Maple Avenue Historic District (Cambridge, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Maple Avenue Historic District
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
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| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Late Victorian |
| MPS | Cambridge MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000816 |
| Added to NRHP | June 30, 1983 |
The Maple Avenue Historic District is a special neighborhood in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It's a place where many old, beautiful houses have been kept in great condition. These homes are mostly from the mid-1800s. They show off different styles of architecture from that time.
This historic district is found on Maple Avenue, between Marie Avenue and Broadway. It includes houses numbered 8 to 33. Because these homes are so well-preserved, the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This means it's recognized as an important historical area.
What Makes Maple Avenue Special?
Maple Avenue is located in the middle of Cambridge. It's close to popular spots like Harvard Square, Central Square, and Inman Square. This area started to be built up with homes in the mid-1800s. The fifteen houses in the district show what homes looked like back then.
Types of Houses You'll See
Most of the houses on Maple Avenue are made of wood and have two stories. There's even one house that's a duplex, meaning two families can live there.
- Second Empire Style: Five houses have this look. They often have special sloped roofs called mansard roofs, fancy decorations under the roof, and detailed windows and porches.
- Italianate Style: There are two Italianate houses. These homes often have smooth, flat fronts and very decorative entryways.
- Queen Anne Style: Some of the newer houses in the district have the Queen Anne style. This style is known for its towers, turrets, and varied textures.
- Colonial Revival Style: Most of the other homes are in the Colonial Revival style. This style brings back ideas from early American colonial architecture, like simple, classic shapes.
The houses on Maple Avenue also have bigger yards compared to other homes nearby. This helps keep the original look and feel of the neighborhood.
