West Newton Hill has an unusual number of original homes representing diverse examples of residential architecture dating from the 1840s. Intertwined with these structures are the stories of the families who settled here. This combination of history and architecture constitutes a distinct legacy. It’s an “ensemble cast” and many of us who enjoy walking in the neighborhood find that “the whole is worth more than the sum of the parts.” Continuous stewarship and updating is part of that process, as well as telling the stories, so that new homeowners and real estate professionals know about the history of West Newton Hill. Preservation can have economic, cultural, educational and environmental benefits.

In recent years, demolitions of historic homes,  some which are on the National Register of Historic Places, have raised awareness that the buildings and streetscapes we take for granted are at risk. Demolitions, in conjunction with the felling of the mature trees on these sites, have altered the character of the neighborhood. Demolitions also have a detrimental environmental impact, particularly when quality structures which were built to last with unusual details and craftsmanship are destroyed and destined for dumpsters and landfill.

We compiled the information on this website in hopes of raising awareness so that the prevailing character of West Newton Hill is not irretrievably lost.

The importance of the architectural resources on West Newton Hill has been recognized; more than 100 buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places, either within clusters or individually listed, and several hundred others have been inventoried as historic and cultural resources with the Mass Historical Commission. Many homes have historic house markers provided through the research conducted by Historic Newton at the Jackson Homestead. A group of over 30 volunteers completed an in-depth study to document the history and architecture of West Newton Hill in January 2017, available on the LEARN tab on this website.

The City of Newton does not have a tool to stop unwanted demolitions, unless the structures are designated Local Landmarks or located within four specific areas that have chosen to form Local Historic Districts. In other cases the Newton Historical Commission, when reviewing a demolition application, can vote to issue a 12- or 18-month delay but can not ultimately prevent demolition.

We welcome involvement and ideas from all neighbors.

Examples of Architectural Features of Historic Homes