Ready to explore a slice of suburban history? Welcome to the Pine Ridge Road-Plainfield Street Historic District. This charming residential area in Newton, Massachusetts, tells a story of late 19th and early 20th-century suburban development.
The Pine Ridge Road-Plainfield Street Historic District includes 44 properties. These properties line Pine Ridge Road and Plainfield Street. Chestnut Street and Upland Road border the district. A few properties on Chestnut and Upland Roads are also included.
Imagine this area as farmland. That was before 1886. Developers Charles Page and Frederick Henshaw purchased the land then. Suburban rail service arrived and spurred development. By the 1930s, the area was built out. In 1990, the district earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
Pine Ridge Road and Plainfield Street sit east of Waban’s central village. Development initially focused west of Chestnut Street. The area east of Chestnut Street began to take shape in the 1890s.
Architectural styles vary within the Pine Ridge Road-Plainfield Street Historic District. You will find Queen Anne and Shingle-style houses from the 19th century. The 20th century brought Colonial Revival, Tudor, and Craftsman houses. Architects designed some of these homes. They are well-proportioned but not as grand as those in other neighborhoods.
The oldest houses in the Pine Ridge Road-Plainfield Street Historic District date back to 1897. Many exhibit the Queen Anne style. Take note of the Stetson House at 91 Pine Ridge Road. Also, observe the house at 69 Pine Ridge Road. It features a large half-round porch that enhances its appeal.
The Davidson House at 24 Plainfield Street is another notable example built in 1897. Its Shingle style is quite striking. The Thomas James House at 80 Pine Ridge is also Shingle style. The owner may have designed it himself as he was an architect.
Don’t miss the George Heald house at 99 Pine Ridge. This home showcases English Tudor Revival architecture. Look for Tudor arch motifs and half-timbered gables. Admire the diamond leadlight windows with heraldry symbols. The 1931 Colonial Revival house at 100 Pine Ridge Road was designed by Harry Ramsay. He was a prolific local designer.
The Pine Ridge Road-Plainfield Street Historic District offers a glimpse into suburban residential architecture. It is a testament to careful planning. It also shows diverse architectural styles. As you stroll these streets, appreciate the history. A history that shaped this charming corner of Newton.