Beebe Estate facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
Beebe Estate
|
|
Location | 235 W. Foster St., Melrose, Massachusetts |
---|---|
Area | 1.75 acres (0.71 ha) |
Built | 1828 |
Architectural style | Greek Revival |
NRHP reference No. | 81000116 |
Added to NRHP | May 20, 1981 |
The Beebe Estate is a special old house in Melrose, Massachusetts. It was built way back in 1828. This house is a great example of Greek Revival architecture, which is a style inspired by ancient Greek buildings. Many important business people from Melrose and Boston used to own it. Today, the city owns the Beebe Estate. It is now a cool place where people can see art and enjoy cultural events. This historic estate was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
Contents
What is the Beebe Estate?
The Beebe Estate is found just west of downtown Melrose. It sits on West Foster Street, near the railroad tracks. This two-story building shows off the Greek Revival architecture style. It has tall, fancy columns at the front entrance. These columns are called Doric columns.
The house also has a special roof with a railing around it. In the middle of the roof, there is a small tower called a cupola. The design of this cupola looks like an ancient Greek monument. It is based on the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates from the Acropolis of Athens.
Who lived at the Beebe Estate?
The Beebe Estate was built in 1828 by William Foster. He was a merchant from Boston. He used the house as a summer home. From 1854 to 1963, the house was owned by the Bigelow and Beebe families. Both of these families had important business people. They were involved in railroads and banking.
The last owners, the Beebe family, gave the property to the city in 1963. For a while, the house was used as offices for the school system.
What is the Beebe Estate used for today?
Now, the Beebe Estate is a cultural center. It is a place where local artists can show their work. The Beebe Estate Association helps to run these art displays on Saturdays. You can also rent the newly fixed front rooms for special events. It is a great spot for the community.