spenser novel The Godwulf Manuscript takes place in Room 411 of the hotel. The hotel provides

1104-519: The authorities of local women's colleges who forbade their students from attending: "These dances have nothing to do with the colleges in question, but have merely a financial interest in them. There is not doubt that they are of an extremely questionable nature owing to the fact that they are entirely opened to the public." The hotel marked its centennial with another ribbon cutting ceremony by Boston Mayor Thomas Menino on August 16, 2012. Sheraton Hotels bought The Copley Plaza in 1941. They renamed it

1152-509: The ceiling of the rotunda dome in the Pantheon, Rome . Coffered ceilings were used in cathedrals starting with St Mark's Basilica and Santa Maria Maggiore . They spread following the reforms of the Council of Trent , as the improved acoustics and opportunity to include statues, apostolic heraldry and other religious elements in compositions with versatile shapes was thought to enhance

1200-482: The council. The organization’s first headquarters was in the offices of Ford’s Theatre (Lincoln Museum) in downtown Washington, D.C. The Council pursued the formation of a National Trust for Historic Preservation, somewhat modeled on the British National Trust , which would be tasked with the acquisition and maintenance of historic properties. The creation of the National Trust was proposed as

1248-662: The field of historic preservation in the United States . The member-supported organization was founded in 1949 by congressional charter to support the preservation of America’s diverse historic buildings, neighborhoods, and heritage through its programs, resources, and advocacy. The National Trust for Historic Preservation aims to empower local preservationists by providing leadership to save and revitalize America's historic places, and by working on both national policies as well as local preservation campaigns through its network of field offices and preservation partners, including

1296-694: The first National Park , Yellowstone . In 1906, the Antiquities Act enabled the President to declare landmarks or objects as a national monument . Then in 1935, during the Great Depression, Congress passed the Historic Sites Act , which outlined programs for research and inventory of historic sites. Meanwhile, historic preservation initiatives existed on local and state levels. In 1931, Charleston, South Carolina created

1344-458: The first historic district for protection. However, efforts to save and maintain historic sites were still largely limited to private citizens or local groups. In the late 1940s, leaders in American historic preservation saw the need for a national organization to support local preservation efforts. In 1946, David E. Finley Jr. , George McAneny , Christopher Crittenden, and Ronald Lee met at

1392-508: The first to accept credit cards . From its opening, the hotel was a center of the social life of Boston's elite. In 1913, Hamilton Fish, Jr. , held a "Lenten dance" where "society leaders ... from New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington and Boston greeted the coming of daylight this morning at the Copley Plaza Hotel". In the 1920s, John Singer Sargent kept rooms at the hotel and painted portraits there. Sargent used one of

1440-418: The hotel from Harvard for $ 70 million. Fairmont Hotels , which Prince Al Waleed then owned a controlling interest in, assumed management of the hotel, which was renamed The Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston . On September 21, 1999, Prince Al Waleed bought out Olympus's share of the hotel, assuming 100% ownership. Between 1999 and 2001, Fairmont Hotels was significantly reorganized, with Prince Al Waleed only owning

1488-669: The hotel were considered some of the best in the city and featured such chefs as Lydia Shire , Jasper White , and Gordon Hamersley . John Hancock sold the hotel in 1988 for $ 56 million to local businessman James A. Daley , in partnership with a subsidiary of Harvard University . In 1993, Harvard brought in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to manage The Copley Plaza and it became The Copley Plaza - A Wyndham Hotel . In September 1996, Saudi Prince Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud and Olympus Real Estate Corporation partnered to buy

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1536-571: The hotel's employees, a black elevator operator named Thomas McKeller, as the model for the Greek god Apollo in his decoration of Boston's Museum of Fine Arts . Frederick Kerry, paternal grandfather of US Senator John Kerry , committed suicide with a gunshot to the head in the restroom of this hotel on November 23, 1921. In the 1930s, the Boston Horse Show awarded The Copley-Plaza Challenge Trophy. In February 1935, civic leaders held

1584-524: The leading national organization in historic preservation. They began working with citizens and city planning officials on legislative matters, including federal, state, and municipal ordinances for historic preservation. National Trust staff also traveled to parts of the country to advise local communities on preservation projects. In 1966, Congress passed the National Historic Preservation Act , significant legislation for

1632-660: The local, state, and federal level. Current advocacy priorities are: The Historic Tax Credit (HTC) is the federal tax credit program that incentivizes the rehabilitation of historic buildings. The HTC, which has rehabilitated more than 38,700 buildings and leveraged about $ 106 billion in private investment nationwide, is in danger of being eliminated in current budget-balancing discussions in Congress. The federal Department of Transportation Act of 1966 included Section 4(f), which stipulates that planners must develop projects that protect or avoid historic resources. However, Section 4(f)

1680-474: The management of historic properties. Toward the end of the 19th century, in response to increased immigration and the broad effort of rebuilding after the Civil War , the country was developing a renewed sense of national identity and history. The government began to enact legislation for the preservation of sites and objects deemed significant to the nation’s history. In 1872, an Act of Congress established

