West Parish Center District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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West Parish Center District
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West Parish Common and Church
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Andover, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 90 acres (36 ha) |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Georgian, Federal |
| MPS | Town of Andover MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 82000480 |
| Added to NRHP | October 7, 1982 |
The West Parish Center District is a special area in Andover, Massachusetts. It's known as the social and religious heart of the town's western side. This district is located west of the Shawsheen River. It's a place where history comes alive through old buildings and a beautiful common.
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Discovering West Parish Center
This historic district stretches along Lowell Street, also known as Massachusetts Route 133. It's found near a big intersection where four other roads meet: Shawsheen Road, Reservation Road, Beacon Street, and High Plain Road. The district covers about 90 acres (36 hectares).
The West Parish Church
The most important building in the district is the West Parish Church. It was built in 1826 and is the oldest church still standing in Andover. The church is made of granite and has a graceful Federal style design. A tall wooden steeple was added to the church in 1863. Around 1908, the roof was updated with Spanish tiles.
West Parish Common and Cemetery
Right across from the church, on the south side of the common, is the West Parish Cemetery. This cemetery started as a small burial ground in the 1790s. In the early 1900s, it was made much bigger and updated.
Historic Homes in the District
Many old houses line Lowell Street and the nearby roads in the district. Most of these homes were built between 1780 and 1830. They show off popular building styles from that time, like Federal and Greek Revival.
One unique house is the C. A. Holt House at 202 Shawsheen Road. It's a beautiful Victorian home built in the Queen Anne style. The newest house in the district is at 181 Lowell Street. It's a Bungalow-style house built around 1920. The oldest house, built around 1780, is also on Lowell Street, at number 173.
National Recognition
The West Parish Center District was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means it's recognized as an important historical site in the United States.
