Charles Street Workers' Housing Historic District

Four modest houses along Charles Street in Waltham, between Williams and Harvard Streets, form a compact district of workers' housing built around 1865. Each rises two and a half stories to a gable roof with twin stove chimneys and is clad in wood shingles. Most carry wide fascias that recall Greek Revival friezes. One is a double house with an eight-bay facade and two hip-roof porches; the others are single-family houses, one with a recessed entry and one altered with a new porch and replacement sash. The land was bought in 1864 by Edward Campbell, a laborer, and the houses were built the following year to serve workers at nearby industries. Patrick Noonan, also listed as a laborer, owned one of them. The surrounding area developed as an Irish enclave, reflected in street names such as Noonan Street and Duddy Avenue. The district was listed for its link to Waltham's industrial growth and for its well-preserved vernacular architecture.