Traffic Tunnel Administration Building

If one believes the cornerstone (it has no reason to lie) the Traffic Tunnel Administration Building has stood here since 1932. I’ve lived in Boston since 1994. Why, then, did I not discover this great place until three weekends ago? I’ve decided it’s because that now that the Central Artery is down, I’m seeing all sorts of things that were previously hidden or otherwise inaccessible. I can’t think of any other reason why I wouldn’t notice this handsome building with the classical façade and the cool name and yes, that’s it’s name, TRAFFIC TUNNEL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, emblazoned right across the front. I wonder if, in a control room, deep within its bowels, harried, brush-​cut men in short-​sleeved white shirts stare nervously at banks of red, green, and yellow flashing lights, as they gulp stale coffee from paper cups and flip toggle switches connected to God knows what. Probably not, but that’s OK.
The building itself faces a nicely manicured lawn with a decent view of the skyline and it looks like the grounds were recently – and expensively – landscaped. From what Widows and Orphans Fund in our budget-​strapped Commonwealth did those dollars come? But let’s not think of such matters.
Instead, let’s focus on the great view of the Sumner Tunnel’s exit the building’s grounds afford. Let’s consider the touristy-​looking guy you wouldn’t think twice about hanging around the Traffic Tunnel Administration Building, watching the cars emerge from the tunnel, heading towards Government Center or Storrow Drive. Just a guy out on a nice day, I guess. What’s he doing with his cell phone? It looks like he’s taking pictures. Lots of them. Pictures of the skyline, pictures of the street in front of the building, pictures of the traffic entering the city.
Well, I’m sure it’s OK. Good thing there’s a police station in the back of the building and surveillance cameras overlooking the grounds. I mean, you never know, right? But I’m sure it’s fine.