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The birth of City Hall

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An overhead view of the previous design that made the second round of the competition, but did not win. Globe File

    The birth of City Hall

    This year marks the 50th anniversary of a design competition in which architects were invited to imagine a new Boston City Hall.

    This year marks the 50th anniversary of a design competition in which architects were invited to imagine a new Boston City Hall.
    Historic New England | February 10, 2012
    Michael McKinnell (standing) and Gerhard Kallmann, photographed recently in Cambridge.

    Architects Michael McKinnell (standing) and Gerhard Kallmann, photographed recently in Cambridge, won the design competition.
    Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff | February 10, 2012
    The city decided to demolish the neighborhood known as Scollay Square (pictured in 1906) and build in its place what would come to be called Government Center.

    The city decided to demolish the neighborhood known as Scollay Square (pictured in 1906) and build in its place what would come to be called Government Center.
    Globe File | February 10, 2012
    From the competition, Kallmann's drawing showing a cross section of the building.

    From the competition, Kallmann's drawing showing a cross section of the building.
    Historic New England | February 10, 2012

    A preliminary sketch from McKinnell shows the structural and mechanical systems of the building.
    Historic New England | February 10, 2012
    In the design competition, architects were invited to imagine a forward-looking home for Boston's city government. Shown here, a design that did not win.

    In the competition, architects were invited to imagine a forward-looking home for Boston's city government. Shown here, a design by Gertrude Kerbis, Yau Chun Wong, T. C. Chang, Otto G. Stark, Sam Sit, and C. F. Murphy Associates. This design made it to the second round of the competition, but did not win.
    Globe File | February 10, 2012

    An overhead view of the previous design that made the second round of the competition, but did not win.
    Globe File | February 10, 2012
    A look at another losing design from the competition. The city announced the competition, which was uncommon in its time, in 1961.

    Another finalist from the competition, this one from Progressive Design Associates. The city announced the competition, which was uncommon in its time, in 1961.
    Globe File | February 10, 2012
    Another non-winning entry in the design competition. Eight finalists were chosen from among more than 250 submissions.

    This design by architects Ehrman B. Mitchell Jr., Romaldo Giurgola, and Thomas R. Vreeland was also a finalist. Eight finalists were chosen from among more than 250 submissions.
    Globe File | February 10, 2012

    Kallmann and McKinnell’s winning design was selected in 1962.
    Globe File | February 10, 2012

    Ground-breaking for the construction of the new City Hall building took place in September, 1963.
    Globe File | February 10, 2012
    A look at Boston City Hall under construction in 1967.

    A look at Boston City Hall under construction in 1967.
    Globe File | February 10, 2012
    City Hall, with its wide plaza, in 1998.

    City Hall, with its wide plaza, in 1998.
    Globe File Photo | February 10, 2012