The Medford Historical Commission is prepared to host a series of public hearings on Monday, October 5, 2026 at 7PM via Zoom concerning three properties under the City’s Demolition Delay review.
For each property, the Commission will reiterate the significance and review whether the property is preferably preserved. This is the second step in the demolition review process. The Commission will review each building’s integrity, looking at surviving historic fabric against the significance. The public will be allowed to comment on the proposed demolition. At the conclusion, the Commission will vote. The vote determines if the building is in the public interest to be saved and rehabilitated rather than demolished. If a delay is imposed, the goal is to encourage the applicant to work with the Commission to mitigate the demolition.
15 Maple Park Avenue – Hegner Center The Commission will review the proposed demolition of the Hegner Center at 15 Maple Park Avenue. The building is the former field house for Gillis Field. The Commissioners will review its integrity, take feedback, and vote. At the conclusion, the Commission will discuss the outcome and next steps.
71 Mystic Avenue The Commission will also hold a preferred preservation hearing for 71 Mystic Avenue. The last residential building along this corridor, the building is being reviewed as part of a proposed multi-lot development for self-storage. The hearing will follow the same format as 15 Maple Park.
An image of Moore Square showing the once-quiet residential neighborhood that existed at the intersection of Mystic Avenue and Main Street. This is now the site of the Mobile gas station.
73 Surrey Street The scheduled hearing for 73 Surrey Street is tabled as the required posting and sign requirements has not been met. The property therefore will return for consideration at a future hearing once the procedural requirements have been addressed.
Following the public hearings, the Commission will continue with a regular business meeting. They will receive any demolition applications and approve meeting minutes. It is likely that we will receive demolition applications from 141 Grant Avenue and 360 Salem Street.
As always, the Commission encourages you to attend, provide comments, and participate in the public process. Public input is an important part of our work as the board considers the history and preservation of Medford’s historic resources.
Our next regular meeting is scheduled for October 19th, 2026 at 7PM via Zoom.
September brought a full agenda to the Medford Historical Commission. At our meeting on Monday, September 14th the Commission made determinations of significance on seven properties, discussed the future of the American Legion building on Winthrop Street, and heard updates on zoning, Medford High School, and the conservation work at Cross Street Cemetery. Three properties will proceed to vote on Preferably Preserved hearings on October 5th.
15 Maple Park Avenue “The Hegner Center”: The Preferably Preserved hearing scheduled for this meeting was tabled until October 5 because the petitioners did display their required yard sign in time for the meeting. We will publish materials in advance of their hearing.
Determinations of Significance Summary: Last month the Commission accepted demolition review applications for seven properties, some for total demolition and some for partial. This month we determined whether they warranted a vote of significance.
As a reminder a building is considered ‘significant’ if it is associated with historic people or events, or with the broad architectural, cultural, political, economic, or social history of the city or Commonwealth. It can also be significant for its period, style, method of construction, or association with an important architect or builder, either on its own or as part of a group of buildings.
Address
Outcome
Vote
67 Mystic Avenue
Passed on review (built after 1950)
6–0
71 Mystic Avenue
Significant
5–1
73 Mystic Avenue
Passed on review (built after 1950)
6–0
81 Mystic Avenue
Passed on review (built after 1950)
6–0
78 Circuit Road
Not significant
2–4
146 Spring Street
Not significant
1–5
73 Surrey Street
Significant
6–0
67, 71, 73 & 81 Mystic Avenue: Four properties along Mystic Avenue are part of a proposed self-storage development along Mystic Avenue. Three of them, number 67, 73, and 81 Mystic Avenue, do not meet the ordinance’s age requirement, so the Commission passed on review. 71 Mystic Avenue was found significant and will be on the agenda for October 5th’s agenda. Commissioners noted it stands as the last residential dwelling remaining along this streetscape, apart from 41 Mystic Avenue, which was relocated there. The lots also have an association with the Middlesex Canal, and they sit within a National Register district. The discussion focused less on saving the house than on documenting it, and on asking for archaeological monitoring during construction. City staff noted that because the project is over 10,000 square feet, it would also need site plan review by the Community Development Board and likely a Zoning Board filing. The Commission agreed to pass its recommendations for archeological monitoring along to those boards.
78 Circuit Road: Although at first glance it appears as a modest 1920’s house, this home has a notable history as part of George McCormick’s Forest Park developments. McCormick was among Medford’s most prolific land developers, and he marketed lots to working-class families under the philosophy “if you’re on this earth, own a piece of it.” The house retains its original wood windows and possibly the shutters, and front door, which was noted to be unusual in the neighborhood. A majority of commissioners felt it did not rise to individual significance. The motion failed, and the owners were told they would receive a release letter.
