City Hall (Cambridge, Massachusetts) facts for kids
The Cambridge, Massachusetts City Hall is the main building where the city government of Cambridge, Massachusetts works. It is located at 795 Massachusetts Avenue. This important building was built in a special style called Richardsonian Romanesque. It is also a key part of the City Hall Historic District and the nearby Central Square Historic District.
Contents
History of Cambridge City Hall
When Was Cambridge City Hall Built?
Cambridge City Hall was built a long time ago, between 1888 and 1889. A generous person named Frederick Hastings Rindge gave a lot of money to help pay for it. The architects, who are like building designers, were from a company called Longfellow, Alden & Harlow. The main people were Alexander Wadsworth Longfellow, Jr., Frank E. Alden, and Alfred B. Harlow.
What Does Cambridge City Hall Look Like?
The building has three floors. It also has a tall bell tower that reaches 158 feet (about 48 meters) into the sky! The strong outer walls are made from a type of stone called Milford granite. It also has decorative parts made from Longmeadow brownstone.
What Happens Inside Cambridge City Hall?
Cambridge City Hall is where many important city offices are located. This includes the offices for the city council, which helps make decisions for the city. It also houses the city manager's office and several other city departments. Some other city offices are in a different building, a few blocks away, called the City Hall Annex.
Important Moments at Cambridge City Hall
Over the years, Cambridge City Hall has been the site of many important events. On May 17, 2004, the city hall played a role in a significant legal change. It was the first place in the United States where certain new marriage applications were processed. This showed how the building is central to the legal and social life of Cambridge.
