Tag: historic preservation

Reminder: Submit Your Preservation Awards Nominations!

Posted on by cambridgehistoricalcommission

Each year, the Cambridge Historical Commission honors projects that have made outstanding contributions to the preservation of the city’s historic character and built environment. The 2026 Preservation Awards will recognize individuals and organizations for projects completed within the last year. The awards will be announced and presented at a ceremony in late May or early June 2026.

2025 Preservation Award winner Edward & Julia Joyce three-family, 95 Fayerweather Street (1910). In 1991, this building was redeveloped by Homeowner’s Rehab as limited equity condos for moderate-income homeowners. After a few decades the building began to deteriorate. Just-A-Start came in with a home improvement program and utilized Community Preservation Act funds from the Cambridge Historical Commission’s grant program as well as their own assistance to redevelop and restore this house.

Seven project categories are eligible for Preservation Awards: restoration, rehabilitation, adaptive use, neighborhood conservation, landscape preservation, archaeology, and education. The award-winning projects will be selected based on the following:

  • historical and architectural significance of the preserved property;
  • exceptional quality of the project;
  • extent to which the project contributed to the preservation of the property; and
  • impact of the project on the preservation of the city’s historic resources.
2025 Preservation Award winner First Baptist Church, now Central Square Church, 5 Magazine Street (1881). For many years the building suffered from an inability to address deferred maintenance issues. For this project, masonry was restored, clock faces were repaired, and the bell deck has been sealed and reroofed. Now the church continues to be a landmark of Central Square.
Before and after images of Central Square Church roof repairs
Before and after images of Central Square Church masonry repairs

To nominate a project, including your own, please submit a completed nomination form and supporting documentation by Noon on Friday, March 13, 2026 to:

Cambridge Historical Commission
831 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139

Or electronically to: histcomm@cambridgema.gov

All submitted materials become the property of the Cambridge Historical Commission and will not be returned.

For more information on the Cambridge Preservation Awards, or if you have questions regarding the nomination form, please contact the Commission.

Telephone: 617 349 4683 | Email: histcomm@cambridgema.gov

URL:  https://www.cambridgema.gov/historic/aboutchc/preservationawards

2026 Preservation Awards: Call for Nominations

Posted on by cambridgehistoricalcommission

Each year, the Cambridge Historical Commission honors projects that have made outstanding contributions to the preservation of the city’s historic character and built environment. The 2026 Preservation Awards will recognize individuals and organizations for projects completed within the last year. The awards will be announced and presented at a ceremony in late May or early June 2026.

2025 Preservation Award winner St. Augustine’s African Orthodox Church, 137 Allston Street (1886). Using Community Preservation Act funds paired with fundraising efforts, the congregation was able to secure a beautiful restoration of this important building, allowing this church to take on a new and vibrant life in Cambridgeport.

Seven project categories are eligible for Preservation Awards: restoration, rehabilitation, adaptive use, neighborhood conservation, landscape preservation, archaeology, and education. The award-winning projects will be selected based on the following:

  • historical and architectural significance of the preserved property;
  • exceptional quality of the project;
  • extent to which the project contributed to the preservation of the property; and
  • impact of the project on the preservation of the city’s historic resources.
2025 Preservation Award winner 5-7 Irving Terrace (1888). Five condominium owners enthusiastically restored original clapboards, shingles, and woodwork, bringing the building back to like-new condition.

To nominate a project, including your own, please submit a completed nomination form and supporting documentation by Noon on Friday, March 13, 2026 to:

Cambridge Historical Commission
831 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139

Or electronically to: histcomm@cambridgema.gov

All submitted materials become the property of the Cambridge Historical Commission and will not be returned.

For more information on the Cambridge Preservation Awards, or if you have questions regarding the nomination form, please contact the Commission.

Telephone: 617 349 4683 | Email: histcomm@cambridgema.gov

URL:  https://www.cambridgema.gov/historic/aboutchc/preservationawards

Building Old Cambridge

Posted on by cambridgehistoricalcommission

✨Season’s Greetings✨

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the architecture lover, history enthusiast, urban development aficionado, or anyone who simply loves Cambridge? We’ve got you covered!

