Chestnut Hill Historic District (Brookline, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Chestnut Hill Historic District
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Roughly bounded by Middlesex Rd., Reservoir Ln., Denny Rd., Boylston St. and Dunster Rd., Brookline, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Area | 70 acres (28 ha) |
| Architect | Chapman & Frazer; et al. |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Late Victorian |
| MPS | Brookline MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 85003253 |
| Added to NRHP | October 17, 1985 |
The Chestnut Hill Historic District is a special area in Brookline, Massachusetts. It also includes a small part of Newton, Massachusetts. This district is important because it protects many old and beautiful homes.
A historic district is like a preserved neighborhood. It helps keep the original look and feel of a place. The Chestnut Hill Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 17, 1985. This means it is officially recognized for its historical value.
Exploring Chestnut Hill's Historic Area
The Chestnut Hill Historic District covers about 70 acres (28 hectares). It has clear boundaries that help define it. These boundaries include Middlesex Road to the north and Reservoir Lane to the east. Crafts Road and Massachusetts Route 9 form its southern edge. Dunster Road is on the west side. A few houses and the Baldwin School on Heath Street are also part of the district.
How Chestnut Hill Grew Over Time
The very first part of Chestnut Hill, with its colonial history, is actually in Newton. That area was the first to become a suburban neighborhood. Later, people started planning to develop the Brookline section.
In 1888, a famous landscape architect named Frederick Law Olmsted was asked for his ideas. He is known for designing Central Park in New York City. However, his plans for Chestnut Hill were not used.
The area was mostly built between 1888 and 1920. Large, high-quality houses were constructed on spacious lots. Most of these homes have a style called Colonial Revival or Shingle. You can also find some older Queen Anne style houses. Later, more Craftsman-style homes were built, especially near Reservoir Lane. This was one of the last parts of the district to be developed.
Architects Who Shaped the District
Many skilled architects helped design the homes in this district. These firms were well-known in the area.
- Chapman & Frazer: This firm, later known as Chapman, Frazer & Blinn, designed 29 of the more than 120 houses. One of the architects, Horace Frazer, even lived in the district on Heath Street.
- Putnam & Cox: This firm designed seven homes. Many of their designs were in the Arts and Crafts style. William Putnam, another architect, also lived in the district.
- Other Architects: Arthur Bowditch designed one house. The firm of Hartwell & Richardson also designed a home here.
