House at 199 Summer Avenue
Why it's listed
Set back from Summer Avenue behind a granite wall, this Reading house began in 1878 as a Second Empire cottage with a mansard roof, built for shoe manufacturer and singing-group founder Robert "Father" Kemp. Who designed it is disputed: architect-historian Horace G. Wadlin claimed he supplied the plans, while a period newspaper credited local builder William Phillips. Early in the twentieth century, an extensive remodeling gave it its present Tudor Revival look, with strong vertical lines, exterior timbering, dark walls and diamond-pane windows. The original mansard-roofed carriage house still stands. Later owners included Seth Rich, a Boston pawnbroker who landscaped the grounds, and Charles A. Loring, active in the local agricultural association and antiquarian society. The house was listed for its part in the growth of Reading's west side, its links to Kemp, Wadlin and Loring, and its unusual change of architectural style.
Significance in brief: The nomination cites its role in developing Reading's west side as a desirable residential neighborhood. It is also tied to three notable local figures: Robert "Father" Kemp, architect Horace G. Wadlin, and businessman Charles A. Loring. Its transformation from a Second Empire cottage to a Tudor Revival mansion is described as architecturally unique.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 84002667, listed July 19, 1984. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 199 Summer Ave., Reading |
|---|---|
| County | Middlesex County |
| Listed | July 19, 1984 |
| Reference number | 84002667 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architect / builder | Horace G. Wadlin (architect, per the form; disputed, since a contemporary newspaper credited local builder William Phillips) |
| Architectural style | Tudor Revival (originally Second Empire) |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Community Planning and Development, Commerce, Architecture, Performing Arts |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Retains integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship and feeling; a Second Empire carriage house survives on the property. |
| Acreage | 0.5 |
| Coordinates | 42.52147, -71.10488 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary for a privately owned home: it does not by itself restrict what an owner may do with their own money, and it does not require public access. Restrictions come from local landmark or historic-district ordinances, which are separate (how they differ).
Owner-occupied houses are not eligible for the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit, which applies to income-producing buildings, but many states offer credits for homeowners. Listing also opens the door to preservation easements and to buying a plaque. Start with what listing means for homeowners, renovating a listed house and selling one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 84002667.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q14715571
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.