Building Old Cambridge: Architecture and Development (2016)

Our latest publication, Building Old Cambridge: Architecture and Development (2016), is a must-have. This beautifully illustrated volume uncovers the story of the neighborhood that grew around Newtowne—founded as the capital of Massachusetts Bay in 1630—and Harvard College, established in 1636. Authors Susan E. Maycock and Charles M. Sullivan trace Cambridge’s evolution of Old Cambridge as quaint village into suburban community and vibrant hub where academic and civic life intertwine.

Abbott Building, 1–7 Kennedy Street (1909, Newhall & Blevins,
architects). The upper floors were designed for professional offices. Photo ca.
1910.

Packed with rare historic photographs never before published, Building Old Cambridge offers a comprehensive look at the city’s offers a rich exploration of the city’s architecture, development, and history—a reference you’ll treasure for years to come.

On June 11, 1970, community members led by future city councillor
Saundra Graham (with bullhorn) invaded Harvard’s 319th commencement to
protest the university’s intrusion into the Riverside neighborhood.

To order your copy of Building Old Cambridge, click here or email us at histcomm@cambridgema.gov. If you’re in a rush and would like to pick up a copy in person, we have several in stock at our office at 831 Mass Ave in Central Square. If you’re lucky, one or both authors may be around to sign it!

2 Hemlock Road (2013, Anmahian Winton Architects). Photo 2014.

Also available locally at Porter Square Books and Harvard Book Store (check ahead to confirm stock).

🎁Wishing you Happy Holidays and joyful reading!🎁

Painting Historic Exteriors: Colors, Application, and Regulation

Posted on by cambridgehistoricalcommission

Selecting appropriate exterior paint colors for historic buildings can be one of the most daunting decisions a building owner can face—especially when balancing personal taste with architectural integrity and regulatory standards. Our publication Painting Historic Exteriors: Colors, Application, and Regulation offers a clear, authoritative framework for maintaining the character and integrity of historic residential architecture.

🎨 This comprehensive guide provides:

• Expert recommendations for selecting historically appropriate paint colors by architectural style
• Practical advice on paint application and maintenance for long-term preservation
• Insight into regulatory considerations within historic districts
• Case studies from Cambridge showcasing exemplary restorations

🏠 This informative publication is designed for:

• Architects, contractors, and homeowners involved in restoration work
• Local historic district commissioners
• Preservation planning staff and municipal officials
• Historical societies and house museum staff

341 Columbia St., 1886 Green with tan trim and moss green accents

Painting season begins in late spring, so now is the perfect time to get a head start on planning your next paint project. Order your copy of Painting Historic Exteriors for just $10 by clicking here or stop by our office at 831 Mass Ave in Central Square.

113 Brattle St., 1887 Deep red with taupe trim and deep olive green shutters
All colors mixed in commercially available paints to match original colors
found through paint analysis

If you’d rather leave it to the professionals, the Cambridge Historical Commission offers paint consultations for buildings in Cambridge and beyond. For questions, email our office at histcomm@cambridgema.gov.

Maintaining Your Old House in Cambridge

Posted on by cambridgehistoricalcommission

Do you live in a Cambridge home built before 1930? This is for you.

The Queen Anne house at 314 Harvard Street: the asbestos siding was removed in about 1975 and the exterior restored to its original appearance. Only the false timberwork in the gable ends had been destroyed and required replacement.

Cambridge boasts a rich tradition of residential architecture, distinct from Boston and its neighboring towns. Its unique social history—as county seat, university hub, Boston suburb, and cultural melting pot—has produced a remarkable variety of houses. From masterpieces by renowned American architects to vernacular designs crafted by local carpenters, the city’s neighborhoods still reflect the creativity and individuality of generations of Cambridge builders, contractors, and architects.

