In 1902, the steady march westward of residential Bay State Road made the corner of Blandford Street and Commonwealth Avenue a logical choice for a new Temple for the Reform Congregation Adath Israel. Because fine acoustics and an unobstructed view of the podium were required, the temple's trustees selected Clarence H. Blackall, the versatile designer of Boston's Colonial (TD9), Metropolitan (TD15), and Wilbur (TD16) theatres. The imposing domed composition incorporates Middle Eastern, Byzantine, and Egyptian styles. Its marble sheathing was remaindered from the new Harvard Medical School project on Longwood Avenue (FL21). It now serves as Morse Auditorium for Boston University.