146 Spring Street: This circa 1886 built house is one of a group built by the same builder along Spring Street, the last stage of East Medford’s street-by-street Victorian development that were built outward emanating from Medford Square. The application proposed a rear addition replacing earlier additions, plus new windows, while keeping the original roofline. An earlier version with dormers had triggered review, however, Commissioners cited the currently proposed plans did not alter the exterior of the home significantly, and the motion for significance failed. Commissioners noted that a return to the dormer design would trigger review again.
73 Surrey Street: This early twentieth-century house was built by John and Frank Walker, developers who worked on a scale similar to McCormick. The home, and a few of it’s neighbor’s homes, are defined by distinctive half-round arches on the front porches, and this house survives as a single-family home where many of its neighbors were built as two-families. Commissioners found the proposed renovation thoughtful, however, they had questions about scope of construction and whether the distinctive features of the home, like the arches on the porch, will be retained. The Commission found the house significant and will vote for Preferably Preserved status in next month’s meeting.
321 Winthrop Street “American Legion Building”: The Commission discussed a potential future project at this property. The owners were exploring veterans housing on the site and had discussed demolishing the existing buildings. The house dates to the 1880s, and the hall was added in roughly between 1940s – 60s. The Commission agreed to order an updated MHC inventory form to replace the one originally from the 1970s. Commissioners hoped to steer the project toward reuse of the existing buildings, possibly with Community Preservation Act planning funds noting the architectural details of the building. Commissioners planned to invite the owners to share their plans at a future meeting, potentially as part of the October 19th meeting.
Ongoing Project Updates
Zoning Update: The Boston Avenue zoning drafted in late June has been finalized and submitted to the City Council, which was scheduled to take it up on September 15. With the current planning consultant’s contract ending, the City planned to issue an RFP for a consultant to cover roughly the next two and a half years.
Medford High School – Section 106 Review: Consultants completed exterior photography of the Medford High School complex on the day of the meeting. They planned to prepare an MHC area form that documents the complex building by building.
Cross Street Cemetery: Conservation work funded through the Community Preservation Act was moving quickly. The contractor was about three-quarters of the way through restoring 85 gravestones. While resetting stones that had been damaged by a fallen tree about ten years ago, the crew discovered 10 headstones buried in the ground, and a change order was added to restore them. Remaining funds were set aside for recreating a missing veteran’s stone. The restored gate was nearly finished, awaiting welding, painting, and reinstallation, and the wall repairs were almost complete. A consultant was scheduled to carry out ground-penetrating radar (GPR) within this month at Cross Street and at the downtown site in Medford Square, and had offered to scan the entire cemetery. The results were expected to show where people are actually buried to determine whether any other accidentally buried headstones remain.
The Commission set its next meeting for Monday, October 5, a week early because the second Monday fell on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. That meeting was set to include three Preferably Preserved hearings: 15 Maple Park Avenue “Hegner Center”, 71 Mystic Avenue, and 73 Surrey Street. Because of the calendar, a second October meeting will be held on October 19th.
Preservation efforts in Medford is an ongoing process of research, review, and collaboration with property owners, city staff, and the broader community. We encourage residents to stay involved by attending meetings with us, staying up to date with our project updates , or sharing what they know about historic properties in their neighborhoods with us.
The Medford Historical Commission is asking for community input on the proposed South Medford Connector Path, a project that will connect the General Lawrence Bridge (near Wegmans) to Winthrop Street with a new path along Route 16.
The Commission supports this project and believes this missing link is an important investment in our community. However, we also believe there’s an opportunity to make it even better.
Rather than placing the path primarily alongside Route 16, we’re encouraging MassDOT and DCR to take a closer look at bringing portions of the path between the Lawrence Bridge and Cradock Bridge on Main Street closer to the Mystic River, creating a safer, quieter, and more scenic experience while strengthening the connection between people and one of Medford’s greatest natural and historic resources.
A river oriented path could: – Better connect residents to the Mystic River – Create a more enjoyable walking and biking experience – Complete the vision of continuous paths along both sides of the river – Celebrate the landscape that helped define Medford for generations
MassDOT has responded to our initial comments, and we’d like to hear from the community before submitting our next response. Join us at the next Commission meeting on Monday, July 13th at 7:00 PM via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82632918053
To prepare for the meeting, we have uploaded relevant project materials:
Whether you support our recommendations, have concerns, or simply want to learn more about the project, we welcome your input. Community voices will help ensure this project becomes not just a transportation improvement, but a lasting public space that reflects the best of Medford. Emails in advance of the meeting are always welcome (historicalcommission@medford-ma.gov) and will be included in the record as well as any response back to MassDOT.