Cover of Maintaining Your Old House in Cambridge (1988)

To help preserve this heritage, the Cambridge Historical Commission published Maintaining Your Old House in Cambridge in 1988. This comprehensive guide, written by experts in the field, equips homeowners and tenants with the knowledge to protect both the structural soundness and visual character of their homes.

Diagram of typical roof and cornice construction

The text and accompanying illustrations offer clear, practical advice on repairs and upkeep that honor a house’s stylistic integrity. Topics range from fences, siding, and gutters to chimneys, contractor selection, and more. Illustrated throughout, the book remains an invaluable resource for anyone caring for an older home.

Door design variations

And if you ever need additional guidance, the Cambridge Historical Commission is available to provide technical assistance on rehabilitation and restoration projects—ensuring that your home continues to embody the city’s architectural legacy.

To obtain your own copy of Maintaining Your Old House in Cambridge for just $10, click here, stop by our office at 831 Mass Ave, or email us at histcomm@cambridgema.gov.

William B. King (1932-2025)

Posted on by cambridgehistoricalcommission

William Bruce “Bill” King, of Cambridge, Needham, and Phillipston, MA, passed away on July 22, 2025, at age 93, after a brief illness. Beloved and respected by all who knew him, Bill charmed family, friends, and colleagues with bonhomie, long stories, good humor, curiosity, and keen intelligence. He was dedicated to his family, to the law firm where he spent his entire professional career, and to civic engagement in every community he joined.

Above, Bill King at Harvard’s Memorial Hall in 2000

Bill was appointed to the Cambridge Historical Commission in 1973 and served as chair from 1986 until he retired in 2017. By a conservative calculation, Bill attended almost 500 commission meetings and chaired about 350 of them. He was notable for his judicious temperament, calm demeanor, and willingness to be amused at the occasional absurdities of public life. He displayed a conspicuous tolerance of public discourse, with the result that applicants and members of the public generally went away feeling respected even if their views did not carry the day. Among many other accomplishments, Bill contributed to several legislative initiatives that expanded the role of historic preservation in Cambridge and, by example, throughout the Commonwealth.

We thank Bill for his decades of public service and friendship.

To read the full obituary and view details of A Celebration of Bill’s Life, click here: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/william-king-obituary?id=58993795.

2025 Preservation Awards: Call for Nominations

Posted on by cambridgehistoricalcommission

Each year, the Cambridge Historical Commission honors projects that have made outstanding contributions to the preservation of the city’s historic character and built environment. The 2025 Preservation Awards will recognize individuals and organizations for projects completed within the last year. The awards will be announced and presented at a ceremony in late May or early June 2025.

Above: 2024 Preservation Award-winning project 15 Inman Street, an historic 19th Century building located in Mid-Cambridge, near Central Square. The building was first restored and renovated by CHA to house four affordable units in 1988. In recent years, CHA began planning for restoration efforts to bring back its look and character, while ensuring that this important community asset is available for families as a comfortable, unique, affordable and desirable place to call home for decades to come. Roof replacement at the building was completed in 2023. This was followed by the window and siding replacement.

Seven project categories are eligible for Preservation Awards: restoration, rehabilitation, adaptive use, neighborhood conservation, landscape preservation, archaeology, and education. The award-winning projects will be selected based on the following:

  • historical and architectural significance of the preserved property;
  • exceptional quality of the project;
  • extent to which the project contributed to the preservation of the property; and
  • impact of the project on the preservation of the city’s historic resources.

To nominate a project, including your own, please submit a completed nomination form and supporting documentation by Noon on Friday, March 14, 2025 to:

Cambridge Historical Commission
831 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139

Or electronically to: histcomm@cambridgema.gov

All submitted materials become the property of the Cambridge Historical Commission and will not be returned.

For more information on the Cambridge Preservation Awards, or if you have questions regarding the nomination form, please contact the Commission.

Telephone: 617 349 4683 | Email: histcomm@cambridgema.gov

URL:  https://www.cambridgema.gov/historic/aboutchc/preservationawards

Event Alert: 2022-23 Preservation Awards

Posted on by cambridgehistoricalcommission

It’s time for Preservation Awards!

