• Reminder of Roslindale’s transformation from a sleepy village to a busy streetcar suburb
• Abandoned by MBTA for decades but not for sale
• Strong support for preservation from community, Councilman Conley, and Roslindale Main Street program
Historic Boston Incorporated 1999 Preservation Revolving Fund
Casebook : Property Entries Online
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| Roslindale Substation | Roslindale |
| • Monumental landmark in
the heart of Roslindale • Reminder of Roslindale’s transformation from a sleepy village to a busy streetcar suburb • Abandoned by MBTA for decades but not for sale • Strong support for preservation from community, Councilman Conley, and Roslindale Main Street program |
|
| Name: Roslindale Substation | Bldg SqFt: 4,052 | Lot SqFt: 6,291 | |
| Address: 4228 Washington Street | Ward: 19 | Parcel: 4224 | |
| Neighborhood: Roslindale | Zoning: General Business (B-1) | ||
| Year Built: 1911 | Use: Vacant | ||
| Style: Classical Revival | Condition: Fair | ||
| Architect(s): Stone & Webster Engineering Corp. | Owner: Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority | ||
| Historic Certification: National Register eligible district (Roslindale Center) | |||
| FY99 Building Assessment: N/A FY02 Building Assessment: N/A |
FY99 Tax: N/A FY02 Tax: N/A |
||
| FY99 Land Assessment: $146,500 FY02 Land Assessment: $185,000 |
Tax Status: Exempt | ||
Preservation Strategy:
Encourage a concerted community initiative to promote redevelopment of this site as an opportunity to preserve a landmark and add life and vitality to Roslindale's Main Street.
Significance:
The Boston Elevated Railway Company built the Roslindale Substation as part of its modernized alternating current power system emanating from the new Central Power Station in South Boston. It was an important link in the extension of the elevated railway to Boston’s western suburbs in the early 20th century. The building’s imposing brick mass and monumental arched openings presents a prominent landmark at one of Roslindale’s major commercial intersections.
Preservation Challenges:
MBTA has not surplused the long-vacant Roslindale Substation to allow for its transfer and redevelopment. Both Roslindale City Councilman Conley and the Roslindale Main Street Office support the building's preservation and reuse. Retail space in Roslindale is at a premium, and the longer the substation remains vacant, the more likely will be the possibility that it may be demolished for new commercial or office construction. The building reportedly requires environmental testing and remediation. It currently has limited usable square footage, since the building originally held large generators that required a single large open space. Initial studies indicate that the building's square footage could be doubled with the construction of two additional floors. The property's greatest deficit is parking, with space for only four cars to park on site.
Neighborhood Context:
The Roslindale Substation is in the heart of the Roslindale Village commercial district, across from Adams Park at the busy intersection of Washington Street and Cummins Highway. The Roslindale Health Center is directly across Cummins Highway from the property. Most commercial space around the park appears to be in use.
Other Sources of Information:
Feasibility study done for Roslindale Health Center, 1992; BLC inventory form.
Entry Completed: 06/02/1999
| Historic Boston and Roslindale Village Main Street are currently working with Amory Architects on a feasibility study to be published at the end of August. In July approximately eighty Roslindale residents attended a community meeting and provided insightful comments, suggestions, and ideas to incorporate into the study. Armed with this study, the MBTA will be in a strong position to issue a Request for Redevelopment Proposals. The MBTA's actions could then catalyze the largest, single initiative to add life and vitality to Roslindale. |
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Update Entry Completed: 08/07/2002
NEW! Read the completed feasibility study on the Roslindale MBTA Substation
(If you do not have a pdf reader, please download and install Acrobat Reader in
order to view and print the study:)
