Back Bay is an officially recognized historic neighborhood located in Boston, Massachusetts. The area was constructed on reclaimed land within the Charles River basin starting in 1859 to meet a high demand for luxury housing. Development of the neighborhood was largely completed by approximately 1900.
The district is most notable for its rows of Victorian brownstone homes, which are regarded as some of the best-preserved examples of 19th-century urban design in the United States. It also houses several architecturally significant buildings and cultural institutions, including the Boston Public Library and the Boston Architectural College.
While originally intended as a residential area, commercial development was permitted beginning around 1890. Today, Back Bay features many office buildings, such as the John Hancock Tower, which is Boston's tallest skyscraper. The neighborhood is also recognized as a fashionable shopping destination and serves as home to several major hotels.