In 1989, the Tremont Temple Baptist Church with co-developer St James Properties proposed building an office tower next-to and above their church, located at 76-88 Tremont Street.
The $45 million project, as proposed, was to be 16-stories high. The facade of the church would have received a full rehab and the 95-year old interior upgraded. (The church was designed by Clarence Blackall and George Newton.)
The tower would have been 190′ tall, have 145,000 square feet of space, and have retail on floors one and two. In addition to millions given to the church for its renovation, the developer would have donated linkage funds to build a daycare center and to help build affordable housing in Dudley Square, Roxbury. (Notter Finegold + Alexander was the architect of this housing.)
Linkage funds would have also been donated to rehab Converse Hall, which is apparently inside the temple.
The tower was to be designed by Robert A M Stern Architects.
The 90 Tremont Street was eventually built on, as we all know, by a new developer. It’s now the site of the Nine-Zero hotel. Tsoi/Kobus & Associates Inc. is the architect.
Before Nine-Zero was built, it was the site of the old Dini’s grill.
Here are some photos. All the above information and these photos are from the developer’s proposal.
Original drawing:
Original design (made of butter?)
Tremont Temple Baptist Church, 1989
The Littlest Bar (“Ambience!”) and back of church, 1989
Dini’s Sea Grille and front of church, 1989
Park Street area, 1989
Nine Zero hotel and Tremont Temple, current day
Converse Hall, circa 1989
Finally, a list of high-rises and big developments proposed for the city, in 1989. How many were built?
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John Keith is the publisher of 'the Life of a City' website. He is a long-time Boston resident who lives in the South End. He has been a writer, real estate agent, and candidate for public office, during his career. Next up: scallop fisherman. 
