2007 massachusetts’ most endangered historic resources list

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2007 Ten Most Endangered Historic Resources

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Campus of the University of

Massachusetts, Amherst

The 244-year-old campus was named because of t

university's failure to fund a professionalassessment of the historic campus's that could

inform planning decisions about its architecture.

The lack of appreciation for the significance ofearly buildings associated with the Universitys

origins as an agricultural college has led todemolition and mothballing of key historic

structures. Post-WWII buildings by major architects should also be considered as part of the

preservation priorities plan

As stewards of these historic buildings, the administration has an obligation to the

Commonwealth to preserve and protect them as they relate to the history of the university, thecampus and the town of Amherst, said Jim Igoe, president of Preservation Massachusetts. The

campuss architectural diversity is magnificent and should be embraced by the University. Older

buildings must be integrated into the growing campus.

In May 2007, the UMass Amherst administration announced its intentions to demolish a number

of historic buildings, including South College - built in 1885 - and West Experiment Station,

built a year later. An organization called Preserve UMass, comprising current and retired faculty,alumni and others, formed to pressure the college to protect its historic buildings. Twenty-three

buildings are listed on the Commonwealths Inventory of Historical and Archeological Assets

and still others may qualify, but no attempts have been made to pursue additional historic registerlistings.

The Achmuty Dainty Dot Building,

Boston

The stately six-story Romanesque style structure stands a

the corner of Kingston and Essex streets, straddling


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Chinatown and the Leather District. Developer Ori Ron has proposed building a 29-story luxurycondominium tower on the site, which would require demolishing the internal structure of the

building and half of each of the two remaining facades. The space behind the facades would

become a parking garage under the current plan.

"Even though a portion of this beautiful building was lost in the 1960's to make way for theCentral Artery, much of its Romanesque style, incredible brickwork and masonry detailremains, said Jim Igoe, president of Preservation Massachusetts. As a survivor of the Central

Artery construction era, the building is a compelling case for our Ten Endangered at a time when

massive new buildings threaten to encroach further on Boston neighborhoods.

Built in 1889, the Dainty Dot building was part of a commercial construction boom that followed

a devastating 1972 fire. It was home to the Boston Real Estate Trust, a leading 19 th century

investment firm, textile firm Brown, Durell & Company and eventually Dainty Dot Hosiery.

eteriorate.

The taking of the property for aquifer protection is

he Jensen farmhouse itself is the only remaining Georgian style in Granville and is an excellent

istory that is all too

The Jensen Homestead is one of those rare remaining farm complexes that represents 300 years

ce,

he City of Westfield views the property as a natural resource only, with no recognition or

no

The Jensen Homestead, Granville

The historic farmhouse and three barns of theJensen Homestead date from the late 18th century

through the 20th century. The surrounding 150

acres were actively farmed for over 250 years.

Through land takings for aquifer protection in 1921and 1999 the City of Westfield now owns the

property and is allowing the buildings to d

understandable states Jim Igoe, President of Preservation Massachusetts. However, allowingthese historic structures to decay because of negligence is unacceptable. The full value of thiswonderful Georgian home and barns and their ties to Granville and Western Massachusetts was

never fully appreciated by the City of Westfield.

T

specimen of 18th century architecture in the western regions of the state.

This property represents the agrarian history of Western Massachusetts, a h

quickly disappearing.

of agricultural history, says Bonnie Parsons of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.Listing it as among the Ten Most Endangered Resources may prevent its quiet disappearan

which would then be followed by the sad realization of what was lost simply for lack of

appreciation.

T

knowledge of the significance of the buildings. Though the house is heated, it is vacant with

maintenance and concern is rising that eventually all of the buildings will be demolished.Though there has been some re-use interest in the property in the past decade, including

establishing hiking trails with a visitors center, no actual plans have come to fruition.


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The Isaac Crocker Homestead,

Marstons Mills (Barnstable)

The Crocker house and barn sit on a 6.58 acre

parcel in Marstons Mills. Once part of a muchlarger farmstead it been owned by only threefamilies during its 250 year history. The house

itself dates to 1750, a rare example of a bowed roof

house on Cape Cod. The property is currently on

the market and proposed for re-development.

Preservation Massachusetts commends the Barnstable Historic Commission for its efforts to

preserve this rare 1750 Cape, states Jim Igoe, President of Preservation Massachusetts. At atime when high pressured development threatens to overtake our historic landscapes and homes,

we need to remember what makes our Cape Cod communities such special places. Our fond

memories are certainly not of new housing subdivisions.

The Cape Cod house is in remarkably good condition, still retaining its massive granite

foundations and original setting. Isaac Crocker himself was descended from Barnstables

original settlers and the house is one of the thirty oldest remaining properties in the town.

The Crocker House was sold last year and slated for demolition. A six month demolition delay

expired earlier this year and the property was then put back on the market as a developmentopportunity. With such historic integrity intact, the Crocker House stands as a testament to the

agrarian history of Cape Cod. Many historic properties like the Crocker house are vulnerabledue to high development pressures.

