Dudley Station is known for its easy access to the city of Boston. The Station is conveniently located between Washington, Warren and Dudley Street. Dudley Square was developed in the late 1800’s where the trolley system ran. Dudley Station itself did not open until 1901 where the El train ran. The Railway that was developed ran to Sullivan Square in Charlestown which later became part of the Orange line of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) where it ran to Forest Hills.

The transit system that was developed provided convenient travel to the different parts of the city. One of the major memories of the station was the turn the train took out of the station. Many people were horrified by the turn. Other horrific memories included the squeaks and the lean as it turned. Often times the train would come to a complete halt (in mid lean). The train ride was mainly endured because it was faster and more convenient then the bus.

In addition to the transit system, one can sense the historic feel of the buildings. The area is home of Hotel Dartmouth, Palladio Hall and Ferdinand Building, which still stand today. These buildings serve as an up close reminder of the greatness of the heart of Roxbury.

Hotel Dartmouth is now an apartment building that provides subsidized housing to recently homeless individuals as well as mentally disabled tenants on the upper floors. The lower level still has its slew of busy stores and businesses.

Palladio Halls’ restoration was the project of Nuestra Communidad a nonprofit organization. After the restoration was completed in 1999. Nuestra leased the building as office space as well as occupying the building. The development adds great cosmetic appeal to the station.

The Ferdinand Building is the old Dudley Square furniture store on Warren and Washington Street, built in 1895. Today it is an eyesore screaming to be redeveloped. The Mayor of Boston Thomas M. Menino recently announced his interest in constructing the building into the new school headquarters. This will give further revitalization to the Dudley Square and the station as a whole.

 Before any of these new developments, dust, dirt and smog gave Dudley Station an unattractive and sometimes depressing atmosphere. The dreariness caused by the elevated train did not make things any better. But the convenience kept it bustling. The line was soon removed in 1989.

After the removal of the train, Dudley Stations uses were adapted to be used as a bus station. The early 1990’s served as a transition of the transitional system. There was no longer anyway to go straight to Downtown Boston except by the #49 bus, or you could travel to other stations from Dudley. The community expressed mixed views about the new developments.

These mixed views (mainly negative) provoked the MBTA to develop what is now called the Silver Line. Born in 2002 the transit bus serves as a gateway to Downtown Boston and South Station, which is mostly via Washington Street. The convenience of this bus is that it is frequent. An additional plus is that the bus travels in its own lane along side street traffic. The Silver Line also has connections from South Station to Logan Airport making it that much more convenient.

The station and square has not only seen its changes in cosmetics but also in crime. It is now a place that can be frequented at night. In the late 70’s to mid 90’s the Square was not the place to be after 5:30pm. Now due to an uncanny pride that the residents and patrons have the square and station is now safer.

Today you can also find a diverse group of people ranging from corporate professional to the homeless panhandlers.  The square provides ample parking ranging from all day to two (2) hour parking. Beware the Meter Maids are a force not to be played with. Two hours means two hours. If you go over the limit a bright, orange, twenty-five dollar ticket will be neatly placed on your windshield.

It is wise to park a block or two (or three for that matter) away from the station and walking down. Parking away from the station will provide all day parking convenience without the risk of a ticket or tow unless it is a street cleaning day. Best advice is to pay attention to the signs.

Additional conveniences to the square and station include the eateries, public library, police station, clothing stores, convenience stores, Boston Public Schools (elementary to high school) and courthouse all within less then a quarter of a mile radius.

Bus routes servicing the station can take you anywhere from Harvard University to Boston Medical Center. It is all just a bus ride away. Bus fares are fairly priced at $1.25 with a reloadable Charlie Card and $15.00 for a weekly Charlie Card with other purchase options. My best advice is to get a weekly or monthly pass if you a frequent commuter. These passes will not only save you time but money as well. Dudley Station provides several machines where you can make your Charlie Card purchase.

Convenience, access and historic appeal is what makes Dudley Square the place to transition through during travel.  




Images courtesy of the City Record and News-Letter, the Bostonian Society, and the Boston Public Library Print Department.