A study of the historic buildings in the area south of the Charles River was recently conducted by the City of Watertown. The report is intended to guide future historic preservation efforts in that area of town. The full report can now be viewed.
The final report includes a list of buildings, as well as blocks of homes and buildings that have the potential for National Register eligibility. Individually eligible properties were: Casey Playground, 0 Watertown Street; Dalby Mill, 101-103 Morse Street; Adams-Keith Block, 129-147 Morse Street; Parker School, 124 Watertown Street; and Hibernian Hall, 153 Watertown Street. There are also recommendations for areas that could be part of a historic district. Details for each building and the historic areas can be seen here.
The Southside Overview includes a history of the area starting when the Town of Watertown acquired it in the 1630s to present, with maps, illustrations and photos. See it here.
See details in the following announcement from the city.
City Announcement
Full documentation of a historic properties survey of Watertown’s Southside neighborhood is now online.
The full set of documents includes information about the history of individual homes, commercial and institutional buildings, an overview of the Southside neighborhood and a report of recommendations for future historical preservation planning and identified potential additions to the National Register of Historic Places.
The full release of documents can be found online. A hard copy continues to be available at the City’s offices at the Parker Building (124 Watertown Street) and at the Watertown Free Public Library (123 Main Street).
Watertown obtained a matching grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission in 2023 to conduct the study. The grant used federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior. City provided half of the $40,000 required.
To document Southside’s history, the survey includes inventory forms on seven distinct geographic areas, eight individual buildings, and two public parks. The forms will also be available online as part of the state’s MACRIS database of historic resources.
Questions about the reports? Contact Larry Field at lfield@watertown-ma.gov.