“Did you know that the Lasell Neighborhood Historic District began as a remote farming area?” Let’s explore this special place. It is located in Newton Massachusetts. This district showcases high-quality late 19th and early 20th-century architecture. It includes parts of the Lasell University campus. The Auburndale Female Seminary was established here in 1851.
The Lasell Neighborhood Historic District earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Imagine Auburndale in the early 1800s. European settlers divided the land in the 17th century. Then, in 1809, Worcester Turnpike, now known as Massachusetts Route 9, was constructed. The Boston and Worcester Railroad arrived in the 1840s. Auburndale Station opened in 1851. This spurred significant growth. The area transformed into a railroad commuter suburb in the late 19th century. Development increased further in the 1890s. Commonwealth Avenue extended to Newton’s western edge.
The Lasell Neighborhood sits south of the railroad. Admire the Second Empire and Italianate houses from its early days. Notable examples include 195 Woodland Road built in 1875. Also see 222 Grove Street dating around 1875 and 176 Grove from about 1862. The house at 176 Grove exemplifies the Second Empire style. It features an ornate entrance. Notice its bellcast mansard roof with a mansarded gable.
Don’t miss the Winslow-Haskell Mansion at 53 Vista Avenue. This Ruskinian Gothic house was built in 1870. Today, it houses condominiums. Take a look at 62 Vista Avenue. It is a fine example of Italianate architecture from around 1879.
Some buildings within the district belong to Lasell University. You’ll also find many beautiful Colonial Revival houses. The historic district was formed partly because the college wanted to expand. Even after its creation, some locals opposed new buildings.
The Lasell Neighborhood Historic District preserves architectural history. It reflects the growth of Auburndale from farmland to a desirable residential area. Walking through this district is like stepping back in time. You experience the elegance and ambition of a bygone era.