Cardinal Cottage


Building #: 18a
Campus: West
Architect: Sanger
Built: 1849
Square Footage: 4,354ft²
Architectual Style: Greek Revival

Location

42.39548, -71.20778

History

Constructed in 1849, this distinctive Greek-Revival home predates the institution by 39 years. After acquisition by the Fernald Center, it served as the headquarters for a group of volunteers named the Fernald League. This organization, established in 1953 by relatives and friends of the children at the school, united with the goal of enhancing conditions and enriching the lives of the residents. They organized donations, decorated buildings, and facilitated off-campus visits and activities, culminating in the formation of a non-profit entity in 1962. The building was vacated following the institution's closure.

Architectural Description

This is a three-by-three bay, gable-end, Greek Revival-style dwelling with a full fluted Doric portico across the south facade and a two-bay rear ell. It rises 2 1/2 stories from a granite block foundation to a gable roof with a wide, two-part entablature. It is sheathed with asbestos shingles. The entry is framed by sidelights, with full-length windows in adjacent bays. Elsewhere, windows contain late-nineteenth century 2/1 sash. A stone wall separates the house from Trapelo Road, and granite posts define the driveway. A detached garage is located behind the home.


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