Chinatown and the Combat Zone

Thanks to Universal Hub, a great video mini-history of Boston’s Combat Zone is making the rounds. John Keith in a post on his site, pointed out a line in the 80’s newscast stating the neighborhood changed, with “only thirty-five bookstores remaining…” I think all that remains today are an adult store, a club, and a few old marquees.

The part I find most amazing is how drastic the change is. When the Combat Zone disappeared, neighboring communities welcomed the relief. Although Chinatown wasn’t seedy like the Combat Zone, Washington Street activity often spilled over to the streets and alleys between Harrison and Hudson. It’s now safer than ever, with pimps, prostitutes, and drug dealers not operating as openly as before. It’s not perfect, but it’s a huge improvement.

Even Bay Village residents several blocks away noticed the difference. The quiet, secluded streets of the small neighborhood were perfect for illicit activity, but eventually the activity slowed, allowing residents to successfully scare away the rest of the passersby.

As the adult businesses of the Combat Zone folded, Chinatown quickly engulfed much of the old red-light district, making the area ripe for housing:

42-44 Beach Street, #10D
Chinatown, 02111
Beds: 1/Baths: 2
SQ.FT.: 876
$509,000
In the thick of the Combat Zone.

40-44 Harrison Avenue, #7A
Chinatown, 02111
Beds: 1/Baths: 1
SQ.FT.: 685
$359,880
Directly across the street from the above listing.

2 Avery Street, #19E
Boston, 02111
Beds: 3/Baths: 3.5
SQ.FT.: 3246
$4,250,000
Not sure if this really counts as the Combat Zone, but the block was definitely affected by Combat Zone activity.

Be sure to visit John Keith’s site for some then and now shots of Washington Street. Last year, I took my Mother-In-Law to lunch at Pho Pasteur at Washington and Beach, shown at the far end of the block in his pics. She couldn’t believe where she was. In her time, no self-respecting woman would consider a trip to Washington Street unless she needed to shop at Downtown Crossing. Chinatown and the South End were also places to avoid.

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