Universities and hospitals have long been the bedrock of strong communities. However, in the second half of the 20th century the elite institutions also became incredible wealth generators. With research grants, pharmaceutical contracts, and bio-tech money on the table, this became a frenetically competitive market and the top institutions looked to secure their position through expansion. However, this expansion displaced residents and the new wealth brought into the city increased economic pressure on neighboring communities. The explosion of bio-technology and the innovation economy has swelled tax rolls but also created the challenge of harnessing this new wealth to benefit the entire population.

Panelists:
Anthony Pangaro, Millennium Partners
Barbara Rubel, Tufts University
Peter Kiang, UMass Boston
Kathy Spiegelman, Northeastern University

Moderated by Kairos Shen, former BRA

We are grateful to our underwriter The Architectural Heritage Foundation (AHF) and our contributors The Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston and The Boston Area Research Initiative (BARI) for helping to make these programs possible.

• The Architectural Heritage Foundation is thrilled to be invited to contribute to MHS’s efforts to understand this critical period of transformation in Boston’s recent past and in particular is providing this support in acknowledgment of the efforts and commitment of its founder, Roger Webb, to the great city of Boston and to helping to turn it around by helping to preserve and save some of the City\’s most enduring architectural icons.