Prospect-Gaylord Historic District

Prospect, Gaylord and Amity Streets form a residential neighborhood one block west of Amherst's central business district. The area took shape in the 1820s, when small lots along Amity and South Prospect Streets were divided from larger farm parcels, many sold by College and Academy trustees to artisans such as cabinetmakers, a shoemaker and a carpenter. Greek Revival houses, including the brick Solomon Pitkin House of about 1833, cluster along Amity Street. Later in the century, business families built Italianate and Queen Anne houses on North Prospect Street, and Gaylord Street lots were developed around 1900. The district counts 58 contributing and 10 noncontributing buildings. Only one residential building postdates 1940, and only four older houses lost their character through insensitive remodeling. A funeral home, dentists' offices and the American Legion occupy a few buildings, and many houses are now apartments. Its intact 19th century streetscape beside a busy downtown is the main reason for its recognition.