SITUATION IN 2017 - 2018
The Lambert House at 128 Chestnut Street was at risk of demolition in 2017. It is one of the few antebellum houses remaining on West Newton Hill. The first owner, Rev Henry Lambert, was an active abolitionist and leader in civil service reform. The fountain and sculpture by Anne Whitney, on the island garden at the intersection of Chestnut and Highland Streets, is in memory of his wife, Catherine Wigglesworth Porter Lambert. (See more background under the "Learn" tab.)
City Council members from Ward 3 requested that the Newton Historical Commission consider Local Landmark status for this house in April 2018. See May 11 Boston Globe article here. The seller's representatives explained that there were plans to sell to a developer who would demolish the house and subdivide the lot.
The Newton Historical Commission accepted a request for a continuance at its May meeting. At the June 28, 2018, meeting, the NHC voted to name the house a Local Landmark. See July 5, 2018, Boston Globe article here.
UPDATE 2022
The historic house, which had originally been at the center of the lot, was subsequently moved forward towards Chestnut Street, in order to make room for a subdivision with a second lot behind it. A large new home was constructed facing Westfield Road. Both lots remain under the oversight of the Newton Historical Commission. Although substantially renovated and altered, the Lambert House is still standing.