2018 Feasibility Study proposed path alignment.
2026 Mass DOT proposal based on the latest design drawings submitted for our review.
March has arrived “in like a lion,” and this year the weather seems determined to prove the old saying true. It’s shaping up to be another active month for the Medford Historical Commission as we prepare for our meeting on Monday, March 9. This month’s agenda reflects the wide range of preservation work underway across Medford, Massachusetts: from new demolition review applications and ongoing delay cases to updates on archaeological investigations, Community Preservation Act projects, and citywide historic resource surveys. As always, the Commission will review several properties that may have historical significance while continuing its long-term work documenting, preserving, and better understanding Medford’s historic places.
Demolition Review Applications: Our meeting will begin with receiving several new applications as part of the City’s demolition review process. These initial hearings allow the Commission to determine whether a building meets the criteria for historical significance under the City’s demolition delay ordinance.
226 Main Street: The Commission will receive an application for the demolition of a twentieth-century residential dwelling.This building is part of the Brooks Park Area and is mentioned briefly in the MHC Form A. We will determine historical significance, the first step in determining whether further review may be warranted.
10 Whittemore Avenue: We have received an application for the partial demolition of a twentieth-century residential resource that will be altered beyond recognition. The Commission hired a consultant to prepare an MHC Form B for the property. We will likewise determine significance for this property.
1-3 Vassar Street and 12-14 Wellesley Street: Applications have been filed for the partial demolition of 1-3 Vassar Street and 12-14 Wellesley Street. Both propose significant changes to the roof plane and are applicable for demolition review. We will accept their applications and have MHC Form B prepared for each property.
Medford continues to see development pressure in many neighborhoods. These reviews play an important role in ensuring that historically important structures are thoughtfully considered before demolition proceeds.
Medford High School – Section 106 Review The Commission has been asked to determine the historical significance of the Medford High School Complex at 489 Winthrop Street in West Medford. The City of Medford is investigating whether a new school should be constructed on the site or the existing building be renovated or selectively replaced. The Commission is afforded review under the Section 106 consultation process.
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires state or federal agencies to consider the effects of state or federally funded or permitted projects on historic resources. This review provides an opportunity for the Commission to comment on potential impacts and help ensure that historic preservation concerns are part of the broader planning process. The Commission has requested information for the creation of an MHC Form B so we may determine significance in the future.
Project Updates:
The Commission will continue with a full range of project updates. We have many important things to share and we’ll offer highlights here.
Commission Membership: We’re still looking for members to fill vacancies. Maintaining a full board is important to support the growing volume of preservation work across the city. If you’re interested in joining, please reach out to us.
Properties Under Demolition Delay: The Commission will check in with updates on properties currently under demolition delay, including 41 Mystic Avenue and 36 Mystic Street. These delay periods provide time for property owners, preservation advocates, and the community to explore alternatives that may allow historically significant buildings to be preserved or incorporated into redevelopment plans.
Annual Report: Commissioners will review a draft of the Commission’s upcoming annual report, which summarizes the organization’s work over the past year. The report highlights preservation efforts, ongoing initiatives, and the many projects reviewed by the Commission.
Brooks Estate Archaeological Survey: We have awarded the archaeological survey work to SWCA Environmental Consultants. This investigation will help deepen our understanding of the landscape’s long history and many layers of activity that shaped this important place.
Community Preservation Act Projects: The Commission will receive updates on several preservation initiatives funded through the Community Preservation Act, including ongoing work at Thomas Brooks Park and conservation efforts at Cross Street Cemetery. These projects represent important investments in the preservation of Medford’s historic landscapes and burial grounds. Be sure to look for more information about these projects on their dedicated pages accessible from our home page.
Hastings Heights Historic Resource Survey: Finally, the Commission will hear updates on ongoing historic resource work in the Hastings Heights development in West Medford. These surveys document historic buildings and landscapes throughout the city and form the foundation for informed preservation planning.
As this lengthy post demonstrates, preservation in Medford is an ongoing process that involves careful research, review, and collaboration with property owners, city staff, and the broader community. The Commission encourages residents to stay engaged with this work—whether by attending meetings, following project updates, or sharing information about historic properties in their neighborhoods. We look forward to continuing these conversations and reporting on the progress of these efforts in the months ahead.
