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.