Thane Street Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Thane Street Historic District
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Location | 70-78 Harvard St, 22-24, 26-28, 30-32 Thane St., Boston, Massachusetts |
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Area | less than one acre |
Built | 1910 |
Architect | Multiple |
Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
NRHP reference No. | 100005782 |
Added to NRHP | November 13, 2020 |
The Thane Street Historic District is a special area in Boston, Massachusetts. It's located in the Dorchester neighborhood. This district is a collection of old apartment buildings that show off a cool style called Colonial Revival architecture.
This area was built in 1910. It became an important place during a time when many Jewish families were moving to Dorchester. In 2020, the Thane Street Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's officially recognized as a historically important place in the United States.
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What is the Thane Street Historic District?
The Thane Street Historic District is found in the middle of Dorchester. It stretches along Thane Street, starting from Harvard Street. The district includes three brick apartment buildings. They are all three stories tall and have flat roofs. They also sit a little bit back from the sidewalk.
How do the buildings look?
The buildings at 22-24 and 26-28 Thane Street look almost exactly the same. They each have four sections on the front. The outer sections are rounded, and the main entrance is set back in the middle. This entrance has fancy decorations around it.
The building at 30-32 Thane Street is wider. It has an entrance on Harvard Street as well as on Thane Street. This building also has a cool corner section that sticks out.
Why is Thane Street important?
Before 1910, the Thane Street area didn't have many buildings. But then, Thane Street was created. At this time, many Jewish families were moving to Dorchester. They came from places like Boston's North End and Chelsea. This move happened because streetcar service was improved, making it easier to travel. Also, a big fire in Chelsea in 1908 left many families without homes.
Who built these buildings?
Louis Silverman and Isaac Shapiro built these three apartment buildings. They bought the land from the Carlton family. The building at 30-32 Thane Street was first built with shops on the ground floor. Later, these shops were changed into homes.
How did the neighborhood change?
In the 1950s, many Jewish families moved out of the area. At the same time, many African American families moved in. In the 1960s, the city of Boston started a program called the Model City program. This program worked on improving housing in areas like Thane Street.