A Brush With History: Thomas Brooks Park Artifact Cleaning & Cataloging Day
Location: Medford Public Library at 111 High Street Date & Time: Monday, March 30, 2026, from 9AM – 5PM
Registration is Required: Email—HistoricalCommission@medford-ma.gov
Join the Medford Historical Commission and SWCA archaeologists for a hands on day experiencing the history uncovered at Thomas Brooks Park.
We’re looking for 8-10 volunteers to roll up their sleeves and help gently clean, sort, and catalogue artifacts. No experience necessary, just curiosity and an interest in Medford’s past. All volunteers will work alongside professional archaeologists.
This is a great opportunity to connect with one of our historic landscapes and to learn first hand how the Historical Commission preserves our community’s past.
Volunteers will get to see fragments of a bowl featuring the “King’s Rose” decoration, as seen in this complete example from the collection of Old Sturbridge Village.
The Medford Historical Commission will host its first meeting of the New Year on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 7:00PM. The meeting will be held remotely via Zoom to provide the most flexible form of participation. Our agenda is online and is summarized with meeting materials below.
Demolition Review Applications: Our meeting will begin with a determination of significance, followed by receiving two demolition applications.
36 Mystic Street: An application for the partial demolition of 36 Mystic Street has been received. The Commission will review the information submitted and determine if the building meets the criteria for significance.
17 Sharon Street: The Commission will receive a demolition application for 17 Sharon Street. Materials associated with the application will be reviewed and the property will be discussed as part of the Commission’s demolition review process. The determination of significance shall be next month.
85 Marshall Street: The Commission will receive a demolition application for 85 Marshall Street. Materials associated with the application will be reviewed, and the property will be discussed as part of the Commission’s demolition review process. The determination of significance shall be next month.
Old Business: The Commission will then have a series of updates summarized under our old business categories. We are really active already in the New Year and are looking forward to moving many of our longstanding projects toward fruition. We hope to see you soon and wish you all the best in 2026.
Good morning! The Historical Commission will be at Thomas Brooks Park this morning working with the team from SWCA consultants on a second archaeological dig. Tonight, we have a hearing and will determine significance on two buildings.
41 Mystic Avenue – Public Hearing The Commission will take comments on if the demolition of 41 Mystic Avenue is detrimental to the historical or cultural assets of the City of Medford. The building is an 18th century structure moved in the late 19th century for Governor’s Avenue. The building is importantly associated with the Hall Family of Medford. Benjamin Hall was a noted rum distiller whose ships were actively involved in the Atlantic Triangle Trade. Beyond this, Hall’s brother-in-law was Timothy Fitch, a slave trader. The building also has some interesting history regarding its current location on Mystic Ave, the former Medford Turnpike. You can read all about that in the enclosed MHC Form B and extension form.
58 Myrtle Street – Determination of Significance The Commission will determine if 58 Myrtle Street is significant. The building is a mid-19th-century structure that was likely part of the development laid out by Horatio Williams. The neighborhood consists of uniform gable-end houses that closely abut the street. The area was once known as Williamsburg for its connection to Williams, but the name has given way to Glenwood, which was the name of the nearby depot on Spring Street at the corner of Myrtle.
231 Park Street – Determination of Significance The Commission will last take an application for the demolition of 231 Park Street. This mid-19th-century building is similar to Myrtle in many ways. It was documented during the East Medford Survey Project and is one of 3000 or so pre-1900 homes remaining city-wide.
Salutations and greetings on this fine fall day! The Medford Historical Commission has an early meeting on October 6, 2025. The agenda is included below so you can follow along. Meeting materials that the Commission will review are available further down in this post.
10 Irving Street – Public Hearing The Commission will hold a public hearing to determine if the demolition of 10 Irving Street would be detrimental to the historic resources of the City of Medford. We do so by determining if the building is preferably preserved. This structure is Italianate in nature. Its large form suggests it is an earlier building that was moved to the site. The Commission will review the information in the Form B and hear public comments to determine if the building is preferably preserved.
41 Mystic Avenue – Determination of Significance An application for demolition has been received for 41 Mystic Avenue. We will review the building for significance. The Benjamin and Hepzibah Jones Hall House was surveyed as part of the Medford Square South Project. This building is one of twelve surviving eighteenth-century buildings remaining in the City.
121 Second Street – Determination of Significance An application for demolition has been received for 121 Second Street. The Commission will review the information in the MHC Form B and determine significance. This is an early 20th century resource with some surviving original details. The building is slated for total demolition to be replaced by a duplex.
