What if houses could talk? The Alvah Kittredge House surely would have some stories to tell. This historic house stands in the highlands of Roxbury a neighborhood of Boston. It is a testament to a bygone era.
The Alvah Kittredge House is a Greek Revival mansion. It has a rich history. It was built in 1836 for Alvah Kittredge. He was a prominent real estate developer. Alvah Kittredge also served as a Roxbury alderman and Eliot Church deacon. The house reflects his success and standing in the community.
Originally, the Alvah Kittredge House was at the site of the Roxbury Low Fort. This fort was a defensive earthwork during the American Revolutionary War. After 1896, the house was moved to its current location at 12 Linwood Street. Imagine the effort it took to move such a grand structure.
For 30 years, the Alvah Kittredge House was home to Nathaniel J. Bradlee. He was a noted Boston architect. His presence added another layer of significance to the house’s story.
The Alvah Kittredge House is a rare example of high-style Greek Revival architecture. It is one of only a few remaining wood frame houses from that period in Boston. This makes it particularly special.
In the 1970s and 80s, the Alvah Kittredge House housed the Roxbury Action Program. This was an African American advancement organization. The house stood vacant from 1991 to 2011.
Historic Boston Inc. purchased the property in 2011. They completed a 3.8 million dollar rehabilitation in 2014. The renewed mansion now holds five two-bedroom residential units. Two of these units are permanently designated as affordable housing.
The Alvah Kittredge House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was added in 1973. In 2016, it was designated a Boston Landmark by the Boston Landmarks Commission. These designations recognize its historical and architectural importance.
Restoring the Alvah Kittredge House involved careful attention to detail. Precision Finish restored the fascia and soffit work. They also restored the facade of the building. The foyer ceiling, window and door trim, and moldings were completely restored. The main staircase was repaired as well.
Buildings Science Consulting worked to improve energy performance. They did this without compromising the historic character of the Alvah Kittredge House. They addressed attic space, wall insulation, and air barrier strategies. They also dealt with water penetration in the basement.
The Alvah Kittredge House stands as a reminder of Boston’s past. It represents the vision of Alvah Kittredge and the dedication of those who preserved it. The Alvah Kittredge House continues to be a symbol of community and architectural heritage.