Custom House Tower

The Custom House Tower was added to the original 19th-century Custom House in 1915, bringing the building to a total height of about 496 feet and making it Boston's tallest building until 1964. The tower's clock faces and pyramidal roof are prominent features on Boston's skyline and reflect its role in maritime commerce and federal customs administration. In the late 20th century the building was adapted for hospitality use and currently contains a hotel and timeshare units while the original Custom House portion retains public-access elements. The tower occupies a prominent site on McKinley Square adjacent to the waterfront and Faneuil Hall area.