Upcoming Demolition Reviews: Although they did not make it to the agenda in time, there are two applications that will be received by the Commission. The first is 6 Hobbs Road, which proposes major renovations to a 20th-century residence in West Medford. The other is 58 Myrtle Street, which is being remodeled extensively to the point where the original structure will no longer be distinguishable.
Old Business:
The Commission will continue its meeting with the various monthly updates on projects underway.
Vacancies: We are still looking for new members. Please reach out to us if you are interested in serving on our board. Historic District Commission Updates: Nothing at this time. Properties Under Delay: No update at this time. Form Bs: We received the Form B back from consultant John Clemson for the Kappy’s Building. We always try to share this information so that it is useful during planning discussions.
Thomas Brooks Park We’re pleased to announce we’re looking for volunteers for a second dig planned this fall. See our announcement for more information. With that underway, we can turn our attention to bidding the tree work. We secured a large amount of money to prune many of the historic trees in the park. We are looking to partner with the Planning Department, Parks, and DPW to collaborate efforts to make the green canopy safe. Work will happen in the winter when the vegetation is gone so any deadwood can be seen and removed. This is a pruning exercise and removal of the dead trees. We are hoping to replant a handful of the native trees in the spring. Once that major task is bid, we will return to looking at the sidewalks and crosswalks with the DPW and Engineering.
Hastings Heights Survey: The Survey and Planning Project has gone out to bid. Procurement will release the documents on Monday, and responses are due in early November. If the City can turn around a contract quickly, work can begin in mid-November and extend through September of next year.
We will end our meeting with the approval of meeting minutes. As always, if you have questions, comments or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email us!
The Medford Historical Commission is looking for adventurous volunteers to help with the archaeological dig planned at Thomas Brooks Park!
Thomas Brooks Park is a landscape of deep cultural significance. It weaves together Medford’s local history, the legacy of slavery in New England, and the presence of Native American heritage—all preserved within this historic site. The current archaeological excavation is being conducted as part of due diligence in preparation for planned preservation and protection efforts. Please note that all unauthorized digging, metal detecting, or artifact collecting is strictly prohibited.
Unearth hidden stories from Medford’s past as you roll up your sleeves, dig into history, and help uncover artifacts that haven’t seen daylight in centuries. No experience is required – just curiosity, enthusiasm, and a readiness for discovery. Here are some of the early details:
🗓 When: The end of October or early November. We will post the specific days as we get closer. ⏰ Schedule: Volunteers will come for one full day, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM (includes a 30-minute lunch break). We can have up to 6 volunteers per day. 📋 Orientation: All volunteers must attend a 1-hour orientation on a date in advance of the dig.
Volunteers must be 18 or older to participate. If you can’t make it to the dig itself, we’ll post about lab work (cleaning and cataloging what is recovered).
☀️ Rain or shine, the dig goes on!
No need to bring equipment — just wear sturdy, closed-toed boots or shoes with ankle support. (Sorry, no flip-flops!) You may bring your own gardening gloves and knee pads if you’d like. Be sure to pack your own lunch and water for the day.
Ready to make history? 📧 Email the Medford Historical Commission at historicalcommission@medford-ma.gov with your name, availability, and best contact method to be added to the list.
We have a busy month with a number of action items on the agenda.
For those that are following demolition delay cases, 18 Wedgemere Road has withdrawn their application.
Receive Demolition Applications and Ordering Form B’s: The Commission will receive an application for the demolition of 18 Cherry Street. The Commission will order MHC Form B’s for 18 Cherry, 110 Brooks Street, 39 Wilson Street, 39 Marion Street, and 106 Alexander Street. The later properties are being considered for demolition and the Commission will preemptively order forms to document their history.
Review Progress: Commissioners will review the progress made on the mitigation at 38 Pearl Street and vote to release the property. Then, the Commissioners will review the progress at 56 Wareham Street to determine if the design is sufficient to release the delay. The demolition delay subcommittee will turn its attention to 27 Almont Street to work with the owner on the proposal for renovations.
Section 106 Reviews: Amanda Centrella will provide an overview of a project planned for the Riverside Avenue Plaza. The Commission will provide comments as necessitated by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
CPC Updates: Theresa Dupont will likewise provide an update to the Commission on various historic preservation projects in the works.
We will then have a normal array of business items that will take us through to the end of our meeting. As always, the public is welcome to attend and provide comments. We ask that if you have feedback ahead of time, please send us an email and we will be sure to distribute it with the agenda to all the Commissioners. We enjoy hearing from residents and hope to see you soon!