1728-690: The organization’s president, replacing Richard Moe , who had led the organization for 17 years. In 2013, the National Trust headquarters moved from the Andrew Mellon Building on 1785 Massachusetts Avenue, NW in Washington D.C.’s Dupont Circle to the historic Watergate office complex . Meeks said in a statement about the move, "The selection of the Watergate demonstrates our ongoing commitment to recognizing and protecting important places from every era in American history, including

1776-422: The possible shapes in coffering, which solve problems of mathematical tiling, or tessellation , were a feature of Islamic as well as Renaissance architecture . The more complicated problems of diminishing the scale of the individual coffers were presented by the requirements of curved surfaces of vaults and domes. A prominent example of Roman coffering, employed to lighten the weight of the dome, can be found in

1824-668: The preservation movement. The Act also provided federal funding in support of the National Trust’s work. The funding later ceased in 1996, at which point the National Trust became entirely privately funded. Following the adoption of the National Historic Preservation Act, the National Trust broadened in its mission beyond administering historic sites. In 1969, the National Trust created the Preservation Services Fund to provide financial assistance to local preservation projects. In 1971,

1872-648: The public and eventually selected based on a range of factors, including its significance, whether there is a local group engaged in its preservation, the urgency of the threat, and potential solutions to that threat. In 2017, the Trust launched an initiative called the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund to identify underrepresented Black cultural sites in need of funding for restoration and preservation. The program has been directed by historian Brent Leggs . The National Trust for Historic Preservation organizes

1920-594: The recent past." In 2022, the National Trust headquarters moved from the Watergate to a shared coworking space (located in a former Garfinckel's department store ) in downtown D.C. The National Trust’s programs include publication of the annual list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places , first issued in 1988, which highlights endangered sites across the country. Meeks stepped down as president in December 2018. Former general counsel and chief legal officer Paul Edmondson then served as president and CEO until

1968-473: The setting of a few scenes in the 1999 cult classic film The Boondock Saints . Other movies and TV shows filmed at the property include The Equalizer 2 , The Firm , Bride Wars , and American Hustle . The fictional Tipton Hotel from the Disney Channel Sitcom, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody shares the same address as the real hotel, 138 St. James Avenue. This, along with

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2016-542: The spring of 2023. Beginning in January of 2024, Carol Quillen , former president of Davidson College , began serving as president and CEO. First published in 1988, the National Trust’s list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places is an annual list that highlights endangered historic sites across the United States. The list serves to raise national awareness of these sites. The sites are nominated by

2064-521: The street level. When it opened in 1912, Boston Mayor John F. Fitzgerald presided over a reception with over a thousand guests. Rooms had been booked as early as 16 months in advance. Its first manager, who also lived at the hotel, served for 22 years and he and the hotel were so prominent as to merit an obituary in the New York Times . It became for some years the site of the annual Harvard-Yale dance and other post-football dances, denounced by

2112-451: The support of local preservationists, the National Trust led direct action to save these sites through fundraising, coalition building, and legal advocacy. The sites were selected based on criteria including: integrity, contribution to America’s diverse history, and preservation strategies that can be applied to other sites. The portfolio of National Treasures included, for example: The National Trust’s advocacy arm works to effect policy at

2160-663: Was $ 5.5 million. The hotel's architect was Henry Janeway Hardenbergh , who also designed other hotels, including the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. and the Plaza Hotel in New York City , the Copley Plaza's sister hotel. The seven-floor hotel is constructed of limestone and buff brick in the Beaux-Arts style. The E-shaped building is supported by pilings driven to a depth of 70 feet (21 m) below

2208-451: Was media mogul Sumner Redstone , who survived by hanging from a third-story window. His hand was partially paralyzed from the fire. Film director Rob Cohen was also rescued from the fire, which partly inspired his 1996 film Daylight . The Copley Plaza Hotel has been host to many famous people. Every US President since William Howard Taft , and royalty from Greece , Thailand , Abyssinia , Saudi Arabia , Iran , Belgium, Denmark, and

2256-401: Was only 30 years old. His father had also committed suicide and he told Reds Manager, Bill McKechnie that he was going to "do it, too ..." On March 29, 1979, a disgruntled former employee set multiple fires in both The Copley Plaza and the nearby Sheraton Boston hotels. The fire at the Copley Plaza, which was occupied by 430 people at the time, injured thirty and killed one. Among those injured

2304-501: Was part of Fairmont's movement away from direct real estate ownership, but Fairmont continued to manage the hotel. FelCor was sold to RLJ Lodging Trust in April 2017, and RLJ sold the hotel in December 2017 to Ashkenazy Acquisition Corp. for $ 170 million. The hotel has more recently been branded simply as Fairmont Copley Plaza . The entrance hallway has been called "Peacock Alley" since the 1920s. The 5,000-square-foot (460 m) lobby has

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