Both the Barnstable Historical Commission and Historical Society are seeking preservationalternatives to demolition, including relocation of the house and re-sale to a preservation minded

buyer. The retention of this house and property will promote the importance of local history and

ensure that another piece of the Capes history will not be lost to the wrecking ball.

Castle Hill Farm, Northbridge

The 98 undeveloped and wooded acres of Castle Hill

Farm date back to the early 1870s when John C.

Whitin used workers from his familys machine shopto clear land. A depression had caused production to

decline and rather than lay-off his employees, Whitin

opted to find them extra work. The stones theworkers cleared were made into massive stone walls

that still line the property today.

The open space of Castle Hill is appealing to potential developers. The property is now ownedby the Bernon Realty Trust, who is considering a residential development in the very heart of

this local landmark.


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Historic Castle Hill Farm and the preservation of its open space is important to many people ata time when development threatens to consume every available acre within a community states

Jim Igoe, President of Preservation Massachusetts. If listing the property on our Ten Most

Endangered aids in the effort to keep this part of Northbridges history intact, then we will havesucceeded.

Castle Hill Farm operated as a dairy farm. The Whitins brought a family from Holland toNorthbridge to aid in the growth and development of milk cattle. Many Dutch in the community

find their ancestry aligned with this local farm. The farm grew in production, providing milk to

local schools and businesses. A fire in 1957 destroyed the main barn and the farm ceased in

operation. The property was given a high priority rating by the Department of Conservationand Recreations Heritage Landscape Inventory program.

The proposed development on Castle Hill farm would place (36/74) residential units on theproperty. Bernon Realty Trust expressed interest in preserving as much of the property as

possible, yet the plans site construction in the center of the farms open space.

Northbridge has been working with DCR and the Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor in effortsto raise awareness about Castle Hill and its local significance.

Bentley-Gallo Property, Princeton

Bentley-Gallo makes up the very center ofPrincetons Four Corners, a tract of land with

numerous historic structures, wildlife and scenic

vistas. These 168 acres make up the missinglink between two major greenways and is still

used for hay production.

The property was purchased in 2006 and

proposed for a 36 unit residential development.

Such an undertaking will drastically affect thescenic vistas and the overall intact integrity of

the Four Corners area.

Our organization has been witness to extraordinary and aggressive development that threatenswonderfully historic and beautiful cultural landscapes. The Four Corners in Princeton is no

exception with some of the oldest farms in our Commonwealth. This tract of land must be

preserved; to lose it to housing development would be a devastating disaster for this pastoralcommunity. The partnerships forged and tremendous effort on behalf of concerned individuals is

to be applauded.

The Bentley-Gallo property contributes to the overall historic significance of the Four Corners.

Its characteristically 18th century New England appearance, participation in the Revolution,

Shays Rebellion and ongoing farming make Princetons history tangible.

Princetons Open Space Committee has dedicated years to crafting a plan for the property,

including conservation, recreation, limited development and agricultural use options. The town

has been working with the Trust for Public land, the Select and Advisory boards and local

residents in order to preserve this valuable part of their heritage.


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It is clear that the town appreciates and understands its history and the importance of

preservation. Forging alliances and partnerships will aid the community in their quest to keep

their history intact.

Old First Church (First Church of ChristCongregational), Springfield

Springfields Old First Church dates to 1818, a product of Captain

Isaac Damon who gave the community classical meetinghousewith a steeple that could be viewed from miles around. The

congregation of the church dates to 1637, just one year after the

founding of Agawam (Springfield). The building was named aMassachusetts Historic Landmark in 1971, the first building in

Western Massachusetts to receive such a designation.

As is the case in many communities today, the church faces rising

maintenance costs coupled with a dwindling congregation. The

congregation officially voted last week to cease all church

functions and close the building as of January 1, 2008.

Jim Igoe, President of Preservation Massachusetts feels strongly about the future of the church.

The Old First Church is clearly a special property and stands out as one of the mostarchitecturally and historically significant churches, not only in Western Massachusetts but the

entire state. The churches prime location in downtown Springfield unquestionably solidifies itsstance as a landmark for the city. Preservation Massachusetts will commit itself to working with

local organizations and individuals in efforts to keep this property in use and open for future

generations.

The congregation went public with their financial plight, and though many have voiced concern

in keeping this landmark open, no plans for the building exist.

Constant repair and a major 2001 renovation of the exterior, steeple and parish house have kept

the church in remarkably good shape. It sits today as one of the cornerstones of Court Square in

downtown and it truly one of the citys treasures. Issues of vagrancy in Court Square haveresulted in the city removing all benches and amenities, and the churchs front steps are blocked

by 8 foot iron gates. This present situation does little to encourage people visit the building.

Old First Church does have much re-use potential, from the rear parish house to partnerships

between the congregation and other entities for use of the space. This building is truly a jewelfor the city of Springfield and for the state of Massachusetts. Ensuring its continued use is

priority.


