Fisher Hill Reservoir and Gatehouse
Why it's listed
Fisher Hill Reservoir and Gatehouse is a small water-supply complex in Brookline, Massachusetts, built in 1886-1887 as part of Boston's high service distribution program. The rectangular reservoir is lined with concrete and stone, with edges faced in shaped brownstone blocks and earthen embankments serving as its dam. The compact gatehouse has a granite base, a stone main floor, a brick second story and a slate hip roof, with brownstone quoins and oversized arch stones. Raised terra cotta panels on its facade are an unusual decorative touch for the city's water buildings. The work was directed by City Engineer William Jackson and built by Moulton and O'Mahoney; the gatehouse may have been designed by city architect Arthur Vinal. The Metropolitan District Commission has owned it since 1919, and it was taken out of service in the 1950s. It remains a rare surviving example of a small hilltop reservoir type and blends well with its residential setting, which is why it was listed under Criteria A and C.
Significance in brief: It was one of the first components of Boston's high service water distribution system and survives intact, unlike many similar reservoirs that were filled in or removed. The gatehouse is a Richardsonian Romanesque design with unusual terra cotta decoration, and the complex fits its residential surroundings. It meets Criteria A and C.
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 89002254, listed January 18, 1990. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Fisher Rd. between Hyslop and Channing Rds., Brookline |
|---|---|
| County | Norfolk County |
| Listed | January 18, 1990 |
| Reference number | 89002254 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Architect / builder | Built under Boston City Engineer William Jackson; constructed by Moulton and O'Mahoney, Lawrence, Mass.; gatehouse possibly designed by Boston City Architect Arthur Vinal |
| Architectural style | Richardsonian Romanesque |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Community Planning and Development, Engineering, Politics/Government, Architecture |
| Level of significance | State, Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Taken out of service in the 1950s; weeds grow in the basin and the gatehouse is sealed. Condition is listed as fair. |
| Acreage | 4 |
| Within district | Fisher Hill Historic District |
| Coordinates | 42.32931, -71.14299 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
Noted as vacant in the nomination. Nomination documents can be decades old; current status may differ. If you are considering buying an empty listed property, read the due-diligence checklist.
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 89002254.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5454806
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.