Each unit featured porches in front and in back, and has what was originally considered a servant staircase in the rear, an indication of the status of the intended occupants.

The porches are shed-roofed, with a rounded arch housing the entrance and a flanking sash window.

[2] The Boardman was built by developer Walter Penniman in two stages on land subdivided from the estate of F. R. Blackinton in response to the demand for housing occasioned by the establishment of the normal school (now the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, located across the street).

The architect was Edwin Thayer Barlow, who designed the row in Colonial Revival style.

The Pennimans were briefly resident here, and its early tenants included teachers, a chemist, and the principal editor of the North Adams Transcript.