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 tuniversity's failure to fund a professionalassessment of the historic campus's that couldinform planning decisions about its architecture.The lack of appreciation for the significance of early buildings associated with the University’sorigins as an agricultural college has led todemolition and mothballing of key historicstructures. Post-WWII buildings by major architects should also be considered as part of thepreservation priorities plan“As stewards of these historic buildings, the administration has an obligation to theCommonwealth 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. “Thecampus’s architectural diversity is magnificent and should be embraced by the University. Olderbuildings must be integrated into the growing campus.”In May 2007, the UMass Amherst administration announced its intentions to demolish a numberof 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-threebuildings are listed on the Commonwealth’s Inventory of Historical and Archeological Assetsand 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 athe corner of Kingston and Essex streets, straddling

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 thebuilding and half of each of the two remaining facades. The space behind the facades wouldbecome 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 CentralArtery construction era, the building is a compelling case for our Ten Endangered at a time whenmassive new buildings threaten to encroach further on Boston neighborhoods.”Built in 1889, the Dainty Dot building was part of a commercial construction boom that followeda devastating 1972 fire. It was home to the Boston Real Estate Trust, a leading 19

centuryinvestment firm, textile firm Brown, Durell & Company and eventually Dainty Dot Hosiery.eteriorate.The taking of the property for aquifer protection ishe Jensen farmhouse itself is the only remaining Georgian style in Granville and is an excellentistory that is all tooThe Jensen Homestead is one of those rare remaining farm complexes that represents 300 yearsce,he City of Westfield views the property as a natural resource only, with no recognition orno

The Jensen Homestead, Granville

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

centurythrough the 20

century. The surrounding 150acres were actively farmed for over 250 years.Through land takings for aquifer protection in 1921and 1999 the City of Westfield now owns theproperty 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 wasnever fully appreciated by the City of Westfield”.Tspecimen of 18

century architecture in the western regions of the state.This property represents the agrarian history of Western Massachusetts, a hquickly 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 disappearanwhich would then be followed by the sad realization of what was lost simply for lack of appreciation.”Tknowledge of the significance of the buildings. Though the house is heated, it is vacant withmaintenance 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, includingestablishing hiking trails with a visitor’s center, no actual plans have come to fruition.

The Isaac Crocker Homestead,Marstons Mills (Barnstable)

The Crocker house and barn sit on a 6.58 acreparcel in Marstons Mills. Once part of a muchlarger farmstead it been owned by only threefamilies during its 250 year history. The houseitself dates to 1750, a rare example of a bowed roof house on Cape Cod. The property is currently onthe market and proposed for re-development.“Preservation Massachusetts commends the Barnstable Historic Commission for its efforts topreserve 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 fondmemories are certainly not of new housing subdivisions”.The ¾ Cape Cod house is in remarkably good condition, still retaining its massive granitefoundations and original setting. Isaac Crocker himself was descended from Barnstable’soriginal 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 delayexpired 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 theagrarian 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 mindedbuyer. The retention of this house and property will promote the importance of local history andensure that another piece of the Cape’s history will not be lost to the wrecking ball.

Castle Hill Farm, Northbridge

The 98 undeveloped and wooded acres of Castle HillFarm date back to the early 1870’s when John C.Whitin used workers from his family’s machine shopto clear land. A depression had caused production todecline and rather than lay-off his employees, Whitinopted to find them extra work. The stones theworkers cleared were made into massive stone wallsthat 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.