Newton Railroad Stations Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Newton Railroad Stations Historic District
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Newton Highlands station in 2011
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| Location | Newton, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1886–1891 |
| Architect | Henry Hobson Richardson; Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge |
| Architectural style | Richardsonian Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 76002137 |
| Added to NRHP | March 25, 1976 |
The Newton Railroad Stations Historic District is a special collection of old buildings in Newton, Massachusetts. It includes three historic train stations and one building that was used for baggage and express deliveries. These buildings were once part of the Boston and Albany Railroad's Highland Branch.
In 1959, this old train line was changed. It became part of the MBTA's Green Line D branch, which is a subway and light rail system.
These four buildings in Newton are very important. They are the only ones left from a group of thirteen stations. Famous architects like H.H. Richardson and his team, Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge, designed them. They built these stations between 1881 and 1894 for the Boston and Albany's Newton Circuit.
Many of these stations originally had beautiful gardens designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Sadly, none of those original gardens are still around today.
Because of their history and unique design, this district was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 25, 1976. It was officially named the Woodland, Newton Highlands, and Newton Centre Railroad Stations, and Baggage and Express Building.
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Historic Buildings in the District
The Newton Railroad Stations Historic District has four main buildings. Each one has its own story:
Woodland Railroad Station
This station was built in 1886. It was designed by H.H. Richardson, likely with help from Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge. Today, the old Woodland Station is used for storage by a nearby golf course. The modern train station for the Green Line is a little distance away.
Newton Highlands Railroad Station
The Newton Highlands Station was built in 1887. It was designed by Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge. Now, this building is home to a private business. Its wide eaves (the parts of the roof that hang over the sides) still provide shelter for people waiting at the modern station nearby.
Newton Centre Railroad Station
This station was completed in 1891. Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge also designed this one. Today, the old Newton Centre Station houses a restaurant. Like Newton Highlands, its eaves and a canopy offer shelter to passengers at the modern station.
Baggage and Express Building
This building was constructed in 1891, right next to the Newton Centre Railroad Station. Part of this building has been taken down over the years. The remaining section has been made part of a private business building.
