What is the Newton Upper Falls Local Historic District?

First established in 1975, the Newton Upper Falls Local Historic District was created to protect the unique and historic character of one of Newton’s first villages, and its early industrial center. The village of Newton Upper Falls has long been recognized as a historically important and architecturally intact neighborhood displaying the early development of the 19th century mill village built along the Charles River. The original District was established around the earliest area of 19th century development in the village, but was enlarged in 1978 and 1985 to include the village’s next stage of development stretching into the late 19th and early 20th century. In 1986, the Newton Upper Falls Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, acknowledging the historical significance and architectural integrity of the area. Click to read more about Newton Upper Falls in Newton’s 19th Century Architecture: Newton Upper and Lower Falls, 1980 

The architecture of the Newton Upper Falls Local Historic District consists of a mix of residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional structures, most of which date from the 19th century. Residential structures built near the village’s commercial and industrial center were typically designed as housing for early mill workers in the Federal and Greek Revival styles which were popular through the mid 19th century. Residential construction in the second half of the century is commonly found up the hill from the Charles River around the edges of the earlier village. The architectural styles found in this area are and is typically Italianate, Colonial Revival and Queen Anne Victorian. Newton Upper Falls dwellings are characteristically modest with simple detailing appropriate to the original style of its construction. The District's commercial, industrial, and institutional structures are larger in scale and grander in design than the residential structures. In considering the characteristics of these structures, it is important to recognize the intent of the original design, its scale, massing, original materials and siting.

Application

Current (2026): Submission Dates, Agendas, Minutes, Meeting Recordings & Materials

Commission Members

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Newton Upper Falls Historic Resources:

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Archived Meeting Materials

Note: If you would like earlier materials that aren't in the below archived list, please send an email to historicpreservation@newtonma.gov.