Salem-Auburn Streets Historic District

Salem Street and Auburn Street in Cambridgeport contain the oldest surviving houses in that part of Cambridge. The district covers about two acres between Pearl and Brookline Streets and was drawn to include properties from the early nineteenth century. The settlement first grew around Lafayette Square and a meetinghouse north of Massachusetts Avenue, and little building took place to the south until after 1850. Most houses are modest in scale, many are workers' cottages, and they sit along narrow streets that keep the feel of a small village. Styles are largely late Georgian, mixed with Federal and Greek Revival designs and a few later Italianate touches. Examples include a low-gabled cottage at 107 Auburn Street from 1803 and a Greek Revival three-story house with sidelights at 119 Auburn Street. The standout is 15 Salem Street, a rare two-story Federal brick house. The area remains privately owned, residential and in good condition.