Alvah Kittredge Park Rowhouses

About This Project

Alvah Kittredge Park Rowhouses, c.1875, Roxbury, MA

The four brick rowhouses at the northern edge of Alvah Kittredge Park are typical of the dense residential developments that were built in parts of Roxbury Highlands in the latter half of the 19th century. Benjamin F. Bean, a local Roxbury developer, built these houses on the last remaining parcel of land from the nearby Edward Everett Hale estate. They are fine examples of the popular Second Empire style, and their high level of architectural detail–bow fronts, brownstone trim, and pedimented dormers in high mansard roofs underscore their prominent position on the park.

By 2000, this block of row houses was vacant and significantly deteriorated. HBI produced a feasibility study to redevelop two of the four townhouses under a licensing agreement with then owner, the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA). The BRA designated HBI to complete the exterior rehabilitation of both #8 (March 2002) and #7 (September 2002). Both townhouses were then sold by the BRA to two neighborhood residents who completed their interior fit-outs. Each building is owner-occupied and also house one rental apartment, creating four new units of housing.