In a heartfelt tribute to his longtime friend, ad mogul-turned-philanthropist Jack Connors, Eversource CEO Joe Nolan has initiated plans for a statue to honor Connors’ legacy.
After considering public spaces like the Commonwealth Avenue Mall for the installation, Nolan discovered that city regulations would impose a five-year waiting period for public art.
Given that Connors passed away in July 2024, Nolan opted for a privately owned location that aligns perfectly with Connors’ history in the city: the base of the 200 Clarendon tower, also known as the John Hancock Tower.
For four decades, Connors held court in this tower—first as the chief executive of Hill Holliday, and later from his family office on the top floor, where he advised both prominent political figures and anxious college applicants.
Nolan’s speedy action is evident; as Sharon McNally, CEO of Camp Harbor View, put it, “Joe’s not waiting five years, that’s clear. It’s a great solution.”
At the recent annual Beach Ball event, which aims to raise funds for Camp Harbor View, Mayor Michelle Wu expressed her support for the memorial.
Event planner Bryan Rafanelli, former mayor Marty Walsh, and Rev. John Unni participated in a successful fundraising effort that generated $1 million in donations for the charity, as noted by McNally.
Despite the statue being on private land owned by BXP, Nolan intends to secure approval from the Boston Art Commission, especially with the backing of the mayor.
“Boston thrives because of people like Jack, who build careers and lives dedicated to solving problems and doing good,” stated Mayor Wu.
She added, “I am delighted to partner with the Connors family and Joe Nolan to dedicate a permanent memorial to Jack in his beloved Back Bay, a lasting tribute to his life and legacy of service.”
Nolan’s friendship with Connors dates back to the 1980s, when they first met at Hill Holliday.
The two maintained a close bond over the years, even attending mass together regularly at Boston College during a period of their lives.
Following Connors’ death due to pancreatic cancer at the age of 82 on July 23, Nolan swiftly began formulating plans for the statue.
Together with Connors’ family, they decided on a design featuring a bronze figure of Connors seated on a bench, with one arm reached out, symbolizing a friendly conversation.
As Nolan described him, “No matter who you were, when he was talking to you, you were the most important person in the world to him.”
Sculptor Pablo Eduardo, renowned for his work including the Kendall Square statue of biotech pioneer Henri Termeer, has been commissioned to create the statue.
Eduardo has already produced a miniature version of Connors and hopes the full-sized statue will be constructed and unveiled this fall at the intersection of St. James Avenue and Clarendon Street, right outside the entrance of Boston’s tallest office building.
In terms of funding, BXP will donate the space for the statue, but Nolan has set a goal to raise $2 million to cover the project’s costs, with any extra funds directed to Camp Harbor View.
“It won’t be hard to raise,” Nolan confidently stated. “Everyone wants to do something for Jack.”
This initiative showcases the enduring impact of Jack Connors on the Boston community and reflects the deep connections forged through friendship and service.
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