Each year, the Cambridge Historical Commission honors projects and individuals that have made outstanding contributions to protect the city’s historic character and built environment. The 2022-23 Preservation Awards will recognize both buildings and notable individuals for projects completed between January and December 2022.

This year, we’re returning to our roots with an in-person reception hosted by awardee, The Foundry. If you can’t make it to the event in person, join us online! The awards ceremony takes place Thursday, May 25th at 6:00pm and will include an engaging presentation showcasing each project, along with an introduction of project principals. This event is free and open to the public.

To register for the in-person event, call our office at 617.349.4683 or email us at histcomm[at]cambridgema.gov. To view the program online via Zoom, click here. We hope to see you there! 🏟️

2023 Preservation Awards: Call for Nominations

Posted on by cambridgehistoricalcommission

Each year, the Cambridge Historical Commission honors projects that have made outstanding contributions to the preservation of the city’s historic character and built environment. The 2022-2023 Preservation Awards will recognize individuals and organizations for projects completed between January and December 2022. The awards will be presented at a ceremony in May 2023.

2022 Preservation Award winner: the 1862 Stephen Stiles house at 2203 Mass Ave (George Pereira and Denise Jillson)

Seven project categories are eligible for Preservation Awards: restoration, rehabilitation, adaptive use, neighborhood conservation, landscape preservation, archaeology, and education. The award-winning projects will be selected based on the following:

  • historical and architectural significance of the preserved property;
  • exceptional quality of the project;
  • extent to which the project contributed to the preservation of the property; and
  • impact of the project on the preservation of the city’s historic resources.

To nominate a project, including your own, please submit a
completed nomination form and supporting documentation
no later than Noon on Friday, February 24, 2023 to:

Cambridge Historical Commission
831 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139

Or electronically to: histcomm@cambridgema.gov

Note: All submitted materials become the property of the
Cambridge Historical Commission and will not be returned.

For more information on the Cambridge Preservation Awards, or
if you have questions regarding the nomination form, please contact the Commission:
Telephone: 617.349.4683 | Email: histcomm@cambridgema.gov

Members Sought for Three Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commissions

Posted on by cambridgehistoricalcommission

Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking to fill vacancies for members and alternate members the following Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District (NCD) Commissions: Mid Cambridge, Avon Hill, and Half Crown-Marsh. The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, February 6, 2023. 

23-29 Ware Street in Mid Cambridge

What is a Neighborhood Conservation District?

Neighborhood Conservation Districts were established by city ordinance in 1983. Conservation district designation recognizes a distinctive physical environment that reflects the architectural, cultural, political, economic, or social history of the city. NCDs foster wider public knowledge and appreciation of such neighborhoods. Designation encourages the conservation and maintenance of these areas so that the city may be a more attractive and desirable place in which to live and work.  

Each NCD commission includes five members and three alternates. Most members must reside in the respective district; renters, as well as homeowners, are encouraged to apply. More information and maps of each NCD are available through the following links: 

Mid Cambridge NCD, Cambridgema.gov/midcambridgencd
Avon Hill NCD, Cambridgema.gov/avonhillncd
Half Crown-Marsh NCD, Cambridgema.gov/halfcrownmarshncd

81 Washington Avenue in Avon Hill

Who Should Apply?

Experience in the fields of real estate, architecture, or historic preservation is desirable. Appointments to these Commissions are made by the City Manager, with regard for a diversity of viewpoints and experience.  

What are the Membership/Meeting Expectations?

The volunteer commissions meet monthly and are supported by the professional staff of the Cambridge Historical Commission. Applicants should have an interest in architecture and local history and be committed to conserving and enhancing the characteristic built environment of the neighborhood. The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Kenway Street in Half Crown-Marsh

How to Apply?

Individuals interested in being considered should apply through the city’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply and select the respective commission.  A cover letter and résumé or summary of applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are also available through the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, February 6, 2023.