Mid Cambridge - The Cambridge Historical Commission Blog

Are you looking to become more involved in your neighborhood? Cambridge City Manager, Yi-An Huang, is seeking to fill vacancies for members and alternate members for the following Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District (NCD) Commissions: Avon Hill, Half Crown-Marsh, and Mid Cambridge. Homeowners and renters alike are welcome!

Apply here: https://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Board/Vacant. Read on for more information.

A mansard style single family residence at 41 Gibson St, situated within the Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District

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.

Ware Hall, an historic residential apartment building at 383 Harvard St, situated within the Mid Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District

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 is available through the following links:

Mid Cambridge NCD: cambridgema.gov/midcambridgencd

Avon Hill NCD: cambridgema.gov/avonhillncd

Half Crown-Marsh NCD: cambridgema.gov/halfcrownmarshncd

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 knowledge and concern for improvement, conservation, and enhancement of the district. The composition of each Commission shall represent the diversity of the designated neighborhood in terms of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and property ownership or tenancy.

Who Should Apply?

Individuals interested in being considered should apply through the city’s online application system at https://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Board/Vacant and select the respective commission. A cover letter and resumé or summary of applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process.

Questions?

If you have questions about the application process or need assistance, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 617.349.4300 or boardsandcommissions@cambridgema.gov.

For general questions, please contact our office at histcomm@cambridgema.gov or 617.349.4683

A street view of colorful Victorian-style houses with a clear blue sky, featuring a 'One Way' sign and parked cars along the brick-paved road. — View of houses along Lancaster St, situated within the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District

On August 4 the Mid Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission reviewed two development proposals for multi-family and affordable housing on Ellery Street.

60 Ellery Street

A project was approved at 60 Ellery St. to demolish a brick 1923 Colonial Revival structure and construct a 6-story 30-unit building.

The applicant had been asked to consider design modifications in response to issues raised by the Commission and the public.

The revisions include the relocation of a transformer below grade which resulted in the addition of another dwelling unit; the elimination of metal panels which were considered too commercial; and an additional 5-foot setback from the sidewalk adding more landscaping in front of the building. A two-story passageway was modified to be more in keeping with the general streetscape.

View the 60 Ellery Street proposal here: https://www.cambridgema.gov/-/media/Files/historicalcommission/pdf/mcmeetingfiles/aug460ellerystdrawingset.pdf

84-86 Ellery Street

At 84-86 Ellery St., the Commission reviewed the proposed demolition of an 1877 brick Second Empire/Mansard style double house and the construction of a 6-story building.

84-86 Ellery St, photographed in July 2025

84-86 Ellery Street proposal, AndersonPorter Design

The Commission found the existing building to be historically significant for its architecture and its association with renowned architect and social activist Eleanor Raymond (1887-1989), one of the earliest practitioners of the International style for residential designs in the United States. Eleanor was born in the house and resided there until 1922.

Eleanor Raymond, Architect, and Dr. Maria Telkes (right) at the Dover Solar House in Dover, Massachusetts. Designed by Raymond, this was one of the world’s first solar-heated houses and was completed in 1948.

The applicant agreed to return to the Commission with a revised design.

View the 84-86 Ellery Street proposal here: https://www.cambridgema.gov/-/media/Files/historicalcommission/pdf/mcmeetingfiles/mc73318686ellerystreet.pdf.

For questions or comments regarding these projects, please email histcomm[at]cambridgema.gov.

Tag: Mid Cambridge

Members Sought for Three Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commissions

Mid Cambridge NCD: Proposals for Ellery Street