Central Street District

Central Street in Andover is a half-mile corridor of houses and churches that served as the town's main street until the Essex Turnpike opened in 1810. The district covers about 54 acres and 37 properties, and its buildings span roughly 1790 to 1900. Notable houses include the 1795 Georgian home of tanner Jonathan Swift, the 1792-93 Samuel Abbot house, the 1784 Kneeland-Marland Cottage, an Italianate house of 1874 and a Shingle Style house of the 1890s. Three churches anchor the street: the 1834 Greek Revival Baptist church, the 1861 Romanesque Revival South Church built of wood, and the 1882 Richardsonian Romanesque Episcopal church. The district was listed for its concentration of high-style homes built for leading local families, its architecturally important churches, and its intact setting. Only six buildings are considered intrusions, and the area is described as in excellent condition, with a balanced variety of styles.