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Edward Hopper House &

Landscape, Truro

The Truro home of painter Edward Hopper

and the sweeping landscape that served as

Hoppers muse have been named to the TenMost Endangered for 2007.

The Hopper landscape is a stretch of coastal

heathland encompassing nearly a half-mile of sandy beach and 30 acres of uplands. The quietbeauty of the land is threatened by a proposed 6,500-square foot mansion that would be built

next door to Hoppers former home, and sit on the propertys highest ridge.

At a time when so many beautiful and significant vistas and landscapes are being lost to trophy

homes, the Edward Hopper home and landscape stand out as one of the most significant

anywhere in the United States, said Jim Igoe, president of Preservation Massachusetts. Listing

this property on the 10 Most Endangered list underlines the local, state and national importanceof this landscape and a well respected artist's home.

The proposed new home would be eight times larger than the Hopper house and substantially

alter its views. These views, which Hopper could see from his modest cottages large panoramic

window, inspired many of his works which now hang in major galleries around the world.

The other threat to the landscape is the possible development of a nearby drumlin, rising one

hundred feet above the Cape Cod Bay. A land court ruling has opened the door to possible

development of this 3.5 acre parcel as well.

Strathmore Mill, Tuners Falls

Situated on a narrow island between theConnecticut River and an active power canal,

the Strathmore Mill is one of the most

significant industrial buildings remaining in

Turners Falls. Sitting unused since 2003 andamidst controversy over non-payment of taxes

and copper wire salvage, a fire earlier this year

further endangered this important site.

Tuners Falls should be commended for

understanding and preserving many of its architecturally and historically significant buildings,states Jim Igoe, President of Preservation Massachusetts. Strathmore Mill is yet one more

important yet challenging opportunity for this community. Coupled with its historic importance,

the mill has the potential to be economically important if saved and restored.

The mills earliest structures date to 1873, built for the Keith Paper Company. The mill was just

one of many in Col. John Crockers planned industrial community of Turners Falls. Due to

waning industry in the mid-twentieth century, many other mills were demolished. These losses


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encouraged the village to embrace the preservation of their industrial past, and take specialinterest in the Strathmore Mill.

The town is concerned the owner will continue the demolition work that the fire started.Increased clean-up and operation costs are a new complication in an already challenging

preservation project.

Though the fire at Strathmore damaged a significant mill building and left others open to the

elements, the town remains hopeful that it will be preserved. A developer was in agreement to

take ownership of the mill before the tragic fire struck. Optimism remains that this project will

still be viable and keep Turners Falls from loosing yet another piece of their past.

Tremont Nail Factory Complex,

Wareham

Much of the towns history is tied to the historic nailfactory, at the heart of Warehams historic center.

Beginning in 1848, the factory buildings housed themachines that specialized in steel cut nails, known for

their durability and historic authenticity.

Preservation Massachusetts is pleased to list theTremont Nail Factory on our Ten Most Endangered

because it is imperative to re-enforce its significance

to the community, long manufacturing history and itscrucial location amongst Warehams most historic

buildings says Jim Igoe, President of PreservationMassachusetts. We hope our support of the listing and the Wareham Historical Commissionwill entice others to become interesting in preserving this property with a viable re-use plan.

Making nails since the nineteenth century, Tremont Nail was the oldest continually operating cut

nail factory in the United States, until the company was purchased and production moved out oftown. Many generations of Wareham residents worked in the factory buildings along Elm Street.

In an effort to keep the property intact, the town utilized Community Preservation Act funds topurchase it in 2004, with the hopes or creating an industrial history museum. Yet there are

currently no funds to properly maintain or stabilize the buildings. The complexs proximity to

the Parker Mill Dam is a growing concern, since the dam was classified as hazardous incondition.

The quest to find a viable re-use for Tremont is ongoing, and there is growing concern that theproperty could be sold to alleviate growing funding issues. There are many in the town that

recognize the importance that Tremont Nail had and still has for the town of Wareham. Listingthe property is yet another affirmation that preservation can be utilized to create economic

opportunities while preserving the past for generations to come.


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About the 10 Most Endangered List

Now in its 14th year, the list of ten most endangered resources has become an effective tool for

preservationists to focus statewide attention on the condition of individual historic properties and

their importance to communities. Of the more than 100 historic sites designated as endangeredsince the lists inception in 1993, fewer than a dozen have been lost.

This years list was culled from nominations submitted by preservation-minded groups andindividuals throughout the state. Submissions are judged by several criteria, including their

historic significance, the extent of the threat and the communitys commitment to preserving the

resource.

Founded in 1985, Preservation Massachusetts (formerly known as Historic Massachusetts, Inc.)

is the only statewide non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the Commonwealths

historic and cultural heritage.

For more information on the Ten Most Endangered Program, please contact Erin Kelly [email protected] or call 617-723-3383.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]

2007 massachusetts’ most endangered historic resources list

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