The Boston Athletic Association was one of the largest organisations of its kind in the United States in the 1880s. The club was started in 1888 and a year later, when the club-house was opened, there was already a solid membership of over 2,000.

The building was on Exeter Street, and was built of brick with stone trimmings. If the outside was somewhat plain, John Sturgis's design was at its most decorative in the interior, as can be seen in the image of the Turkish bath hot room.

The club-house boasted tennis, racquet and handball courts, fencing and boxing rooms, a large gymnasium with Turkish baths and a swimming pool. Other features included a restaurant and supper-rooms.